bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emergence of multiple variants of SARS-CoV-2 with signature structural changes
Authors: Bhowmik Debaleena , Pal Sourav , Lahiri Abhishake , Talukdar Arindam , Paul Sandip
Published: April 2020

This study explores the divergence pattern of SARS-CoV-2 using whole genome sequences of the isolates from various COVID-19 affected countries. The phylogenomic analysis indicates the presence of at least four distinct groups of the SARS-CoV-2 genomes. The emergent groups have been found to be associated with signature structural changes in specific proteins. Also, this study reveals the differential levels of divergence patterns for the protein coding regions. Moreover, we have predicted the impact of structural changes on a couple of important viral proteins via structural modelling techniques. This study further advocates for more viral genetic studies with associated clinical outcomes and hosts’ response for better understanding of SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis enabling better mitigation of this pandemic situation.
Effect of tryptophan depletion on conditioned threat memory expression: role of intolerance of uncertainty
Authors: Kanen Jonathan W , Arntz Frederique E , Yellowlees Robyn , Christmas David M , Price Annabel , Apergis-Schoute Annemieke M , Sahakian Barbara J , Cardinal Rudolf N , Robbins Trevor W
Published: April 2020

Background

Responding emotionally to danger is critical for survival. Normal functioning also requires flexible alteration of emotional responses when a threat becomes safe. Aberrant threat and safety learning occurs in many psychiatric disorders including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and schizophrenia, where emotional responses can persist pathologically. Whilst there is evidence that threat and safety learning can be modulated by the serotonin systems, there have been few studies in humans. We addressed a critical clinically relevant question: How does pharmacological lowering of serotonin affect the retention of conditioned threat memory?

Methods

Forty-seven healthy participants underwent threat conditioning on Day 1 followed by an extinction session. Emotional responding was assessed by the skin conductance response (SCR). On Day 2, we employed acute dietary tryptophan depletion to lower serotonin temporarily, in a double-blind placebo-controlled randomized between-groups design. We then tested for the return of conditioned threat memory spontaneous recovery). We also measured self-reported intolerance of uncertainty, known to modulate threat memory expression.

Results

The expression of emotional memory was attenuated in participants who had undergone tryptophan depletion. Individuals who were more intolerant of uncertainty showed even greater attenuation of emotion following depletion.

Conclusions

These results support the view that serotonin is involved in predicting aversive outcomes and refine our understanding of the role of serotonin in the persistence of emotional responsivity, with implications for individual differences in vulnerability to psychopathology.
Differential DNA methylation in theVinvpromoter region controls Cold Induced Sweetening in potato
Authors: Shumbe L. , Visse M. , Soares E. , Smit I. , Dupuis B. , Vanderschuren H.
Published: April 2020

Control of potato sprouting is important to ensure constant supply of high-quality potato to the industry. Efficient control of sprouting can be achieved by chemical treatment or cold temperature. Recent bans on anti-sprouting molecules are prompting the use of cold storage in the potato value chain. Unfortunately, storage of potato at low temperatures is associated with cold induced sweetening (CIS) due to the induction of the vacuolar invertase gene under low temperatures. Because CIS is associated with the production of the potentially carcinogenic acrylamide in processed potatoes, concise knowledge on the regulatory mechanisms controlling the CIS-phenotype in potatoes is expected to help pave the way for the production of CIS-resistant potato varieties. Here, we dissect the promoters of the Vacuolar invertase (Vinv) genes from CIS-susceptible and CIS-resistant varieties to investigate their implication in CIS-phenotype determination. Using bisulfite sequencing and CRISPR-dCas9-DRM2-mediatedde novoDNA methylation, we show that the CIS-resistant phenotype of Verdi, is in part due to hypermethylation of itsVinvpromoter, more specifically in the 1.0-1.7kb region. Those findings open new perspectives to engineer CIS-resistant potatoes by genome and epigenome modifications.
A low-cost smart system for electrophoresis-based nucleic acids detection at the visible spectrum
Authors: Cunha Eduardo Nogueira , de Souza Maria Fernanda Bezerra , Lanza Daniel Carlos Ferreira , Lima João Paulo Matos Santos
Published: April 2020

Nucleic acid detection by electrophoresis is still a quick and accessible technique for many diagnosis methods, primarily at research laboratories or at the point of care units. Standard protocols detect DNA/RNA molecules through specific bound chemical dyes using a UV-transilluminator or UV-photo documentation system. However, the acquisition costs and availability of these devices, mainly the ones with photography and internet connection capabilities, can be prohibitive, especially in developing countries public health units. Also, ultraviolet radiation is a common additional risk factor to professionals that use electrophoresis-based nucleic acid detection. With that in mind, this work describes the development of a low-cost DNA/RNA detection smart system capable of obtaining qualitative and semi-quantitative data from gel analysis. The proposed device explores the visible light absorption range of commonly used DNA/RNA dyes using readily available parts, and simple manufacturing processes, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and 3D impression. By applying IoT techniques, our system covers a wide range of color spectrum in order to detect bands from various commercially used dyes, using Bluetooth communication and a smartphone for hardware control, image capturing, and sharing. The project also enables process scalability and has low manufacturing and maintenance costs. The use of LEDs at the visible spectrum can achieve very reproducible images, providing a high potential for rapid and point-of-care diagnostics as well as applications in several fields such as healthcare, agriculture, and aquaculture.
Contributions of the Heme Coordinating Ligands of thePseudomonas aeruginosaOuter Membrane Receptor HasR to Extracellular Heme Sensing and Transport
Authors: Dent Alecia T. , Wilks Angela
Published: April 2020

