bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tracing the Transitions from Pluripotency to Germ Cell Fate with CRISPR Screening
Authors: Hackett Jamie A. , Huang Yun , Günesdogan Ufuk , Holm-Gretarsson Kristjan , Kobayashi Toshihiro , Surani M. Azim 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTEarly mammalian development entails a series of cell fate transitions that includes transit through naïve pluripotency to post-implantation epiblast. This subsequently gives rise to primordial germ cells (PGC), the founding population of the germline lineage. To investigate the gene regulatory networks that control these critical cell fate decisions, we developed a compound-reporter system to track cellular identity in a model of PGC specification (PGC-like cells; PGCLC), and coupled it with unbiased genome-wide CRISPR screening. This enabled identification of key genes both for exit from pluripotency and for acquisition of PGC fate, with further characterisation revealing a central role for the transcription factors Nr5a2 and Zfp296 in germline ontogeny. Abrogation of these genes results in significantly impaired PGCLC development due to widespread activation (Nr5a2−/−) or inhibition (Zfp296−/−) of WNT pathway components. This leads to aberrant upregulation of the somatic programme or failure to appropriately activate germline genes in PGCLC, respectively, and consequently loss of germ cell identity. Overall our study places Zfp296 and Nr5a2 as key components of an expanded PGC gene regulatory network, and outlines a transferable strategy for identifying critical regulators of complex cell fate transitions.
Rare, pathogenic germline variants in Fanconi Anemia genes increase risk for squamous lung cancer
Authors: Selvan Myvizhi Esai , Klein Robert J. , Gümüş Zeynep H. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractPurposeLung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, with substantially better prognosis in early stage as opposed to late stage disease. Identifying genetic factors for lung squamous carcinoma (SqCC) risk will enable their use in risk stratification, and personalized intensive surveillance, early detection, and prevention strategies for high-risk individuals.Study Design and ParticipantsWe analyzed whole-exome sequencing datasets of 318 cases and 814 controls (discovery cohort) and then validated our findings in an independent cohort of 444 patients and 3,479 controls (validation cohort), all of European descent, totaling a combined cohort of 765 cases and 4,344 controls. We focused on rare pathogenic variants found in the ClinVar database and used penalized logistic regression to identify genes in which such variants are enriched in cases. All statistical tests were two-sided.ResultsWe observed an overall enrichment of rare, deleterious germline variants in Fanconi Anemia genes in cases with SqCC (joint analysis OR=3.08, p=1.4e-09, 95% confidence interval [CI]=2.2–4.3). Consistent with previous studies, BRCA2 in particular exhibited an increased overall burden of rare, deleterious variants (joint OR=3.2, p=8.7e-08, 95% CI=2.1–4.7). More importantly, rare deleterious germline variants were enriched in Fanconi Anemia genes even without the BRCA2 rs11571833 variant that is strongly enriched in lung SqCC cases (joint OR=2.76, p=7.0e-04, 95% CI=1.6–4.7).ConclusionsThese findings can be used towards the development of a genetic diagnostic test in the clinic to identify SqCC high-risk individuals, who can benefit from personalized programs, improving prognosis.
A novel model for the induction of postnatal murine hip deformity
Authors: Killian Megan L. , Atkins Penny R. , Locke Ryan C. , James Michael G. , Anderson Andrew E. , Clohisy John C. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAcetabular dysplasia is a recognized cause of hip osteoarthritis (OA). A paucity of animal models exists to investigate structural and functional changes that mediate morphology of the dysplastic hip and drive the subsequent arthritic cascade. Utilizing a novel murine model, this study investigated the role of surgically-induced unilateral instability of the postnatal hip on the initiation and progression of acetabular dysplasia and impingement up to 8-weeks post-injury. Specifically, C57BL6 mice were used to develop titrated levels of hip instability (mild, moderate, severe, and femoral head removal) at 3-weeks of age, a critical time for hip maturation. Joint shape, acetabular coverage, histomorphology, immunohistochemistry, and statistical shape modeling were used to assess overall quality of joint health and three-dimensional hip shape following 8 weeks of titrated destabilization. This titrated approach included mild, moderate, severe, and complete instability via surgical destabilization of the murine hip. Acetabular coverage was reduced following severe, but not moderate, instability. Moderate instability induced lateralization of the femoral head without dislocation, whereas severe instability led to complete dislocation and formation of pseudoacetabula. Mild instability did not result in statistically significant morphological changes to the hip. Complete destabilization via femoral head removal led to reduced joint space volume and reduced bone volume ratio in the remnant proximal femur. Collectively, these results support the notion that hip instability, driven by loss of function, leads to morphometric changes in the maturing mouse hip. This model could be useful for future studies investigating the mechanical and cellular adaptations to hip instability during maturation.
Rethinking Thai higher education for Thailand 4.0
Authors: Buasuwan Prompilai 
Published: February 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to discuss gaps and key challenges facing higher education in Thailand with reference to the implementation of the policy of Thailand 4.0 adopted by the Royal Thai Government.

