bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Robustness to Temperature in a Negative Feedback Loop and a Feedforward Loop
Authors: Patel Abhilash , Murray Richard M. , Sen Shaunak 
Published: September 2019

AbstractRobustness to temperature variation is an important specification for biomolecular circuit design. While cancellation of parametric temperature dependences has been shown to improve temperature robustness of period in a synthetic oscillator design, the performance of other biomolecular circuit designs in different temperature conditions is relatively unclear. Using a combination of experimental measurements and mathematical models, we assess the temperature robustness of two biomolecular circuit motifs — a negative feedback loop and a feedforward loop. We find that the measured responses in both circuits can change with temperature, both in the amplitude and in the transient response. We find that, in addition to the cancellation of parametric temperature dependencies, certain parameter regimes can also facilitate temperature robustness for the negative feedback loop, although at a performance cost. We discuss these parameter regimes of operation in the context of the measured data for the negative feedback loop. These results should help develop a framework for assessing and designing temperature robustness in biomolecular circuits.
Altered gut microbiota and immunity defines Plasmodium vivax survival in Anopheles stephensi
Authors: Sharma Punita , Rani Jyoti , Chauhan Charu , Kumari Seena , Tevatiya Sanjay , Das De Tanwee , Pandey Kailash C , Dixit Rajnikant 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBlood feeding-enriched gut-microbiota boosts mosquitoes’ anti-Plasmodium immunity. Here, we ask how Plasmodium vivax alters microbiota, anti-Plasmodial immunity and impact tripartite Plasmodium-mosquito-microbiota interactions in the gut lumen. Using a metagenomics analysis, we predominantly detect Elizabethkingia meningitis and Pseudomonas sps. in naïve mosquitoes. Naïve blood fed gut shows a heightened presence of Elizabethkingia, Pseudomonas and Serratia. A parallel RNAseq analysis of blood-fed midguts identify Elizabethkingia-transcripts, which may have role in iron metabolism. Post, a Plasmodium vivax infected blood-meal, however, we do not detect bacterial until circa 36 hours. Intriguingly, transcriptional expression of a selected array of antimicrobial arsenal cecropins 1-2, defensin-1 and gambicin remains low during the first 36 hours–a time frame when ookinietes/early oocysts invade gut. We conclude during the preinvasive phase, Plasmodium vivax outcompetes midgut-microbiota. Suppression of important immune factors, likely due to altered microbiota, may enhance Plasmodium vivax survival. Additional finding of a novel Wolbachia association warrants further research to design ‘paratransgenesis’ tools for malaria control.Author SummarySuccessful malaria transmission relies on the competitive interactions of Plasmodium and mosquito’s tissue specific immune potential. Within 24hrs of blood meal gut-microbiota grows exponentially and lead to robust enhancement of mosquito immune response, which is detrimental to parasite survival and development. But the mechanism how Plasmodium manages to evade this pre-invasive immune barrier is not well known. We investigated the influence of tripartite gut-microbiome-parasite interaction on human malaria parasite Plasmodium vivax in its natural/native vector Anopheles stephensi. Surprisingly we found that infectious blood meal lead to dramatic suppression in gut-bacteria population, a plausible strategy of P. vivax ookinetes to avoid immune responses. Our study suggests that for its own survival Plasmodium vivax causes early suppression of bacterial population, possibly by scavenging Fe from the blood meal which is indispensable for bacterial growth. Disruption and manipulation of this gut-microbe-interaction may help to design new ‘paratransgenesis’ molecular tool for malaria control.
RstA Regulation ofClostridioides difficileToxin Production and Sporulation in Phenotypically Diverse Strains
Authors: Edwards Adrianne N. , Krall Ellen G. , McBride Shonna M. 
Published: September 2019