Pseudomonas aeruginosaexhibits a high requirement for iron which it can acquire via several mechanisms including the acquisition and utilization of heme.P. aeruginosaencodes two heme uptake systems, thehemeassimilationsystem (Has) and thePseudomonashemeutilization (Phu) system. Extracellular heme is sensed via the Has system that encodes an extra cytoplasmic function (ECF) σ factor system. Previous studies have shown release of heme from the extracellular hemophore HasAp to the outer membrane receptor HasR is required for activation of the σ factor HasI. Herein, employing site-directed mutagenesis, allelic exchange, quantitative PCR analyses, immunoblotting and13C-heme uptake studies, we characterize the differential contributions of the outer membrane receptor HasR extracellular FRAP/PNPNL loop residue His-624 and the N-terminal plug residue His-221 to heme transport and signaling, respectively. Specifically, we show mutation of the N-terminal plug His-221 disrupts both signaling and transport. The data is consistent with a model where heme release from HasAp to the N-terminal plug of HasR is required to initiate signaling, whereas His624 is required for simultaneously closing off the heme transport channel from the extracellular medium and triggering heme transport. Furthermore, mutation of His-221 leads to dysregulation of both the Has and Phu uptake systems suggesting a possible functional link that is coordinated through the ECF σ factor system.
The Genetic Basis of phage susceptibility, cross-resistance and host-range in Salmonella
Authors: Adler Benjamin A. , Kazakov Alexey E. , Zhong Crystal , Liu Hualan , Kutter Elizabeth , Lui Lauren M. , Nielsen Torben N. , Carion Heloise , Deutschbauer Adam M. , Mutalik Vivek K. , Arkin Adam P.
Published: April 2020

Though bacteriophages (phages) are known to play a crucial role in bacterial fitness and virulence, our knowledge about the genetic basis of their interaction, cross-resistance and host-range is sparse. Here, we employed genome-wide screens in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium to discover host determinants involved in resistance to eleven diverse lytic phages including 4 new phages isolated from a therapeutic phage cocktail. We uncovered 301 diverse host factors essential in phage infection, many of which are shared between multiple phages demonstrating potential cross-resistance mechanisms. We validate many of these novel findings and uncover the intricate interplay between RpoS, the virulence-associated general stress response sigma factor and RpoN, the nitrogen starvation sigma factor in phage cross-resistance. Finally, the infectivity pattern of eleven phages across a panel of 23 genome sequenced Salmonella strains indicates that additional constraints and interactions beyond the host factors uncovered here define the phage host range.
Flap dynamics in pepsin-like aspartic proteases: a computational perspective using Plasmepsin-II and BACE-1 as model systems
Authors: Bhakat Soumendranath , Söderhjelm Pär
Published: April 2020

The flexibility of aβhairpin structure known as theflapplays a key role in catalytic activity and substrate intake in pepsin-like aspartic proteases. Most of these enzymes share structural and sequential similarity. In the apo form of the proteases, a conserved tyrosine residue in the flap region is in dynamic equilibrium between the normal and flipped states through rotation of theχ1andχ2angles. In this study, we have used apo Plm-II and BACE-1 as model systems. Independent MD simulations of Plm-II and BACE-1 remained stuck either in the normal or flipped state. Metadynamics simulations using side-chain torsion angles (χ1andχ2of tyrosine) as collective variables sampled the transition between the normal and flipped states. Qualitatively, the two states were predicted to be equally populated. The normal and flipped states were stabilised by H-bond interactions to a tryptophan residue and to the catalytic aspartate, respectively. Further, mutation of tyrosine to an amino-acid with smaller side-chain, such as alanine, reduced the flexibility of the flap and resulted in a flap collapse (flap loses flexibility and remains stuck in a particular state). This is in accordance with previous experimental studies, which showed that mutation to alanine resulted in loss of activity in pepsin-like aspartic proteases. Our results suggest that the rotation of the tyrosine side-chain is the key movement that governs flap dynamics and opening of the binding pocket in most pepsin-like aspartic proteases.
The collapse indicators of the dominant species outperform community-level critical slowing down indicators
Authors: Pálinkás Melinda , Hufnagel Levente
Published: April 2020

