bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pan-genome and phylogeny ofBacillus cereus sensu lato
Authors: Bazinet Adam L. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackgroundBacillus cereus sensu lato(s. l.) is an ecologically diverse bacterial group of medical and agricultural significance. In this study, I use publicly available genomes to characterize theB. cereus s. l.pan-genome and perform the largest phylogenetic and population genetic analyses of this group to date in terms of the number of genes and taxa included. With these fundamental data in hand, I identify genes associated with particular phenotypic traits (i.e., “pan-GWAS” analysis), and quantify the degree to which taxa sharing common attributes are phylogenetically clustered.MethodsA rapidk-mer based approach (Mash) was used to create reduced representations of selectedBacillusgenomes, and a fast distance-based phylogenetic analysis of this data (FastME) was performed to determine which species should be included inB. cereus s. l.The complete genomes of eightB. cereus s. l.species were annotated de novo with Prokka, and these annotations were used by Roary to produce theB. cereus s. l.pan-genome. Scoary was used to associate gene presence and absence patterns with various phenotypes. The orthologous protein sequence clusters produced by Roary were filtered and used to build HaMStR databases of gene models that were used in turn to construct phylogenetic data matrices. Phylogenetic analyses used RAxML, DendroPy, ClonalFrameML, PAUP*, and SplitsTree. Bayesian model-based population genetic analysis assigned taxa to clusters using hierBAPS. The genealogical sorting index was used to quantify the phylogenetic clustering of taxa sharing common attributes.TheB. cereus s. l.pan-genome currently consists of ≈60,000 genes, ≈600 of which are “core” (common to at least 99% of taxa sampled). Pan-GWAS analysis revealed genes associated with phenotypes such as isolation source, oxygen requirement, and ability to cause diseases such as anthrax or food poisoning. Extensive phylogenetic analyses using an unprecedented amount of data produced phylogenies that were largely concordant with each other and with previous studies. Phylogenetic support as measured by bootstrap probabilities increased markedly when all suitable pan-genome data was included in phylogenetic analyses, as opposed to when only core genes were used. Bayesian population genetic analysis recommended subdividing the three major clades ofB. cereus s. l.into nine clusters. Taxa sharing common traits and species designations exhibited varying degrees of phylogenetic clustering.
Predicting Coexistence in Species with Continuous Ontogenetic Niche Shifts and Competitive Asymmetry
Authors: Bassar Ronald D. , Travis Joseph , Coulson Tim 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACTA longstanding problem in ecology is whether structured life cycles impede or facilitate coexistence between species. Theory based on populations with two discrete stages in the life-cycle indicates that coexistence requires at least one species to shift its niche between stages and that each species is a better competitor in one of the niches. However, in many cases, niche shifts are associated with changes in an underlying continuous trait like organism size and we have few predictions for how the conditions for coexistence are affected by this type of ontogenetic dynamics. Here we develop a framework for analyzing species coexistence based on Integral Projection Models (IPMs) that incorporates continuous ontogenetic changes in both the resource niche and competitive ability. We parameterize the model using experimental data from Trinidadian guppies and make predictions about how niche shifts and competitive symmetries allow or prevent species coexistence. Overall, our results show that the effects of competition on fitness depend upon trait-mediated niche-separation, trait-mediated competitive asymmetry in the part of the niche that is shared across body sizes, and the sensitivity of fitness to body size. When all three conditions are considered, we find multiple ecological and evolutionary routes to coexistence. When both species can shift their niche with increasing body size and competition for resources among the species and sizes is symmetric, then the species that shifts its niche to a greater degree with ontogeny will competitively exclude the other species. When competitive ability increases with increasing body size, then the two species can coexist when the better competitor shifts its niche with body size to a lesser degree than the weaker competitior. This region of coexistence shrinks as the better competitor increasingly shifts its niche with increasing size. When both species shift their niches with size, but each is a better competitor on resources used by smaller or larger individuals, then the model predicts an alternative stable state over some range of niche shifts. We discuss how our results provide new insights into species coexistence and the evolutionary consequences of size-structured interspecific competition.
Searching for quality in the Quality of work life: an Indian power sector perspective
Authors: Yadav Mohit , Naim Mohammad Faraz 
Published: March 2017

Purpose
Inspired by India’s focus in the 11th and 12th Five Year Plans on fulfilling the surging energy needs, the purpose of this paper is to capture the Quality of work life (QWL) in the Indian power sector.

Design/methodology/approach
QWL measured with seven dimensions was validated with CFA, and the χ2 difference test based on the Bonferroni method (Simes, 1986) was used for discriminant validity. Individual processes were analyzed with correlation analysis and ANOVA. The influencers of QWL in three processes were compared with standardized coefficients and model fit indices.

