bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
K18-hACE2 mice develop respiratory disease resembling severe COVID-19
Authors: Yinda Claude Kwe , Port Julia R. , Bushmaker Trenton , Owusu Irene Offei , Avanzato Victoria A. , Fischer Robert J. , Schulz Jonathan E. , Holbrook Myndi G. , Hebner Madison J. , Rosenke Rebecca , Thomas Tina , Marzi Andrea , Best Sonja M. , de Wit Emmie , Shaia Carl , van Doremalen Neeltje , Munster Vincent J.
Published: August 2020

SARS-CoV-2 emerged in late 2019 and resulted in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Several animal models have been rapidly developed that recapitulate the asymptomatic to moderate disease spectrum. Now, there is a direct need for additional small animal models to study the pathogenesis of severe COVID-19 and for fast-tracked medical countermeasure development. Here, we show that transgenic mice expressing the human SARS-CoV-2 receptor (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 [hACE2]) under a cytokeratin 18 promoter (K18) are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 and that infection resulted in a dose-dependent lethal disease course. After inoculation with either 104TCID50or 105TCID50, the SARS-CoV-2 infection resulted in rapid weight loss in both groups and uniform lethality in the 105TCID50group. High levels of viral RNA shedding were observed from the upper and lower respiratory tract and intermittent shedding was observed from the intestinal tract. Inoculation with SARS-CoV-2 resulted in upper and lower respiratory tract infection with high infectious virus titers in nasal turbinates, trachea and lungs. The observed interstitial pneumonia and pulmonary pathology, with SARS-CoV-2 replication evident in pneumocytes, were similar to that reported in severe cases of COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 infection resulted in macrophage and lymphocyte infiltration in the lungs and upregulation of Th1 and proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines. Extrapulmonary replication of SARS-CoV-2 was observed in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus of several animals at 7 DPI but not at 3 DPI. The rapid inflammatory response and observed pathology bears resemblance to COVID-19. Taken together, this suggests that this mouse model can be useful for studies of pathogenesis and medical countermeasure development.

Authors Summary

The disease manifestation of COVID-19 in humans range from asymptomatic to severe. While several mild to moderate disease models have been developed, there is still a need for animal models that recapitulate the severe and fatal progression observed in a subset of patients. Here, we show that humanized transgenic mice developed dose-dependent disease when inoculated with SARS-CoV-2, the etiological agent of COVID-19. The mice developed upper and lower respiratory tract infection, with virus replication also in the brain after day 3 post inoculation. The pathological and immunological diseases manifestation observed in these mice bears resemblance to human COVID-19, suggesting increased usefulness of this model for elucidating COVID-19 pathogenesis further and testing of countermeasures, both of which are urgently needed.
Whole genome CRISPR screens identify a LRRK2-regulated pathway for extracellular tau uptake by human neurons
Authors: Evans Lewis D. , Strano Alessio , Tuck Eleanor , Campbell Ashley , Smith James , Hung Christy , Behr Tiana S. , Ghetti Bernardino , Ryskeldi-Falcon Benjamin , Karakoc Emre , Iorio Francesco , Reith Alastair , Bassett Andrew R. , Livesey Frederick J.
Published: August 2020

Extracellular release and cellular uptake of pathogenic forms of the microtubule-associated protein tau contribute to the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease. Defining the cellular mechanisms and pathways for tau entry to human neurons is essential to understanding tauopathy pathogenesis and the rational design of disease-modifying therapeutics. Whole genome CRISPR loss-of-function screens in human iPSC-derived excitatory neurons, the major neuronal cell type affected in these diseases, enabled the delineation of the different cellular pathways for uptake of extracellular monomeric and fibrillar tau. Monomeric and fibrillar tau are both taken up by human neurons by receptor-mediated endocytosis, but involve different routes of entry at the neuronal surface: the low-density lipoprotein LRP1 is the primary receptor for monomeric tau, but contributes less to fibrillar tau entry. Similarly, endocytosis of monomeric tau is dependent on the familial Parkinson’s disease gene LRRK2, but not required for endocytosis of fibrillar tau. These findings implicate LRP1 and LRRK2 in the pathogenesis of tauopathies and Parkinson’s disease and identify LRRK2 as a potential therapeutic target for altering progression of these diseases.
Dynamics of mutation accumulation and adaptation during three years of evolution under long-term stationary phase
Authors: Katz Sophia , Avrani Sarit , Yavneh Meitar , Hilau Sabrin , Gross Jonathan , Hershberg Ruth
Published: August 2020

