bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterizing the frequency of non-allelic homologous recombination (NAHR) on the human X chromosome (Xq28) using digital inverted PCR
Authors: Bierwert Lou Ann , Bryce Samantha , Merritt Robert B.
Published: April 2020

Little is currently known about the rates at which non-allelic homologous recombination (NAHR) occurs. However, most current research suggests that NAHR is rare. Previous work by Small, et al (1998), examined an inversion polymorphism on the long arm of the X-chromosome, involving two genes (FLNAandEMD), and determined the frequency of the two gene arrangements in a group of European individuals. Here we quantify the rate at which the causal NAHR, in inverted repeats flanking theFLNAandEMDgenes, occurs in meiosis using digital PCR of sperm samples, with male cheek cells as controls. NAHR was documented in all samples, including the cheek cell samples at a mean recombination rate of 1.8%, indicating that NAHR occurs much more frequently than initially believed, and appears to be occurring in mitosis. The increase in NAHR frequency in spermatogenesis is not significant leaving in question NAHR occurrence in meiosis. This study reveals a more accurate way to quantitate NAHR, serving as an important first step in better understanding various NAHR-associated diseases.

Author Summary

We sought to more accurately quantitate and characterize NAHR at a site at the end of the long arm of the X chromosome that contains a set of inverted repeats flanking two genes,filaminandemerin. We determined that NAHR is happening far more frequently than previously thought, and in this case unequally, depending on the direction of the inversion. We speculate on the possibility of local adaptation playing a role in this. These high-resolution results were obtained by modifying a previously published assay which can be easily adapted to other inversions. This could be especially helpful in studying those NAHR inversions related to disease.
Lathosterol oxidase (sterol C5-desaturase) deletion confers resistance to amphotericin B and sensitivity to acidic stress inLeishmania major
Authors: Ning Yu , Frankfater Cheryl , Hsu Fong-Fu , Soares Rodrigo P. , Cardoso Camila A. , Nogueira Paula M. , Lander Noelia Marina , Docampo Roberto , Zhang Kai
Published: April 2020

Lathosterol oxidase (LSO) catalyzes the formation of C5-C6 double bond in the synthesis of various types of sterols in mammals, fungi, plants and protozoa. InLeishmaniaparasites, mutations inLSOor other sterol biosynthetic genes are associated with amphotericin B resistance. To investigate the biological roles of sterol C5-C6 desaturation, we generated aLSO-null mutant line (lso–) inLeishmania major, the causative agent for cutaneous leishmaniasis.Lso–parasites lacked the ergostane-based sterols commonly found in wild typeL. majorand instead accumulated equivalent sterol species without the C5-C6 double bond. These mutant parasites were replicative in culture and displayed heightened resistance to amphotericin B. However, they survived poorly after reaching the maximal density and were highly vulnerable to the membrane-disrupting detergent Triton X-100. In addition,lso–mutants showed defects in regulating intracellular pH and were hypersensitive to acidic conditions. They also had potential alteration in the carbohydrate composition of lipophosphoglycan, a membrane-bound virulence factor inLeishmania. All these defects inlso–were corrected upon the restoration of LSO expression. Together, these findings suggest that the C5-C6 double bond is vital for the structure of sterol core, and while the loss of LSO can lead to amphotericin B resistance, it also makesLeishmaniaparasites vulnerable to biologically relevant stress.

IMPORTANCE

Sterols are essential membrane components in eukaryotes and sterol synthesis inhibitors can have potent effects against pathogenic fungi and trypanosomatids. Understanding the roles of sterols will facilitate the development of new drugs and counter drug resistance. Lathosterol oxidase (aka sterol C5-desaturase) is required for the formation of C5-C6 double bond in the sterol core structure in mammals, fungi, protozoans, plants and algae. Functions of this C5-C6 double bond are not well understood. In this study, we generated and characterized a lathosterol oxidase-null mutant inLeishmania major. Our data suggest that the C5-C6 double bond is vital for the structure and membrane-stabilizing functions of leishmanial sterols. In addition, our results imply that while mutations in lathosterol oxidase can confer resistance to amphotericin B, an important antifungal and antiprotozoal agent, the alteration in sterol structure leads to significant defects in stress response that could be exploited for drug development.
Boceprevir, GC-376, and calpain inhibitors II, XII inhibit SARS-CoV-2 viral replication by targeting the viral main protease
Authors: Ma Chunlong , Sacco Michael D. , Hurst Brett , Townsend Julia A. , Hu Yanmei , Szeto Tommy , Zhang Xiujun , Tarbet Bart , Marty Michael T. , Chen Yu , Wang Jun
Published: April 2020

A novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, also called novel coronavirus 2019 (nCoV-19), started to circulate among humans around December 2019, and it is now widespread as a global pandemic. The disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus is called COVID-19, which is highly contagious and has an overall mortality rate of 6.96% as of May 4, 2020. There is no vaccine or antiviral available for SARS-CoV-2. In this study, we report our discovery of inhibitors targeting the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro). Using the FRET-based enzymatic assay, several inhibitors including boceprevir, GC-376, and calpain inhibitors II, and XII were identified to have potent activity with single-digit to submicromolar IC50values in the enzymatic assay. The mechanism of action of the hits was further characterized using enzyme kinetic studies, thermal shift binding assays, and native mass spectrometry. Significantly, four compounds (boceprevir, GC-376, calpain inhibitors II and XII) inhibit SARS-CoV-2 viral replication in cell culture with EC50values ranging from 0.49 to 3.37 μM. Notably, boceprevir, calpain inhibitors II and XII represent novel chemotypes that are distinct from known Mproinhibitors. A complex crystal structure of SARS-CoV-2 Mprowith GC-376, determined at 2.15 Å resolution with three monomers per asymmetric unit, revealed two unique binding configurations, shedding light on the molecular interactions and protein conformational flexibility underlying substrate and inhibitor binding by Mpro. Overall, the compounds identified herein provide promising starting points for the further development of SARS-CoV-2 therapeutics.
Model-driven experimental design identifies counter-acting feedback regulation in the osmotic stress response of yeast
Authors: Suzuki Sara Kimiko , Errede Beverly , Dohlman Henrik G. , Elston Timothy C.
Published: April 2020

Cells rely on mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) to survive environmental stress. In yeast, activation of the MAPK Hog1 is known to mediate the response to high osmotic conditions. Recent studies of Hog1 revealed that its temporal activity is subject to both negative and positive feedback regulation, yet the mechanisms of feedback remain unclear. By designing mathematical models of increasing complexity for the Hog1 MAPK cascade, we identified pathway circuitry sufficient to capture Hog1 dynamics observed in vivo. We used these models to optimize experimental designs for distinguishing potential feedback loops. Performing experiments based on these models revealed mutual inhibition between Hog1 and its phosphatases as the likely positive feedback mechanism underlying switch-like, dose-dependent MAPK activation. Importantly, our findings reveal a new signaling function for MAPK phosphatases. More broadly, they demonstrate the value using mathematical models to infer targets of feedback regulation in signaling pathways.
Leveraging immonium ions for identifying and targeting acyl-lysine modifications in proteomic datasets
Authors: Muroski John M. , Fu Janine Y. , Nyugen Hong Hanh , Ogorzalek Loo Rachel R. , Loo Joseph A.
Published: April 2020

Acyl modifications vary greatly in terms of elemental composition and site of protein modification. Developing methods to identify these modifications more confidently can help assess the scope of these modifications in large proteomic datasets. Herein we analyze the utility of acyl-lysine immonium ions for identifying the modifications in proteomic datasets. We demonstrate that the cyclized immonium ion is a strong indicator of acyl-lysine presence when its rank or relative abundance compared to other ions within a spectrum is considered. Utilizing a stepped collision energy method in a shotgun experiment highlights the immonium ion strongly. Implementing an analysis that accounted for features within each MS2spectra, this method allows peptides with short chain acyl-lysine modifications to be clearly identified in complex lysates. Immonium ions can also be used to validate novel acyl-modifications; in this study we report the first examples of3-hydroxylpimelyl-lysine modification and validate them using immonium ions. Overall these results solidify the use of the immonium ion as a marker for acyl-lysine modifications in complex proteomic datasets.

Statement of Significance

Acyl-lysine modifications come in a variety of elemental compositions. There is increasing evidence that these modifications can have a functional effect on protein and are present in proteomes across all domains of life. Here we describe a new method that can allow for more confident identification of acyl modifications in proteomes by utilizing the immonium ion of these modifications. Our utilization of these ions allows for more comprehensive insight into the role of acyl modifications at the systems level.
Transcriptional Downregulation of a Type III Secretion System under Reducing Conditions inBordetella pertussis
Authors: Goto Masataka , Hanawa Tomoko , Abe Akio , Kuwae Asaomi
Published: April 2020

Bordetella pertussisuses a type III secretion system (T3SS) to inject virulence proteins into host cells. Although theB. pertussisT3SS was presumed to be involved in host colonization, the efficient secretion of type III secreted proteins fromB. pertussishas not been observed. To investigate the roles of type III secreted proteins during infection, we attempted to optimize culture conditions for the production and secretion of a type III secreted protein, BteA, inB. pertussis. We observed thatB. pertussisefficiently secretes BteA in ascorbic acid-depleted (AsA−) medium. When L2 cells, a rat lung epithelial cell line, were infected withB. pertussiscultured in the AsA−medium, BteA-dependent cytotoxicity was observed. We also performed an immunofluorescence assay of L2 cells infected withB. pertussis. The clear fluorescence signals of Bsp22, a needle structure of T3SS, were detected on the bacterial surface ofB. pertussiscultured in the AsA−medium. Since ascorbic acid is known as a reducing agent, we culturedB. pertussisin liquid medium containing other reducing agents such as 2-mercaptoethanol and dithioerythritol. Under these reducing conditions, the production of type III secreted proteins was repressed. These results suggest that inB. pertussis, the production and secretion of type III secreted proteins are downregulated under reducing conditions.

