bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coessential Genetic Networks Reveal the Organization and Constituents of a Dynamic Cellular Stress Response
Authors: Amici David R. , Jackson Jasen M. , Metz Kyle A. , Ansel Daniel J. , Smith Roger S. , Brockway Sonia , Takagishi Seesha R , Srivastava Shashank , O’Hara Brendan P. , Cho Byoung-Kyu , Goo Young Ah , Kelleher Neil L. , Ben-Sahra Issam , Foltz Daniel R. , Mendillo Marc L.
Published: November 2019

The interrelated programs essential for cellular fitness in the face of stress are critical to understanding tumorigenesis, neurodegeneration, and aging. However, modelling the combinatorial landscape of stresses experienced by diseased cells is challenging, leaving functional relationships within the global stress response network incompletely understood. Here, we leverage genome-scale fitness screening data from 625 cancer cell lines, each representing a unique biological context, to build a network of “coessential” gene relationships centered around master regulators of the response to proteotoxic, oxidative, hypoxic, and genotoxic stress. This approach organizes the stress response into functional modules, identifies genes connecting distinct modules, and reveals mechanisms underlying cellular dependence on individual modules. As an example of the power of this approach, we discover that the previously unannotated HAPSTR (C16orf72) promotes resilience to diverse stressors as a stress-inducible regulator of the E3 ligase HUWE1. Altogether, we present a broadly applicable framework and interactive tool (http://fireworks.mendillolab.org/) to interrogate biological networks using unbiased genetic screens.
Load-dependent modulation of alpha oscillations during working memory encoding and retention in young and older adults
Authors: Sghirripa Sabrina , Graetz Lynton , Merkin Ashley , Rogasch Nigel C , Semmler John G , Goldsworthy Mitchell R
Published: November 2019

Working memory (WM) is vulnerable to age-related decline, particularly under high loads. Visual alpha oscillations contribute to WM performance in younger adults, and although alpha decreases in power and frequency with age, it is unclear if alpha activity supports WM in older adults. We recorded electroencephalography (EEG) while 24 younger (aged 18-35 years) and 30 older (aged 50-86) adults performed a modified Sternberg task with varying load conditions. Older adults demonstrated slower reaction times at all loads, but there were no significant age differences in accuracy. Regardless of age, alpha power decreased, and alpha frequency increased with load during encoding, and the magnitude of alpha suppression during retention was larger at higher loads. While alpha power during retention was lower than fixation in older, but not younger adults, the relative change from fixation was not significantly different between age groups. Individual differences in alpha power did not predict performance for either age groups or at any WM loads. Future research should elaborate the functional significance of alpha power and frequency changes that accompany WM performance in cognitive ageing.
Using single visits into integrated occupancy models to make the most of existing monitoring programs
Authors: Lauret Valentin , Labach Hélène , Authier Matthieu , Gimenez Olivier
Published: November 2019

A major challenge in statistical ecology consists of integrating knowledge from different datasets to produce robust ecological indicators. To estimate species distribution, occupancy models are a flexible framework that can accommodate several datasets obtained from different sampling methods. However, repeating visits at sampling sites is a prerequisite for using standard occupancy models. Occupancy models were recently developed to analyze detection/non-detection data collected during a single visit. To date, single-visit occupancy models have never been used to integrate several different datasets. Here, we showcase an approach that combines two datasets into an integrated single-visit occupancy model. As a case study, we estimated the distribution of Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) over the North-western Mediterranean Sea by combining 24,624 km of aerial surveys and 21,464 km of at-sea monitoring. We compared the outputs of single- vs. repeated-visit occupancy models into integrated occupancy models. Integrated models allowed a better sampling coverage of species home-range, which provided a better precision for occupancy estimates than occupancy models using datasets in isolation. Overall, single- and repeated-visit integrated occupancy models produced similar inference about the distribution of bottlenose dolphins. We suggest that single-visit occupancy models open promising perspectives for the use of existing ecological datasets.
Impacts of genomic networks governed by human-specific regulatory sequences and genetic loci harboring fixed human-specific neuro-regulatory single nucleotide mutations on phenotypic traits of Modern Humans
Authors: Glinsky Gennadi V.
Published: November 2019

