bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Haplotype-level metabarcoding of freshwater macroinvertebrate species: a prospective tool for population genetic analysis
Authors: Serrana Joeselle M. , Watanabe Kozo
Published: September 2021

The development and evaluation of DNA metabarcoding protocols for haplotype-level resolution require attention, specifically for population genetic analysis, i.e., parallel estimation of genetic diversity and dispersal patterns among multiple species present in a bulk sample. Further exploration and assessment of the laboratory and bioinformatics strategies are warranted to unlock the potential of metabarcoding-inferred population genetic analysis. Here, we assessed the inference of freshwater macroinvertebrate haplotypes from DNA metabarcoding data using mock samples with known Sanger-sequenced haplotypes. We also examined the influence of different DNA template concentrations and PCR cycles on detecting true haplotypes and the reduction of spurious haplotypes obtained from DNA metabarcoding. We tested our haplotyping strategy on a mock sample containing 20 specimens from four species with known haplotypes based on the 658-bp Folmer region of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase gene. The read processing and denoising step resulted in 14 zero-radius operational taxonomic units (ZOTUs) of 421-bp length, with 12 ZOTUs having 100% match with 12 of the Sanger haplotype sequences. Quality passing reads relatively increased with increasing PCR cycles, and the relative abundance of each ZOTUs was consistent for each cycle number. This suggests that increasing the cycle number from 24 to 64 did not affect the relative abundance of quality passing filter reads of each ZOTUs. Our study demonstrated the ability of DNA metabarcoding to infer intraspecific variability while highlighting the challenges that need to be addressed before its possible applications to population genetic studies.
Transcriptomics based prediction of metastasis in TNBC patients: Challenges in cross-platforms validation
Authors: Devi Naorem Leimarembi , Dhall Anjali , Patiyal Sumeet , Raghava Gajendra P. S.
Published: September 2021

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is more prone to metastasis and recurrence than other breast cancer subtypes. This study aimed to identify genes that can act as diagnostic biomarkers for predicting lymph node metastasis in TNBC patients. The transcriptomic data of TNBC with or without lymph node metastasis was acquired from TCGA, and the differentially expressed genes were identified. Further, logistic-regression method has been used to identify the top 15 genes (or 15 gene signatures) based on their ability to predict metastasis (AUC>0.65). These 15 gene signatures were used to develop machine learning techniques based prediction models; Gaussian Naïve Bayes classifier outperformed other with AUC>0.80 on both training and validation datasets. The best model failed drastically on nine independent microarray datasets obtained from GEO. We investigated the reason for the failure of our best model, and it was observed that the certain genes in 15 gene signatures were showing opposite regulating trends, i.e., genes are upregulated in TCGA-TNBC patients while it is downregulated on other microarray datasets or vice-versa. In conclusion, the 15 gene signatures may act as diagnostic markers for the detection of lymph node metastatic status in TCGA dataset, but quite challenging across multiple platforms. We also identified the prognostic potential of the 15 selected genes and found that overexpression of ZNRF2, FRZB, and TCEAL4 was associated with poor survival with HR>2.3 and p-value≤0.05. In order to provide services to the scientific community, we developed a webserver named “MTNBCPred” for the prediction of metastatic and non-metastatic lymph node status of TNBC patients (http://webs.iiitd.edu.in/raghava/mtnbcpred/).
Non-linear Archetypal Analysis of Single-cell RNA-seq Data by Deep Autoencoders
Authors: Wang Yuge , Zhao Hongyu
Published: September 2021

Advances in single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) have led to successes in discovering novel cell types and understanding cellular heterogeneity among complex cell populations through cluster analysis. However, cluster analysis is not able to reveal continuous spectrum of states and underlying gene expression programs (GEPs) shared across cell types. We introduce scAAnet, an autoencoder for single-cell non-linear archetypal analysis, to identify GEPs and infer the relative activity of each GEP across cells. We use a count distribution-based loss term to account for the sparsity and overdispersion of the raw count data and add an archetypal constraint to the loss function of scAAnet. We first show that scAAnet outperforms existing methods for archetypal analysis across different metrics through simulations. We then demonstrate the ability of scAAnet to extract biologically meaningful GEPs using publicly available scRNA-seq datasets including a pancreatic islet dataset, a lung idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis dataset and a prefrontal cortex dataset.
Directing multicellular organization by varying the aspect ratio of soft hydrogel microwells
Authors: Pahapale Gayatri J. , Tao Jiaxiang , Nikolic Milos , Gao Sammy , Scarcelli Giuliano , Sun Sean , Romer Lewis H. , Gracias David H.
Published: September 2021