IMPORTANCE

The type III secretion system (T3SS) ofBordetella pertussisforms a needle-like structure that protrudes from the bacterial cell surface.B. pertussisuses T3SS to translocate virulence proteins called effectors into host cells. The culture conditions for effector production inB. pertussishave not been investigated. We attempted to optimize culture medium compositions for producing and secreting type III secreted proteins. We found thatB. pertussissecretes type III secreted proteins in reducing agent-deprived liquid medium, and that BteA-secretingB. pertussisprovokes cytotoxicity against cultured mammalian cells. These results suggest that redox signaling is involved in the regulation ofB. pertussisT3SS.
Information credibility and organizational feedback; a solution to plethora of consumer advocacy, brand avoidance and community usefulness
Authors: Abro Muhammad Azeem , Baharun Rohaizat , Zubair Ahsan
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of consumer advocacy on community usefulness and brand avoidance. Moreover, the study scrutinizes the mediating role and impact of organizational feedback/response and moderating role of information credibility.

Design/methodology/approach

The explanatory and cross-sectional research design was used in the study. Primary data were collected from broadband internet users and 249 responses gathered across the country. The study sample comprises of individuals sharing unfavorable service experiences on social media.

Findings

The key findings of the study highlight that consumer advocacy is a type of complaining method, which is used to help other society members; hence, there is a strong relationship among consumer’s advocacy and society’s usefulness. Brand avoidance is the outcome of stronger reactions by consumer advocates and through efficient organizational feedback, the impact of advocacy can be mitigated. Moreover, the study found that effective organizational explanations can be a useful remedy to brand avoidance. Furthermore, the research revealed that information credibility does not moderate the relationship between consumer advocacy and brand avoidance.

Practical implications

The study findings will help practitioners in determining effective strategies to restrict and control brand avoidance.

Originality/value

The social side of consumer argumentative behavior is still an under-research area, which is addressed in the paper. This is the unique study, which explores the mediating impact of organizational feedback on consumer advocacy, brand avoidance and usefulness for society in the implicit perspective.
Strategic communication practices by consultants in Colombia
Authors: Preciado-Hoyos Angela
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to determine the perception of communication and PR agency directors in Colombia regarding strategic communication and its relationship with consultancy when involved with three types of activities: bringing the context close to the organization, providing new knowledge and facilitating change.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper provides an exploratory study based on semi-structured interviews of a sample of 55 communication and PR agency directors.

Findings

Among the directors interviewed, there are different criteria concerning strategic communication and the services this entails. Although the literature mentions that consultancy should focus on counseling, accompanying, advising and orienting without making decisions for the client or performing any operative activities, many Colombian agencies offer these services, in addition to other technical ones. This is because these are the most requested ones by their clients and so are important in acquiring contracts in the country's communication sector.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation of this study is the absence of a regularly and systematically updated directory and database with the current size of the communications sector and its yearly revenue in Colombia.

Practical implications

Lack of consensus regarding strategic communication consultancy may lead to unfair competition on prices and confounding strategic and nonstrategic services in the market.

Social implications

New academic knowledge for the communication practices in communication agencies in Colombia and Latin America.

Originality/value

This article arises from initial research done in Colombia on the perceptions of the communication sector's directors regarding the meaning of strategic communication and key capacities in the provision of services under that remit.
Computational implementation and formalism of FAIR data stewardship principles
Authors: Anjaria Kushal Ajaybhai
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The progress of life science and social science research is contingent on effective modes of data storage, data sharing and data reproducibility. In the present digital era, data storage and data sharing play a vital role. For productive data-centric tasks, findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable (FAIR) principles have been developed as a standard convention. However, FAIR principles have specific challenges from computational implementation perspectives. The purpose of this paper is to identify the challenges related to computational implementations of FAIR principles. After identification of challenges, this paper aims to solve the identified challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper deploys Petri net-based formal model and Petri net algebra to implement and analyze FAIR principles. The proposed Petri net-based model, theorems and corollaries may assist computer system architects in implementing and analyzing FAIR principles.