Recent advances in identification and characterization of human-specific regulatory DNA sequences set the stage for the assessment of their global impact on physiology and pathology of Modern Humans. Gene set enrichment analyses (GSEA) of 8,405 genes linked with 35,074 human-specific neuro-regulatory single-nucleotide changes (hsSNCs) revealed a staggering breadth of significant associations with morphological structures, physiological processes, and pathological conditions of Modern Humans. Significantly enriched traits include more than 1,000 anatomically-distinct regions of the adult human brain, many different types of cells and tissues, more than 200 common human disorders and more than 1,000 records of rare diseases. Thousands of genes connected with neuro-regulatory hsSNCs have been identified, which represent essential genetic elements of the autosomal inheritance and offspring survival phenotypes. A total of 1,494 hsSNC- linked genes are associated with either autosomal dominant or recessive inheritance and 2,273 hsSNC-linked genes have been associated with premature death, embryonic lethality, as well as pre-, peri-, neo-, and post-natal lethality phenotypes of both complete and incomplete penetrance. Differential GSEA implemented on hsSNC-linked loci and associated genes identify 7,990 genes linked to evolutionary distinct classes of human-specific regulatory sequences (HSRS), expression of a majority of which (5,389 genes; 67%) is regulated by stem cell-associated retroviral sequences (SCARS). Interrogations of the MGI database revealed readily available mouse models tailored for precise experimental definitions of functional effects of hsSNCs and SCARS on genes causally affecting thousands of mammalian phenotypes and implicated in hundreds of common and rare human disorders. These observations suggest that a preponderance of human-specific traits evolved under a combinatorial regulatory control of HSRS and neuro-regulatory loci harboring hsSNCs that are fixed in humans, distinct from other primates, and located in differentially-accessible chromatin regions during brain development.
Transcriptional profiling of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) during a compatible interaction with the root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne javanica
Authors: Macharia Teresia Nyambura , Bellieny-Rabelo Daniel , Moleleki Lucy Novungayo
Published: November 2019

Root-knot nematode (RKN, Meloidogyne javanica) presents a great challenge to Solanaceae crops, including the potato. In this report, we conducted an investigation to understand the transcriptional regulation of molecular responses in potato roots during a compatible interaction following RKN infection. In this study, analysis of gene expression profiles using RNA-seq of Solanum tuberosum cv Mondial with RKN interaction at 0, 3- and 7-days post-inoculation (dpi). In total, 4,948 and 4,484 genes were respectively detected as differentially expressed genes (DEGs) at 3 and 7 dpi. Functional annotation revealed that genes associated with metabolic process were enriched at the transcriptional level suggesting they have an important role in RKN disease development. Nematode infection caused down-regulation of 282 genes associated with pathogen perception hence interfering with activation plant immune system. Further, late activation of pathogenesis-related genes, down-regulation disease resistance genes and activation of host antioxidant system contributed to a susceptible response. Activation of Jasmonic acid (JA) pathway and protease inhibitors was due to wounding during nematode migration and feeding. Nematode infection suppressed ethylene (ET) and salicylic acid (SA) signalling pathway hindering SA/ET responsive genes involved with defense. Induction of auxin biosynthesis genes, regulation of cytokinin levels and up-regulation of transporter genes facilitated of nematode feeding sites (NFSs) initiation. The regulation of several families of transcription factors (TFs) in the plant, such as WRKY, GRAS, ERF BHLH and MYB, was affected by RKN infection disrupting plant defense signalling pathways. This clearly suggest that TFs played an indispensable role in physiological adaptation for successful RKN disease development. This genome-wide analysis revealed the molecular regulatory networks in potato roots which are successfully manipulated by RKN. Being the first study analysing transcriptome profiling of RKN diseased potato, it will provide unparalleled insight into the mechanism underlying disease development.
Dynamic sound field audiometry: static and dynamic spatial hearing tests in the full horizontal plane
Authors: Fischer T. , Kompis M. , Mantokoudis G. , Caversaccio M. , Wimmer W.
Published: November 2019