We studied similarities of collapses and concluded that dominant species have a universal effect on the pattern of collapses. We used open paleoecological and modern data to detect ‘early warning signals’ of collapses. We tested and ranked collapse indicators at the community level (abundance, species richness, constancy, dominance, Shannon’s H, standard deviation, variance, lag-1 autocorrelation of community abundance, lag-1 autocorrelation of Shannon’s H) and at the level of the dominant species (total changes of pre-collapse and collapse dominant species, lag-1 autocorrelation of pre-collapse and collapse dominant species) based on their performances. We distinguished between small-scale signals (sharp drops and peaks) and large-scale signals (trend changes). Small-scale signals and large-scale signals can be at the same time, however, small-scale signals can also precede large-scale signals. Small-scale signals indicate environmental events. Large-scale trend changes refer to the decline and eventually the collapse of the community. Our results show that the collapse indicators of the dominant species outperform community-level critical slowing down indicators, which suggests that the dominant species probably have an important role in community-level collapses triggered by environmental events. We also concluded that unusual environmental events might be the number one cause of collapses therefore small-scale signals should be involved in analyses.
Dual function of perivascular fibroblasts in vascular stabilization in zebrafish
Authors: Rajan Arsheen M. , Ma Roger C. , Kocha Katrinka M. , Zhang Dan J. , Huang Peng
Published: April 2020

Blood vessels are vital to sustain life in all vertebrates. While it is known that mural cells (pericytes and smooth muscle cells) regulate vascular integrity, the contribution of other cell types to vascular stabilization has been largely unexplored. Using zebrafish, we identified sclerotome-derived perivascular fibroblasts as a novel population of blood vessel associated cells. In contrast to pericytes, perivascular fibroblasts emerge early during development, express the extracellular matrix (ECM) genescol1a2andcol5a1, and display distinct morphology and distribution. Time-lapse imaging reveals that perivascular fibroblasts serve as pericyte precursors. Genetic ablation of perivascular fibroblasts results in dysmorphic blood vessels with variable diameters. Strikingly,col5a1mutants show spontaneous hemorrhage, and the penetrance of the phenotype is strongly enhanced by the additional loss ofcol1a2. Together, our work reveals dual roles of perivascular fibroblasts in vascular stabilization where they establish the ECM around nascent vessels and function as pericyte progenitors.

AUTHOR SUMMARY

Blood vessels are essential to sustain life in humans. Defects in blood vessels can lead to serious diseases, such as hemorrhage, tissue ischemia, and stroke. However, how blood vessel stability is maintained by surrounding support cells is still poorly understood. Using the zebrafish model, we identify a new population of blood vessel associated cells termed perivascular fibroblasts, which originate from the sclerotome, an embryonic structure that is previously known to generate the skeleton of the animal. Perivascular fibroblasts are distinct from pericytes, a known population of blood vessel support cells. They become associated with blood vessels much earlier than pericytes and express several collagen genes, encoding main components of the extracellular matrix. Loss of perivascular fibroblasts or mutations in collagen genes result in fragile blood vessels prone to damage. Using cell tracing in live animals, we find that a subset of perivascular fibroblasts can differentiate into pericytes. Together, our work shows that perivascular fibroblasts play two important roles in maintaining blood vessel integrity. Perivascular fibroblasts secrete collagens to stabilize newly formed blood vessels and a sub-population of these cells also functions as precursors to generate pericytes to provide additional vascular support.
Role of 1’-Ribose Cyano Substitution for Remdesivir to Effectively Inhibit Nucleotide Addition and Proofreading in SARS-CoV-2 Viral RNA Replication
Authors: Zhang Lu , Zhang Dong , Wang Xiaowei , Yuan Congmin , Li Yongfang , Jia Xilin , Gao Xin , Yen Hui-Ling , Cheung Peter Pak-Hang , Huang Xuhui
Published: April 2020

COVID-19 has recently caused a global health crisis and an effective interventional therapy is urgently needed. SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) is a promising but challenging drug target due to its intrinsic proofreading exoribonuclease (ExoN). Remdesivir targeting SARS-CoV-2 RdRp exerts high drug efficacyin vitroandin vivo. However, its underlying inhibitory mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we performed all-atom molecular dynamics simulations with an accumulated simulation time of 24 microseconds to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the inhibitory effects of Remdesivir. We found that Remdesivir’s 1’-cyano group of possesses the dual role of inhibiting nucleotide addition and proofreading. The presence of its polar 1’-cyano group at an upstream site in RdRp causes instability and hampers RdRp translocation. This leads to a delayed chain termination of RNA extension, which may also subsequently reduce the likelihood for Remdesivir to be cleaved by ExoN acting on the 3’-terminal nucleotide. In addition, our simulations suggest that Remdesivir’s 1’-cyano group can also disrupt the cleavage active site of ExoN via steric interactions, leading to a further reduced cleavage efficiency. Our work provides plausible molecular mechanisms on how Remdesivir inhibits viral RNA replication and may guide rational design for new treatments of COVID-19 targeting viral replication.
Trackosome: a computational toolbox to study the spatiotemporal dynamics of centrosomes, nuclear envelope and cellular membrane
Authors: Castro Domingos , Nunes Vanessa , Lima Joana T. , Ferreira Jorge G. , Aguiar Paulo
Published: April 2020