Findings

To demonstrate the use of derived petri net-based theorems and corollaries, existing data stewardship platforms – FAIRDOM and Dataverse – have been analyzed in this paper. Moreover, a data stewardship model – “Datalection” has been developed and conversed about in the present paper. Datalection has been designed based on the petri net-based theorems and corollaries.

Originality/value

This paper aims to bridge information science and life science using the formalism of data stewardship principles. This paper not only provides new dimensions to data stewardship but also systematically analyzes two existing data stewardship platforms FAIRDOM and Dataverse.
Critical overrun causations in marine projects
Authors: Karami Hamidreza , Olatunji Oluwole Alfred
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Delay causations in infrastructure projects are well reported in normative literature. However, very little is known regarding the environment-related causations which can assist in developing mitigation strategies. This study aims to examine critical causations of overruns in marine construction projects.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 73 delay factors, grouped into 16 themes, were identified from literature. Data relating to the significance of each factor were collected through a questionnaire survey administered to 151 respondents. A total number of 126 valid responses were retrieved. Reductionist methodology was used to identify the statistical significance of each delay causation.

Findings

All 73 variables analysed in the study are significant, including communication issues amongst stakeholders, inadequate planning, safety issues, deficient technical instructions and inappropriate management approaches. Others include design and construction issues, issues with project organisational structures, political and cultural factors, environmental uncertainties and complexity in resource management. The study also found estimation errors, owner's attitude, financial issues, delay in approval processes, construction strategies and unavailability of appropriate technologies for the work as influencing factors. These findings are consistent with earlier studies on other forms of projects, but they further confirm that they are very relevant to marine projects.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the diversity of marine projects, overrun factors are likely to manifest in different ways in varying project circumstances. In addition, economics, technologies and local legislation often influence project situations differently.

Practical implications

The implications of these findings will assist in growing the practicality of scheduling and contract administration theories in marine projects. Although delay causations that have been reported in normative literature are relevant to marine construction, however, some of the causations are more severe in marine projects. It is important that planners and project stakeholders are mindful of this such that they can develop their expectations to tolerate variability rather than trade impracticable blames.

Originality/value

Determining delay factors specific to marine construction projects assists stakeholders and project management community in developing dedicated strategies applicable in scheduling to prevent and correct obstructions caused by overruns. Since projects are different in types and sizes, delay observations cannot be generalised.
Tattoos and unfavorable treatment among employees in the hospitality industry
Authors: Tews Michael J. , Stafford Kathryn
Published: April 2020

Purpose

As employers are purportedly becoming more receptive to tattoos, the question arises whether tattooed employees are nonetheless subject to unfavorable treatment. In this light, the purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of different tattoo characteristics on four outcomes: annual earnings, fair interpersonal treatment from supervisors, perceived discrimination and perceived overqualification. The specific tattoo characteristics were tattoo number, visibility and content.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data from a sample of 162 tattooed hospitality employees were obtained from a Qualtrics research panel and analyzed using regression.

Findings

The results demonstrated that employees with a greater degree of dark tattoo content (content of a more threatening and intimidating nature) received less favorable treatment, as demonstrated by significant relationships with fair interpersonal treatment, perceived discrimination and perceived overqualification. Tattoo number was related to increased perceived discrimination and perceived overqualification. At the same time, tattoo number was related to increased annual earnings, signaling a benefit.

Research limitations/implications

Measures of tattoo characteristics and workplace outcomes were collected in a single survey. An analysis of data collected at different points would potentially provide a more definitive test of cause and effect.

Practical implications

On one front, organizations should establish grooming policies that specify what is acceptable with respect to tattoos. To help minimize personality-related tattoo stereotypes from influencing hiring decisions, organizations could use personality assessments to make the hiring process more objective. Moreover, diversity training could address tattoo-related stereotypes, bias and prejudice.

Originality/value

Even though prior studies have demonstrated that tattooed people are viewed as less suitable for employment, research focused on the relationship between tattoos and actual discrimination has been limited. The results from this study highlight that employees with tattoos may still be subject to maltreatment, despite the mainstreaming of tattoos.
Which types of experience matter? The role of prior start-up experiences and work experience in fostering youth entrepreneurial intentions
Authors: Bignotti Alex , le Roux Ingrid
Published: April 2020

Purpose

In spite of research on entrepreneurial intentions being a mature field of enquiry, little is known about the influence of experience on entrepreneurial intentions, especially among the youth and in developing contexts. This paper aims to investigate the impact of different types of experience – entrepreneurial early childhood experiences, prior start-up experiences, work experience, education and peer influence – on the entrepreneurial intentions of South African youth.