Although spatial hearing is of great importance in everyday life, today’s routine audiological test batteries and static test setups assess sound localization, discrimination and tracking abilities rudimentarily and thus provide only a limited interpretation of treatment outcomes regarding spatial hearing performance. To address this limitation, we designed a dynamic sound field test setup and evaluated the sound localization, discrimination and tracking performance of 12 normal-hearing subjects. During testing, participants provided feedback either through a touchpad or through eye tracking. In addition, the influence of head movement on sound-tracking performance was investigated. Our results show that tracking and discrimination performance was significantly better in the frontal azimuth than in the dorsal azimuth. Particularly good performance was observed in the backward direction across localization, discrimination and tracking tests. As expected, free head movement improved sound-tracking abilities. Furthermore, feedback via gaze detection led to larger tracking errors than feedback via the touchpad. We found statistically significant correlations between the static and dynamic tests, which favor the snapshot theory for auditory motion perception.
Loss of family with sequence similarity 13, member A exacerbates pulmonary hypertension through accelerating endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition
Authors: Rinastiti Pranindya , Ikeda Koji , Rahardini Elda Putri , Miyagawa Kazuya , Tamada Naoki , Kuribayashi Yuko , Hirata Ken-ichi , Emoto Noriaki
Published: November 2019

Pulmonary hypertension is a progressive lung disease with poor prognosis due to the consequent right heart ventricular failure. Pulmonary artery remodeling and dysfunction are culprits for pathologically increased pulmonary arterial pressure, but their underlying molecular mechanisms remain to be elucidated. Previous genome-wide association studies revealed a significant correlation between the genetic locus of family with sequence similarity 13, member A (FAM13A) and various lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pulmonary fibrosis; however whether FAM13A is also involved in the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension remained unknown. Here, we identified a significant role of FAM13A in the development of pulmonary hypertension. FAM13A expression was reduced in mouse lungs of hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension model. We identified that FAM13A was expressed in lung vasculatures, especially in endothelial cells. Genetic loss of FAM13A exacerbated pulmonary hypertension in mice exposed to chronic hypoxia in association with deteriorated pulmonary artery remodeling. Mechanistically, FAM13A decelerated endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition potentially by inhibiting β-catenin signaling in pulmonary artery endothelial cells. Our data revealed a protective role of FAM13A in the development of pulmonary hypertension, and therefore increasing and/or preserving FAM13A expression in pulmonary artery endothelial cells is an attractive therapeutic strategy for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension.
A Zika Virus Primary Isolate Induces Neuroinflammation, Compromises the Blood-Brain Barrier, and Upregulates CXCL12 in Adult Macaques
Authors: Panganiban Antonito T. , Blair Robert V. , Hattler Julian B. , Bohannon Diana G. , Bonaldo Myrna C. , Schouest Blake , Maness Nicholas J. , Kim Woong-Ki
Published: November 2019

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a neurotropic virus that can cause neuropathy in adults and fetal neurologic malformation following infection of pregnant women. We used a nonhuman primate model, the Indian-origin Rhesus macaque (IRM), to gain insight into virus-associated hallmarks of ZIKV-induced adult neuropathy. We find that the virus causes prevalent acute and chronic neuroinflammation and chronic disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in adult animals. Infection results in significant, targeted, and sustained upregulation of the chemokine, CXCL12, in the central nervous system (CNS). CXCL12 plays a key role both in regulating lymphocyte trafficking through the BBB to the CNS, and in mediating repair of damaged neural tissue including remyelination. Understanding how CXCL12 expression is controlled will likely be of central importance in the definition of ZIKV-associated neuropathy in adults.

Author summary

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a virus that can cause neurological problems in adults and damage to the fetal brain. Nonhuman primates (NHPs) are usually superior animal models for recapitulating human neurological disease because their brain, nervous system structure and immune response to virus infection are very similar to that of humans. We have studied the effect of ZIKV infection on the adult NHP brain and made several significant observations. Infection resulted in a high incidence of mild to moderate brain inflammation that persisted for a surprisingly long period of time. We also found that the virus disrupted the blood brain barrier, which is important for controlling transport of material from blood to the brain. It appears that the central nervous system expresses a specific substance in response to virus infection called a chemokine. This specific chemokine may be involved in virus-induced inflammation and/or in repair of virus-induced brain damage. Our data are significant since they help in understanding the mechanism of brain damage caused by ZIKV in adults.
Cyniclomyces guttulatusis an opportunistic pathogen in rabbits with coccidiosis
Authors: Shi Tuanyuan , Sun Hongchao , Fu Yuan , Lili Hao , Zhou Yongxue , Yan Liu , Bao Guolian , Suo Xun
Published: November 2019

