bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thermodynamic Measures of Human Brain Development from Fetal Stage to Adulthood
Authors: Rietman Edward A. , Taylor Sophie , Siegelmann Hava T. , Cavaglia Marco , Tuszynski Jack A. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThis paper analyzes the data obtained from tissue samples of the human brains containing protein expression values. The data have been processed for their thermodynamic measure in terms of the Gibbs free energy of the corresponding protein-protein interaction networks. We have investigated the functional dependence of the Gibbs free energies on age and found consistent trends for most of the 16 main brain areas. The peak of the Gibbs energy values is found at birth with a trend toward plateauing at the age of maturity. We have also compared the data for males and females and uncovered functional differences for some of the brain regions.Author SummaryIn this paper we briefly outline the theoretical basis for a novel analysis of brain development in terms of a thermodynamic measure (Gibbs free energy) for the corresponding protein-protein interaction networks. We analyzed the overall developmental patterns for Gibbs free energy as a function of age across all brain regions. Of particular note was the significant upward trend in the fetal stages, which is generally followed by a sharp dip at birth and a plateau at maturity. We then compared the trends for female and male samples. A crossover pattern was observed for most of the brain regions, where the Gibbs free energy of the male samples were lower than the female samples at prenatal and neonatal ages, but higher at ages 8-40 finally converging at late adulthood.
Detection of classic and cryptic Strongyloides genotypes by deep amplicon sequencing: A preliminary survey of dog and human specimens collected from remote Australian communities
Authors: Beknazarova Meruyert , Barratt Joel L. N. , Bradbury Richard S. , Lane Meredith , Whiley Harriet , Ross Kirstin 
Published: February 2019

AbstractStrongyloidiasis is caused by the human infective nematodes Strongyloides stercoralis, Strongyloides fuelleborni subsp. fuelleborni and Strongyloides fuelleborni subsp. kellyi. The zoonotic potential of S. stercoralis and the potential role of dogs in the maintenance of strongyloidiasis transmission has been a topic of interest and discussion for many years. In Australia, strongyloidiasis is prevalent in remote socioeconomically disadvantaged communities in the north of the continent. Being an isolated continent that has been separated from other regions for a long geological period, description of the diversity of Australian Strongyloides genotypes adds to our understanding of the genetic diversity within the genus. Using PCR enrichment combined with Illumina sequencing technology, we sequenced the Strongyloides SSU 18S rDNA hyper-variable I and hyper-variable IV regions using Strongyloides-specific primers, and a fragment of the mtDNA cox1 gene using primers that are broadly specific for Strongyloides sp. and hookworms. These loci were amplified from DNA extracted from Australian human and dog faeces, and one human sputum sample. Using this approach, we confirm for the first time that potentially zoonotic S. stercoralis genotypes are present in Australia, suggesting that dogs represent a potential reservoir of human strongyloidiasis in remote Australian communities.Author summaryStrongyloides stercoralis is a soil-transmitted nematode that causes the disease strongyloidiasis. Due to the autoinfective nature of this parasite, it can re-infect a host causing chronic infection. If not diagnosed and treated it can be highly detrimental to human health and has a high mortality rate. Strongyloidiasis is common in remote communities in the north of Australia and has been an issue for decades. Despite various successful intervention programs to treat human strongyloidiasis, the disease remains endemic in those communities. Here for the first time we looked at the Australian dogs’ potential to infect humans and found that they carry two genetically distinct strains of Strongyloides spp., one of which also infects humans. This supports the hypothesis that dogs are a potential source for human strongyloidiasis. We also found that dogs in Australia might be carrying unique haplotypes. Whether these new haplotypes are also human infective is to be confirmed by further research.
Integrated project delivery as an enabler for collaboration: a Middle East perspective
Authors: Hamzeh Farook , Rached Farid , Hraoui Youssef , Karam Antoine Joseph , Malaeb Zeina , El Asmar Mounir , Abbas Yara 
Published: February 2019

Purpose
This study investigates the extent to which the popular forms of contract adopted in the Middle East (ME) address collaboration. The purpose of this paper is to assess how collaboration features weaved into the construct of integrated project delivery (IPD) may impact projects in the ME. In this context, the study identifies features in IPD and existing delivery methods that may enable or inhibit collaboration and evaluates their impact on project success from the perspective of various contract managers in the ME.

Design/methodology/approach
The study employs structured face-to-face interviews with 41 construction industry practitioners in top contract management positions in the ME to evaluate the significance of collaboration features in IPD. Data collected from the structured interviews/surveys were analyzed using statistical tools in R and Excel.