Many bacterial species that cannot sporulate, such as the model bacteriumEscherichia coli, can nevertheless survive for years under resource exhaustion, in a state termed long-term stationary phase (LTSP). Here we describe the dynamics ofE. coliadaptation during the first three years spent under LTSP. We show that during this timeE. colicontinuously adapts genetically, through the accumulation of mutations. For non-mutator clones, the majority of mutations accumulated appear to be adaptive under LTSP, reflected in an extremely convergent pattern of mutation accumulation. Despite the rapid and convergent manner in which populations adapt under LTSP, they continue to harbor extensive genetic variation. The dynamics of evolution of mutation rates under LTSP are particularly interesting. The emergence of mutators, affects overall mutation accumulation rates as well as the mutational spectra and the ultimate spectrum of adaptive alleles acquired under LTSP. With time, mutators can evolve even higher mutation rates, through the acquisition of additional mutation-rate enhancing mutations. Different mutator and non-mutator clones within a single population and time point can display extreme variation in their mutation rates, resulting in differences in both the dynamics of adaptation and their associated deleterious burdens. Despite these differences, clones that vary greatly in their mutation rates tend to co-exist within their populations for many years, under LTSP.
Opposing activities of IFITM proteins in SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Shi Guoli , Kenney Adam D. , Kudryashova Elena , Zhang Lizhi , Hall-Stoodley Luanne , Robinson Richard T. , Kudryashov Dmitri S. , Compton Alex A. , Yount Jacob S.
Published: August 2020

Interferon-induced transmembrane proteins (IFITMs) restrict infections by many viruses, but a subset of IFITMs enhance infections by specific coronaviruses through currently unknown mechanisms. Here we show that SARS-CoV-2 Spike-pseudotyped virus and genuine SARS-CoV-2 infections are generally restricted by expression of human IFITM1, IFITM2, and IFITM3, using both gain- and loss-of-function approaches. Mechanistically, restriction of SARS-CoV-2 occurred independently of IFITM3S-palmitoylation sites, indicating a restrictive capacity that is distinct from reported inhibition of other viruses. In contrast, the IFITM3 amphipathic helix and its amphipathic properties were required for virus restriction. Mutation of residues within the human IFITM3 endocytosis-promoting YxxΦ motif converted human IFITM3 into an enhancer of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and cell-to-cell fusion assays confirmed the ability of endocytic mutants to enhance Spike-mediated fusion with the plasma membrane. Overexpression of TMPRSS2, which reportedly increases plasma membrane fusion versus endosome fusion of SARS-CoV-2, attenuated IFITM3 restriction and converted amphipathic helix mutants into strong enhancers of infection. In sum, these data uncover new pro- and anti-viral mechanisms of IFITM3, with clear distinctions drawn between enhancement of viral infection at the plasma membrane and amphipathicity-based mechanisms used for endosomal virus restriction. Indeed, the net effect of IFITM3 on SARS-CoV-2 infections may be a result of these opposing activities, suggesting that shifts in the balance of these activities could be coopted by viruses to escape this important first line innate defense mechanism.
Closely related budding yeast species respond to different ecological signals for spore activation
Authors: Plante Samuel , Landry Christian R
Published: August 2020

Spore activation is one of the most important developmental decisions in fungi as it initiates the transition from dormant and stress resistant cells to vegetative cells. Because in many species mating follows spore activation and germination, signals that trigger this developmental transition can also contribute to species reproductive barriers. Here we examine the biochemical signals triggering spore activation in a natural species complex of budding yeast,Saccharomyces paradoxus(lineagesSpA, SpB, SpCandSpC*). We first demonstrate that we can quantitatively monitor spore activation in these closely related lineages. Second, we dissect the composition of culture media to identify components necessary and/or sufficient to activate spores in the four lineages. We show that, contrary to expectation, glucose is necessary but not sufficient to trigger spore activation. We also show that two of the North American lineages (SpCandSpC*) diverge from the other North American (SpB) and European (SpA) lineages in terms of germination signal as their spore activation requires inorganic phosphate. Our results show that the way budding yeast interpret environmental conditions during spore activation diverged among closely related and incipient species, which means that it may play a role in their ecological differentiation and reproductive isolation.
Up-Regulation of αCaMKII Impairs Cued Fear Extinction and NMDAR-Dependent LTD in the Lateral Amygdala
Authors: An Shuming , Wang Jiayue , Zhang Xuliang , Duan Yanhong , Lv Junyan , Wang Dasheng , Zhang Huan , Richter-Levin Gal , Caoa Xiaohua
Published: August 2020