Design/methodology/approach

First, a quantitative survey of 827 secondary students was administered, and the results were analysed by means of hierarchical logistic regression. Second, two focus groups were conducted with secondary students representing two distinct segments of South African society to shed light on some of the unique survey findings.

Findings

The results revealed that the experiences of having attempted to start a business and having previously worked in a business, as well as entrepreneurship education, have a positive influence on youth entrepreneurial intentions, while peers' entrepreneurial intentions exert a negative influence. Peer influence and contextual factors such as family and community support, which are catalytic in other parts of the world, appear to dampen youth entrepreneurial intentions because of fear of failure and fear of competition.

Originality/value

This paper examines the influence of a broader taxonomy of experience types on youth entrepreneurial intentions than found in previous studies. It highlights the unique role played by specific types of experience and points to the need to include extra-curricular entrepreneurial experiences in interventions aimed at fostering youth entrepreneurial intentions in developing nations.
The impact of trust, privacy and quality of service on the success of E-CRM: the mediating role of customer satisfaction
Authors: Dehghanpouri Houriyeh , Soltani Zeynab , Rostamzadeh Reza
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of trust, privacy, service quality and customer satisfaction on the success of electronic customer relationship management (E-CRM) systems.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, a new model for determining the critical factors in the success of E-CRM systems is presented. The suggested model is verified using partial least squares with structural equation modeling. A questionnaire is designed and collected from 378 taxpayers in East Azerbaijan province of Iran.

Findings

The outcomes reveal that customer satisfaction is significantly influenced by the perceived quality of service. Customer satisfaction, in turn, is significantly impacted by the trust. Therefore, the quality of service, trust and privacy, through customer satisfaction, significantly affects the success of E-CRM systems.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation can be referred to the clients that would not cooperate well as they were avoiding to give much information about the financial issue. Also, the study was conducted only in the context of Iran and a limit sample was utilized.

Practical implications

The research results help service providers improve E-CRM.

Originality/value

This study sheds light on identifying the antecedents of trust, privacy and quality of service that affect customer satisfaction; it may contribute to the theoretical framework for customer satisfaction in the context of the E-CRM. The results of the research offer practical implications for marketing managers and practitioners who prepare strategic plans and implement tools to improve the productivity or performance of the E-CRM systems. Moreover, customer satisfaction is related to the success of E-CRM systems as a result of trust, privacy and service quality. This research offers new insights into E-CRM intentions from a taxpayer in Iran.
Does financial integration drive export diversification? Evidence from a cross-country analysis
Authors: Jangam Bhushan Praveen , Akram Vaseem
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the nexus between financial integration and export diversification.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors consider 96 economies spanning over the period 1995-2014. To provide broader insights, the authors categorize 96 economies into developed, developing, high and low diversified panels. Both volume and equity-based measures of financial integration are used. The generalized method of moments (GMM) method is used to analyze the link between financial integration and export diversification.

Findings

The results derived from GMM indicate that financial integration is a vital factor of export diversification. Further, the findings reveal similar conclusions for developed, developing, high and low diversified panels.

Research limitations/implications

The outcome of this study suggests that promoting the financial integration of markets by lowering the restrictions on capital inflows helps countries to lower the risk and diversify their exports.

Originality/value

Though there exists enormous literature on export diversification, the nexus between financial integration and export diversification is limited. The present study bridges this research gap.
The efficiency analysis of world top container ports using two-stage uncertainty DEA model and FCM
Authors: Pham Thi Quynh Mai , Park Gyei Kark , Choi Kyoung-Hoon
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an integrated model to measure the operational efficiency of the top 40 container ports in the world for a five-year continuous period using a two-stage uncertainty data envelopment analysis (UDEA) combined with fuzzy C-means clustering method (FCM).

Design/methodology/approach

UDEA model is adopted for measuring the efficiency of container ports to overcome the limitation of the basic model, which is unable to handle uncertain data that are easy to meet in practice. FCM algorithm is implemented to find similar distribution efficiency scores of two stages and the cluster similar efficiency scores of container ports into various groups.

Findings

The combination of the two-stage UDEA model and the FCM algorithm provided a more comprehensive view when evaluating the performance of container ports. The UDEA results show that most of the container ports have reduced their profitability level in the second stage and most of the efficient container ports have turned into inefficient ones because of their small scale.

Originality/value

This paper proposes using the two-stage UDEA model to evaluate port efficiency based on two main aspects of productivity and profitability. Moreover, it combines DEA and FCM algorithms to offer a more comprehensive view when measuring the performance of container ports.
Company–customer conflicts and ethical decision-making of life insurance agents: the role of ethics institutionalization
Authors: Tseng Lu-Ming
Published: April 2020

Purpose

For the financial service industry, company–customer conflict is a topic that deserves special attention. This study explores the impacts of ethics institutionalization on the life insurance agents' ethical decision-making under the company–customer conflicts.

