bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effector of Hippo signaling, Taz, is required for formation of the micropyle and fertilization in zebrafish
Authors: Yi Xiaogui , Yu Jia , Ma Chao , Dong Guoping , Shi Wenpeng , Li Li , Luo Lingfei , Sampath Karuna , Ruan Hua , Huang Honghui 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe mechanisms that ensure fertilization of eggs by a single sperm are not fully understood. In all teleosts, a channel called the ‘micropyle’ is the only route of entry for sperm to enter and fertilize the egg. The micropyle forms by penetration of the developing vitelline envelope by a single specialized follicle cell, the micropylar cell, which subsequently degenerates. The mechanisms underlying micropylar cell specification and micropyle formation are poorly understood. Here, we show that an effector of the Hippo signaling pathway, the Transcriptional co-activator with a PDZ-binding domain (Taz), plays crucial roles in micropyle formation and fertilization in zebrafish. Genome editing mutants affectingtazcan grow to adults, however, eggs from homozygoustazfemales are not fertilized even though oocytes in mutant females are histologically normal with intact animal-vegetal polarity, complete meiosis and proper ovulation. However,tazmutant eggs have no micropyle. We show that Taz protein is specifically enriched from mid-oogenesis onwards in two follicle cells located at the animal pole of the oocyte, and co-localizes with the actin and tubulin cytoskeleton. Taz protein and micropylar cell are not detected intazmutant ovaries. Our work identifies a novel role for the Hippo/Taz pathway in micropylar cell specification in zebrafish, and uncovers the molecular basis of micropyle formation in teleosts.
Prolyl Endopeptidase (PREP) is Involved in the Reproductive Functions and Cytoskeletal Organization in Rat Spermatogenesis and in Mammalian Sperm
Authors: Venditti Massimo , Minucci Sergio 
Published: May 2018

AbstractProlyl endopeptidase (PREP) is an enzyme which cleaves several peptide hormones and neuropeptides at the carboxyl side of proline residues, involved in many biological processes, including cell proliferation and differentiation, glucose metabolism, learning, memory and cognitive disorders. Moreover, PREP was identified as binding partner of tubulin, suggesting that this endopeptidase may be involved in microtubule-associate processes, independent of its peptidase activity. Several reports have also suggested PREP participation in both male and female reproduction-associated processes. In this work, we assessed the possible association of PREP with the morphogenesis of rat testis, profiling its localization versus tubulin, during the first wave of spermatogenesis and in the adult gonad (from 7 to 60 dpp). Here we show that, in mitotic phases, PREP shares its localization with tubulin in Sertoli cells, gonocytes and spermatogonia. Later, during meiosis, both proteins are found in spermatocytes, and in the cytoplasm of Sertoli cells protrusions, which surround the germ cells, while, during spermiogenesis, they both localize in the cytoplasm of round and elongating spermatids. Finally, they are expressed in the flagellum of mature gametes, as corroborated by additional immunolocalization analysis on both rat and human sperm. Our data strongly support the hypothesis of a role of PREP in supporting a correct reproductive function and in cytoskeletal organization during Mammalian testis morphogenesis and gamete progression, while also hinting at its possible investigation as a morphological marker of germ cell and sperm physiology.Summary statementIn this paper we show the co-localization of the enzyme PREP with tubulin during the first wave of rat spermatogenesis and in mature gametes of rat and human.
Project feasibility analysis economic model for private investments in the renewable energy sector
Authors: Badasyan Norayr 
Published: May 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the financial and economic aspects of the renewable energy sector aiming to develop and present a project feasibility analysis model that allows the public sector to master plan socially beneficial infrastructure projects and to find financially viable options for private investments. This paper develops a general frame that can be harmonized to a certain project by applying relevant country specific schemes.

Design/methodology/approach
The cost-benefit analysis (CBA) approach is used to develop relevant formulas aiming to compare the economic internal rate of return (EIRR) and financial internal rate of return (FIRR) of the possible investment options. The IRR method is used for the development of a platform that will allow comparing different project alternatives and choosing an optimal model for both public and private partners. A case study approach from Uzbekistan is used to highlight the implementation possibilities of the model based on a certain country example.