During the initial stages of mitosis, multiple mechanisms drive centrosome separation and positioning. How they are functionally coordinated to promote centrosome migration to opposite sides of the nucleus remains unclear. Imaging analysis software has been used to quantitatively study centrosome dynamics at this stage. However, available tracking tools are generic and not fine-tuned for the constrains and motion dynamics of centrosome pairs. Such generality limits the tracking performance and may require exhaustive optimization of parameters. Here, we present Trackosome, a freely available open-source computational tool to track the centrosomes and reconstruct the nuclear and cellular membranes, based on volumetric live-imaging data. The toolbox runs in MATLAB and provides a graphical user interface for easy and efficient access to the tracking and analysis algorithms. It outputs key metrics describing the spatiotemporal relations between centrosomes, nucleus and cellular membrane. Trackosome can also be used to measure the dynamic fluctuations of the nuclear envelope. A fine description of these fluctuations is important because they are correlated with the mechanical forces exerted on the nucleus by its adjacent cytoskeletal structures. Unlike previous algorithms based on circular/elliptical approximations of the nucleus, Trackosome measures membrane movement in a model-free condition, making it viable for irregularly shaped nuclei. Using Trackosome, we demonstrate significant correlations between the movements of the two centrosomes, and identify specific modes of oscillation of the nuclear envelope. Overall, Trackosome is a powerful tool to help unravel new elements in the spatiotemporal dynamics of subcellular structures.
Remdesivir potently inhibits SARS-CoV-2 in human lung cells and chimeric SARS-CoV expressing the SARS-CoV-2 RNA polymerase in mice
Authors: Pruijssers Andrea J. , George Amelia S. , Schäfer Alexandra , Leist Sarah R. , Gralinksi Lisa E. , Dinnon Kenneth H. , Yount Boyd L. , Agostini Maria L. , Stevens Laura J. , Chappell James D. , Lu Xiaotao , Hughes Tia M. , Gully Kendra , Martinez David R. , Brown Ariane J. , Graham Rachel L. , Perry Jason K. , Du Pont Venice , Pitts Jared , Ma Bin , Babusis Darius , Murakami Eisuke , Feng Joy Y. , Bilello John P. , Porter Danielle P. , Cihlar Tomas , Baric Ralph S. , Denison Mark R. , Sheahan Timothy P.
Published: April 2020

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged in 2019 as the causative agent of the novel pandemic viral disease COVID-19. With no approved therapies, this pandemic illustrates the urgent need for safe, broad-spectrum antiviral countermeasures against SARS-CoV-2 and future emerging CoVs. We report that remdesivir (RDV), a monophosphoramidate prodrug of an adenosine analog, potently inhibits SARS-CoV-2 replication in human lung cells and primary human airway epithelial cultures (EC50= 0.01 μM). Weaker activity was observed in Vero E6 cells (EC50= 1.65 μM) due to their low capacity to metabolize RDV. To rapidly evaluatein vivoefficacy, we engineered a chimeric SARS-CoV encoding the viral target of RDV, the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, of SARS-CoV-2. In mice infected with chimeric virus, therapeutic RDV administration diminished lung viral load and improved pulmonary function as compared to vehicle treated animals. These data provide evidence that RDV is potently active against SARS-CoV-2in vitroandin vivo, supporting its further clinical testing for treatment of COVID-19.
Screening of additives for droplet qRT-PCR thermocycling enables single influenza A virus genome quantification
Authors: Loveday Emma Kate , Zath Geoffrey K. , Bikos Dimitri A. , Jay Zackary J. , Chang Connie B.
Published: April 2020

The miniaturization of real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) using drop-based microfluidics, or droplet qPCR, allows for quantification of single nucleic acids. The nucleic acids are compartmentalized into aqueous microdroplets, picoliters in volume, separated by an immiscible oil, and stabilized by a surfactant. In droplet qPCR, accurate data can only be obtained if the drops remain stable to coalescence upon thermocycling and drop contents do not diffuse to neighboring drops. In this work, we present a droplet qRT-PCR assay for quantifying influenza A virus (IAV) following systematic testing of different PCR additives, resulting in the optimal combination of Tween-20 / BSA / betaine to maintain drop stability and limit dye diffusion. We use a standard qPCR machine to generate real time amplification curves of hundreds of thousands of drops and correlate this data with constructed amplification curves obtained from hundreds of drops sampled at various cycle numbers and imaged using epifluorescence microscopy. To demonstrate the utility of our method, we tested a range ofin vitrotranscribed M gene and IAV viral supernatant from infected cells. We directly amplified IAV genomes from infected supernatant without an RNA extraction step. Our droplet qPCR assay enables detection of IAV down to 0.274 cpd, or a single viral genome per drop, establishing the high sensitivity and precision of our method.
Structure-mining: screening structure models by automated fitting to the atomic pair distribution function over large numbers of models
Authors: Yang Long , Juhás Pavol , Terban Maxwell W. , Tucker Matthew G. , Billinge Simon J. L.
Published: April 2020