Impaired fear extinction is one of the hallmark symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The roles of αCaMKII have been not extensively studied in fear extinction and LTD. Here, we found PTSD susceptible mice exhibited significant up-regulation of αCaMKII in the lateral amygdala (LA). Consistently, increasing αCaMKII in LA profoundly not only caused PTSD-like symptoms such as impaired fear extinction and anxiety-like behaviors, but also attenuated NMDAR-dependent LTD at thalamo-LA synapses, reduced GluA1-Ser845/Ser831 dephosphorylation and AMPAR internalization. Suppressing the elevated αCaMKII to normal level could completely reverse both PTSD-like symptoms and the impairments in LTD, GluA1-Ser845/Ser831 dephosphorylation and AMPAR internalization. Intriguingly, deficits in AMPAR internalization and GluA1-Ser845/Ser831 dephosphorylation were detected not only after impaired fear extinction, but also after attenuated LTD Our results demonstrate for the first time GluA1-Ser845/Ser831 dephosphorylation and AMPAR internalization are molecular links between LTD and fear extinction, and suggest αCaMKII may be a potential molecular determinant of PTSD.
Targeting KRAS-mutant stomach/colorectal tumours by disrupting the ERK2-p53 complex
Authors: Wang Xiang , Xie Qing , Ji Yan , Shen Jiayan , Zhang Yongfeng , Jiang Feng , Kong Xiangyin , Liu Dandan , Zheng Leizhen , Qing Chen , Lang Jing-Yu
Published: August 2020

KRAS is widely mutated in human cancers, resulting in nearly unchecked tumour proliferation and metastasis. No therapies have been developed for targeting KRAS-mutant tumours. Herein, we observed that mutant KRAS specifically promoted the formation of ERK2-p53 complex in stomach/colorectal tumour cells. Disruption of this complex by applying MEK1/2 and ERK2 inhibitors elicits strong apoptotic responses in a p53-dependent manner, validated by genome-wide knockout screening. Mechanistically, p53 physically associates with phosphorylated ERK2 through the hydrophobic interaction in the presence of mutant KRAS, which suppresses p53 activation by preventing the recruitment of p300/CBP; trametinib disrupts the ERK2-p53 complex by reducing ERK2 phosphorylation, allowing the acetylation of p53 protein by recruiting p300/CBP; acetylated p53 activates PUMA transcription and thereby kills KRAS-mutant tumours. Our study unveils an important role of the ERK2-p53 complex and provides a potential therapeutic strategy for treating KRAS-mutant cancer via ERK2 inhibition.
A non-invasive method to generate induced pluripotent stem cells from primate urine
Authors: Geuder Johanna , Ohnuki Mari , Wange Lucas E. , Janjic Aleksandar , Bagnoli Johannes W. , Müller Stefan , Kaul Artur , Enard Wolfgang
Published: August 2020

Comparing the molecular and cellular properties among primates is crucial to better understand human evolution and biology. However, it is difficult or ethically even impossible to collect matched tissues from many primates, especially during development. An alternative is to model different cell types and their development using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). These can be generated from many tissue sources, but non-invasive sampling would decisively broaden the spectrum of non-human primates that can be investigated. Here, we report the generation of primate iPSCs from urine samples. We first validate and optimize the procedure using human urine samples and show that Sendai virus transduction of reprogramming factors into urinary cells efficiently generates integration-free iPSCs, which maintain their pluripotency under feeder-free culture conditions. We demonstrate that this method is also applicable to gorilla and orangutan urinary cells isolated from a non-sterile zoo floor. We characterize the urinary cells, iPSCs and derived neural progenitor cells using karyotyping, immunohistochemistry, differentiation assays and RNA-sequencing. We show that the urine-derived human iPSCs are indistinguishable from well characterized PBMC-derived human iPSCs and that the gorilla and orangutan iPSCs are well comparable to the human iPSCs. In summary, this study introduces a novel and efficient approach to generate iPSCs non-invasively from primate urine. This will allow to extend the zoo of species available for a comparative approach to molecular and cellular phenotypes.

Graphical Abstract

Workflow overview for establishing iPSCs from primate urine

(A)We established the protocol for human urine based on a previous description (Zhou 2012). We tested volume, storage and culture conditions for primary cells and compared reprogramming by overexpression of OCT3/4, SOX2, KLF4 and MYC (OSKM) via lipofection of episomal vectors and via transduction of a sendai virus derived vector (SeV).(B)We used the the protocol established in humans and adapted it for unsterile floor-collected samples from non-human primates by adding Normocure to the first passages of primary cell culture and reprogrammed visually healthy and uncontaminated cultures using SeV.(C)Pluripotency of established cultures was verified by marker expression, differentiation capacity and cell type classification using RNA sequencing.
Role of entrepreneurial education in nurturing entrepreneurial orientation among engineering students
Authors: Nair Sujiv , Sundar Sushmitha , Mangadu Paramasivam Ganesh
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand whether entrepreneurial education imbibes entrepreneurial orientation (EO) among engineering students. The authors wanted to test whether students’ performance in the Technology Entrepreneurship Programme (TEP) influences the propensity of entrepreneurial firms to hire them.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was collected from 1,296 students who were enrolled with the two-year TEP during the academic year 2016–2018 using structured questionnaires. Multinomial and Ordinary Least Squares regressions were used to examine the hypotheses.