Findings
Results reveal that while experts recognize the collaboration benefits which IPD features may contribute to a project, the current contractual environment of the industry does not optimally encompass these features. The current status of project delivery does not favor IPD implementation nor does it enable its collaborative features.

Originality/value
This study contributes to the growing international body of knowledge addressing the application of collaborative contracts in construction projects, and it is innovative in evaluating collaboration features within IPD and exiting project deliveries in the ME.
Entrepreneurship, firms creation and regional performance
Authors: Rico Paz , Cabrer-Borrás Bernardí 
Published: February 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyse if the divergences in the economic growth of the Spanish regions are a result of sectoral differences, company size or technological level of the new firms that emerge in the market.

Design/methodology/approach
For this purpose, a model is specified and estimated in which the total factor productivity of Spanish regions is explained by business dynamics, innovation, human capital and the level of entrepreneurship in each region.

Findings
The results obtained lead the authors to conclude that entrepreneurship understood as both the creation of new firms and entrepreneurial activity, have a positive effect on productive efficiency and can explain the differences in the economic growth of the regions. In addition, the stock of human capital and the promotion of innovation act as catalysts for the productive efficiency of the regions. However, the results show that it is not enough to generate new firms to boost economic growth; these businesses must also be oriented towards sectors that promote technological innovation and with the objective to reach an adequate size.

Originality/value
Empirical studies use either the creation of new firms or the index of entrepreneurial activity as alternative measures of entrepreneurship. In this research, however, both variables are considered together. Specifically, the creation of new companies is used as a measure of regional business dynamics, and the entrepreneurial activity index, provided by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, as a measure of regional entrepreneurship. The main novelty of this paper’s approach is that it considers different types of entrepreneurial capital in considering productive sector, size and technological level of the new companies.
Empowering entrepreneurial education using undergraduate dissertations in business management and entrepreneurship
Authors: Rodríguez-López Ángel , Souto Jaime E. 
Published: February 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the discussion about entrepreneurship education through undergraduate dissertations (UDs). In order to achieve this objective, this paper addresses the problems detected in the degree subject “UD” – which entails the creation of a business plan – and the proposal of improvements in the teaching-learning process of this subject.

Design/methodology/approach
Qualitative and quantitative analysis are used. First, the paper reports the problems that occurred during two academic years (2012–2013 and 2013–2014), as well as the solutions to these problems, in the two academic years that followed (2014–2015 and 2015–2016). Second, the improvements achieved are analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney test, based on data drawn from the records and a survey conducted in 2012–2013 (174 responses), and in 2015–2016 (184 responses).

Findings
The results outline the positive effects on students’ learning outcomes and academic excellence, a three-stage assessment process, the strengthening of the coordination and supervision systems and the enhancing of entrepreneurial spirit among graduates, with a UD connected to a business incubator.

Practical implications
The authors describe the design and implementation of a UD that provides a major step in the students’ entrepreneurial education, emerging, not only, as an opportunity to train and connect skills and knowledge learned about the starting a new venture, but also as a practical experience of entrepreneurship; a first step that introduces the student to entrepreneurship.

Originality/value
There are very few examples of concrete subject designs that have undergone in-depth, longitudinal research, focusing on entrepreneurship. Prior research has focused on entrepreneurship primarily as a subject, forgetting the great utility of the UD as active training tool. Thus, this paper breaks new ground by highlighting the role of the UD in entrepreneurial education. In this regard, the UD allows the student to be guided and to actually engage in the real-world practice of entrepreneurship. Specifically, it encourages them to apply their academic knowledge of the field in the context of creating a new business. Moreover, by creating a business plan, students are applying the knowledge and skills learned in the subject of entrepreneurship with other spheres of knowledge and skills.
Rethinking life cycle cost drivers for sustainable office buildings in Denmark
Authors: Haugbølle Kim , Raffnsøe Lau M. 
Published: February 2019

Purpose
Sustainable building design suffers from a lack of reliable life cycle data. The purpose of this paper is to compare life cycle costs of sustainable building projects, examine the magnitude of various cost drivers and discuss the implications of an emerging shift in cost drivers.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper is based on data from 21 office buildings certified in Denmark according to the sustainable certification scheme DGNB.

Findings
The paper supports previous findings that construction costs and running costs each roughly make up half of the life cycle costs over a 50-year period. More surprising is the finding that the life cycle costs for cleaning are approximately twice as high as the supply costs for energy and water.