Design/methodology/approach

Two types of company–customer conflicts are studied. In one situation, selling the life insurance product is profitable to the life insurance company, but the product is unsuitable for the customer. In another situation, selling the life insurance product is unprofitable to the life insurance company, while the product will fully satisfy the customer's interests. The study selects Taiwan's full-time life insurance agents as a sample.

Findings

The main results show that implicit ethics institutionalization has a stronger influence on teleological evaluations and deontological evaluations. This study then finds that different types of company–customer conflicts would change the influences of teleological evaluations on ethical intentions and cause different influences of implicit ethics institutionalization on teleological evaluations and deontological evaluations.

Originality/value

Ethics institutionalization and company–customer conflicts are important issues in the literature. This is the first study to discuss the roles that ethics institutionalization and company–customer conflicts play in the ethical decision-making of life insurance agents.
IPO information acquisition and investor protection
Authors: Huang Fangliang , Sun Li , Chen Jing , Wu Chaopeng
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine investors’ intention and behavior concerningex anteinformation acquirement andex postclaims from the micro-level perspective with the deepening of the initial public offering (IPO) reform of China.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors made surveys and collected 932 valid questionnaires from investors in China. The authors also conducted interviews with sophisticated investors, investment bankers and government regulators to obtain first-hand information. Based on the survey results, the authors make the empirical analysis.

Findings

Investors’ attention to the first-hand information of the IPO prospectuses is inadequate. Individuals rely more on second-hand information, while institutions conduct more surveys. The higher the institutional practitioners’ degree of education, the more surveys they make. Only 1/3 investors intend to seek judicial remedy when getting fraud information due to high litigation costs and proof collecting difficulties. The investors who read more about prospectuses in advance are more likely to seek judicial protection afterwards. Compared with investors who know less about government administrative protection measures, those who know more have a low probability to choose “not to seek judicial protection.”

Originality/value

The authors enrich the research studies of IPO information acquisition and investor protection by conducting surveys to get first-hand data. Previous literature mostly makes empirical tests by using proxy variables.
Management accountants’ role and coercive regulations: evidence from the Italian health-care sector
Authors: Oppi Chiara , Vagnoni Emidia
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the consequences of the coercive regulations for performance measurement and comparability that strengthened regional health authority’s control over organizations’ activities on management accountants’ relationship with clinician managers, who are the recipients of accounting information for decisional processes in health-care organizations. To achieve this aim, the research focuses on management accountants’ perception of their role and whether they perceive role conflict and role ambiguity.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study was undertaken in a public university hospital in the Emilia-Romagna region, Italy; 9 management accountants and 11 clinician managers were interviewed and secondary data analyzed.

Findings

Management accountants show low capabilities to support clinician managers’ decisional processes. Following the enactment of regulations, management accountants perform their role with a primary focus on functional responsibility. The focus on the provision of information to address regulations influenced management accountants’ capability to act as business partners in the organization. Because of the conflicting information needs from regulations and clinician managers, management accountants experience role conflict and ambiguity.

Research limitations/implications

The paper has implications for policymakers, underlining the consequences of strict regulations on management accountants’ role. It also emphasizes the importance of revising accounting techniques to satisfy both regional requirements and clinician managers’ needs for decision-making.

Originality/value

The article contributes to knowledge related to the role of management accountants in health care. It explores, in particular, the consequences of coercive regulations in health-care organizations, adding knowledge to a field that remains quite unexplored.
Using a distributed deep learning algorithm for analyzing big data in smart cities
Authors: Naoui Mohammed Anouar , Lejdel Brahim , Ayad Mouloud , Amamra Abdelfattah , kazar Okba
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a distributed deep learning architecture for smart cities in big data systems.

Design/methodology/approach

We have proposed an architectural multilayer to describe the distributed deep learning for smart cities in big data systems. The components of our system are Smart city layer, big data layer, and deep learning layer. The Smart city layer responsible for the question of Smart city components, its Internet of things, sensors and effectors, and its integration in the system, big data layer concerns data characteristics 10, and its distribution over the system. The deep learning layer is the model of our system. It is responsible for data analysis.

Findings

We apply our proposed architecture in a Smart environment and Smart energy. 10; In a Smart environment, we study the Toluene forecasting in Madrid Smart city. For Smart energy, we study wind energy foresting in Australia. Our proposed architecture can reduce the time of execution and improve the deep learning model, such as Long Term Short Memory10;.

Research limitations/implications

This research needs the application of other deep learning models, such as convolution neuronal network and autoencoder.