A new approach is presented to obtain candidate structures from atomic pair distribution function (PDF) data in a highly automated way. It fetches, from web-based structural databases, all the structures meeting the experimenter's search criteria and performs structure refinements on them without human intervention. It supports both X-ray and neutron PDFs. Tests on various material systems show the effectiveness and robustness of the algorithm in finding the correct atomic crystal structure. It works on crystalline and nanocrystalline materials including complex oxide nanoparticles and nanowires, low-symmetry and locally distorted structures, and complicated doped and magnetic materials. This approach could greatly reduce the traditional structure searching work and enable the possibility of high-throughput real-time auto-analysis PDF experiments in the future.
The spectacle of research assessment systems: insights from New Zealand and the United Kingdom
Authors: Chatterjee Bikram , Cordery Carolyn J. , De Loo Ivo , Letiche Hugo
Published: April 2020

Purpose

In this paper, we concentrate on the use of research assessment (RA) systems in universities in New Zealand (NZ) and the United Kingdom (UK). Primarily we focus on PBRF and REF, and explore differences between these systems on individual and systemic levels. We ask, these days, in what way(s) the systemic differences between PBRF and REF actually make a difference on how the two RA systems are experienced by academic staff.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is exploratory and draws on 19 interviews in which accounting researchers from both countries offer reflections on their careers and how RA (systems) have influenced these careers. The stories they tell are classified by regarding RA in universities as a manifestation of the spectacle society, following Debord (1992) and Flyverbom and Reinecke (2017).

Findings

Both UK and New Zealand academics concur that their research activities and views on research are very much shaped by journal rankings and citations. Among UK academics, there seems to be a greater critical attitude towards the benefits and drawbacks of REF, which may be related to the history of REF in their country. Relatively speaking, in New Zealand, individualism seems to have grown after the introduction of the PBRF, with little active pushback against the system. Cultural aspects may partially explain this outcome. Academics in both countries lament the lack of focus on practitioner issues that the increased significance of RA seems to have evoked.

Research limitations/implications

This research is context-specific and may have limited applicability to other situations, academics or countries.

Practical implications

RA and RA systems seem to be here to stay. However, as academics we can, and ought to, take responsibility to try to ensure that these systems reflect the future of accounting (research) we wish to create. It is certainly not mainly or solely up to upper management officials to set this in motion, as has occasionally been claimed in previous literature. Some of the academics who participated in this research actively sought to bring about a different future.

Originality/value

This research provides a unique contextual analysis of accounting academics' perspectives and reactions to RA and RA systems and the impact these have had on their careers across two countries. In addition, the paper offers valuable critical reflections on the application of Debord's (1992) notion of the spectacle society in future accounting studies. We find more mixed and nuanced views on RA in academia than many previous studies have shown.
Research supervision in distance learning: issues and challenges
Authors: Zaheer Muhammad , Munir Saba
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore and highlight the issues and challenges teachers face while supervising thesis and projects in distance/online learning mode.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a cross-sectional qualitative study. Grounded theory approach using Gioia methodology has been applied. Semi-structured interviews of 16 research supervisors have been conducted to explore the issues and challenges faced by the supervisors in guiding research students. Purposive sampling is used to select the subjects for data collection.

Findings

Results of the study reveal that the time constraints, official restrictions, irregular contacts and technology are the main issues faced by supervisors. Whereas student–supervisor interaction, diversity, perceptions, virtual communities and academic collaboration are the biggest challenges for the supervisors in distance learning. Lastly, it is found that students' attitude and supervisors' mindset are the key success factors in distance research supervision.

Practical implications

Findings of this paper will help institutions particularly in Asia, to strategically review their research programs to make these programs more effective. Effectiveness will encompass two things, timely completion and novel research. If these two things are addressed efficiently, comparison of distance learning with conventional learning will be more favorable for distance learning.

Originality/value

This study will be helpful for the top management of distance/online learning institutes to better equip their teachers and students to complete their research endeavors accordingly. This is an empirical research based on primary data collected from the research supervisors currently supervising thesis/projects at Virtual University of Pakistan.
The effect of data strategy on competitive advantage
Authors: Medeiros Mauricius Munhoz de , Maçada Antonio Carlos Gastaud , Freitas Junior José Carlos da Silva
Published: April 2020

Purpose

In the age of analytical competition, business models and gaining competitive advantage (CA) are directly related to organizations’ data strategy. Incorporating data strategy enables the organization to unlock the potential value of big data analytics. Therefore, this study aims to analyze how data strategy affects the achievement of CA.