ABSTRACTThe anaerobic spore-former,Clostridioides difficile, causes significant diarrheal disease in humans and other mammals. Infection begins with the ingestion of dormant spores which subsequently germinate within the host gastrointestinal tract. Here, the vegetative cells proliferate and secrete two exotoxins, TcdA and TcdB, which cause disease symptoms. Although spore formation and toxin production are critical forC. difficilepathogenesis, the regulatory links between these two physiological processes are not well understood and are strain-dependent. Previously, we identified a conservedC. difficileregulator, RstA, that promotes sporulation initiation through an unknown mechanism and directly and indirectly represses toxin gene transcription in the historical isolate, 630Δerm. To test whether perceived strain-dependent differences in toxin production and sporulation are mediated by RstA, we created anrstAmutant in the epidemic 027 ribotype strain, R20291. RstA affects sporulation and toxin gene expression similarly in R20291, although more robust regulatory effects are observed in this strain than in 630Δerm. Reporter assays measuring transcriptional regulation oftcdR, the sigma factor essential for toxin gene expression, identified sequence-dependent effects influencing repression by RstA and CodY, a global nutritional sensor, in four diverseC. difficilestrains. We provide evidence that RstA contributes totcdRbistability in R20291 by biasing cells to a toxin-OFF state. Finally, sequence-dependent and strain-dependent differences were evident in RstA negative autoregulation ofrstAtranscription. Our data establish RstA as an important regulator ofC. difficilevirulence traits, and implicate RstA as a contributor to the variety of sporulation and toxin phenotypes observed in distinct isolates.IMPORTANCETwo critical traits ofClostridioides difficilepathogenesis are the production of toxins, which cause disease symptoms, and the formation of spores, which permit survival outside of the gastrointestinal tract. The multifunctional regulator, RstA, promotes sporulation and prevents toxin production in the historical strain, 630Δerm. Here, we show that RstA functions similarly in an epidemic isolate, R20291, although strain-specific effects on toxin andrstAexpression are evident. Our data demonstrate that sequence-specific differences within the promoter for the toxin regulator, TcdR, contribute to regulation of toxin production by RstA and CodY. These sequence differences account for some of the variability in toxin production among isolates, and may allow strains to differentially control toxin production in response to a variety of signals.
Influence of the pressure relief door area and aspect ratio on discharge and force characteristics
Authors: Feng Shiyu , Wang Chenchen , Peng Xiaotian , Yan Yan , Deng Yang , Chen Jun 
Published: September 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the effects of the PRD geometric parameters, including the area and aspect ratio, on the discharge and force characteristics of pressure relief process under various plenum compartment pressures and Mach numbers.

Design/methodology/approach
Under various plenum compartment pressures and Mach numbers, the effect of the area and aspect ratio on the discharge and force characteristics of the PRD are numerically investigated via a three-dimensional steady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations solver based on structured grid technology.

Findings
When the aspect ratio remains constant, the discharge coefficient CD, thrust coefficient CT and moment coefficient CM are not affected by the PRD. When the area is constant, the aspect ratio dramatically impacts the discharge and force characteristics because the aspect ratio increases, the discharge coefficient CD of the PRD decreases, and the thrust coefficient CT and the moment coefficient CM both increase. When the aspect ratio is 2, the discharge coefficient CD decreases by 14.7 per cent, the thrust coefficient CT increases by 10-15 per cent, and the moment coefficient CM increases by 10-23 per cent compared with when the aspect ratio is 1.

Practical implications
This study provides detailed data and conclusions for nacelle PRD researchers and actual engineering applications.

Originality/value
On the basis of considering the influence of operating conditions on the discharge and force characteristics of the nacelle PRD, the impact of geometric parameters, including the area and aspect ratio on the discharge and force characteristics is comprehensively considered.
The mediating effect of teamwork on the relationship between strategic orientation and performance of Nigerian banks
Authors: Otache Innocent 
Published: September 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to empirically explore the mediating effect of teamwork on the relationship between strategic orientation and organizational performance.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopted a descriptive research design. A self-reported questionnaire was used to collect data from 253 bank managers representing 20 commercial banks in Nigeria. The author used SmartPLS-SEM to analyze the data collected.FindingsThe results of the structural models showed a significantly positive relationship between strategic orientation and organizational performance on the one hand and between strategic orientation and teamwork on the other. It was also found that teamwork had a significantly positive link with organizational performance. Further analysis revealed that teamwork fully mediated the relationship between strategic orientation and organizational performance.Research limitations/implicationsThis study focuses on the Nigerian banking sector. Thus, it limits the generalizability of its findings to other sectors not covered. Future researchers could extend the study to other sectors to corroborate the findings presented.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study provide some practical implications for business organizations and managers. Business organizations must be strategically positioned so that they can compete in today’s highly dynamic and competitive business environment and achieve superior performance. Likewise, business managers should make sure that all employees and sections in their organizations work cooperatively as a team by creating a collaborative climate where team spirit and teamwork thrive.Originality/valueTo the best of the author’s knowledge, this study is the first to provide empirical evidence of the mediating effect of teamwork on the relationship between strategic orientation and organizational performance. In that regard, it makes a valuable contribution to the field of strategic management and enhances the applicability and the generalizability of contingency and resource-based view theories across different environmental settings.
Current practices, new insights, and emerging trends of financial technologies
Authors: Hua Xiuping , Huang Yiping , Zheng Yanfeng 
Published: September 2019

Purpose
Financial technologies, also known as “FinTech,” have brought disruptive changes to virtually every aspect of financial services and are becoming increasingly important in the world economic system. The purpose of this paper is to proffer a bird view of some recent studies in the key research areas of FinTech, such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, crowdfunding and then to summarize the key contributions made by all the six papers in this special issue.

