bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimation of Non-null SNP Effect Size Distributions Enables the Detection of Enriched Genes Underlying Complex Traits
Authors: Cheng Wei , Ramachandran Sohini , Crawford Lorin 
Published: April 2019

AbstractTraditional univariate genome-wide association studies generate false positives and negatives due to difficulties distinguishing associated variants from variants with spurious nonzero effects that do not directly influence the trait. Recent efforts have been directed at identifying genes or signaling pathways enriched for mutations in quantitative traits or case-control studies, but these can be computationally costly and hampered by strict model assumptions. Here, we present gene-ε, a new approach for identifying statistical associations between sets of variants and quantitative traits. Our key insight is that enrichment studies on the gene-level are improved when we reformulate the genome-wide SNP-level null hypothesis to identify spurious small-to-intermediate SNP effects and classify them as non-causal. gene-εefficiently identifies enriched genes under a variety of simulated genetic architectures, achieving greater than a 90% true positive rate at 1% false positive rate for polygenic traits. Lastly, we apply gene-εto summary statistics derived from six quantitative traits using European-ancestry individuals in the UK Biobank, and identify enriched genes that are in biologically relevant pathways.Author SummaryEnrichment tests augment the standard univariate genome-wide association (GWA) framework by identifying groups of biologically interacting mutations that are enriched for associations with a trait of interest, beyond what is expected by chance. These analyses model local linkage disequilibrium (LD), allow many different mutations to be disease-causing across patients, and generate biologically interpretable hypotheses for disease mechanisms. However, existing enrichment analyses are hampered by high computational costs, and rely on GWA summary statistics despite the high false positive rate of the standard univariate GWA framework. Here, we present the gene-level association framework gene-ε(pronounced “genie”), an empirical Bayesian approach for identifying statistical associations between sets of mutations and quantitative traits. The central innovation of gene-εis reformulating the GWA null model to distinguish between(i)mutations that are statistically associated with the disease but are unlikely to directly influence it, and(ii)mutations that are most strongly associated with a disease of interest. We find that, with our reformulated SNP-level null hypothesis, our gene-level enrichment model outperforms existing enrichment methods in simulation studies and scales well for application to emerging biobank datasets. We apply gene-εto six quantitative traits in the UK Biobank and recover novel and functionally validated gene-level associations.
Investigating risk factors that predict a dog’s fear during veterinary visits
Authors: Edwards Petra T. , Hazel Susan J. , Browne Matthew , Serpell James , McArthur Michelle L. , Smith Bradley P. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAttending the veterinary clinic is an integral part of the physical welfare of every companion dog. However, some dogs experience their veterinary visits negatively, which poses a risk of injury to the veterinary staff, their guardian (owner) and themselves during veterinary examinations. It may also influence the regularity of non-urgent veterinary appointments. To date there has been conflicting data on the proportion of dogs that are fearful during their veterinary visits. In this study, we explored the risk factors associated with fear during veterinary examination and in novel situations (including first time at the veterinary clinic) from 26,555 responses in the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire database. According to their guardians, over half (55%) of companion dogs displayed some form of fearful behaviour (mild-extreme) when examined by a veterinarian, while 14% of dogs exhibited severe or extreme fear. A similar trend was observed with dogs responding fearfully in unfamiliar situations, including the dog’s first time at the veterinary clinic. Chi-squared tests showed every bivariate relationship was significant (p < 0.05). The most important predictors of fear in a veterinary examination were, in order: the dog’s breed group (27.1%), their history of roles or activities (16.7%), where they were sourced (15.2%), their weight (12%), the age of other dogs in the household (9.5%) and dog owner experience (6.3%). However, these risk factors accumulate to explain a total of 7% of variance of fear observed during veterinary examination. Results demonstrate that fear of veterinary visits is common in dogs, but that other factors (including the environment or human-animal interactions) are likely to contribute more to prevalence and severity of this problem than the demographic factors measured here. Finally, we highlight opportunities for future research aimed at facilitating less stressful veterinary visits for dogs and their guardians.
The influence of service quality, university image on student satisfaction and student loyalty
Authors: Chandra Teddy , Hafni Layla , Chandra Stefani , Purwati Astri Ayu , Chandra Jennifer 
Published: April 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to determine the influence of service quality and university image on student satisfaction and student loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach
This study employed a set of survey instrument adapted from previous studies. The construct of the service quality consisted of 12 indicators, one of which was originally designed by the researcher, and the rest were adapted from other researchers. For the construct of university image, there were five indicators, while the rest were designed by the researcher. There were six indicators of construct student satisfaction, while the other three were designed by the researcher. Lastly, the construct student loyalty consisted of five indicators, three of which were originally designed by the researcher. All of those constructs used seven-point Likert scale scoring, which ranged from 1= strongly disagree to 7= strongly agree.