Findings
Freedom from work-related stress, salary, relationship with work colleagues, job security and communication and job satisfaction positively influenced QWL. Supervisor support was not found to influence QWL, while job involvement was found to negatively influence QWL.

Research limitations/implications
The scope of this study is limited to India, however, and results may not generalize to other countries. Hence, future studies should replicate the study in power sector or allied manufacturing sector in different cultural settings. Another limitation lies in its relatively small sample size; therefore, generalizability of the results may be restricted.

Practical implications
The findings provide useful information to assist HR managers in improving the QWL among Indian power sector employees.

Originality/value
The study is one of the first studies to date to empirically examine the QWL among Indian power sector employees.
Impact of supply chain management practices on firm performance
Authors: Gandhi Aradhana Vikas , Shaikh Ateeque , Sheorey Pratima Amol 
Published: March 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the adoption and implementation of supply chain management practices (SCMPs) on supply chain performance (SCP) and firm performance (FP) in the organized retail industry in a developing country like India.

Design/methodology/approach
An empirical study was conducted on a sample size of 125 responses collected from the supply chain heads of organized retail firms in India. A theoretical model was developed depicting the relationship between SCMPs, SCP and FP. The theoretical model was tested using mediating multiple regression analysis.

Findings
This research suggests that the SCMPs are positively related to SCP and FP. Customer relationship management and supplier relationship management are reported as the most important SCMPs, which had the maximum impact on the FP in the organized retailing context in India.

Research limitations/implications
The research employed perceptual performance measures. Future studies can use actual performance parameters like profit and sales growth to better quantify the benefits of SCM in this context.

Originality/value
This research is an attempt to empirically test the impact of SCMPs on FP in organized retailing context in an emerging market, India.
Let’s work out: communication in workplace wellness programs
Authors: J. Burke Tricia , L. Dailey Stephanie , Zhu Yaguang 
Published: March 2017

PurposePeople spend a lot of time communicating with their co-workers each day; however, research has yet to explore how colleagues influence each other’s health behaviors. The purpose of this paper is to examine the association between health-related communication and health behaviors among co-workers in a workplace wellness program.Design/methodology/approachParticipants (n=169) were recruited from a large south-western university and its local school district through e-mail announcements sent from a wellness administrator. Participants were part of a workplace wellness program that offers several daily group fitness classes, as well as cooking classes, and other educational programs for faculty and staff.FindingsStructural equation modeling was used to examine the association between people’s perceived social influence and social support from co-workers, organizational socialization and their health behaviors. Results indicated that perceived social influence from co-workers had an indirect effect on people’s health behaviors through their perceived social support from their co-workers, as well as through their organizational socialization.Research limitations/implicationsThese variables were examined cross-sectionally, meaning that causal relationships and directionality cannot be determined in this study.Practical implicationsCo-worker communication and socialization appear to be important factors in understanding individuals’ health behaviors; thus, organizations that offer workplace wellness programs should provide opportunities for socialization and co-worker communication to facilitate employees’ healthy behaviors.Originality/valueAlthough the authors only looked at one wellness program and did not examine these variables in programs of varying sizes and types, this study uniquely incorporates interpersonal and organizational communication perspectives in order to give new insight into co-workers’ health-related communication.
Material characterization of tribological effects in HSS hacksaw blade
Authors: Mohd Amran Nor Amirah binti , Ab Karim Mohd Sayuti bin , Abd Rashid Rusdi bin , Alghani Waleed , Derahman Nur Aqilah binti 
Published: March 2017

Purpose
This study aims to present a direct repurposing activity of consumed high-speed steel (HSS) hacksaw blade into fine-looking handmade knives to increase the awareness about sustainability by evaluating the relationship between the quality of material alloys and heat treatment as well as cultural aspects such as the treatment on the HSS hacksaw blade that will affect the material hardness.

Design/methodology/approach
The quality of HSS hacksaw blade samples was analyzed by using scanning electron microscope/energy dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX) through the identification of material element’s properties. Besides, finite element structural analysis was performed by using SolidWorks Simulation to evaluate the material performance by determining the Von Mises stress to find the factor of safety of the knife designs. Then, the effect of tribology implementation toward mechanical properties of the handmade knives was determined by using a Rockwell C hardness test.

Findings
It is found that the material composition of carbon plays a vital role in increasing and improving the hardness and wear resistance of the HSS hacksaw blade. The Von Mises stress obtained is lower than the yield strength of 3,250 MPa by 71.44 per cent with the safety factor of 3.58,which means the design will not be subjected to failure. The mechanical properties of the HSS hacksaw blade such as hardness were determined averagely by 5 per cent of hardness increase.