Design/methodology/approach
A literature review approach is adopted, and the summary shows that most types of FinTech innovations generate positive value to innovators, financial customers and the society. The current implications and future directions are explored based on theoretical and empirical analyses.

Findings
The benefits from and determinants of FinTech applications vary across different financial sectors. Together the summary of this special issue suggests that there is substantial value creation in further exploring the dynamics, mechanisms and social consequences of FinTech.

Originality/value
This study helps to extend knowledge by summarizing the current practices, proffering new insights and watching out emerging trends of financial technologies, and to shed light on a variety of subjects of interest to practitioners, academics and policy makers by suggesting for the future research topics.
Investigative challenges relating to gang-related homicide: senior investigating officers’ perspectives
Authors: Mozova Katarina 
Published: September 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide the reader with senior investigating officer (SIO) perspectives of their understanding of gang-related homicide and associated investigative challenges.

Design/methodology/approach
A phenomenological design was utilised in this study. In sum, 15 SIOs from the Metropolitan Police Service were interviewed using a semi-structured interview and analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings
It was found that the original typology of “gang homicide” might be too narrow and focus should be paid to “gang-related homicide”, characterised via motive behind the offence. This type of homicide exhibited specific characteristics (e.g. violent nature, large potential scene and pool of suspects) and investigative challenges which made it different from other types of homicide (e.g. complexity, need for more resources, managing unwilling witnesses, managing media interest, specific evidence challenges, need for thorough risk assessments). The need for expertise in the deployment of officers was highlighted and related to the desire for more continuing professional development (CPD).

Practical implications
Gang-related homicide is especially challenging, but due to its volume, SIOs in London developed a sort of “muscle memory” – something that other police services do not have, even though the “gang problem” is spreading outside of metropolitan areas. Support for changes (e.g. in the utility of community impact assessment) and non-standard procedures (e.g. consideration of covert operations early on) should be discussed in further training and manual development. More attention needs to be paid to the synthesis of experience, expertise and science, SIOs being especially interested in debriefs and CPD opportunities. Multi-agency training is key for homicide investigators, relating to the complex nature of gang-related homicide and relevant safeguarding issues. Resourcing is a clear issue relating to the increase in gang-related homicide, as well as its investigation.

Originality/value
This is the first research into investigative challenges of gang-related homicide in England and Wales, and the findings can be utilised by all police services who may be dealing with gangs in their area. The findings can also support calls for change and development within services.
Modelling strategic orientation dimensions and performance of small and medium enterprises
Authors: Yadav Seemant Kumar , Tripathi Vikas , Goel Geetika 
Published: September 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify and rank different dimensions of strategic orientation and firm’s performance using the approach of interpretive structural modeling.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses interpretative structural modeling and the MICMAC technique to establish a hierarchical relationship among different dimensions of entrepreneurial orientation and manufacturing performance of Indian SMEs.FindingsThe final outcome of interpretative structural modeling and the MICMAC analysis revealed a relationship between the variables under study along with the categorization of all in two different categories, depending upon their driving power and dependency, which decision-makers can also use while devising their strategy to improve performance.Originality/valueTo date, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, no significant contribution about such interrelationship was reported; therefore, this study is one of its types to fill this gap.
Employee ownership in companies in Cameroon
Authors: Alim Ousmanou 
Published: September 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of employee ownership (EO) on the creation of shareholders’ wealth in companies in Cameroon.

Design/methodology/approach
The methodological approach adopted is hypothetical-deductive. The sample includes 89 companies, of which 31 practiced EO policy for at least ten years. Information used come from secondary data collected over the period 2008–2013 at the National Statistical Institute of Cameroon. These data were analyzed through a time series cross-sectional regression, corrected for any latent heteroskedasticity and serial auto-correlation.

Findings
The paper finds that the average level for participation of employee in the capital is 7.4 percent and the average wealth creation of shareholders is 26 percent of invested equity. However, this average rate of creation of shareholders’ wealth is higher in companies with EO (45 percent) than in conventional firms (16 percent). For the results of model estimates, the percentage of capital held by employees affect positively and significantly at 1 percent the return on equity. This study concludes that EO is a lever for creation of shareholders’ wealth in companies in Cameroon.

Practical implications
Findings of this research can serve as framework for reflection by politicians, managers and business leaders as they will have a strategic management tool capable of improving the social climate in companies and also promoting shareholders’ wealth creation. It is a formula that would allow them combining economic and social realities of organizations.