Findings

The findings of this study suggest that superior student performance in the programme is positively correlated with the students being hired by entrepreneurial firms.

Practical implications

This study identifies aspects of EO that relates with employability. The positive relationship found between student performance in the programme and chances of getting hired insists on the need to inculcate entrepreneurial values among students at the college level. The findings will also provide valuable insights for graduate entrepreneurs, policymakers, corporates and educators on multiple dimensions for customizing EO among students during their study at college level.

Originality/value

The authors used a live intervention titled TEP as empirical context to explore how training in entrepreneurial, design and management concepts influences EO. The authors also tracked the success of the programme through actual job offers made to the participants of the programme.
Problematising history in the public relations curriculum
Authors: Fitch Kate , L'Etang Jacquie
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to begin a conversation about historicising the public relations (PR) curriculum in universities.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses PR history and historiography to identify the underlying ideological and methodological influences. It considers scholarship on PR education, and the inclusion or, more often, the exclusion of history except where it serves to reinforce a narrative of steady, and apparently unproblematic, professional development. The paper reviews the presentation of history in textbooks and discusses the authors' experiences of teaching PR history. The paper concludes with a discussion of how the inclusion of history in the PR curriculum offers an important critical intervention in PR education.

Findings

The PR curriculum tends to meet industry expectations around practice and skills in order to develop students as future practitioners. But this paper argues that a more historical and historiographical understanding of PR can develop in students important skills in research, analysis and interpretation. It can also introduce students to working with ambiguity and alternate perspectives. Foregrounding new histories and challenging existing histories introduce students to richer and more complex understandings of PR. It also introduces students to epistemology and ethics, and therefore offers a way to introduce critical thinking into the curriculum.

Originality/value

A more historical understanding of PR develops student skills in research, analysis and interpretation as well as critical thinking.
41-bis prison regime (Italy): leave no one behind during COVID-19
Authors: Logar Silvia , Leese Maggie
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to provide an overview of the Italian Ministry of Justice response to COVID-19 in Italian prisons, with particular focus on the conditions of super-maximum security (supermax) prisoners.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is presented in the form of viewpoint and involves the reconciliation of peer-reviewed publications, technical documents and experts’ opinions.

Findings

The paper poses critical challenges on the risk of social inequalities and substandard of care for supermax prisoners.

Research limitations/implications

Because the COVID-19 emergency represents an evolving situation, the research describes an instantaneous scenario of the problem, possibly subjected to further dynamics.

Practical implications

The paper rises relevant challenges in terms of equalities and human rights, which should be considered by policymakers.

Social implications

The research highlights the importance of the health protection for supermax prisoners during COVID-19 as it is a State responsibility.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the paper contributes to the development of subsequent studies on the topic owing to its unique knowledge that was so far not available from previous research.
Norms, consumer social responsibility and fair trade product purchase intention
Authors: Wang Edward Shih-Tse , Chou Chih-Feng
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Although the relationships between subjective norms, personal norms, consumer social responsibility and consumer attitude have been studied, the direct or indirect relationships that potentially exist between these factors influencing consumer purchase intention remain unclear. Because attracting consumers to purchase fair trade (FT) products is fundamental to the success of the FT movement, the study introduced a theoretical framework that emphasizes the mediating role of personal norms and consumer attitude towards FT product purchases in the effects of subjective norms and consumer social responsibility on consumer purchase intention towards FT products.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 398 university students; structural equation modelling was applied to analyse the data. Mediation analysis was also performed to determine potential direct or indirect relationships between factors.

Findings

The results revealed that subjective norms and responsibility to support FT products affect personal norms and attitude towards purchasing such products, which in turn influenced consumer purchase intention toward purchasing these products. Personal norms partially mediate the influence of subjective norms and consumer social responsibility on attitudes towards purchasing FT products. By contrast, the consumer attitude fully mediates the effects of subjective norms, consumer social responsibility and personal norms on purchase intentions towards FT products.

Originality/value

Because consumer purchasing is critical to the success of the FT movement and to achieving the UN's SDGs, this study helps FT marketers to better understand the effects of subjective norms and consumer social responsibility on consumer behavioural intentions and to develop effective marketing and promotion strategies for increasing consumer purchase intention.
Analysis of turbulence and blocking effects on loading capacity for elementary texture cells of infinite width under water lubrication
Authors: Wang Yujun , Li Qiang , Zhang Shuo , Tang Xinhao , Xu Weiwei , Wang Zhenbo
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The loading mechanism of textures considering turbulence has not been fully covered. This paper aims to investigate the effect of turbulence on the textured loading capacity under water lubrication and to analyze the causes of the turbulence effect.

Design/methodology/approach

Computational fluid dynamic models with different textured shapes are established after validation. The transition shear stress transport (SST) model, which is suitable for predicting the transition process of fluid from laminar state to turbulent state, is adopted in the present study. To illustrate the effect of turbulence, the loading capacity of textures predicted by transition SST model and laminar model is compared.