Multicellular organization with precise spatial definition is an essential step in a wide range of biological processes, including morphogenesis, development, and healing. Gradients and patterns of chemoattractants are well-described guides of multicellular organization, but the influences of three-dimensional geometry of soft hydrogels on multicellular organization are less well defined. Here, we report the discovery of a new mode of self-organization of endothelial cells in ring-like patterns on the perimeters of hydrogel microwells that is independent of protein or chemical patterning and is driven only by geometry and substrate stiffness. We observe quantitatively striking influences of both the microwell aspect ratio (ε = perimeter/depth) and the hydrogel modulus. We systematically investigate the physical factors of cells and substrates that drive this multicellular behavior and present a mathematical model that explains the multicellular organization based upon balancing extracellular and cytoskeletal forces. These forces are determined in part by substrate stiffness, geometry, and cell density. The force balance model predicts the direction and distance of translational cell migration based on the dynamic interaction between tangential cytoskeletal tension and cell-cell and cell-substrate adhesion. We further show that the experimental observations can be leveraged to drive customized multicellular self-organization. Our observation of this multicellular behavior demonstrates the importance of the combinatorial effects of geometry and stiffness in complex biological processes. It also provides a new methodology for direction of cell organization that may facilitate the engineering of bionics and integrated model organoid systems.
SL-Cloud: A Computational Resource to Support Synthetic Lethal Interaction Discovery
Authors: Tercan Bahar , Qin Guangrong , Kim Taek-Kyun , Aguilar Boris , Kemp Christopher J. , Chambwe Nyasha , Shmulevich Ilya
Published: September 2021

Synthetic lethal interactions (SLIs), genetic interactions in which the simultaneous inactivation of two genes leads to a lethal phenotype, are promising targets for therapeutic intervention in cancer, as exemplified by the recent success of PARP inhibitors in treating BRCA1/2-deficient tumors. We present SL-Cloud, an integrated resource and framework to facilitate the prediction of context-specific SLIs by using cloud-based technologies. This resource addresses two main challenges related to SLI inference: the need to wrangle and preprocess large multi-omic datasets and the multiple comparable prediction approaches available. We demonstrate the utility of this resource by using a set of DNA damage repair genes as the basis for predicting potential SLI partners, using multiple computational strategies. Context-specific synthetic lethality potential can also be compared using the framework. We demonstrate various use cases for our cloud-based computational resource and the utility of this approach for customizable and extensible computational inference of SLIs.
Multiplexed transcriptional repression identifies a network of bactericidal interactions between mycobacterial respiratory complexes
Authors: McNeil MB , Ryburn HW. , Tirados J. , Cheung CY. , Cook GM.
Published: September 2021

Mycobacterium tuberculosisremains a leading cause of infectious disease morbidity and mortality for which new drug combination therapies are needed. Combinations of respiratory inhibitors can have synergistic or synthetic lethal interactions suggesting that regimens with multiple bioenergetic inhibitors will drastically shorten treatment times. However, realizing this potential is hampered by a lack of on-target inhibitors and a poor understanding of which inhibitor combinations have the strongest interactions. To overcome these limitations, we have used CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) to characterize the consequences of transcriptionally inhibiting individual respiratory complexes and identify bioenergetic complexes that when simultaneously inhibited result in cell death. In this study, we identified known and novel synthetic lethal interactions and demonstrate how the engineering of CRISPRi-guide sequences can be used to further explore networks of interacting gene pairs. These results provide fundamental insights into the functions of and interactions between bioenergetic complexes and the utility of CRISPRi in designing drug combinations.
Hydrogen sulfide improves the cold stress resistance through the CsARF5-CsDREB3 module in cucumber
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Wei , Fu Xin , Liu Feng-Jiao , Wang Ya-Nan , Bi Huan-Gai , Ai Xi-Zhen
Published: September 2021

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) plays a crucial role in regulating cold tolerance. But the synergistic regulation of H2S and auxin in the plant response to cold stress has not been reported. In the study, we found that sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS, an H2S donor) treatment enhanced the cold tolerance of cucumber seedlings and increased the level of auxin. CsARF5, a cucumber auxin response factor (ARF) gene was isolated and its role in regulating H2S-mediated cold stress tolerance was described. Transgenic cucumber leaves overexpressing CsARF5 were obtained. Physiological analysis indicated that overexpression of CsARF5 enhanced the cold stress tolerance of cucumber and the regulation of the cold stress response by CsARF5 depends on H2S. In addition, molecular assays showed that CsARF5 modulated cold stress response by directly activating the expression of the dehydration-responsive element-binding (DREB)/C-repeat binding factor (CBF) gene CsDREB3, which was identified as a positive regulator of cold stress. Taken together, our results suggest that CsARF5 plays an important role in H2S-mediated cold stress in cucumber. These results shed light on the molecular mechanism by which H2S regulates cold stress response by mediating auxin signaling, and will provide insights for further studies on the molecular mechanism by which H2S regulates cold stress.