Findings
This paper develops a decision-making frame allowing the public sector to find organizational options that provide economically viable projects and at the same time attract private investors in the latter. The designed map of possible benefits, costs and revenue mechanisms allows practitioners to analyze the economic and financial viability of the existing combinations by using the developed model.

Practical implications
The developed model will allow the public sector to use the needed data on different possible design models in the developed formulas in order to identify the EIRR and FIRR of each option. Nevertheless, the application of the model will be possible after considering country specific options needed for CBA. The private sector can use the model to identify the financially acceptable options for the investments.

Originality/value
The paper provides the decision makers with a sound tool to identify the possible combinations of the options to conduct a relevant project with private investments in the renewable energy sector and to choose the model that generates the highest social welfare.
Influential mechanism of printed circuit board properties on micro hole drilling temperature
Authors: Shi Hongyan , Lin Xiaoke , Yan Qiuxin , Liang Xiong 
Published: May 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper was to study the influence of properties of printed circuit boards (PCBs) on the temperature during micro drilling and obtain the influential mechanism of PCBs based on temperature measurement.

Design/methodology/approach
Experiments were carried out to study the influence mechanism of PCB properties on micro hole drilling temperature under high spindle speed. The temperature measurement platform was applied, then the influence of components ratio of PCBs on the temperature of micro-drilling was analyzed by using comparative analysis method. The mass ratio of each kind of material in the PCB was defined as four levels and the influence mechanism of properties of PCBs based on temperature measurement was summarized.

Findings
Average filler and lower resin would have a positive impact on micro hole drilling temperature, and the smaller filler size and the even distribution would make it better.

Originality/value
An infrared temperature measurement platform was applied and influential mechanism of PCB properties on temperature was analyzed, which could provide the reference value on the optimization of temperature during micro drilling.
What future for industrial relations in Europe?
Authors: Hyman Richard 
Published: May 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to perform a systematic cross-country comparison of key features of industrial relations in Europe in a context where consolidated post-war institutions are under attack on many fronts. The author discusses a number of key similarities and differences across the countries of Europe, and end by considering whether progressive alternatives still exist.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper draws upon academic literature and compares the contributions to this special issue in the light of common problems and challenges.

Findings
The trend towards the erosion of nationally based employment protection and collective bargaining institutions is widely confirmed. In most of Central and Eastern Europe, where systems of organised industrial relations were at best only partially established after the collapse of the Soviet regime, the scope for unilateral dominance by (in particular foreign-owned) employers has been further enlarged. It is also clear that the European Union, far from acting as a force for harmonisation of regulatory standards and a strengthening of the “social dimension” of employment regulation, is encouraging the erosion of nationally based employment protections and provoking a growing divergence of outcomes. However, the trends are contradictory and uneven.

Originality/value
This paper contributes to an updated cross-country comparative analysis of the ongoing transformations in European industrial relations and discusses still existing progressive alternatives.
Employer branding and talent retention: perceptions of employees in higher education institutions in Uganda
Authors: Matongolo Asuman , Kasekende Francis , Mafabi Sam 
Published: May 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine, empirically the relationship between employer branding attributes of reward strategy, people orientedness and; leadership and development on talent retention in institutions of higher learning in Uganda.

Design/methodology/approach
In a cross-sectional study, data were obtained form 218 respondents from two public universities. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling were employed to analyze the data.

Findings
The paper has two major findings: first, CFA maintained three dimensions of employer branding, namely; reward strategy, people orientedness and; leadership and development; and second, only reward strategy and people orientedness emerged as significant predictors of talent retention.

Originality/value
The results suggest that institutions of higher learning that embrace reward people orientedness strategies as measures for employer branding succeed in retaining their employees for longer.
Failure is an option: an innovative engineering curriculum
Authors: Simpson Edward , Bradley David , O’Keeffe Juliette 
Published: May 2018