Design/methodology/approach

Through survey research, data were collected from 103 respondents. Model testing and evaluation, partial least squares structural equation modeling and analysis of mediating effects were performed.

Findings

The supported hypotheses confirm the direct effects between the defensive and offensive positioning of the data strategy on CA, as well as the mediating effect of the offensive data strategy (ODS).

Originality/value

This study is groundbreaking in terms of empirically analyzing how defensive data strategy (DDS) or ODS affects CA. In conclusion, to extract value from their data, organizations need to establish their data strategy based on their strategic positioning, the potential of their resources and their analytical capabilities.

Research implications

The defensive and offensive positioning of the data strategy are closely related to each other and both, in isolation, directly and positively, impact CA. It is also noted that the role of defensive positioning is to strengthen the offensive positioning of the data strategy, which in turn, plays a central role in achieving CA.

Practical implications

The results can assist managers in effectively incorporating analytical resources and capabilities, as well as helping them understand the dynamics and advantages of data strategy, so they can drive strategic objectives according to the organization’s positioning.

Originality/value

This study is groundbreaking in terms of empirically analyzing how DDS or ODS affects CA. In conclusion, to extract value from their data, organizations need to establish their data strategy based on their strategic positioning, the potential of their resources and their analytical capabilities.
Multiple rational management and governance in agriculture cooperatives
Authors: Teixeira Maísa Gomide , Caleman Silvia Morales de Queiroz , Américo Jean Carlos da Silva
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This study aims to analyze how multirational management relates to cooperatives’ corporate governance.

Design/methodology/approach

A typology of agricultural cooperatives’ potential for multirational management in relation to corporate governance is proposed. Coordinates based on data from assembly participation and separation of ownership and control are used to map cooperatives among these typologies. Four case studies representing each typology were conducted, allowing analysis of propositions.

Findings

By mapping the cooperatives from Mato Grosso do Sul, a reduced potential for multirational management is noted. By analyzing the four case studies, coded as Coop 1, 3, 13 and 16, this study found convergence withP1,P2andP3. “Coop 1” shows signs of adopting exploitation practice. In “Coop 3,” evidence points to avoidance practice and, analyses of “Coop 13” indicates adoption of tolerance practice. In Coop 16, however,P4could not be confirmed. Instead of polarizing practices, there is evidence of avoidance practice. Therefore, a positive relation between corporate governance and multirational management can partially be observed.

Originality/value

There are no records of a paper that has explored the relation of governance and multirational management. Therefore, this research broadens the understanding of how corporate governance can function in the context of cooperative organizations. As well, insight is given on how different mechanisms of corporate governance can influence organizations to adopt explicit or implicit and monorational or multirational methods of dealing with multiple rationalities.
Role of discretionary earning management in corporate governance-value and corporate governance-risk relationships
Authors: Asghar Affaf , Sajjad Seemab , Shahzad Aamer , Matemilola Bolaji Tunde
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Corporate governance (CG) is an ongoing interesting topic getting the attention of market participant, business regulators and researchers in today’s business environment. The purpose of this study is to analyze the moderating role of earnings management on CG-value and CG-risk relationship in the emerging economy of Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

A panel data analysis is used in this study. A panel data of 71 non-financial listed companies of Pakistan for the 2008-2017 period is considered for this study. Secondary data is collected from the annual reports of non-financial firms listed on PSX. Seven econometric equations are developed to test the research hypothesis.

Findings

The results reveal that CG significantly enhances the firm value and performance measures. Moreover, CG mitigates the practices of earning management and eliminates the risk that develops opportunistic behavior among managers to commit frauds.

Practical implications

The results of this study suggest that the board of directors (BODs) should intensify their governance role and ensure that the executives perform their duties to maximize the wealth of the shareholders and not engage in any misrepresentation of accounts that may lower the company position and decrease the firm value. Moreover, the managers should be informed about their accountability and acknowledged that at the end of the year, they would be audited by an expert’s auditors for their responsibilities. Concerning regulatory bodies, regulatory authorities should ensure that there must be at least one independent member on the board. The better-governed system reduces both agency conflicts and enhances firm value.