Design/methodology/approach
In-depth interviews were conducted with Thai Government officials, university administrators and faculty members to formulate the concept of a creative society in Thailand. Documentary analysis of university policy documents was used to investigate the roles and practices of universities in fostering creativity and innovation. Questionnaire surveys were used to obtain views of university administrators and faculty members on the existing roles and practices of Thai university in promoting a creative society, and their level of expectation toward the roles and practices required to promote a creative society. Priority need index (PNI) and One-way ANOVA were used to identify the gaps and challenges of Thai higher education in promoting a creative society.

Findings
The concepts of the creative society found in this study were in lines with the goals of Thailand 4.0, which are to foster creativity, innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability. It was found that development of learning networks, public-private-community engagement, new mind-set and skill-set of lecturers and students, and new technology are required for a successful implementation of Thailand 4.0.

Research limitations/implications
Although the author has identified some progress in Thailand toward achieving the goals of Thailand 4.0, it is clear that key factors that contribute to the fostering of creativity and innovation require further investigation. These factors include socio-cultural factors, creative learning and teaching, mind-set and skill-set, new technology and learning networks, and public-private-community engagement.

Practical implications
The findings of this paper can be used to identify some of the key challenges of Thai higher education in achieving the aims of Thailand 4.0.

Social implications
The findings of this paper have demonstrated that successfully implementation of Thailand 4.0 requires both educational and cultural reform.

Originality/value
This research conducted by the author in 2013-2015 showed that some important reforms are being implemented to achieve some of the aims of Thailand 4.0.
From psychosocial working environment to good performance: the role of work engagement
Authors: Lazauskaite-Zabielske Jurgita , Urbanaviciute Ieva , Rekasiute Balsiene Rita 
Published: February 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the role of work engagement in the relationship between job and personal resources and performance results.Design/methodology/approachTwo samples from public (n=250) and private sector (n=475) organizations were surveyed. The hypotheses were tested through AMOS using structural equation modeling.FindingsThe results of the study confirmed the assumptions of the Job Demands-Resources Model. Specifically, job resources and personal resources predicted performance results via work engagement in both samples. Moreover, in alignment with previous studies (e.g. Bakker et al., 2004), work engagement was moderately related to job performance.Originality/valueThe present study expands previous research by investigating how job and personal resources facilitate engagement and performance expressed in terms of annual performance appraisal results.
Barriers to implementing lean construction practices in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) construction industry
Authors: Sarhan Jamil , Xia Bo , Fawzia Sabrina , Karim Azharul , Olanipekun Ayokunle 
Published: February 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify the barriers to implementing lean construction in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) construction industry and to prioritise the principal factors that constitute these barriers.

Design/methodology/approach
A literature review was initially used to reveal the global barriers to implementing lean construction. Subsequently, these barriers were incorporated into a structured questionnaire, and a convenience sample of 282 construction professionals in the KSA construction industry was surveyed. The results were analysed using mean item score (MIS), Mann–Whitney U test and principal component analysis (PCA).

Findings
The findings revealed 22 barriers to lean construction implementation in the KSA construction industry. Principal factors that constitute these barriers were found to be traditional practices, client related, technological, performance and knowledge and cost-related barriers in descending order of pervasiveness. The study also proposes solutions to overcome these principal barriers.

Originality/value
This study provides a global overview of the barriers to implementing lean construction. It contributes to the body of knowledge, as it uncovers for the first time the barriers to implementing lean construction in the KSA construction industry with reference to the socio-cultural, economic and operational context of the KSA. Thus, it is relevant to other countries in the Middle East because of their shared similarities to the KSA. Furthermore, the solutions proposed to overcome these barriers in the KSA construction industry can be applied in other countries where similar barriers are identified.
e-Tendering readiness in construction: the posterior model
Authors: Al Yahya Moath , Skitmore Martin , Bridge Adrian , Nepal Madhav , Cattell David 
Published: February 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to varied a conceptual model for e-Tendering readiness in any construction organisation prior of implementing e-Tendering system.