PurposeAdvancements and innovation in engineering design are based on learning from previous failures but students are encouraged to “succeed” first time and hence can avoid learning from failure in practice. The purpose of this paper is to design and evaluate a curriculum to help engineering design students to learn from failure.Design/methodology/approachA new curriculum design provided a case study for evaluating the effects of incorporating learning from failure within a civil engineering course. An analysis of the changes in course output was undertaken in relation to graduate destination data covering 2006 to 2016 and student satisfaction from 2012 to 2017 and a number of challenges and solutions for curriculum designers were identified.FindingsThe design and delivery of an innovative curriculum, within typical constraints, can provide opportunities for students to develop resilience to failure as an integral part of their learning in order to think creatively and develop novel engineering solutions. The key issues identified were: the selection of appropriate teaching methods, creating an environment for exploratory learning, group and team assessments with competitive elements where practicable and providing students with many different pedagogical approaches to produce a quality learning experience.Originality/valueThis case study demonstrates how to design and implement an innovative curriculum that can produce positive benefits of learning from failure. This model can be applied to other disciplines such as building surveying and construction management. This approach underpins the development of skills necessary in the educational experience to develop as a professional building pathologist.
Feedback trading and short-term return dynamics in Athens Stock Exchange
Authors: Kyrkilis Dimitrios , Koulakiotis Athanasios , Babalos Vassilios , Kyriakou Maria 
Published: May 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the hypothesis of feedback trading along with the short-term return dynamics of three size-based stock portfolios of Athens Stock Exchange during the Greek debt crisis period.Design/methodology/approachTo this end, the authors employ for the first time in the literature two well-known models while the variance equation is modeled by means of a multivariate EGARCH specification. As a robustness test an innovative nested-EGARCH model is also employed.FindingsThe assumption that positive feedback trading is an important component of the short-term return movements across the three stock portfolios receives significant support. Moreover, the volatility interdependence, both in magnitude and sign, is almost similar across the three models. Finally, bad news originating from the portfolio of small stock appears to have a higher impact on the volatility of large and medium size stock returns than good news during the Greek debt crisis period.Originality/valueThe methodology is innovative and the authors test for the first time the feedback trading hypothesis across different size stocks. The authors believe that the results might entail significant policy implications for investors and market regulators.
Mechanical characterization of concrete block used on infill masonry panels
Authors: Raposo Patricia , Furtado André , Arêde António , Varum Humberto , Rodrigues Hugo 
Published: May 2018

Purpose
The infill masonry walls in recent worldwide earthquakes have shown that it is necessary to conduct further studies to characterize the behavior of existing buildings and, in particular, of infill masonry walls under seismic activity. The lack of characterization studies of infill walls made by concrete blocks justifies the investigation reported herein, which includes experimental tests on sample sets to evaluate the mechanical properties of masonry components (units and mortar) and assemblages (wallets) made with masonry units from Faial. For the later, normal compressive, diagonal tensile/shear and out-of-plane flexural strengths were obtained according to standard procedures, the results of which are presented in the manuscript. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach
One experimental campaign was conducted with the aim to mechanically characterize concrete blocks masonry samples. Several experimental tests were carried out in full-scale masonry concrete wallets according to the constructive methodology used.

Findings
Based on the data obtained from the mechanical characterization tests of the concrete masonry blocks, it can be seen that under simple compression, the masonry specimens’ average resistance is about 6 times superior than the average resistance to diagonal shear/tension, while the stiffness is almost doubled. In simple compression tests, it was observed that the masonry specimens cracked in areas of higher drilling of the blocks. In the tensile tests by diagonal compression, it was found that the test specimens were mainly fissured by the block/mortar joint interfaces, following the delineation of settlement and top joints.

Originality/value
There are no experimental results available in the literature for this type of bricks that can contribute to the development of numerical studies.
Numerical analysis and structural intervention methodology for a wood floor of a medieval building
Authors: Raposo Patricia , Andrade Michael , Correia José , Salavessa Maria E. , Reis Cristina , Oliveira Carlos , Jesus Abilio M.P. de 
Published: May 2018

Purpose
The case-study building of this work is the Medieval Inn of Gralheira (“Pousada Medieval da Gralheira”) located in Vila Pouca de Aguiar, Portugal. This building is an example of the structures of that time, located in Trás-os-Montes, Portugal. A large amount of the built heritage suffers from advanced degradation, making the recovery, increasing the complexity of the rehabilitation and restoration intervention and implying a highly specialized interdisciplinary component. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to carry out a study of the building in order to perform an analysis of its wood floor and assess its structural behaviour and conservation status. This work also presents some examples of intervention methods and rehabilitation techniques used to solve problems in the masonry structure and wood structures.