Highlight

Auxin signaling participates in H2S-mediated cold stress through the CsARF5-CsDREB3 module in cucumber.
A computational framework to identify metabolic engineering strategies for the co-production of metabolites
Authors: Raajaraam Lavanya , Raman Karthik
Published: September 2021

Microbial production of chemicals is a more sustainable alternative to traditional chemical processes. However, the shift to bioprocess is usually accompanied by a drop in economic feasibility. Co-production of more than one chemical can improve the economy of bioprocesses, enhance carbon utilization and also ensure better exploitation of resources. While a number of tools exist for in silico metabolic engineering, there is a dearth of computational tools that can co-optimize the production of multiple metabolites. In this work, we propose an eXtended version of Flux Scanning based on Enforced Objective Flux (XFSEOF), identify intervention strategies to co-optimize for a set of metabolites. XFSEOF can be used to identify all pairs of products that can be co-optimized with ease, by a single intervention. Beyond this, it can also identify higher-order intervention strategies for a given set of metabolites. We have employed this tool on the genome-scale metabolic models of Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and identified intervention targets that can co-optimize the production of pairs of metabolites under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Anaerobic conditions were found to support the co-production of a higher number of metabolites when compared to aerobic conditions in both organisms. The proposed computational framework will enhance the ease of study of metabolite co-production and thereby aid the design of better bioprocesses.
Alternative polyadenylation characterizes epithelial and fibroblast phenotypic heterogeneity in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Venkat Swati , Feigin Michael E.
Published: September 2021

Human tumors are characterized by extensive intratumoral transcriptional variability within the cancer cell and stromal compartments. This variation drives phenotypic heterogeneity, producing cell states with differential pro- and anti-tumorigenic properties. While bulk RNA sequencing cannot achieve cell type specific transcriptional granularity, single cell sequencing has permitted an unprecedented view of these cell states. Despite this knowledge, we lack an understanding of the mechanistic drivers of this transcriptional and phenotypic heterogeneity. 3’ untranslated region alternative polyadenylation (3’ UTR-APA) drives gene expression alterations through regulation of 3’ UTR length. These 3’ UTR alterations modulate mRNA stability, protein expression and protein localization, resulting in cellular phenotypes including differentiation, cell proliferation, and migration. Therefore, we sought to determine whether 3’ UTR-APA events could characterize phenotypic heterogeneity of tumor cell states. Here we analyze the largest single cell human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) dataset and resolve 3’ UTR-APA patterns across PDAC cell states. We find that increased proximal 3’ UTR-APA is associated with PDAC progression and characterizes a metastatic ductal epithelial subpopulation and an inflammatory fibroblast population. Furthermore, we find significant 3’ UTR shortening events in cell state-specific marker genes associated with increased expression. Therefore, we propose that 3’ UTR-APA drives phenotypic heterogeneity in cancer.
Characterization of striatal dopamine projections across striatal subregions in behavioral flexibility
Authors: van der Merwe R.K. , Nadel J.A. , Copes-Finke D. , Pawelko S. , Scott J.S. , Fox M , Morehouse C. , Ghanem M. , McLaughlin R. , Maddox C. , Malaki G. , Turocy A. , Jin X. , Howard C.D.
Published: September 2021

Behavioral flexibility is key to survival in a dynamic environment. While flexible, goal-directed behaviors are initially dependent on dorsomedial striatum, they become dependent on lateral striatum with extended training as behaviors become inflexible. Similarly, dopamine release shifts from ventromedial to lateral striatum across learning, and impairment of lateral dopamine release disrupts habitual, inflexible responding. This raises the possibility that lateral dopamine release is a causative mechanism in establishing inflexible behaviors late in training, though this has not been directly tested. Here, we utilized optogenetics to activate dopamine terminals in dorsal medial (DMS), dorsal lateral (DLS), and ventral (NAc) striatum in DATcre mice to determine how specific dopamine subpopulations impact behavioral flexibility. Mice performed a reversal task in which they self-stimulated DMS, DLS, or NAc dopamine terminals by pressing one of two levers before action-outcome lever contingencies were reversed. Consistent with presumed ventromedial/lateral striatal function, we found that mice self-stimulating ventromedial dopamine terminals rapidly reversed lever preference following contingency reversal, while mice self-stimulating dopamine terminals in DLS showed impaired reversal learning. These impairments were characterized by more regressive errors and reliance on lose-stay strategies following reversal, suggesting reward insensitivity and overreliance on previously learned actions. This study supports a model of striatal function in which dorsomedial dopamine facilitates goal-directed responding, and dorsolateral dopamine release is a key mechanism in supporting the transition toward inflexible behaviors.
A specific eIF4A paralog facilitates LARP1-mediated translation repression during mTORC1 inhibition
Authors: Shichino Yuichi , Mito Mari , Kashiwagi Kazuhiro , Takahashi Mari , Ito Takuhiro , Ingolia Nicholas T. , Iwasaki Shintaro
Published: September 2021