Findings

The loading capacity is higher after considering turbulence because more lubricant enters into textures and the flow rate of lubricant to textured outlet increases. There exists an optimal textured depth ratio and density for loading capacity and the change of flow state would not affect the optimal values. The degree of fluid blockage at textured outlet has a dominant influence on loading capacity. As the textured shape changes to triangle or ellipse from rectangle, the vortices at the textured bottom move forward and the blockage at a textured outlet is enhanced, which makes loading capacity improved under the action of blocking effect.

Originality/value

The enhancement of the blocking effect is found to be crucial to the improvement of textured loading capacity after considering turbulence. Present research provides references to understand the loading mechanism of textures under turbulent conditions.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-04-2020-0149/
The effect of contract completeness on knowledge leakages in collaborative construction projects: a moderated mediation study
Authors: Fawad Sharif Sayed Muhammad , Naiding Yang , Xu Yan , Rehman Atiq ur
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Organizational networking has been acclaimed as a useful tool for knowledge transfer. However, the demerit associated with knowledge transfer is the leakage of commercially valuable information/knowledge. The purpose of this paper is to empirically establish a useful framework for helping collaborative projects reduce potential knowledge leakages.

Design/methodology/approach

The study applies a hybrid methodology to collect data. Postulates are tested through SPSS 23 and Process Macro 3.0 model 7.

Findings

The study finds that knowledge leakage is negatively influenced by contract completeness. Contract completeness has a positive effect on trust and a negative effect on distrust. Partner’s learning intent moderates the relationship of contract completeness with trust and distrust. Trust and distrust negatively mediate the relationship between contract completeness and knowledge leakage.

Research limitations/implications

The study contributes to the theories of information processing and knowledge management by empirically stating how contract completeness, an organizational structure, supports knowledge management under the influence of partner’s opportunism. The study sees positivism in distrust and explains how practitioners maintain an observatory eye on partner’s opportunism by virtue of distrust ultimately adding value to the distrust literature.

Originality/value

The conceptual framework is novel because this is the first attempt to investigate the moderation effect of partner’s opportunism on the relationship of contract completeness and relational factors; and the mediation effects of trust and distrust between contract completeness and knowledge leakage.
Benefits or costs? The effects of diversification with cross-industry knowledge on corporate value under crisis situation
Authors: Li Zhi , Wei Jiuchang , Marinova Dora Vasileva , Tian Jingjing
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the explanations of “information effect” and “agency effect” of corporate diversification with cross-industry knowledge under a crisis situation.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on an event study of 203 public companies’ crises in China between 2008 and 2018, the authors verify the information and agency effects of corporate diversification under a crisis situation by, respectively, examining the effects of interactions of corporate unrelated diversification with corporate transparency and knowledge deficiency attribution on the stock market’s responses to the crises.

Findings

It is found that corporate unrelated diversification serves as a buffer in protecting firm value while attribution of knowledge deficiency can be a burden. The buffering effect is stronger when the corporate transparency is higher but weaker when the crisis is attributed to be caused by corporate tacit knowledge deficiency.

Practical implications

Unrelated diversified firms should strengthen information communication with stakeholders so as to break down the stakeholders’ cross-industry knowledge barriers, and thus protect their own value at the crisis’ onset. Also, they can further buffer the loss by reducing stakeholders’ perceptions of the corporate tacit knowledge deficiency revealed in the crisis.

Originality/value

This study is the first to illustrate that the information and agency effects of corporate diversification strategy can be partially explained under a crisis situation, which provides meaningful insights about how firms can conduct knowledge management in their daily operations to deal better with corporate crises.
Proliferation of social media in academic libraries: use of WhatsApp as a platform for providing library services
Authors: Chaputula Aubrey Harvey , Abdullah Hamis , Mwale Brave
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This study investigated the use of WhatsApp as the platform for providing services at Mzuzu University Library in Malawi.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews with five librarians that were either working or had worked at the reference desk for a period of not less than six months. Furthermore, the researchers did a content analysis of WhatsApp posts from the two tablet computers deployed at the reference desk. Qualitative data were analysed thematically, while the quantitative data were analysed using scientific calculators.

Findings

Findings revealed that WhatsApp has successfully been used to provide a number of user and reference services to students and staff. Notwithstanding this, a number of technical, human resource and service-related factors were discovered to be affecting the delivery of services and hence need to be addressed. It is therefore recommended that library management should take steps to address these challenges to ensure efficient and effective service delivery.

Practical implications

WhatsApp is one of the most popular social media applications that is deployed by many people including organisations at minimal cost in many countries. This makes it an ideal platform for offering information services to library clients on campus and remote places around the clock. Consequently, this could lead to increased usage of resources and services resulting in greater satisfaction among users.