Design/methodology/approach
In this work, a numerical model of a wood pavement of a medieval building is presented, which was developed and calibrated with values obtained in an experimental campaign of wood specimens extracted from the floor structure and the deformation measured in situ. This model aims to analyse and predict the behaviour of the structure in terms of serviceability limit states. Rehabilitation and reinforcing techniques are described, for specific damages, complemented with a critical comparative analysis to define the most appropriate rehabilitation measures for each situation.

Findings
In this work, for the numerical model of the medieval building under consideration, the support of the beams in the walls between 50 per cent embedded and simply supported (hinge supports) was used. Since the beams have some restriction imposed by the wall, they have a delivery about 20 cm in the wall. The consideration of the delivery between beam and columns as simply supported (hinge supports) is a reasonable approximation. There is a difference between the values of deformation obtained in the numerical model and in situ due to the support conditions and also due to the consideration of the pavement loads as a distributed load, which does not correspond entirely to reality, since the pavement confers rigidity to the floor, behaving like a diaphragm. The presented intervention techniques are not applicable in all structures because each building has different characteristics, in terms of materials and construction. The pathologies occur due to many sources and each case is unique, and must be carefully studied before taking decisions about the rehabilitation methods to use.

Originality/value
This work presents a numerical model of wood pavement of a medieval building developed according to some experimental values obtained in an experimental campaign using wood specimens extracted from original beams and based on in situ measurements. This study is part of master thesis of Michael Andrade, an original research work.
Fatigue crack growth rate in CFRP reinforced constructional old steel
Authors: Lesiuk Grzegorz , Katkowski Mikolaj , Correia José , de Jesus Abilio M.P. , Blazejewski Wojciech 
Published: May 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to observe an influence of different Composite Fibre-Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) patches, whose application to metals is very easy, in suppling and significantly elongating the service time; and second, the numerical calculation of the reduced stress intensity factor (SIF) range for strengthened cracked steel specimens.

Design/methodology/approach
One of the successful strengthening methods is the CFRP patching along the fatigue crack paths. The presented approach has been studied and discussed in this paper on the background of the numerical and experimental data. As it was expected, the proposed strengthening method is efficient and promising in case of the “immediate” repairs of critical members with cracks. The manufacturing process of specimens and test methodology as well as numerical approach to calculate SIFs for various reinforcements of steel specimens are presented. For this purpose, the Extended Finite Element Method was involved and described.

Findings
The main mechanism of fatigue crack growth retardation is associated with local ΔK reduction due to CFRP patches; any type of reinforcement results in an increase in af and a significant decrease in SIF values. The beach-marking method is described as a good, reliable and comprehensive method to capture the crack propagation in structures consisting of various materials and could be applied successfully for mixed mode testing.

Originality/value
A detailed experimental-numerical approach for fatigue crack growth in long-term operated structures made of steel is presented. The strengthening methodology is presented with consideration of the various CFRP patches configurations.
Features of the microstructural and mechanical degradation of long term operated mild steel
Authors: Krechkovska Halyna , Student Oleksandra , Lesiuk Grzegorz , Correia José 
Published: May 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to assess the technical state of old and repair steels of Shukhov’s tower elements after operation during ~ 110 and 70 years of the water tower in Nikolaev, basing on their mechanical tests, metallography and fractography investigations.

Design/methodology/approach
For their certification, the fractographic and structural features and mechanical properties (hardness, strength, plasticity and impact toughness) were analyzed. Both the steels under consideration were characterized by low values of hardness and brittle fracture resistance. The mechanical characteristics of the old steel are lower compared with the repair one. It cannot be only explained by the quality of metal rolling. Moreover, the plasticity characteristics of both steels, defined in synthetic acid rain environment, are lower than in the air. Using fractography investigation, the operational damages in the bulk metal in the form of the elements of cleavage fracture in the central part of the fracture surfaces of specimens tested at the hydrogenation condition by synthetic acid rain environment were revealed.

Findings
The results of this study suggested a degradation of steels’ characteristics caused by the development of scattering damages during their operation. Higher relative elongation of the old steel at lower hardness and impact toughness were also evidenced in that. The metallography and fractography investigations also supported this finding.

Originality/value
This original study aimed at characterizing the microstructural and mechanical degradation of mild steels that was collected from Shukhov’s tower structural elements.