Originality/value

A number of studies have already been undertaken by multiple investigators to build connection among CG with firm performance, but there is not even a single study in the literature that considers CG, firm value, firm Risk and discretionary earning management as a whole in one model to generalize its results in the emerging economy of Pakistan. A fundamental element of current analyzation process addresses that this is the very first graft of study conducted in Pakistan having combination of four variables together in one revision. There is minimal work that focuses on moderating effects of earning management on the CG-value and CG-risk relationships. This study uses two standard measures of firm performance (i.e. ROA and Tobin’s Q), one proxy of earning management (DEM) and three attributes of CG (board size, audit quality and ownership structure). Previously, researchers have not investigated a model that combines variables (CG as independent and Firm performance and Firm Risk as dependent along with DEM as moderator) in a single study.
LFOPI controller: a fractional order PI controller based load frequency control in two area multi-source interconnected power system
Authors: Sharma Deepesh , Yadav Naresh Kumar
Published: April 2020

Purpose

In computer application scenario, data mining task is rarely utilized in power system, as an enhanced part, this work presented data mining task in power systems, to overcome frequency deviation issues. Load frequency control (LFC) is a primary challenging problem in an interconnected multi-area power system.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts lion algorithm (LA) for the LFC of two area multi-source interconnected power systems. The LA calculates the optimal gains of the fractional order PI (FOPI) controller and hence the proposed LA-based FOPI controller (LFOPI) is developed.

Findings

For the performance analysis, the proposed algorithm compared with various algorithm is given as, 80.6% lesser than the FOPI algorithm, 2.5% lesser than the GWO algorithm, 2.5% lesser than the HSA algorithm, 4.7% lesser than the BBO algorithm, 1.6% lesser than PSO algorithm and 80.6% lesser than the GA algorithm.

Originality/value

The LFOPI controller is the proposed controlling method, which is nothing but the FOPI controller that gets the optimal gain using the LA. This method produces better performance in terms of converging behavior, optimization of controller gain, transient profile and steady-state response.
“Reinventing the wheel over and over again”. Organizational learning, memory and forgetting in doing diversity work
Authors: van den Brink Marieke
Published: April 2020

Purpose

One of the urgent questions in the field of diversity is the knowledge about effective diversity practices. This paper aims to advance our knowledge on organizational change toward diversity by combining concepts from diversity studies and organizational learning.

Design/methodology/approach

By employing a social practice approach to organizational learning, the author will be able to go beyond individual learning experiences of diversity practices but see how members negotiate the diversity knowledge and how they integrate their new knowledge in their day-to-day organizational norms and practices. The analysis draws on data collected during a longitudinal case study in a financial service organization in the Netherlands.

Findings

This study showed how collective learning practices took place but were insufficiently anchored in a collective memory. Change agents have the task to build “new” memory on diversity policies and gender inequality as well as to use organizational memory to enable diversity policies and practices to be implemented. The inability to create a community of practice impeded the change agenda.

Research limitations/implications

Future research could expand our knowledge on collective memory of knowledge on diversity further and focus on the way employees make use of this memory while doing diversity.

Practical implications

The current literature often tends to analyze the effectiveness of diversity practices as linear processes, which is insufficient to capture the complexity of a change process characterized with layers of negotiated and politicized forms of access to resources. The author would argue for more future work on nonlinear and process-based perspectives on organizational change.

Originality/value

The contribution is to the literature on diversity practices by showing how the lack of collective memory to “store” individual learning in the organization has proven to be a major problem in the management of diversity.
A novel simulation framework for crowd co-evolutions
Authors: Wang Kun , Sun Hongbo
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Evolution can be easily observed in nature world, and this phenomenon is a research hotspot no matter in natural science or social science. In crowd science and technology, evolutionary phenomenon exists also among many agents in crowd network systems. This kind of phenomenon is named as crowd co-evolutionary, which cannot be easily studied by most existing methods for its nonlinearity. This paper aims to proposes a novel simulation framework for co-evolution to discover improvements and behaviors of intelligent agents in crowd network systems.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper introduces a novel simulation framework for crowd co-evolutions. There are three roles and one scene in the crowd. The scene represented by a band-right to a ringless diagram. The three roles are unit, advisor and monitor. Units find path in the scene. Advisors give advice to units. Monitors supervise units’ behavior in the scene. Building a network among these three kinds member, influencing individual relationships through information exchange, and finally enable the individual to find the optimal path in the scene.

Findings

Through this simulation framework, one can record the behavior of an individual in a group, the reasons for the individual's behavior and the changes in the relationships of others in the group that cause the individual to do so. The speed at which an individual finds the optimal path can reflect the advantages and disadvantages of the relationship change function.

Originality/value

The framework provides a new way to study the evolution of inter-individual relationships in crowd networks. This framework takes the first-person perspective of members of the crowd-sourced network as the starting point. Through this framework, the user can design relationship evolution methods and mathematical models for the members of different roles, so as to verify that the level of public intelligence of the crowd network is actually the essence of the rationality of the membership relationship.
Architecture of innovative internship coaching models within US principal preparation programs
Authors: Kappler-Hewitt Kimberly , Von Dohlen Heidi , Weiler Jess , Fusarelli Bonnie , Zwadyk Barbara
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the architecture of internship coaching models from five innovative principal preparation programs in the Southeastern region of the USA. The researchers used coaching architecture in this context to include the assignment of coaches to interns, dosages, and enactment of evaluation and confidentiality.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers used a qualitative, collective case study research design that included semi-structured interviews of program directors and coaches from each of five programs, totaling 19 interviews that lasted from 30 min to an hour and 15 min each.