Research limitations/implications
The data set is based on actual construction costs of office buildings constructed in 2013-2017. Although all running costs are calculated rather than measured, they are based on a more detailed, specific and industry-supported set of calculation assumptions than is usual for life cycle costing studies because of extensive collaborative work in a number of concomitant national research and development projects.

Practical implications
Authorities, clients and building professionals heavily emphasise energy-saving measures in new Danish buildings. The paper suggests redirecting this effort towards other more prominent cost drivers like cleaning and technical installations.

Originality/value
This paper provides a notable contribution to the academic understanding of the significance of different cost drivers as well as the practical implementation of life cycle costing.
Influence of facilities performance on student’s satisfaction in Northern Nigerian universities
Authors: Abdullahi Isa , Wan Yusoff Wan Zahari 
Published: February 2019

PurposeHigher institutions in Nigeria have witnessed an increase in the number of student enrolments; Northern Nigerian universities are not excluded. As the number of students increases, so do their needs in terms of facilities such as lecture halls, libraries, laboratories, accommodation, studios, furniture and other auxiliary facilities services (among others things). The purpose of this study is to explore the structural characteristics of building features’ performance and to statistically group them into building components (dependent) and physical and non-physical building features (independent) constructs, relating to influence of facilities’ performance in student satisfaction in Northern Nigerian universities.Design/methodology/approachQuestionnaires used were designed to collect data on both academic facilities, based on student experience and satisfaction with respect to physical and non-physical facilities. The school building assessment method questionnaire by Sanoff (2001) was adapted. Hence, the validity and reliability of measures was examined via academicians and data analysis with statistical package of social science (SPSS) version 22. In general, the values of alpha coefficients were above 0.80.FindingsThe result of exploratory factor analysis revealed that all factors loaded more than 0.61. In conclusion, the results indicated acceptable factor loadings and effective grouping of the features according to the conceptualised framework for the building component. A hypothetical model of building components was then proposed, suggesting the effects of physical and non-physical building features on building components.Research limitations/implicationsThis research has been applied to a Northern Nigerian university. The research should be expanded to other institutions offering higher education.Practical implicationsBased on a conceptual framework, the study gives practical insights concerning the performance of building component as a key success factor for higher education institutions’ (HEIs) facilities.Originality/valueTherefore, the need to develop and improve instruments that will reflects facilities performance for students satisfaction in Nigerian universities became paramount. Thus there is lack of an integrating framework for facilities performance as well as students satisfaction and experience in the context of Nigerian HEIs, especially in the region of northern Nigeria.
The influence of e-banking service quality on customer loyalty
Authors: Shankar Amit , Jebarajakirthy Charles 
Published: February 2019

Purpose
Providing high-quality e-banking services is considered a basic strategy for attracting and retaining customers with electronic-banking platforms. The purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate a comprehensive moderated mediated mechanism for enhancing customer loyalty toward e-banking platforms via e-banking service quality (EBSQ) practices. Reliability, website design, privacy and security and customer service and support are the dimensions of EBSQ.

Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected through structured questionnaires from a sample of 1,028 e-banking users in India. To test the hypotheses, a structural equation modeling approach was used.

Findings
The findings showed that of the EBSQ dimensions, reliability along with privacy and security enhanced customer loyalty to e-banking. The initial trust in e-banking mediates the effects of EBSQ dimensions on customer loyalty except for website design. The mediation effects of initial trust varied between high and low-involved consumers.

Research limitations/implications
This study was conducted with e-banking users in one country using cross-sectional data. Hence, the model should be replicated among e-banking users in other countries and with the longitudinal data.

Practical implications
Establishing a loyal customer base is an important goal for banks. This study demonstrates which specific EBSQ dimensions banks should emphasize to enhance consumers’ initial trust and loyalty toward e-banking services.

Originality/value
This study suggests a moderated mediated mechanism for enhancing customer loyalty to e-banking, which incorporates initial trust as a mediator and consumer involvement as a moderator. It applies cognitive-motivation-relational theory to link EBSQ dimensions with customer loyalty. Thus, this study enables a better understanding of this theory in the e-banking context.
Subjective financial knowledge, prudent behaviour and income
Authors: Riitsalu Leonore , Murakas Rein 
Published: February 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to study how subjective and objective knowledge of finance, behaviour in managing personal finances and socio-economic status affect financial well-being.