Originality/value

Studies focussing on the use of WhatsApp for academic purposes in Malawi abound in the literature. However, this is the first study focussing on the use of WhatsApp for providing library reference services to be undertaken not only at Mzuzu University Library but the entire academic library sector in Malawi.
Responsible leadership an obstacle for turnover intention
Authors: Yasin Raheel , Namoco Sarah Obsequio , Jauhar Junaimah , Abdul Rahim Noor Fareen , Zia Najam Ul
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the extent to which ethical climate mediates between responsible leadership and employee turnover intention.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used the deductive logic approach to develop hypotheses and analytical framework. Data were collected through convenience sampling technique from branch-level employees of the Bank of Punjab Pakistan working in Lahore, Gujranwala and Gujrat Region. Data were analyzed to test the hypotheses via descriptive analysis and structural equation modeling using SPSS and Smart PLS.

Findings

Results confirmed a significant positive association between responsible leadership and ethical climate and a negative association between ethical climate and employee turnover intention. Furthermore, results also confirmed the mediating role of ethical climate between responsible leadership and turnover intention.

Practical implications

This study enhances the existing literature regarding responsible leadership, ethical climate and turnover intention. It also helps professionals to review their policies.

Originality/value

The theoretical contribution of this paper lies in exploring the relationship between responsible leadership and ethical climate. The current study empirically examined the mediating role of an ethical climate between responsible leadership and employee turnover. It contributes also to the literature regarding responsible leadership, ethical climate and turnover intention.
A journey of learning organization in social science: interview with Silvia Gherardi
Authors: Cuel Roberta
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to attempt to provide an overview of the valuable scientific contribution on learning organization in social science from the perspectives of Professor Silvia Gherardi and discusses the evolution of Silvia’s work over her long career.

Design/methodology/approach

With the collaboration of this leading scholar, Professor Silvia Gherardi, this paper investigates several topics pertaining to the debate on Learning Organization and provides a unique perspective on the development of these theories.

Findings

Starting from the Italian perspective, in which knowledge and learning are mainly social and cultural phenomena, the paper focuses on Professor Silvia Gherardi’s contribution to the emerging area of practice-based theorizing of knowing and learning in organizations.

Originality/value

In the light of different epistemological approaches and views, the discussion with Professor Silvia Gherardi reveals her practice-based perspective. She proposes a historical analysis of the evolution of the Learning Organization debate, thus providing fertile ground for both researchers and practitioners.
Movement rules determine nomadic species' responses to resource supplementation and degradation
Authors: Teitelbaum Claire S. , Altizer Sonia , Hall Richard J.
Published: August 2020

In environments that vary unpredictably, many animals are nomadic, moving in an irregular pattern that differs from year to year. Exploring the mechanisms of nomadic movement is needed to understand how animals survive in highly variable environments, and to predict behavioural and population responses to environmental change.

We developed a network model to identify plausible mechanisms of nomadic animal movement by comparing the performance of multiple movement rules along a continuum from nomadism to residency. Using simulations and analytical results, we explored how different types of habitat modifications (that augment or decrease resource availability) might affect the abundance and movement rates of animals following each of these rules.

Movement rules for which departure from patches depended on resource availability and/or competition performed almost equally well and better than residency or uninformed movement under most conditions, even though animals using each rule moved at substantially different rates. Habitat modifications that stabilized resources, either by resource supplementation or degradation, eroded the benefits of informed nomadic movements, particularly for movements based on resource availability alone.

These results suggest that simple movement rules can explain nomadic animal movements and determine species’ responses to environmental change. In particular, landscape stabilization and supplementation might be useful strategies for promoting populations of resident animals, but would be less beneficial for managing highly mobile species, many of which are threatened by habitat disruption and changes in climate.
‘Latent reserves’: A hidden treasure in National Forest Inventories
Authors: Portier Jeanne , Wunder Jan , Stadelmann Golo , Zell Jürgen , Abegg Meinrad , Thürig Esther , Rohner Brigitte
Published: August 2020

In a Europe shaped by centuries of forest management, the task of today's scientists in characterising, understanding and modelling natural forests is highly challenging. Although numerous forest reserves exist, most remain hardly comparable case studies. Contrarily, National Forest Inventories (NFIs) consist of systematically distributed sample plots with varying time since last intervention and provide representative data. These characteristics make NFIs a unique opportunity to investigate hidden natural forests.

Here we propose using NFI plots free of human influence for >40 to >70 years (‘latent reserves’) to conduct large‐scale studies on near‐natural forests. We tested this original concept in Swiss forests. We characterised compositional and structural attributes of ‘latent reserves’ and compared them with those of managed forests to assess whether the former demonstrated more signs of naturalness than the latter. As an example of an application, we analysed the tree‐ and stand‐level factors affecting natural tree mortality in ‘latent reserves’.