Cyniclomyces guttulatusis a common inhabitant of the gastrointestinal tract in rabbits, and large numbers are often present in feces of diarrheic rabbits. However, its relation with rabbit diarrhea has not been clearly identified. We isolated aC. guttulatusZhejiang strain from a rabbit with severe diarrhea and optimized the culture conditions in YPG medium. The sequenced 18S and 26S ribosomal DNA fragments were 1559bp and 632bp, respectively, and showed 99.8% homology with the 18S ribosomal sequence of the NRRL Y-17561 isolate from the dog and 100% homology with the 26S ribosomal sequence of the DPA-CGR1 and CGDPA-GP1 isolates from the rabbit and guinea pig. Our isolate was not pathogenic to healthy SPF rabbits. Instead, rabbits inoculated with the yeast had a slightly better body weight gain and higher food intake. Rabbits co-inoculated withC. guttulatusand the coccidian,E. intestinalisdeveloped more severe coccidiosis as shown by clinical signs, and decreased body weight gain, diarrhea and death, associated with significantly higher fecal output ofC. guttulatusvegetative cells but lower coccidian oocysts output than the rabbits inoculated withC. guttulatusorE. intestinalisalone. We also surveyed the prevalence ofC. guttulatusin rabbits and found a positive rate of 83% in Zhejiang province. Our results indicate thatC. guttulatusalone is not pathogenic to healthy rabbits, but could become an opportunistic pathogen when the digestive tract is damaged by other pathogens such as coccidia.

Author summary

Cyniclomyces guttulatus, a commensal yeast in rabbit gastrointestinal tract, is very commonly seen in diarrhea cases. However, it is unclear whether it causes or is a co-cause of diarrhea with other pathogens. Here, aC. guttulatusZhejiang strain was firstly isolated from a rabbit with severe diarrhea and the culture conditions in YPG medium were optimized. Then, it was identified in morphology and molecular. It was agreed with the previous description in morphology and showed a closer phylogenetic relationship with other strains originated from herbivores than those from the carnivore. Finally, theC. guttulatusZhejiang strain was inoculated to SPF rabbits singly or co-inoculated withEimeria intestinalis. All of the results in animal assays showC. guttulatusalone is not pathogenic but seems a probiotic microorganism in rabbits. However, it could become an opportunistic pathogen when the digestive tract is damaged by other pathogens such as coccidia.
A fixed-target platform for serial femtosecond crystallography in a hydrated environment
Authors: Shelby M. L. , Gilbile D. , Grant T. D. , Seuring C. , Segelke B. W. , He W. , Evans A. C. , Pakendorf T. , Fischer P. , Hunter M. S. , Batyuk A. , Barthelmess M. , Meents A. , Coleman M. A. , Kuhl T. L. , Frank M.
Published: November 2019

For serial femtosecond crystallography at X-ray free-electron lasers, which entails collection of single-pulse diffraction patterns from a constantly refreshed supply of microcrystalline sample, delivery of the sample into the X-ray beam path while maintaining low background remains a technical challenge for some experiments, especially where this methodology is applied to relatively low-ordered samples or those difficult to purify and crystallize in large quantities. This work demonstrates a scheme to encapsulate biological samples using polymer thin films and graphene to maintain sample hydration in vacuum conditions. The encapsulated sample is delivered into the X-ray beam on fixed targets for rapid scanning using the Roadrunner fixed-target system towards a long-term goal of low-background measurements on weakly diffracting samples. As a proof of principle, we used microcrystals of the 24 kDa rapid encystment protein (REP24) to provide a benchmark for polymer/graphene sandwich performance. The REP24 microcrystal unit cell obtained from our sandwiched in-vacuum sample was consistent with previously established unit-cell parameters and with those measured by us without encapsulation in humidified helium, indicating that the platform is robust against evaporative losses. While significant scattering from water was observed because of the sample-deposition method, the polymer/graphene sandwich itself was shown to contribute minimally to background scattering.
Distinguishing contributions of ceramic matrix and binder metal to the plasticity of nanocrystalline cermets
Authors: Ge Xinru , Liu Xuemei , Hou Chao , Lu Hao , Tang Fawei , Meng Xiangfei , Xu Wenwu , Song Xiaoyan
Published: November 2019