Originality/value
No similar review has been done before in Africa in general and Cameroon in particular. Study was carried out in a context where financial market is not developed.
The impact of teacher well-being and mental health on pupil progress in primary schools
Authors: Glazzard Jonathan , Rose Anthea 
Published: September 2019

PurposeThe study was based around the following three research questions: What factors affect teacher well-being and mental health? How does teacher well-being and mental health impact on the progress of students? What resilience strategies are used by highly effective teachers with poor mental health to ensure that their students thrive? The paper aims to discuss this issue.Design/methodology/approachThe research study was qualitative in nature and involved ten primary schools in England. Teachers and head teachers were interviewed. Each school visit also included a pupil discussion group with children from Years 3. In total, the research team interviewed 35 education professionals and 64 pupils.FindingsTeachers reported a number of work-related stress triggers including busy times of the year, such as assessment periods, the pressure of extra curricula activities, the unexpected, keeping up with the pace of change and changes in school leadership. Children were attuned to their teacher’s mood and could usually pick up when they were feeling stressed, even if teachers tried to hide it.Originality/valueNo studies have used pupil voice to explore pupil perspectives of the impact of teacher mental health on their learning and progress. This is the first study of its kind.
COBIT 5 compliance: best practices cognitive computing risk assessment and control checklist
Authors: van Wyk Jana , Rudman Riaan 
Published: September 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper was to develop a comprehensive best practices checklist that can be used by governing bodies to identify and evaluate an enterprise’s risk exposure around cognitive systems (CSs) and formulate mitigating internal controls that can address these risks.

Design/methodology/approach
COBIT 5 was scrutinised to identify the processes which are necessary for the effective governance of CSs. The applicable processes were used to identify significant risks relating to cognitive computing (CC), as well as to develop a best practices control checklist.

Findings
The research output developed was a best practices checklist and executive summary that would assist enterprises in evaluating their CC risk exposure and assess the adequacy of existing controls. The first checklist highlights the incremental risk exposure which needs to be addressed. To evaluate the effectiveness of the cognitive computing control structure, a best practices checklist was developed that can be used by internal auditors and risk and audit committees. An executive summary was developed to highlight the key focus areas that governing bodies need to consider.

Practical implications
The checklist provides a tool to assess the enterprises’ risk exposure, evaluate the existing CC control mechanisms and identify areas that require management attention.

Originality/value
The checklists and executive summary developed provides enterprises with a comprehensive checklist that can be used, while at the same time allowing them to discharge their responsibility in terms of King IV.
The role of flow for mobile advergaming effectiveness
Authors: Catalán Sara , Martínez Eva , Wallace Elaine 
Published: September 2019

Purpose
Based on flow theory, the purpose of this paper is to explain why the use of mobile advergames can enhance players’ brand perceptions and purchase intentions, as well as the factors that affect players’ flow experience.

Design/methodology/approach
Data from 212 participants who played a mobile advergame was analysed. Structural equation modelling with PLS was used to test the research model.

Findings
The results reveal that challenge, interactivity, focused attention and telepresence significantly influence the flow experience while playing mobile advergames. Results also show that the greater the flow, the more positive the attitude towards the featured brand and the greater the purchase intention.

Practical implications
The findings of this study are important for advertising practitioners and advergames developers as understanding the key game features that promote flow is crucial to designing engaging mobile advergames that persuade players most.

Originality/value
This study contributes to the literature in two ways. First, it provides new insights into the effectiveness of mobile advergames, which is an under-researched area. Second, it offers a conceptual framework based on flow theory for understanding why the use of mobile advergames can enhance players’ brand perceptions and purchase intentions.
Contingent worker monetary influence, work attitudes and behavior
Authors: Johnson Daniel , Lake Christopher J. 
Published: September 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships between pay satisfaction, global job satisfaction, loyalty and organizational citizenship behaviors (OCBs) – as they all pertain to contingent workers. The proposed model suggests, due to the nature of contingent work, pay satisfaction will influence the above variables. Additionally, this study aims to explore the relationship between pay satisfaction and OCB directed toward an individual employee.Design/methodology/approachThis study used a cross-sectional research design, administering a web-based survey to the participants (n=117) for data collection. Hierarchical regression, correlation and relative importance analyses were used for hypothesis testing.FindingsThe results suggest pay satisfaction of contingent workers is positively related to global job satisfaction, loyalty to a hiring agency, loyalty to a client company and OCB directed toward a client organization.Originality/valueThe primary contribution of the current study was the assessment of extrinsic rewards and their relationship to job satisfaction, loyalty and OCBs among contingent workers. This appears to be the first study to assess the relationship between pay satisfaction and loyalty, along with OCBs of contingent workers. The findings establish the importance of pay when loyalty to both staffing agency and client company is considered.