Up to 15.3% of Swiss NFI plots fulfilled the criteria of ‘latent reserves’, and most of these plots were distributed at mid‐ to high elevations where accessibility and management opportunities are limited. ‘Latent reserves’ showed more signs of naturalness than managed forests—a higher proportion of broadleaves, higher mortality rates, higher stand density and more deadwood. However, their size structure and basal area did not differ from those of managed forests, most likely because of a lower site productivity. Although ‘latent reserves’ were transitioning towards a natural state, more time without management might be required for these forests to become fully detached from the effects of past management, especially at high elevations. Mortality analyses in ‘latent reserves’ showed that species‐specific tree mortality had a U‐shaped response to tree size, was negatively related to tree growth and was higher when competition was stronger.

Synthesis. Our findings demonstrate the potential of ‘latent reserves’ to study near‐natural forests at the country level, and point to further opportunities for larger‐scale collaborations. Investigating ‘latent reserves’ represents a first step towards a deeper understanding of such forests using existing long‐term data and shows promise for further research in Europe.
Depuration processes affect the Vibrio community in the microbiota of the Manila clam, Ruditapes philippinarum
Authors: Zampieri Angela , Carraro Lisa , Cardazzo Barbara , Milan Massimo , Babbucci Massimiliano , Smits Morgan , Boffo Luciano , Fasolato Luca
Published: August 2020

As filter‐feeders, bivalve molluscs accumulate Vibrio into edible tissues. Consequently, an accurate assessment of depuration procedures and the characterization of the persistent Vibrio community in depurated shellfish represent a key issue to guarantee food safety in shellfish products. The present study investigated changes in the natural Vibrio community composition of the Ruditapes philippinarum microbiota with specific focus on human pathogenic species. For this purpose, the study proposed a MLSA‐NGS approach (rRNA 16S, recA and pyrH) for the detection and identification of Vibrio species. Clam microbiota were analysed before and after depuration procedures performed in four depuration plants, using culture‐dependent and independent approaches. Microbiological counts and NGS data revealed differences in terms of both contamination load and Vibrio community between depuration plants. The novel MLSA‐NGS approach allowed for a clear definition of the Vibrio species specific to each depuration plant. Specifically, depurated clam microbiota showed presence of human pathogenic species. Ozone treatments and the density of clams in the depuration tank probably influenced the level of contamination and the Vibrio community composition. The composition of Vibrio community specific to each plant should be carefully evaluated during the risk assessment to guarantee a food‐safe shellfish‐product for the consumer.
Peer‐based comparison and firms' discretionary cost decisions
Authors: Van Caneghem Tom , Aerts Walter , Madadian Oveis
Published: August 2020

This study investigates whether firms engage in peer‐based benchmarking in their decision‐making regarding selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) for a large sample of U.S. listed firms. Peer‐based comparison relates to comparing own performance against the performance of a meaningful reference group of other firms. SG&A are to a large extent discretionary, but optimal levels of (relative) SG&A are hard to assess. Based on the behavioural theory of the firm and institutional theory, we argue that peer‐based comparison is likely to be an important input to managers' SG&A decision processes. Results show that peer‐based comparison significantly drives changes in firms' reported SG&A. In addition, the effect of peer‐based comparison is found to depend on the firm's life cycle stage. Findings further indicate that peer‐based comparison has a significantly stronger effect in reference groups characterised by high(er) SG&A similarity. Results are robust to using several industry classification systems, as well as, multiple approaches to identify firm life cycles.
Lesson‐Drawing from New Zealand and Covid‐19: The Need for Anticipatory Policy Making
Authors: Mazey Sonia , Richardson Jeremy
Published: August 2020

The Covid‐19 pandemic has seen most governments worldwide having to think on their feet rather than implementing detailed and well‐rehearsed plans. This is notwithstanding the fact that a pandemic was bound to happen, sooner or later (and will happen again). The effectiveness of national responses has varied enormously. Globally, New Zealand has been perceived as setting the gold standard in ‘curve crushing’, and for a short period achieved Covid‐free status. For this achievement, much credit is due to the New Zealand government, especially to Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern. However, post‐lockdown the New Zealand government has encountered a number of Covid policy implementation problems (many of which could have been anticipated). Nevertheless, Covid‐19 might still turn out to have been a seismic shock to existing policy processes and policy frames (such as austerity). If so, there are grounds for hope that in the future, governments and voters might be less short‐term in their outlook. Perhaps anticipatory, rather than reactive policy making, might become more fashionable?
Mistakes in Algorithmic Trading of Cryptocurrencies
Authors: Loke Alexander
Published: August 2020