Findings
The findings of this study are as follows: the result of the data analysis has confirmed the existence of a positive and significant influence of service quality on student satisfaction, there is a positive and significant influence of student satisfaction on student loyalty, there is no positive or significant influence of service quality on student loyalty, and university image has a positive and significant influence on both student satisfaction and student loyalty.

Originality/value
The originality of this study has been confirmed, considering the fact that only few studies on service quality in education field were conducted. In this study, researchers were interested in developing the service quality based on five dimensions. This model have been applied by a number of researchers. Unfortunately, some other researchers showed their disagreements upon the use of only these five dimensions in the research in the field of education, and they suggested that more appropriate dimensions should be applied.
Disaster recovery and violence in neoliberal times: community and spatial fragmentation in L’Aquila
Authors: Valent Gianmaria 
Published: April 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the disruption and reconfiguration of the territorial organisation of the central Italian town of L’Aquila resulting from actions taken by the special commissioner, a plenipotentiary official appointed by the central government, during the ten-month emergency period following the 2009 earthquake. The study attempts to determine how during the commissioner’s short tenure the territory of L’Aquila was restructured for many years to come.

Design/methodology/approach
The paper discusses two major issues: first, the short-term reconfiguration of the territorial organisation through mixed operative centres (Centri Operativi Misti, henceforth COMs); and, second, the long-term fragmentation of the physical and social fabric of the town through the resettlement of thousands of families in 19 semi-permanent housing developments located in outlying, rural areas of the municipality. The methods adopted were both qualitative and quantitative. The qualitative methods involved in-depth examination of official documents and interviews with key witnesses such as local administrators, citizens and activists. Quantitative methods included the GIS analysis of spatial and census data to assess changes in population after the earthquake.

Findings
The most significant finding of this study concerns the COMs and their misuse as a tool of centralised, authoritarian governance. Analysis of the territory’s reorganisation revealed that the model of emergency management followed in L’Aquila, far from taking into account unique features of the local population and territory, was hetero-centred and consistent with neoliberal thought. Understanding violence to be an unfolding process, the author argues that such a model of management can be seen as an application of state violence.

Originality/value
This paper adds a new case study to the discussion of the role of the state and the application of neoliberal policies in disaster recovery. The main originality of the paper lies in its focus on COMs and their peculiar use as a tool for implementing an authoritarian model of disaster management.
Antecedents of intensified job demands: evidence from Austria
Authors: Mauno Saija , Kubicek Bettina , Minkkinen Jaana , Korunka Christian 
Published: April 2019

PurposeIn order to understand the driving forces behind intensified job demands (IJDs), the purpose of this paper is to examine demographic factors, structural work-related factors, personal and job resources as antecedents of IJDs.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on cross-sectional (n=4,963) and longitudinal (n=2,055) quantitative data sets of Austrian employees. Data sets were analyzed via regression analyses.FindingsThe results showed that IJDs, as assessed through five sub-dimensions: work intensification, intensified job-related, career-related planning and decision-making demands, intensified demands for skills and for knowledge-related learning, remained fairly stable overtime. The most consistent antecedents of IJDs were personal initiative and ICT use at work. Job resources, e.g. variety of tasks and lacking support from supervisor, related to four sub-dimensions of IJDs.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings suggest that personal (being initiative) and job resources (task variety) may have negative effects as they associated with IJDs. Moreover, supervisors’ support is crucial to counteract IJDs.Practical implicationsEmployers should recognize that certain personal (e.g. personal initiative) and job-related resources (e.g. lacking supervisory support) might implicate higher IJDs, which, in turn, may cause more job strain as IJDs can be conceived as job stressors.Originality/valueIJDs have received very little research attention because they are new job demands, which however, can be expected to increase in future due to faster technological acceleration in working life. The study has methodological value as longitudinal design was applied.
The consideration of building maintenance at design stage in public buildings
Authors: Khalid Ellemy Iskandar , Abdullah Shardy , Hanafi Mohd Hanizun , Said Shahrul Yani , Hasim Mohamad Sufian 
Published: April 2019

Purpose
Effective building maintenance management is vital for reducing the impact of building defects and costly building maintenance work. Such practice significantly contributes to the public sector in terms of cost reduction, improved effectiveness and efficiency in maintenance works, increasing safety and well-being of the occupants, expanding the life of building stocks and expanding the value of investment for the government building assets. The maintenance practice in Malaysia is still emerging in comparison to many developed nations. The purpose of this study is to determine the current scenario of the building maintenance approach at the design stage in public buildings in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach
An extensive questionnaire survey was held, involving 312 key players (38 per cent out of 820 predetermined participants) in Malaysia.