Using the typical WC–Co cemented carbide as an example, the interactions of dislocations within the ceramic matrix and the binder metal, as well as the possible cooperation and competition between the matrix and binder during deformation of the nanocrystalline cermets, were studied by molecular dynamics simulations. It was found that at the same level of strain, the dislocations in Co have more complex configurations in the cermet with higher Co content. With loading, the ratio between mobile and sessile dislocations in Co becomes stable earlier in the high-Co cermet. The strain threshold for the nucleation of dislocations in WC increases with Co content. At the later stage of deformation, the growth rate of WC dislocation density increases more rapidly in the cermet with lower Co content, which exhibits an opposite tendency compared with Co dislocation density. The relative contribution of Co and WC to the plasticity of the cermet varies in the deformation process. With a low Co content, the density of WC dislocations becomes higher than that of Co dislocations at larger strains, indicating that WC may contribute more than Co to the plasticity of the nanocrystalline cermet at the final deformation stage. The findings in the present work will be applicable to a large variety of ceramic–metal composite materials.
The structures and phase transitions in 4-aminopyridinium tetraaquabis(sulfato)iron(III), (C5H7N2)[FeIII(H2O)4(SO4)2]
Authors: Bednarchuk Tamara J. , Hornfeck Wolfgang , Kinzhybalo Vasyl , Zhou Zhengyang , Dušek Michal , Pietraszko Adam
Published: November 2019

The organic–inorganic hybrid compound 4-aminopyridinium tetraaquabis(sulfato)iron(III), (C5H7N2)[FeIII(H2O)4(SO4)2] (4apFeS), was obtained by slow evaporation of the solvent at room temperature and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction in the temperature range from 290 to 80 K. Differential scanning calorimetry revealed that the title compound undergoes a sequence of three reversible phase transitions, which has been verified by variable-temperature X-ray diffraction analysis during cooling–heating cycles over the temperature ranges 290–100–290 K. In the room-temperature phase (I), space groupC2/c, oxygen atoms from the closest Fe-atom environment (octahedral) were disordered over two equivalent positions around a twofold axis. Two intermediate phases (II), (III) were solved and refined as incommensurately modulated structures, employing the superspace formalism applied to single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. Both structures can be described in the (3+1)-dimensional monoclinicX2/c(α,0,γ)0ssuperspace group (whereXis ½, ½, 0, ½) with modulation wavevectorsq= (0.2943, 0, 0.5640) andq= (0.3366, 0, 0.5544) for phases (II) and (III), respectively. The completely ordered low-temperature phase (IV) was refined with the twinning model in the triclinicP{\overline 1} space group, revealing the existence of two domains. The dynamics of the disordered anionic substructure in the 4apFeS crystal seems to play an essential role in the phase transition mechanisms. The discrete organic moieties were found to be fully ordered even at room temperature.
Crystal structure of dicarbonyl[μ2-methylenebis(diphenylphosphane)-κ2P:P′][μ2-2-(2,4,5-trimethylphenyl)-3-oxoprop-1-ene-1,3-diyl](triphenylphosphane-κP)ironplatinum(Fe—Pt)–dichloromethane–toluene (1/1/2), [(OC)2Fe(μ-dppm)(μ-C(=O)C(2,4,5-C6H2Me3)=CH)Pt(PPh3)]
Authors: Brieger Lukas , Jourdain Isabelle , Knorr Michael , Strohmann Carsten
Published: November 2019

The title compound, [FePt(C12H12O)(C18H15P)(C25H22P2)(CO)2]·2C7H8·CH2Cl2or [(OC)2Fe(μ-dppm)(μ-C(=O)C(2,4,5-C6H2Me3)=CH)Pt(PPh3)], represents an example of a diphosphane-bridged heterobimetallic dimetallacyclopentenone complex resulting from a bimetallic activation of 1-ethynyl-2,4,5-trimethylbenzene and a metal-coordinated carbonyl ligand. The bridging μ2-C(=O)C(2,4,5-C6H2Me3)=CH unit (stemming from a carbon–carbon coupling reaction between CO and the terminal alkyne) forms a five-membered dimetallacyclopentenone ring, in which the C=C bond is π-coordinated to the Fe centre. The latter is connected to the Pt centre through a short metal–metal bond of 2.5770 (5) Å. In the crystal, the complex is solvated by one dichloromethane and two toluene molecules.
Shake-it-off: a simple ultrasonic cryo-EM specimen-preparation device
Authors: Rubinstein John L. , Guo Hui , Ripstein Zev A. , Haydaroglu Ali , Au Aaron , Yip Christopher M. , Di Trani Justin M. , Benlekbir Samir , Kwok Timothy
Published: November 2019