Originality/value
It has been validated that the tribological effect toward the material characteristic leads to hardness changes which contributed to the enhancement of tool life of the HSS hacksaw blade, thus producing better quality knives.
Comparative study of tool wear in milling titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) using PVD and CVD coated cutting tool
Authors: Raja Abdullah Raja Izamshah , Redzuwan Bahrin Ikram , Abdul Aziz Mohd Sanusi , Kasim Mohd Shahir 
Published: March 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to compare machining performance between chemical vapor deposition (CVD)- and physical vapor deposition (PVD)-coated cutting tools to obtain the optimal cutting parameters based on different types of tools for machining titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V).

Design/methodology/approach
The design of the experiment was constructed using the response surface methodology (RSM) with the Box–Behnken method. Two types of round-shaped tungsten carbide inserts were used in this experiment, namely, PVD TiAlN/AlCrN insert tool and CVD TiCN/Al2O3 insert tool. The titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) material was used throughout this experiment. The tool wear and microstructure analysis were measured using a tool maker microscope, an optical microscope and a scanning electron machine.

Findings
The PVD TiAlN/AlCrN insert tool produces the lowest tool wear that significantly prolongs the cutting tool life compared to the CVD TiCN/Al2O3 insert tool. In addition, depth of cut was the main factor affecting the tool life, followed by cutting speed and feed rate.

Originality/value
This study was conducted to compare machining performance between CVD- and PVD-coated cutting tools to obtain the optimal cutting parameters based on different types of tools for machining titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V). In addition, the information presented in this paper helps reduce the manufacturing cost and setup time for machining titanium alloy. Finally, tool wear comparison between PVD- and CVD-coated titanium alloys was also presented for future improvement for tool manufacturing application.
Synthesis, characterisation and tribological evaluation of surface-capped molybdenum sulphide nanoparticles as efficient antiwear bio-based lubricant additives
Authors: Roslan Sharul Hafiq , Abd Hamid Sharifah Bee , Mohd Zulkifli Nurin Wahidah 
Published: March 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to synthesise and characterise surface-capped molybdenum sulphide (SCMS) nanoparticles using the solvothermal method and to investigate their tribological behaviour towards friction improver and wear reduction for bio-based lubricant oil additives.

Design/methodology/approach
The design of the experiment was to use freshly prepared molybdenum (II) acetate, thioacetamide, fatty acid and hexane as the solvent inside an autoclave vessel which is heated at high temperature and pressure. Various types of fatty acids were used as the capping agent, such as caproic, lauric, stearic and oleic acid. The SCMS nanoparticles formed were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and thermal gravimetric analysis. These nanoadditives were then blended into pentaerythrityl tetracaprylate/caprate ester at 0.05 Wt.% concentration. The formulated bio-based lubricant oil samples were tested for viscosity, viscosity index (VI) and density based on standard method ASTM D445 and ASTM D2270. A four-ball test was carried out for determination of coefficient of friction and wear scar diameter. The wear scar formed on the surface of the ball bearing was analysed using scanning electron microscopy.

Findings
The characterisation results showed that SCMS nanoparticles were successfully formed with amorphous ball-like structure, and the presence of the capping layer surrounding the nanoparticles was confirmed. Then, the formulated bio-based lubricant oil with addition of nanoadditives displays improved tribological properties in term of VI, antifriction and wear reduction.

Originality/value
This research provides a synthesis method of producing SCMS nanoparticles using the organomolybdenum complex as the chemical precursor through the solvothermal reaction approach. Besides that, it also gives an alternative antifriction and antiwear nanoadditive for formulation of the bio-based lubricant oil.
Wetting property of Pistia stratiotes
Authors: Ab Latif Najibah , Kasolang Salmiah 
Published: March 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to conduct an investigation into the potential characteristics of Pistia stratiotes at different maturity stages. The focus of interest was to specifically look at oleophilicity properties based on contact angle (CA) measurement.

Design/methodology/approach
The morphological characteristics were also examined using a variable pressure scanning electron microscope. Three different oils, namely, Bio Oil 1, Bio Oil 2 and MP-R 10W/40 semi-synthetic oil, were tested on the Pistia leaf surface to measure the CA and wetting properties.

Findings
It was found that both types of bio oils had distinct CA values compared to that of the synthetic oil. A maximum difference of 65Â° to 75Â° was recorded in CA values.