Practical implications

Findings of the research will be helpful in Smart city architecture. It can provide a clear view into a Smart city, data storage, and data analysis. The 10; Toluene forecasting in a Smart environment can help the decision-maker to ensure environmental safety. The Smart energy of our proposed model can give a clear prediction of power generation.

Originality/value

The findings of this study are expected to contribute valuable information to decision-makers for a better understanding of the key to Smart city architecture. Its relation with data storage, processing, and data analysis.
1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 prevents deleterious effects of erythromycin on mitochondrial function in rat heart isolated mitochondria
Authors: Mersa Amir , Atashbar Saman , Ahvar Negar , Salimi Ahmad
Published: April 2020

Erythromycin (ERY) is a risk factor for cardiotoxicity through the mitochondria pathway. In the current study, we tested the hypothesis that erythromycin could impair mitochondrial function and oxidative stress and 1,25‐dihydroxivitamin D3 (calcitriol) treatment could prevent these effects in rat heart isolated mitochondria. Rat heart mitochondria were isolated with mechanical lysis and differential centrifugation. Then isolated mitochondria were first pretreated with three different concentrations of 1,25‐dihydroxivitamin D3 (2.5, 5 and 10 µmol/L) for 5 minutes at 37°C, after which erythromycin (10 µmol/L) was added to promote deleterious effects on mitochondria. During 1 hour of incubation, using by flow cytometry and biochemical evaluations, the parameters of mitochondrial toxicity were evaluated, including: succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity, mitochondrial swelling, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) collapse, reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation and lipid peroxidation (LP). The results showed that erythromycin (10 µmol/L) caused a significant change in mitochondrial function, ROS formation, mitochondrial swelling, MMP collapse, increasing lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress. 1,25‐dihydroxivitamin D3 (10 µmol/L) reverted the effect of erythromycin on the tested parameters . In this study, we showed that erythromycin impairs mitochondrial function and induces mitochondrial toxicity in rat heart isolated mitochondria, which were reverted by calcitriol. These findings suggest that 1,25‐dihydroxivitamin D3 may be a preventive/therapeutic strategy for cardiotoxicity complications caused by erythromycin.
Australian geography: The next 10 years (and beyond)?
Authors: Turton Stephen M , Maude Alaric M
Published: April 2020

Geography: Shaping Australia's Future (2018) provides a ‘strategic plan’ for geography aligned with the national research priorities, as well other key areas where Australian geographers are addressing environmental and societal challenges. To provide context, we first describe the state of geography in Australian universities. We then articulate ways forward for strengthening Australian geography—both within the discipline and how we interact externally. We describe how geography may better contribute to policy agendas, capitalising on our unique perspectives of space, place and the environment, but also highlight how we might improve these contributions through a more unified approach across human and physical geography. Third, we discuss opportunities for geographers to build the reputation of the discipline and ways to advocate for its importance in the wider academy, school curricula and community. We conclude with some preliminary suggestions on how Australian geographers may better engage and contribute to the United Nations Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
The role of RORγt at maternal‐fetal interface during murine pregnancy
Authors: Li Yan , Lopez Gladys E. , Lindner Payton N. , Parrella Luke , Larson Mariah , Sun Yan , Stanic Aleksandar K.
Published: April 2020

Problem

Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs, including NK cells) and their subsets are the most frequent lymphocytes at the maternal‐fetal interface (decidua). Recent recognition of extensive ILC subset diversity at mucosal sites and the possible role they might play at different stages of pregnancy poses questions about their composition and lineage stability. Namely, RORγt‐dependent ILC3s have been recognized as a key cellular mediator of tissue organization in the gut and secondary lymphoid organs, prompting examination of their distribution and role in decidua during pregnancy.

Method of study

We employed highly polychromatic flow cytometry with conventional and machine learning‐aided analysis to map ILC subsets and dissected the role of canonical transcription factor RORγt using fate‐mapping animals and RORγt−/− animals.

Results

We demonstrate a comprehensive immunome map of ILCs/NKs, revealing a dynamic interface even in the absence of antigenic or allogeneic challenge. Strikingly, we demonstrate plasticity of RORγt expression in decidual ILCs with across gestation. However, gross reproductive efficiency is not affected in RORγt−/− animals.