Eukaryotic translation initiation factor (eIF) 4A — a DEAD-box RNA-binding protein — plays an essential role in translation initiation. Two mammalian eIF4A paralogs, eIF4A1 and eIF4A2, have been assumed to be redundant because of their high homology, and the difference in their functions has been poorly understood. Here, we show that eIF4A1, but not eIF4A2, enhances translational repression during the inhibition of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), an essential kinase complex controlling cell proliferation. RNA-immunoprecipitation sequencing (RIP-Seq) of the two eIF4A paralogs revealed that eIF4A1 preferentially binds to mRNAs containing terminal oligopyrimidine (TOP) motifs, whose translation is rapidly repressed upon mTOR inhibition. This biased interaction depends on a La-related RNA-binding protein, LARP1. Ribosome profiling revealed that the deletion ofEIF4A1, but notEIF4A2, rendered the translation of TOP mRNAs resistant to mTOR inactivation. Moreover, eIF4A1 enhances the affinity between TOP mRNAs and LARP1 and thus ensures stronger translation repression upon mTORC1 inhibition. Our data show that the distinct protein interactions of these highly homologous translation factor paralogs shape protein synthesis during mTORC1 inhibition and provide a unique example of the repressive role of a universal translation activator.
Necroptosis contributes to chronic inflammation and fibrosis in aging liver
Authors: Mohammed Sabira , Thadathil Nidheesh , Selvarani Ramasamy , Nicklas Evan H , Wang Dawei , Miller Benjamin F , Richardson Arlan , Deepa Sathyaseelan S.
Published: September 2021

Inflammaging, characterized by an increase in low-grade chronic inflammation with age, is a hallmark of aging and is strongly associated with various age-related diseases, including chronic liver disease (CLD) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Because necroptosis is a cell death pathway that induces inflammation through the release of DAMPs, we tested the hypothesis that age-associated increase in necroptosis contributes to chronic inflammation in aging liver. Phosphorylation of MLKL and MLKL-oligomers, markers of necroptosis, as well as phosphorylation of RIPK3 and RIPK1 were significantly upregulated in the livers of old mice relative to young mice and this increase occurred in the later half of life (i.e., after 18 months of age). Markers of M1 macrophages, expression of proinflammatory cytokines (TNFα, IL6 and IL-1β), and markers of fibrosis were significantly upregulated in the liver with age and the change in necroptosis paralleled the changes in inflammation and fibrosis. Hepatocytes and liver macrophages isolated from old mice showed elevated levels of necroptosis markers as well as increased expression of proinflammatory cytokines relative to young mice. Short term treatment with the necroptosis inhibitor, necrostatin-1s (Nec-1s), reduced necroptosis, markers of M1 macrophages, expression of proinflammatory cytokines, and markers of fibrosis in the livers of old mice. Thus, our data show for the first time that liver aging is associated with increased necroptosis and necroptosis contributes to chronic inflammation in the liver, which in turn appears to contribute to liver fibrosis and possibly CLD.

Graphical abstract
Structural and biochemical analyses of selectivity determinants in chimeric Streptococcus Class A sortase enzymes
Authors: Gao Melody , Johnson D. Alex , Piper Isabel M. , Kodama Hanna M. , Svendsen Justin E. , Tahti Elise , Vogel Brandon , Antos John M. , Amacher Jeanine F.
Published: September 2021