How should the doctrine of unilateral mistake apply when a programming error results in a buyer's algorithmic trading programme accepting an offer generated by the seller's trading programme to exchange cryptocurrencies at 250 times the current market rate? How should the knowledge element be adapted given that algorithmic trading necessarily means that the traders’ minds were not engaged at the moment the contract was formed? These novel issues came before the Singapore Court of Appeal in Quoine Pte Ltd v B2C2 Ltd. The decision further cautions customers of cryptocurrency exchanges not to assume that they have property rights in the cryptocurrencies held by the exchange and to examine carefully the nature of asset holding arrangement found in the documentation.
Psychosexual distress following routine primary human papillomavirus testing: a longitudinal evaluation within the English Cervical Screening Programme
Authors: Bennett KF , Waller J , McBride E , Forster AS , Di Gessa G , Kitchener H , Marlow LAV
Published: August 2020

Objective

To assess psychosexual distress over a 12‐month period among women receiving different human papillomavirus (HPV) and cytology results in the context of the English HPV primary screening pilot.

Design

Longitudinal, between‐group study.

Setting

Five sites in England where primary HPV testing was piloted.

Population

Women aged 24–65 years (n = 1133) who had taken part in the NHS Cervical Screening Programme.

Methods

Women were sent a postal questionnaire soon after receiving their screening results (baseline) and 6 and 12 months later. Data were analysed using linear regression models to compare psychosexual outcomes between groups receiving six possible combinations of HPV and cytology screening results, including a control group with normal cytology and no HPV test.

Main outcome measures

Psychosexual distress, assessed using six items from the Psychosocial Effects of Abnormal Pap Smears Questionnaire (PEAPS‐Q).

Results

At all time points, there was an association between screening result group and psychosexual distress (all P < 0.001). At baseline, mean psychosexual distress score (possible range: 1–5) was significantly higher among women with HPV and normal cytology (B = 1.15, 95% CI 0.96–1.34), HPV and abnormal cytology (B = 1.02, 95% CI: 0.78–1.27) and persistent HPV (B = 0.90, 95% CI 0.70–1.10) compared with the control group (all P < 0.001). At the 6 and 12 month follow ups the pattern of results were similar, but coefficients were smaller.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest receiving an HPV‐positive result can cause psychosexual distress, particularly in the short‐term. Developing interventions to minimise the psychosexual burden of testing HPV‐positive will be essential to avoid unnecessary harm to the millions of women taking part in cervical screening.

Tweetable abstract

Receiving an HPV‐positive result following primary HPV testing can cause psychosexual distress, particularly in the short‐term.
Examining the Effects of Zero‐Dollar Unemployment Payment Sanctions*
Authors: Wright Andrew , Dollery Brian , Kortt Michael , Leu Shawn
Published: August 2020

Existing evidence has demonstrated that sanctions affect unemployment payment recipients’ behaviour. However, in addition to financial impacts, sanction application includes administrative processes. This study examines a feature of Australian unemployment benefits, whereby jobseekers not meeting requirements may face a zero‐dollar sanction (termed suspension). The results indicate a strong behavioural response, with previously suspended jobseekers 13.1 percentage points more likely to attend their next appointment. Further, ongoing behavioural change was observed, even for jobseekers with a history of previous non‐compliance. This suggests temporary payment suspension and associated administrative processes are effective at securing behavioural change, without the need for lasting financial impact.
Fabrication and characterization of a promising oregano‐extract/psyllium‐seed mucilage edible film for food packaging
Authors: Hajivand Pegah , Aryanejad Sara , Akbari Iman , Hemmati Azadeh
Published: August 2020

Herein, Psyllium‐seed mucilage (PSM) and oregano extract (OE) were incorporated into the design of a promising, biodegradable, and antimicrobial edible film to enhance the shelf life of food. Various OE‐PSM films with different concentrations of OE, PSM, and glycerol, as a plasticizer, were fabricated. Further physicochemical, mechanical, and structural studies demonstrated an enhancement in the films' thickness, extensibility, and water‐related properties (excluding water vapor permeability [WVP]) by increasing the glycerol and OE content. Also, the final OE‐PSM films presented a bit yellow and opaque appearance. The effectiveness of fabricated films against microbial attacks was confirmed by the in vitro zone of inhibition measurement against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, almost 118 and 77 mm, respectively. In addition, the efficiency of films on the extension of the postharvest lifetime of strawberries to 16 days was optically approved by determining the coated strawberries decay. All mentioned above confirmed the potential of the developed OE‐PSM as a promising edible film.

Practical Application

Recently, new technology and materials have prompted to meet the consumers' demand for healthier and safer food. To support this claim, we developed a productive edible film (plasticized OE‐PSM film) which showed acceptable biodegradability, mechanical stability, water resistance, and antimicrobial efficiency. The unique properties of this edible film have made it a promising film, which is not only potent to extend the shelf life of food products, leading to facilitate the commercialization activities, but also inexpensive and more available over the traditional synthetic ones. These properties turn this film to a productive candidate, deserve to be implemented by the food and agricultural industries.