Design/methodology/approach
Based on conceptual model called e-Tendering readiness model (e-TRM), this paper empirically examines the e-TRM’s interactions and causal relationships between e-Tendering constructs and e-Tendering readiness. The paper uses the structural equation modelling technique to test the hypothesised positive inter-relationships. A questionnaire survey is conducted for respondents of construction organisations in Saudi Arabia to understand their current e-Tendering readiness and importance of e-Tendering variables.

Findings
Supported by empirical evidence, this paper recognised that three out of nine constructs have direct influences on the e-Tendering readiness. However, one of the constructs, which is for the first time hypothesised and tested has the most effect.

Research limitations/implications
Ultimately, the empirical test for the e-TRM is conducted in certain case (Saudi Arabia); however, the e-TRM needs to be tested in other case area for more verification.

Practical implications
The study findings update previous information technology/information system models in construction by adding this tested model to the research literature on traditional and electronic tendering and the body of knowledge in the construction industry.

Originality/value
The service providers construct is proposed and tested for the first time, which is necessary to support the successful e-Tendering implementation.
Customer value co-creation and new service evaluation: the moderating role of outcome quality
Authors: Xu Hong , Liu Yuqing , Lyu Xingyang 
Published: February 2018

Purpose
This study aims to examine how the degree of value co-creation affects Chinese customers’ evaluations of new tourism and hospitality services, and how the outcome quality moderates this relationship under different conditions.

Design/methodology/approach
The proposed hypotheses are tested using a self-reporting questionnaire-based survey and two experimental designs. Data analysis entailed hierarchical multiple regression analysis, a simple slope test and a two-way ANOVA.

Findings
Three component studies assessed boundary conditions for the positive effects of the degree of value co-creation on customers’ evaluations of new services. Studies 1 and 2 indicated that unequivocal high-quality outcomes amplified positive effects, which were reversed by unequivocal low-quality outcomes. Study 3 demonstrated that in Chinese contexts of ambiguous outcomes, the relationship between the degree of co-creation and new service evaluation was positively mediated by self-integration in private contexts and negatively mediated by loss of face in public contexts.

Practical implications
This study identifies critical factors influencing successful service innovation in China within different contexts. Its finding of context-dependent customer engagement in value co-creation has managerial implications for facilitating favorable new service evaluations.

Originality/value
This exploratory study addresses a research gap regarding service innovation, offering insights into positive and negative influences of customer value co-creation on new service evaluation, under different outcome quality conditions in the domestic Chinese hospitality and tourism sector.
Satisfaction with democracy and social capital in Greece
Authors: Daskalopoulou Irene 
Published: February 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate how different types of social capital contribute to the satisfaction with democracy (SWD) in Greece. Understanding the relationship between different variants of social capital and SWD allows one to situate the Greek democracy in the continuum of democracy types, from primary to modern.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses microdata extracted from the European Values Surveys of 2002-2010 and multivariate regression analysis.FindingsThe results are compatible with a conception of the Greek political organization as a civil virtue democracy. A change in the nature of the relationship is observed after the recent economic crisis in the country.Research limitations/implicationsThe study contributes to the empirical knowledge regarding the relationship between different variants of social capital and SWD.Originality/valueUsing a typology approach, the micro-relationship between democracy and social capital is analyzed as embedded in a continuum of different democracy types. In addition, this is the first study that uses microdata to analyze the effect of social capital upon SWD in Greece. The results of the study provide valuable understanding of the social and institutional arrangements that might sustain Greece’s efforts to meet its overall developmental challenges.
Subsistence farmers’ access to agricultural credit and its adequacy
Authors: Saqib Shahab E. , Kuwornu John K.M. , Ahmad Mokbul Morshed , Panezai Sanaullah 
Published: February 2018

Purpose
The Government of Pakistan has allocated a substantial proportion of agricultural credit to subsistence farmers. The purpose of this paper is to analyze farmers’ access to credit and its adequacy in the light of current agricultural credit policy of Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach
The study has used both secondary and primary data for analysis. Secondary data were collected from the annual reports of Pakistan Economic Survey and State Bank of Pakistan. Primary data were collected from 168 subsistence farmers through households’ survey. Farmers’ credit access and credit adequacy were measured using credit access ratio and credit adequacy ratio, respectively. The Student’s t-test and analysis of variance were used to assess the differences in credit access and adequacy among farmers’ groups (i.e. upper, medium and lower subsistence farmers). Tobit regression model was employed to determine the factors influencing credit adequacy among farmers.