Findings
The analysis showed that building maintenance in public building in Malaysia still uses the reactive approach. Despite the Malaysian Government’s adoption of a proactive maintenance approach, unfortunately, there are some misunderstandings among the key players regarding the approach. The research results demonstrate that the key players had a lack of understanding on the concept of the proactive maintenance management approach and that they were either ignorant or had insufficient awareness of proactive maintenance approach.

Originality/value
The contribution of this study is useful for the government to adopt a more proactive building maintenance policy at the design stage, to give awareness on proactive building maintenance to the key players in their construction project and as a guide to the key players to adopt a maintenance plan at the design stage of work.
A status quo analysis of disaster risk reduction policy and legislation in Cameroon
Authors: Ashu R.E.A. , Van Niekerk Dewald 
Published: April 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze the status quo of disaster risk reduction (DRR) policy and legislation in Cameroon.Design/methodology/approachUsing a qualitative method, this paper examines historical data from sectoral administrative reports, plans, declarations, commitments and speeches, texts and peer-reviewed journals on disaster and risk management in Cameroon for the period 1967-2017. Empirical data from ten selected government sectors were used to analyze the status quo, together with quantitative data collected by using four instruments (i.e. HFA Priority 1 & 4, USAID Toolkit, GOAL Resilience Score and the Checklist on Law and DRR).FindingsFindings show that Cameroon largely still practices disaster response through the Department of Civil Protection. Transparency and accountability are the sine qua non of the state, but the lack thereof causes improper implementation of DRR within development institutions. DRR is seen as anad hocactivity, with the result that there is not effective institutional capacity for implementation. The need to develop a new national DRR framework is evident.Originality/valueAnalyzing the status quo of DRR in Cameroon could assist with the review and reevaluation of a new DRR framework within the Cameroonian territory.
Female employment in hotels in Saudi Arabia and UAE
Authors: Al-Ismail Saham , Carmichael Fiona , Duberley Joanne 
Published: April 2019

Purpose
This paper aims to explore barriers to employment, problems caused by working, motivation to work and job satisfaction of women employed in hotels in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Design/methodology/approach
The study surveyed 385 women working in 75 hotels in KSA and UAE. The sample included citizens of KSA and UAE (n = 177), Arab and non-Arab expatriates (n = 208) and women with and without caring responsibilities for children or adults. The survey responses were analysed by stratifying the sample, using mean-comparison tests to consider sub-sample differences and regression analysis to quantify associations with job satisfaction.

Findings
Women in the sample with childcare or other caring responsibilities were more likely to report work-family conflicts which were in turn linked negatively to job satisfaction. These women were also the most positive about flexible employment practices. Nationals and expatriate Arabs reported higher levels of satisfaction with managerial aspects of their work. However, nationals in KSA recorded lower levels of job satisfaction in relation to pay and conditions and also said that low salaries were a barrier to taking up employment in the first place. Negative social attitudes towards women working in hotels were a particular concern for nationals and expatriate Arab women.

Research limitations/implications
The sample is not representative of all females working in hotels in UAE and KSA, and the results cannot be generalised. However, implications include the need to examine the experiences of self-initiated expatriate women and consider women as part of a family system.

Originality/value
The analysis is based on original data collected through fieldwork. The findings generate new insights on the experiences of women working in hotels in KSA and UAE.
Volition and motivations influence on weight maintenance
Authors: Elsborg Peter , Nielsen Johan Bundgaard , Pfister Gertrud Ursula , Dümer Vivian , Jacobsen Anette , Elbe Anne-Marie 
Published: April 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore how the psychological constructs volition and motivation influence successful and unsuccessful weight maintainers’ experiences during the difficult period following an intensive lifestyle intervention.

Design/methodology/approach
Post lifestyle intervention semi-structured interviews with 11 successful and four unsuccessful weight maintainers were conducted.