Sequence variation in related proteins is an important characteristic that modulates activity and selectivity. An example of a protein family with a large degree of sequence variation is that of bacterial sortases, which are cysteine transpeptidases on the surface of gram-positive bacteria. Class A sortases are responsible for attachment of diverse proteins to the cell wall to facilitate environmental adaption and interaction. These enzymes are also used in protein engineering applications for sortase-mediated ligations (SML) or sortagging of protein targets. We previously investigated SrtA from Streptococcus pneumoniae, identifying a number of putative β7-β8 loop-mediated interactions that affected in vitro enzyme function. We identified residues that contributed to the ability of S. pneumoniae SrtA to recognize several amino acids at the P1’ position of the substrate motif, underlined in LPXTG, in contrast to the strict P1’ Gly recognition of SrtA from Staphylococcus aureus. However, motivated by the lack of a structural model for the active, monomeric form of S. pneumoniae SrtA, here, we expanded our studies to other Streptococcus SrtA proteins. We solved the first monomeric structure of S. agalactiae SrtA which includes the C-terminus, and three others of β7-β8 loop chimeras from S. pyogenes and S. agalactiae SrtA. These structures and accompanying biochemical data support our previously identified β7-β8 loop-mediated interactions and provide additional insight into their role in Class A sortase substrate selectivity. We argue that a greater understanding of individual SrtA sequence and structural determinants of target selectivity can facilitate the design or discovery of improved sortagging tools.
The Transcription Factor Xrp1 is Required for PERK- Mediated Antioxidant Gene Induction in Drosophila
Authors: Brown Brian , Mitra Sahana , Roach Finnegan D. , Vasudevan Deepika , Ryoo Hyung Don
Published: September 2021

PERK is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) transmembrane sensor that phosphorylates eIF2α to initiate the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR). eIF2α phosphorylation promotes stress-responsive gene expression most notably through the transcription factor ATF4 that contains a regulatory 5’ leader. Possible PERK effectors other than ATF4 remain poorly understood. Here, we report that the bZIP transcription factor Xrp1 is required for ATF4-independent PERK signaling. Cell type-specific gene expression profiling in Drosophila indicated that delta-family glutathione-S-transferases (gstD) are prominently induced by the UPR-activating transgene Rh1G69D. Perk was necessary and sufficient for such gstD induction, but ATF4 was not required. Instead, Perk and other regulators of eIF2α phosphorylation regulated Xrp1 protein levels to induce gstDs. The Xrp1 5’ leader has a conserved upstream Open Reading Frame (uORF) analogous to those that regulate ATF4 translation. The gstD-GFP reporter induction required putative Xrp1 binding sites. These results indicate that antioxidant genes are highly induced by a previously unrecognized UPR signaling axis consisting of PERK and Xrp1.
The historical development of sinology in two Canadian universities: York University and the University of Guelph
Authors: Lan Kenneth
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This paper gives a comparative analysis of the foundation of sinology in two Canadian universities. Despite not having diplomatic exchanges, Canada's new relationship with the People's Republic of China (PRC) ignited a China interest in the Canadian academe. Through York University and the University of Guelph (U of G)'s experiences, readers will learn the rewards and challenges that sinology brings to Canadian higher education.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper offers an overview of the historical foundation of sinology in the Canadian academe. Who pushes through this process? What geopolitical developments triggered young and educated Canadians to learn about China? This paper assesses York and Guelph's process in introducing sinology by relying on university archival resources and personal interviews. Why was York University successful in its mission, which, in turn, made into a comprehensive East Asian Studies degree option in 1971? What obstacles did the U of G face that prohibited it from implementing China Studies successfully?

Findings

After 1949, Canada took a friendlier relationship with the PRC than its neighbor in the south. As China–Canada relations unfolded, Canadian witnessed a dramatic state investment in higher education. The 1960s was a decade of unprecedented university expansion. In the process, sinology enjoyed its significant growth, and both York University and the U of G made their full use of this right timing. However, China Studies at the U of G did not take off. Besides its geolocation disadvantage, Guelph's top-down managerial style in the 1960s, which resulted in collegial disillusionment, was also a significant barrier to this program's success.

Originality/value

Before the Internet age, universities were the first venues for most Canadians to acquire their initial academic knowledge of China. After the Second World War, sinology became popular among students as China became one of the world's “Big Fives”. More Canadians became romanticized with Maoism while opposing America's containment policy. York and Guelph exemplified this trend in Canadian history. Contrary to popular belief, historian Jerome Chen did not establish York's China Studies. Likewise, an ex-US diplomat John Melby did not bring China into Guelph, sinology arrived due to individual scholastic initiatives. Visionaries saw envisioned China's importance in the future world community.
Engine of entrepreneurial intentions: revisiting personality traits with entrepreneurial education
Authors: Biswas Abhijeet , Verma Rohit Kumar
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The intent to start an entrepreneurial venture is predisposed by certain personality traits. The study aims to analyze the impact of various identified personality traits and entrepreneurial education on entrepreneurial intentions of management students.

Design/methodology/approach

The data for the study were gathered from 440 students of top 5 management institutes in India. The study used a cross-sectional design and structured questionnaire based on seven-point Likert scale and was administered employing a purposive sampling method. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was utilized to validate posited hypotheses in the study.