Originality/value
Based on the results, the maturity of leaves was found to affect the CA values.
Influence of systemic banking crisis and currency crisis on the relationship of export and economic growth
Authors: Raza Syed Ali , Karim Mohd Zaini Abd 
Published: March 2017

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the influence of systemic banking crises, currency crises and global financial crisis on the relationship between export and economic growth in China by using the annual time series data from the period of 1972 to 2014.Design/methodology/approachThe Johansen and Jeuuselius’ cointegration, auto regressive distributed lag bound testing cointegration, Gregory and Hansen’s cointegration and pooled ordinary least square techniques with error correction model have been used.FindingsResults indicate the positive and significant effect of export of goods and services on economic growth in both long and short run, whereas the negative influence of systemic banking crises and currency crises over economic growth is observed. It is also concluded that the impact of export of goods and service on economic growth becomes insignificant in the presence of systemic banking crises and currency crises. The currency crises effect the influence of export on economic growth to a higher extent compared to systemic banking crises. Surprisingly, the export in the period of global financial crises has a positive and significant influence over economic growth in China, which conclude that the global financial crises did not drastically affect the export-growth nexus.Originality/valueThis paper makes a unique contribution to the literature with reference to China, being a pioneering attempt to investigate the effects of systemic banking crises and currency crises on the relationship of export and economic growth by using long-time series data and applying more rigorous econometric techniques.
China-United Kingdom free trade area
Authors: Chen Shumei , Li Dandan 
Published: March 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to predict the likely economic effects of a free trade area (FTA) on both China and the United Kingdom (hereafter the UK).

Design/methodology/approach
Following literature review and trade relationship briefing, this paper uses the Global Trade Analysis Project simulation to predict the economic effects of such a FTA on both China and the UK.

Findings
The simulation results indicate that a China-UK free trade area (hereafter CUFTA) will bring more benefits than harm to both China and the UK, and achieving zero tariff or reducing technological barriers to trade (TBT) is mutually beneficial for both China and the UK, with the growth in GDP, economic welfare as well as import and export. Combining zero tariff and the reduction of TBT in exceptional departments is the most favorable way to improve the macroeconomic effects without bringing damaging effects on the comparative disadvantage industries such as transport equipment, chemicals industries for China and textiles and apparel industry for the UK.

Originality/value
After the UK voted to leave the European Union, CUFTA is put on the agenda by both the governments, yet there are fewer studies on CUFTA, with this paper being one of the early trials. Besides, based on the simulation results, some policy suggestions will be put forward for future negotiations and industrial policies’ adjustment.
Financial depth and the trade openness-economic growth nexus
Authors: Pradhan Rudra P. , Arvin Mak , Hall John H. , Bennett Sara E. , Bahmani Sahar 
Published: March 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to shed light on the age-old trade-and-economic-growth controversy. The authors do so by utilizing the data relating to the G-20 countries between 1988 and 2013.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors seek to establish the formal statistical links between openness to trade and economic growth in the context of interactions with financial depth, gross capital formation, and foreign direct investment. The authors use a panel vector autoregressive model to obtain the estimates. The authors check for the robustness of the results.

Findings
The authors find that all the variables are cointegrated. That is, there is a long-run equilibrium relationship between the variables. Moreover, trade openness, financial depth, gross capital formation, and foreign direct investment are all causative factors for the economic growth of the G-20 countries in the long run. At the same time, the short-run results demonstrate that there is a myriad of causal links between these variables.

Practical implications
The decision makers in the G-20 countries wishing to encourage economic growth in the long run should pay close attention to trade openness, financial depth, gross capital formation, and foreign direct investment inflows to their countries.

Originality/value
The authors study an important group of countries over a long span of time, using advanced panel data techniques. The results demonstrate that future studies on economic growth that do not simultaneously consider trade openness, financial depth, foreign direct investment, and gross capital formation will offer biased or misguided results.
Prognosis of degradation based on a new dynamic method for remaining useful life prediction
Authors: Laayouj Nabil , Jamouli Hicham 
Published: March 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to create a new method of prognosis based on remaining useful life (RUL) prediction for degradation assessment.

Design/methodology/approach
In the present paper the authors describe a new method of prognosis to improve the accuracy of forecasting the system state. This framework of forecasting integrates the model-based information and the hybrid approach, which employs the structured residuals in the first part and the particle filter in the second part.

Findings
The performance of the suggested fusion framework is employed to predict the RUL of battery pack in hybrid electric vehicle. The results show that the proposed method is plausible due to the good prediction of RUL, and can be effectively applied to many systems for prognosis.

Originality/value
In this study the authors illustrate how the suggested method can provide an accurate prediction of the RUL over conventional data-driven methods without physical model and classical particle filter with a single damage model.