Findings
The eight themes that emerged and the differences between successful and unsuccessful maintainers were theoretically explained applying the self-determination theory (motivation) and the personal systems interaction (volition).

Practical implications
The study validates and coheres with previous findings on the importance of self-regulation and autonomous motivation for weight loss maintenance. Additionally, the study’s findings expand the literature by explaining both empirically and theoretically how the quality of motivation concerning an activity influences the level of volitional intensity needed when wanting to either engage in goal oriented or refrain from goal opposing activities.

Originality/value
Developing effective obesity interventions has become essential, as obesity is a growing health threat in most countries in the world. However, there is a gap in the literature with regards to qualitative psychological studies with a clear theoretical framework informing intervention development.
Entrepreneurial intentions in an international university environment
Authors: Gieure Clara , Benavides-Espinosa Maria del Mar , Roig-Dobón Salvador 
Published: April 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse the entrepreneurial intentions of international university students by applying the theory of planned behaviour (TPB). This paper presents a model that considers personal, social and environmental factors that potentially influence students’ intentions to become entrepreneurs.Design/methodology/approachAn extension of the TPB was proposed, including two additional constructs: entrepreneurial skills and university education. The target population of the study was national and international university students enroled in different universities. A validated survey (n= 276) was used to collect the data. Structural equation modelling was used to test the hypotheses and the relationships between variables.FindingsStudents are more likely to acquire entrepreneurial skills through effective education and training. Entrepreneurial skills play a significant role in explaining entrepreneurial intentions because it is assumed that knowledge and training make people highly skilled. This raises people’s propensity to start a business.Originality/valueThis study makes a unique contribution to the literature by considering the role of entrepreneurial skills that are commonly acquired at university. The primary conclusions relate to the acquisition of entrepreneurial skills within the university environment. These conclusions are of interest to practitioners and policymakers.
The effect of ground rent and unexpired lease term on property values in Ghana
Authors: Gyau Baffour Awuah Kwasi , Gyamfi-Yeboah Frank 
Published: April 2019

PurposeAlthough several factors influence property value determination depending on the market, relevant studies in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) often fail to analyse the impact of factors, such as unexpired term of leasehold interest and ground rent, which are also germane to market transactions and value determination. This study aims to examine the effect of unexpired term of leasehold interests and ground rent on the valuation of residential properties in Ghana.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire instrument was used to collect the views of a sample of professional real estate valuers on the relevance of these and other factors that affect value. In addition, the valuers were tasked to value a residential property located in Accra, Ghana. Ordinary least squares and quantile regression models were thereafter used to analyse the data to determine the effect of the subject variables on value.FindingsThe study finds a significant relationship between valuers’ views on the relevance of unexpired term of leasehold interest and the value placed on residential properties. Further, the respondents who viewed ground rent as an important factor in estimating values placed significantly lower values than those who viewed it as less important.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings suggest that the respondents may have split opinion on the existing anecdotal evidence that market participants ignore the unexpired term of leasehold interest, an issue that should be settled in theory. The findings also highlight the diversity of opinion on some of the fundamental factors that affect value and the need to build consensus to prevent excessive variation in value estimates among valuers.Originality/valueThe study makes a significant contribution in terms of extending the existing literature by analysing the impact of unexpired term of leasehold interests and ground rent on residential property values based on empirical data, issue(s) which have often been ignored by existing studies. Findings from the study also provide insights into additional possible causes of valuation errors in Ghana and SSA, which are useful for policy formulation and practice.
Connected learning in international learning projects
Authors: Nissinen Saara , Vartiainen Henriikka , Vanninen Petteri , Pöllänen Sinikka 
Published: April 2019

PurposeThe digital age has provided new possibilities for the connected learning. To better understand these opportunities in the school context, the purpose of this paper is to examine what kinds of learning communities emerge in international learning projects and how tools and technologies support students’ inquiries and peer connections.Design/methodology/approachThe participants in this study were one Finnish 6th-grade class (n=17) and one American 7th–8th-grade class (n=16) who communicated through blogs and Skype. The main sources of deductive content analysis are transcribed Skype meetings, the students’ digital artifacts and a supplementary e-questionnaire.FindingsThe results of the study indicated that during the academic learning project, a voluntary, friendship-driven peer community emerged. The interaction in the formal contexts focused on sharing the results of local inquiries through Skype and blogs, whereas the friendship-driven community centered on the creation of social bonds through students’ personal devices and social media applications.Originality/valueThe paper models a hybrid learning system that connected academically oriented and friendship-driven participation.