Findings

The study discerns that apart from agreeableness dimension of personality traits, all remaining identified dimensions along with entrepreneurial education had a significant influence on entrepreneurial intentions of management students with need for achievement emerging as the most important enabler. Conscientiousness was the major dimension among big five personality traits bearing a positive influence, while neuroticism registered a negative impact on entrepreneurial intentions. In addition, results bespeak that entrepreneurial education partially mediates the effect of need for achievement, locus of control and innovativeness on entrepreneurial intentions.

Research limitations/implications

The compendious model proffered in the study might be helpful for students, educators, consultants, financial institutions and policymakers in appreciating the gravity of underlying personality traits.

Originality/value

There is a dearth of research on big five personality traits and entrepreneurial education as enablers of entrepreneurial intentions. The study attempts to integrate big five personality traits model with dimensions of need for achievement, locus of control, innovativeness and entrepreneurial education for management students in India.
Has financial access improved agricultural technical efficiency? – evidence from two family farm demonstration zones in China
Authors: Chen Zhigang , Zhang Ying , Zhou Li
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Finance is crucial to boosting agricultural development in developing countries. This paper aims to investigate the effects of rural formal and informal financial access on agricultural technical efficiency (TE) in China.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the survey data of demonstrative family farms in Langxi county, Anhui province and Wuhan city, Hubei province in central China in 2017, this research assesses agricultural TE by using a three-stage DEA model. It adopts the tobit model to evaluate the effects of formal and informal financial access on TE, and to explore the heterogeneous effects by types, management states and scales. It uses the OLS regression and PSM method to check the robustness, and applies the IV-Tobit method to solve the endogeneity. The authors apply the mediation effect model to explore the channels through which financial access impacts TE.

Findings

Family farms' average TE reaches 13.9%, which shows much room for improvement under the given technical conditions and constant inputs. The research confirms the advantage of formal financial access in raising TE relative to informal financial access. The heterogeneous analysis documents more prominent effects of formal financial access on enhancing TE of aquaculture, hybrid, demonstration and large farms. The mediating effect model reveals that the enhancing TE effect of formal financial access derives from improved machinery investment and family labor division rather than land circulation.

Originality/value

The research clarifies finance into formal and informal finance. The results have considerable policy implications for rural financial policies in China.
Evaluation of practical accounting education in Jordan
Authors: Morshed Amer
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The objective of the paper is to explore and evaluate practical accounting education to find its weaknesses and suggest avenues to build strengths which will provide the market with effective accountants from the universities (the primary source of accountants).

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses semi-structured interviews to understand and extract the study problem and build the questionnaire; the final step is to analyse and interpret the questionnaire results based on structured interviews, dividing the research community into professors and market elements, business managers and university graduates.

Findings

The market has provided a negative evaluation of practical education. Reasons include a shortage of instructors with professional experience; curriculums that lack the topic of professional and ethical skills; and internships if provided, with unsatisfactory results. The study suggests accounting simulation labs as a reasonable substitution for the placement year (internship) if the labs are qualified and the internship results unsatisfactory.

Originality/value

This article is based on a multiregional research community, making results transferable to any country that faces a lack of professional accounting education. The applied evaluation method is capable of use by any other field in the business industry since accounting is part of this industry.
The influences of technological characteristics and user beliefs on customers' perceptions of live chat usage in mobile banking
Authors: Wu Chorng-Guang , Ho Jonathan C.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

In recent years, numerous banks have introduced live chat systems to their mobile banking (m-banking) applications to help customers address problems that arise while using m-banking. However, few researchers have investigated bank customers' perceptions of live chat in the context of m-banking, known as mobile chat. The present study attempts to fill this research gap and identify potential factors affecting bank customers' intention and attitude toward using mobile chat from the perspective of functional and expected advantages.

Design/methodology/approach

A research model was developed integrating three technological characteristics of mobile chat (mobility, reachability and convenience) identified from the mobile service and self-service technology literature with user beliefs involving performance expectancy, effort expectancy and facilitating conditions specified by the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology. The proposed model was evaluated using data collected from a field survey of 268 customers with experience in Internet or m-banking at an international bank in Taiwan. The mediating effects of attitude on the relationship between intention and its predictors were also measured.

Findings

The results suggest that reachability and convenience influence performance expectancy whereas effort expectancy is affected by all the technological characteristics. Additionally, customers' intention is determined by attitude, effort expectancy and facilitating conditions whereas their attitude depends on the three constructs of user beliefs.

Research limitations/implications

The development of user behavioral research in intelligent customer engagement is lacking in the m-banking literature. This study sheds light on Internet banking and m-banking customers' viewpoints and the salient determinants of their intention and attitude toward using mobile chat. Therefore, the findings allow a broader understanding of customer engagement applications in the banking sector.