Findings
The empirical results revealed that the amount of credit provided to subsistence farmers was less than stated in the national agricultural credit policy. Upper subsistence farmers had more access to credit than lower and medium subsistence farmers. Lower subsistence farmers had above average access to informal sources of credit, and had below average access to formal sources. The findings also revealed that lower subsistence and medium subsistence farmers had the highest credit inadequacy of funds for investment in agriculture. The results of the Tobit regression revealed that age, education, experience, household size, total landholding of farmer and proportion of own land influenced the agricultural credit adequacy.

Practical implications
Most of the credit was distributed among the upper subsistence farmers. Lower subsistence farmers were still largely dependent on informal credit for farm production activities. The Government of Pakistan performed poor in the implementation of agricultural credit policy, and has failed to help subsistence farmers in their access to formal credit. It is needed to revamp the agricultural credit policy and facilitate credit acquisition by subsistence farmers, particularly for tenant farmers. It is important that the Government may classify the subsistence farmers into subgroups, and reallocate the funds accordingly. This study has lessons and implications for agricultural finance initiatives in developing countries.

Originality/value
Previous studies have focused primarily on access to agricultural credit. However, this study has adopted a holistic approach by using secondary and primary data to assess the farmers’ access to credit and adequacy. In addition, limited literature is available to explore the farmers’ accessibility and adequacy of agricultural credit. Furthermore, this study has focused exclusively on the farmers who are living in the flood-prone areas of Pakistan.
Impact of knowledge sharing and absorptive capacity on project performance: the moderating role of social processes
Authors: Ali Imran , Musawir Ata Ul , Ali Murad 
Published: February 2018

PurposeThis study aims to propose an integrated model to examine the impact of knowledge governance, knowledge sharing and absorptive capacity (ACAP) on project performance in the context of project-based organizations (PBOs). This study also examines the moderating role of social processes on the relationships among these variables.Design/methodology/approachTo test the proposed model, cross-sectional data were collected regarding projects from 133 PBOs in Pakistan’s information technology/software industry. The data were analyzed using the partial least squares – structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) method and PRCOESS tool. Finally, this study also uses causal asymmetry analysis to check asymmetric relationship in the key constructs.FindingsThe results generally support the proposed model. Knowledge governance and knowledge sharing are important antecedents for improving the ACAP of the project, which in turn significantly improves project performance. Additionally, social processes positively moderate the relationship between knowledge sharing and ACAP, as well as between ACAP and project performance.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings suggest that PBOs should invest in developing a knowledge governance system that guides and stimulates knowledge sharing within and between projects. This would boost the ACAP of projects and lead to superior project performance.Originality/valueThis study addresses the important issue of knowledge management in IT/software projects. It proposes a unique model that integrates the key constructs of knowledge management and describes their effect on project performance.
Researcher, I have heard of your innovation. Will you marry me?
Authors: Calvo Nuria , Feás Jacobo , Rodeiro-Pazos David , Pérez Braulio , Fernández-López Sara 
Published: February 2018

Purpose
This paper aims to explore the determinants of firms’ attitudes to R&D cooperation with universities with the goal to propose a model of knowledge transfer university-firm.

Design/methodology/approach
By understanding university-industry cooperation as a process, the model in this study is based on two factors: the “promoter of university-industry relations” (PUIR) and a technological system that is able to match the research supply of universities with the demand for innovation of the firms. A total of 375 firms, 420 research groups and 18 experts in knowledge transfer from Spain, Portugal and France have been involved in this study.

Findings
This study provides the first evidences of the relation between the number of matches’ demand-supply of research, the number of university-firm relations and the willingness to cooperate; all of these presented in the knowledge transfer model. Results also reinforce the utility of the role of PUIR and the matching system in the open innovation process.

Research limitations/implications
However, more evidences are necessary to get a complete validation of the model. In the future, the continuous utilization of the matching system by the PUIRs of the selected regions will allow the authors to evaluate how well the system is working by analysing the possible increases in formal collaboration university-firm in the area of R&D.

Originality/value
This study contributes to the literature through aligning the open innovation and intellectual capital theories in the specific and complex context of university-firm collaboration. Also, little research regarding this topic has been noticed in SUDOE European Union (EU) countries (SUDOE is an EU territorial cooperation programme that supports regional development by funding transnational projects).