Conclusion

These results indicated that RORγt+ ILCs are highly plastic at the maternal‐fetal interface, but dispensable for normal pregnancy, revealing a novel mechanism of transcriptional immunoregulation in pregnancy.
Relationship between the internal locus of control and collective action: A comparison of East Asian and Western Countries
Authors: Fukuzawa Ai , Inamasu Kazunori
Published: April 2020

This study tested factors related to collective action in East Asian and Western countries. Although the social identity model of collective action (SIMCA) could explain which factors relate to collective action in Western countries, previous studies have found that some of the SIMCA variables did not predict collective action in non‐Western countries. We hypothesised that the internal locus of control would be positively related to collective action even in East Asian countries because previous studies have demonstrated that the former can positively influence proactive behaviour when factors inhibiting such behaviours exist. We analysed the 2010 World Values Survey data from seven countries (three East Asian and four Western countries). The results demonstrated that the internal locus of control was positively related to collective action more so among East Asians (Koreans, specifically those with low political interests, the Taiwanese, and Japanese people with lower income) than among Westerners. These results suggest that the internal locus of control is a key individual difference that predicts collective action in the presence of factors that inhibit such participation (e.g., cultural values, low political interest, and low income).
“The impulse is cartographic”: Counter‐Mapping Indonesia’s Resource Frontiers in the Context of Coloniality
Authors: Tilley Lisa
Published: April 2020

Resource frontiers continue to expand globally across Indigenous lands as states and corporations enact forms of expropriation redolent of the formal colonial era for the sake of extraction. In the face of this expansion, the burden remains largely on frontline communities to defend their ecologies using the tools available to them. Across Indonesia’s resource frontiers, the “cartographic impulse” Edward Said once named to describe anticolonial struggles is apparent in the form of counter‐mapping, which seeks to secure adat (customary) rights and defend Indigenous lands against extractivist expansion. This article revisits this practice and argues that the counter‐map and its goals remain tenuous—mapping in its scalable form risks processing complex and multi‐dimensional ways of relating to land into two‐dimensional representations appropriate for a liberal property regime, while adat itself is a contingent and mutable legal goal. Ultimately, the article echoes emerging calls for the burden to be shifted away from frontline communities through the pursuit of just transitions to post‐extractivism. Pemburuan sumber daya ke wilayah‐wilayah baru yang masih kaya (resource frontiers) di tanah masyarakat adat semakin meluas secara global, seiring praktek‐praktek perampasan berbau kolonial yang dilakukan oleh negara dan korporasi demi tujuan ekstraksi. Berhadapan dengan ekspansi ini, masyarakat di gugus depanlah yang menanggung beban terbesar untuk mempertahankan lingkungan hidup mereka, dengan menggunakan sarana yang tersedia bagi mereka. Di wilayah‐wilayah baru ekstraksi sumber daya alam di Indonesia, apa yang pernah disebut Edward Said sebagai ‘cartographic impulse’ untuk menggambarkan perjuangan anti‐kolonial terlihat jelas dalam bentuk counter‐mapping, yang bertujuan untuk mempertahankan tanah‐tanah adat dari ekspansi ekstravistik. Artikel ini hendak meninjau kembali praktek counter‐mapping ini dan berargumen bahwa counter‐map dan tujuan‐tujuannya masih lemah– mapping dalam bentuk yang dapat diukur mengalami masalah dengan persoalan proses dan persoalan corak multidimensioanal dari hubungan dengan tanah dalam kaitan dengan representasi dua‐dimensi yang hanya cocok dengan rezim kepemilikan liberal; sementara adat sendiri adalah tujuan legal yang sifatnya kontingen dan terbuka terhadap perubahan. Pada akhirnya artikel ini ikut menyuarakan seruan yang banyak muncul, bahwa beban harus dialihkan dari masyarakat frontline melalui usaha untuk transisi‐transisi yang adil menuju post‐extractivism.
How does past behaviour stimulate consumers' intentions to repeat unethical behaviour? The roles of perceived risk and ethical beliefs
Authors: Zhao BaoChun , Rawwas Mohammed Yahya , Zeng ChengHao
Published: April 2020

Repeated unethical behaviour by consumers is a serious challenge for participants in business transactions, including consumers, retailers, and those responsible for market supervision. Due to the inherent risk of such behaviours, we examine perceived risk to uncover the psychological mechanism by which consumers consider past behaviour (PAB) when deciding to repeat unethical behaviour. We divide perceived risk into two categories, material risk (MAR) and nonmaterial risk (NMR), based on two kinds of ethical evaluation and explore their mediating effects in the process through which PAB influences consumers' intentions to repeat unethical behaviour (CIRUB). We check the moderating effect of consumers' ethical beliefs on the relationship between PAB and CIRUB. We use survey data from four typical ethical scenarios to test the proposed structural relationships. Direct positive effects of PAB on consumers' intentions are observed in all four scenarios. NMR has stable, positive mediating effects in all scenarios. MAR is found to have negative mediating effects in two scenarios (switching price tags and using an expired coupon) and a positive effect in one scenario (copying software). However, no effect is observed in the benefiting from a cashier's mistake scenario. Finally, ethical beliefs are proven to positively moderate the relationship between PAB and consumers' intentions in the first two scenarios, but not the last two. This study also discusses the implications of the findings and offers suggestions for future research.