Practical implications

The research findings would help banks not only better understand how to deploy useful mobile applications for improving the effectiveness of their mobile service development but also develop adequate mobile strategies to engage with customers more intelligently.

Originality/value

This research provides valuable insight into the relationship between the adoption of intelligent customer engagement tools and the improvement of customer support performance in the context of m-banking. Moreover, this study is among the first to identify the potential mobile technological factors that might affect bank customer expectations from mobile chat applications.
A personal values view of international entrepreneurial intention
Authors: Ammeer Mohammad Akhtar , Haddoud Mohamed Yacine , Onjewu Adah-Kole Emmanuel
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Recognising the shortage of research investigating the effect of individual characteristics in cross-border entrepreneurship, this study models the dimensions of personal values as predictors of international entrepreneurship. Also, noting the paucity of evidence on the influence of ethnicity and gender in the personal values and international entrepreneurship nexus, the study undertakes a multi-group analysis to clarify the moderating effects of these social antecedents in the context of Mauritius.

Design/methodology/approach

Cross-sectional data from Mauritius is examined using a sample of 504 students spread across six universities. The analysis takes a structural equation modelling approach.

Findings

The results show that, comparing the distinct personal values dimensions, international entrepreneurship has a positive association with self-enhancement and openness to change. Furthermore, it has a non-significant relationship with self-transcendence and a negative connection with conservation. Also, the multi-group analyses revealed significant differences in the individual correlations across gender and ethnic categories.

Originality/value

Building on emerging empirical interest in the literature, this study presents novel evidence of the link between personal values and international entrepreneurial intention in the context of Mauritius. Additionally, examining the moderating influence of ethnicity and gender in the personal values, international entrepreneurship nexus advances current literature. On a practical level, the study offers insights to universities and other stakeholders tasked with nurturing international entrepreneurial behaviour among students to contemplate personal and social antecedents and, accordingly, adapt their entrepreneurship pedagogy.
Assessing the drivers of the regional digital divide and their impact on eGovernment services: evidence from a South American country
Authors: Pazmiño-Sarango Mónica , Naranjo-Zolotov Mijail , Cruz-Jesus Frederico
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The paper explores the main drivers of the regional-level digital divide in Ecuadorian cities and the extent to which the information and communication technology (ICT) adoption by citizens influences local-level policymakers' decisions to develop eGovernment services.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper used an exploratory approach. The authors empirically assessed the provision of eGovernment services in each of the 36 Ecuadorian local governments following the Local Online Service Index (LOSI) measurement scale proposed by the United Nations, and then evaluated the drivers of the eGovernment divide at a local level. Ordinary least squares regression analysis was used.

Findings

The findings indicate that the digital divide is driven by income and education disparities, and that eGovernment availability is driven by ICT use. It appears that proper attention to technology use by its citizens is not being given by local-level policymakers in Ecuador when they devise their eGovernment strategy.

Research limitations/implications

Because the data were available at different levels of aggregation, there may be some inaccuracy of the indicators and lack of generalizability. Researchers are encouraged to test this hypotheses with data at lower levels of aggregation and from different latitudes to provide a comparative view between countries.

Practical implications

The paper includes implications for policymakers and local authorities regarding how the limitations on eGovernment development may be mitigated.

Originality/value

This study fulfils the need to assess digital development and its impact on eGovernment services at a city level in a developing country.
Digital currencies and economic sanctions: the increasing risk of sanction evasion
Authors: Wronka Christoph
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the effect of the issuance, adoption and use of digital currencies on economic sanctions with the focus being on the increasing risk of sanction evasion. The research sought to answer three key questions: What is the effect of digital currencies on economic sanctions? To what extent does the adoption and use of digital currencies increase the risk of sanction evasion? What remedial measures can be taken to enforce compliance with sanctions in the wake of increased adoption and use of digital currencies?

Design/methodology/approach

The research relied on secondary sources of data, using secondary research to collect archival data in the form of documents. Content and thematic analyses were used to synthesise the collected data.

Findings

It was found that digital currencies have significantly increased the risk of sanction evasion. This is because they facilitate the anonymous or pseudonymous conduct of international commercial transactions, which are hard or impossible to detect and track.

Originality/value

This research is the first to explore the different ways in which digital currencies as whole – and not just cryptocurrencies – affect compliance with economic sanctions.
Nurses' generational stereotypes and self-stereotypes: a cognitive study
Authors: Van Rossem Annick Hortense Dominique
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The present research offers insights into the generational stereotypical beliefs that different generations of nurses hold about the own and the other generations and the implications on the work floor.