Findings

Commonalities among architectures of principal intern coaching designs included coaching assignment by geography, frequency and format of coaching sessions and length of the internship. All five programs recommend continuing coaching into initial years of administration. Points of distinction pertained to the utilization of external versus internal coaches, confidentiality and evaluation by coaches.

Research limitations/implications

This study may inform coaching models for principal preparation programs within similar contexts. Because all five programs are grant-funded within one US state, generalizability and transferability cannot be assumed.

Practical implications

The authors provide design considerations for coaching programs, as well as policy considerations and directions for future research.

Originality/value

While coaching is increasingly used in leadership preparation programs, there is a paucity of research regarding the nature of coaching models, especially in terms of their architecture. The researchers examine, compare, and contrast coaching model architecture, raising important considerations for coaching designs.
How consumer involvement influences beer flavour preferences
Authors: Calvo-Porral Cristina , Rivaroli Sergio , Orosa-Gonzalez Javier
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Much of the innovation in the beer sector has focussed on flavour, resulting in a proliferation of flavoured beers. In this paper, the understanding of consumers’ flavour preferences is a relevant question for the beer industry; however, little is known whether consumer involvement influences beer flavour preferences, and the purpose of the present study is directed to shed light on this area yet under-investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was conducted in Spain, where a total amount of 565 beer consumers were classified based on their level of involvement with beer. Data were analysed by analysis of variance, Tukey test, principal component analysis and multidimensional scaling (MDS) to examine consumers’ preferences for different beer flavours using a consumer hedonic approach based on like and dislike evaluation.

Findings

The findings support the existence of a homogeneous pattern in beer-flavour preferences, regardless of consumer involvement, showing a greater liking for conventional flavours. Further, highly involved consumers show a higher preference for unconventional or flamboyant beer flavours, than low or medium involved consumers.

Originality/value

Derived from the findings it can be stated that consumers do not accept all kinds of flavours and that their level of product involvement affects their flavour preferences.
Market power and allocative efficiency loss: a comparative analysis on China's tobacco and food industries
Authors: Dai Jiawu , Wang Xiuqing , Yuan Guang
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The effect of market power on allocative efficiency is one of the most important topics in industrial organization and has undergone rigorous investigation since the 1970s. However, empirical studies based on firm-level data are relatively rare, especially with regard to China's tobacco and food industries. Accordingly, this research measures market power and allocative efficiency loss (AEL) of the main tobacco and food industries in China with micro data at firm level. Subsequently, it conducts a comparative analysis on them.

Design/methodology/approach

This research applies the New Empirical Industrial Organization (NEIO) model, consisting of five pricing and demand simultaneous equations to measure market power, and the AEL model to measure AEL induced by market power. To match with the micro data at firm level, the study implements a change in the traditional NEIO model by abandoning the aggregating process.

Findings

Empirical results show that China's tobacco industry, among five sectors selected, has the largest market power and thus the highest degree of AEL, whereas other sectors have apparently smaller market power and lower levels of AEL. Comparative analysis demonstrates a coarse positive correlation between market power and AEL in the selected industries. In general, the results accord well with the existing empirical findings and the reality.

Research limitations/implications

This study has some deficiencies. First, owing to the limitation of high-quality data, the sectors analyzed in this research are insufficient to sum up all the characteristics and rules of China's whole food industry. Second, this research only analyzes seller market power and leaves out buyer market power, which could be a direction for future research.

Practical implications

The relevant administrations should strictly limit the monopoly behaviors of enterprises and establish a favorable and competitive market environment, especially for the tobacco industry. This suggestion is precisely an important content of China's Supply-side Reform.

Originality/value

The research improves the NEIO model in that it can be estimated with micro data at firm level. To the best knowledge of the authors, very few empirical and comparative analyses exist on market power and AEL for China's tobacco and food manufacturers using micro data.
Corporate governance and business innovation among listed Moroccan companies
Authors: Samlal Zoubida
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to clarify the relationship between corporate governance (GOV) and business innovation (INOV). Does it provide the empirical evidence of how different GOV mechanisms affect INOV within listed Moroccan companies?

Design/methodology/approach

The paper opted for a confirmatory quantitative study using a closed-ended questionnaire using a fifth-degree Likert scale. The questionnaire was administered to 54 listed Moroccan firms represented by their senior management having mainly a finance and economics background.

Findings

The paper provides empirical insights and evidence about how mechanisms of GOV impact INOV within listed Moroccan companies. It suggests that effective mechanisms of GOV foster and incubate INOV.

Research limitations/implications

There have been very empirical studies that investigate the relationship between GOV and innovation. As such, the authors’ conceptual framework relies more on the theoretical aspect of this subject than empirical one. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test the proposed propositions further.

Originality/value

A review of the few existing empirical studies shows mitigated results regarding the relation between GOV and innovation. The findings of this study show a significant positive relation between GOV and its mechanisms and INOV.