Design/methodology/approach
The financial well-being score is constructed in quantitative financial literacy survey data from Estonia as the arithmetic mean of four statements on a five-point scale. Four hypotheses are tested in multiple regression analysis.

Findings
Subjective knowledge has a stronger relation with financial well-being than objective knowledge. Financial behaviour score and income level correlate with financial well-being.

Research limitations/implications
The paper contributes to literature on financial literacy, subjective financial knowledge and financial well-being. In future research, psychological factors and future orientated financial well-being should be included, and their relationship to subjective well-being could be analysed further.

Practical implications
The results highlight the importance of subjective knowledge and sound behaviour for improving financial well-being. Providers of financial services should address these more in the design of their services and communication.

Social implications
Policymakers developing national strategies for financial education need to address subjective financial knowledge for increasing financial well-being in society.

Originality/value
Knowledge, behaviour and subjective knowledge have not been used simultaneously in the analysis of financial well-being in Europe before.
Employees’ judgment and decision making in the banking industry
Authors: Kang Mijung , Park Min Jae 
Published: February 2019

Purpose
Heuristics are used in the judgment and decision-making process of bank employees; however, discussions and research on the type or range of judgmental heuristics are very difficult to find throughout the world. In light of this, the purpose of this paper is to empirically analyze what types of heuristics are used in bank employees’ judgment and decision-making processes and the extent to which those types of heuristics prevent rational decision making due to the systematic biases they generate. In particular, this study aims to conduct empirical research based on various scenarios related to the banking industry.

Design/methodology/approach
To examine the heuristics in decision-making circumstances and the level of subsequent biases, the present study narrowed the scope of research to the three main types of heuristics introduced by Tversky and Kahneman (1974), namely, representativeness heuristics, availability heuristics and anchoring and adjustment heuristics. To analyze the bank employees’ decision making, this study specifically investigated the level of decision-making heuristics and the level of bias by focusing on these three types of heuristics. This study targeted bank employees who either sell financial products or are engaged in customer service work at a real/physical bank.

Findings
For representativeness heuristics, this study found bank employees’ judgment of probability was influenced by biases, such as insensitivity to prior probability, insensitivity to sample size, misconception of chance and insensitivity to predictability. Regarding availability heuristics, it found that bank employees judge the probability of events based on the ease of recalling an event instead of the actual frequency of the event, and so they fall prey to systematic biases. Finally, regarding anchoring and adjustment heuristics, this study found that employees fall prey to judgment biases as they judge the probability of conjunctive events and disjunctive events based on anchoring and insufficient adjustment.

Originality/value
Although people who are well-trained in statistics can avoid rudimentary errors, they fall prey to biased judgment at a similar level to those who are not properly trained in statistics when it comes to more complicated and ambiguous issues. It clearly indicates that it is risky to determine that financial experts would be more rational than the general public in making various judgments required in the policy-making process. To conclude, it is imperative to recognize the existence of heuristics-based systematic biases in the judgment and decision-making process and, furthermore, to reinforce the education and training system to improve bank employees’ rational choice and judgment ability.
Does work engagement mediate the influence of job resourcefulness on job crafting?
Authors: Chen Chien-Yu 
Published: February 2019

PurposeResearchers and practitioners have remarked the critical nature of job crafting for employee and organizational effectiveness in the hotel industry. However, few studies have investigated the determinants of job crafting, especially the role of personality traits. Hence, this study aims to address this research gap by exploring how job resourcefulness influences job crafting and by clarifying the mediating role of work engagement.Design/methodology/approachThe sample of the present study comprised 433 Taiwanese frontline hotel employees. The hypothesized relationships were tested using structural equation modeling.FindingsThe results reveal that job-resourceful employees tend to engage themselves at work. Engaged employees tend to craft their jobs individually and collaboratively. That is, work engagement is a mediator between job resourcefulness and job crafting. Finally, the job resourcefulness–work engagement–individual crafting relationship is closer than the job resourcefulness–work engagement–collaborative crafting relationship.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings suggest that job resourcefulness can be considered as a criterion in selecting and retaining employees. Work engagement may serve as a mechanism for interpreting the relationship between job resourcefulness and job crafting. This study provides crucial insights to help hotel managers seek and aid employees who can actively reshape their work conditions. However, the sample comprises only frontline hotel employees and the generalization can be considered in the future studies.Originality/valueThis research is the first to examine the psychological process that mediates the connection between job resourcefulness and job crafting. The findings of this study contribute to the theory of the relationship between personality traits and job crafting and may serve as a reference in related practices.