Design/methodology/approach

This cross-sectional, exploratory study employs a cognitive mapping approach known as the repertory grid. The sample consisted of 15 Generation Y, 15 Generation X and 15 Baby Boomer nurses.

Findings

Beliefs of nurses about their own and the other generations direct social categorization and generational stereotypes of the in-group and out groups. These stereotypes mold nurses' beliefs and attitudes towards their coworkers and are enacted leading to self-fulfilling prophecies. Especially Generation Y and Baby Boomer nurses are negatively stereotyped and have their ways to deal with these negative stereotypes.

Practical implications

Nurses and their managers who hold generational stereotypes may unknowingly create cliques within an organization and adopt behaviors and expectations based on generational (self-) stereotypes. The author offers noteworthy insights for fostering intergenerational synergies amongst nurses, which are important since the level of interdependent relations amongst nurses required to provide care.

Originality/value

The present study moves away from the research about the typical characteristics of nurses across the generational workforce. Instead, mental models about how different generations of nurses construe their coworkers belonging to different generations including their own generation are drawn. Employing the repertory grid technique (RGT), an established method for uncovering people's personal and collective belief systems, the present study shows how generational stereotyping and self-stereotyping among nurses belonging to varying generational cohorts occurs and debates its implications.
Motivation to lead in trainee clinical psychologists: service evaluation of a UK doctorate programme
Authors: Hassett Charlotte L. , Gresswell David M. , Wilde Sarah V.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to explore whether a United Kingdom (UK) clinical psychology training programme (the programme) was effective in producing graduates who are confident in leadership, within the context of the National Health Service and reflecting the British Psychological Society’s views of leadership.

Design/methodology/approach

Mixed methods design surveys were administered to prospective-, current- and alumni trainee clinical psychologists on the programme, enquiring about their view of leadership, motivation to lead (MtL) and aspects of the course that are helpful and which need further development. Data collected from 92 individuals were analysed using content and thematic analysis (TA).

Findings

From the TA, three themes were identified concerning the meaning of leadership as follows: professional identity, Improving the quality of services (team; organisations and wider context), professional skills. Overall, participants thought leadership was important to the role of a clinical psychologist, with prospective trainees reporting that the desire to develop as leaders influenced their decision to apply to the programme. Moreover, participants felt confident in leadership skills and that the training programme helped develop their leadership skills, with the alumni participants demonstrating a greater MtL. Placements, group study and specific modules were identified as contributing to the development of their leadership skills, but participants felt more teaching on leadership is needed. Recommendations have been suggested to improve the development of leadership skills on the programme.

Research limitations/implications

The research was undertaken on a small cohort of trainees based in the UK.

Practical implications

Participants were motivated to become clinical leaders but this motivation needed to be nurtured and developed particularly through structured placement and teaching experience.

Originality/value

This service evaluation is the only audit of the leadership of the programme and the findings will contribute to the existing body of reviews in this area.
The impact of relative CEO compensation on not-for-profit contributions
Authors: Kaden Stacey , Peters Gary , Sanchez Juan Manuel , Fleischman Gary M.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The authors extend research suggesting that external funders reduce their contributions to not-for-profit (NFP) organizations in response to media-reported CEO compensation levels.

Design/methodology/approach

Employing a maximum archival sample of 44,807 observations from US Form 990s, the authors comprehensively assess the extent that high relative NFP CEO compensation is associated with decreases in future contributions.

Findings

The authors find that donors and grantors react negatively to high relative CEO compensation but do not react adversely to high absolute executive compensation. Contributors seem to take issue with CEO compensation when they perceive it absorbs a relatively large portion of the organizations’ total expenses, which may hinder the NFP’s mission. Additional findings suggest that excess cash held by the NFP significantly exacerbates the negative baseline relationship between future contributions and high relative CEO compensation. Finally, both individual donors and professional grantors are sensitive to cash NFP CEO compensation levels, but grantors are more sensitive to CEO noncash compensation.

Research limitations/implications

The authors’ data are focused on larger NFP organizations, so this limits the generalizability of the study. Furthermore, survivorship bias potentially influences their time-series investigations because a current year large-scale decrease in funding due to high relative CEO compensation may cause some NFP firms to drop out of the sample the following year due to significant funding reductions.

Originality/value

The study makes three noteworthy contributions to the literature. First, the study documents that the negative association between high relative CEO compensation levels and future donor and grantor contributions is much more widespread than previous literature suggested. Second, the authors document that high relative CEO compensation levels that trigger reductions in future contributions are significantly exacerbated by excess cash held by the NFP. Finally, the authors find that more sophisticated grantors are more sensitive to noncash CEO compensation levels as compared with donors.