Although microscopes and image-analysis software for electron cryomicroscopy (cryo-EM) have improved dramatically in recent years, specimen-preparation methods have lagged behind. Most strategies still rely on blotting microscope grids with paper to produce a thin film of solution suitable for vitrification. This approach loses more than 99.9% of the applied sample and requires several seconds, leading to problematic air–water interface interactions for macromolecules in the resulting thin film of solution and complicating time-resolved studies. Recently developed self-wicking EM grids allow the use of small volumes of sample, with nanowires on the grid bars removing excess solution to produce a thin film within tens of milliseconds from sample application to freezing. Here, a simple cryo-EM specimen-preparation device that uses components from an ultrasonic humidifier to transfer protein solution onto a self-wicking EM grid is presented. The device is controlled by a Raspberry Pi single-board computer and all components are either widely available or can be manufactured by online services, allowing the device to be constructed in laboratories that specialize in cryo-EM rather than instrument design. The simple open-source design permits the straightforward customization of the instrument for specialized experiments.
Comparison of automated crystallographic model-building pipelines
Authors: Alharbi Emad , Bond Paul S. , Calinescu Radu , Cowtan Kevin
Published: November 2019

A comparison of four protein model-building pipelines (ARP/wARP, Buccaneer, PHENIX AutoBuild and SHELXE) was performed using data sets from 202 experimentally phased cases, both with the data as observed and truncated to simulate lower resolutions. All pipelines were run using default parameters. Additionally, an ARP/wARP run was completed using models from Buccaneer. All pipelines achieved nearly complete protein structures and low R
work/R
free at resolutions between 1.2 and 1.9 Å, with PHENIX AutoBuild and ARP/wARP producing slightly lower R factors. At lower resolutions, Buccaneer leads to significantly more complete models.
How religiosity influences the consumption of luxury goods: exploration of the moral halo effect
Authors: Geiger-Oneto Stephanie , Minton Elizabeth A.
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of religion, morality and mindset in influencing perceptions of luxury products.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses three experimental studies to investigate this relationship.

Findings

Study 1 shows that religiosity influences negative moral emotions (but not positive moral emotions), which then negatively influence luxury consumption and morality evaluations. Study 2 replicates the effects of Study 1 and shows that priming a moral (marketplace) mindset decreases negative moral emotions and increases luxury consumption evaluations for highly (less) religious consumers. Study 3 explains the effects found in Studies 1 and 2 as driven by moral licensing, such that priming a moral (marketplace) mindset decreases (increases) the negative moral emotions experienced by those primed (not primed) with religiosity. Study 3 also improves the external validity of findings by including a social media sample of regular luxury purchases. Implications for theory and marketing practice are discussed.

Research limitations/implications

The present research is limited by samples conducted in Western culture with a predominantly Western, Christian religious audience. Future research should examine how moral vs marketplace mindsets differentially influence the consumption of luxury products for Eastern religious consumers (e.g. Hindus, Buddhists and Confucianists). Additionally, this research was conducted using Allport and Ross’ (1967) religiosity measure. Some could argue that the measure is not the most representative for atheists or agnostics or is outdated, so further research would benefit from replicating and extending the findings in this paper with other, newer religiosity measures better adapted to measure all belief systems.

Practical implications

Marketers of luxury products should realize the potential of a new target audience – religious consumers. While religiosity is positively correlated with negative moral emotions toward luxury products in Study 1, Studies 2 and 3 reveal that priming a moral mindset can reduce negative affect and increase evaluations of luxury products. Thus, marketers could seek out ways to emphasize morality in messaging. For example, a marketer may incorporate words such as virtues, ethics and/or noble, when describing attributes of their brand in advertising, thereby resulting in a moral licensing effect. Research suggests advertising content has the potential to influence consumers’ perceived moral obligation, inclusive of the moral or immoral nature of the consumption of luxury brands.

Originality/value

While the link between religion and luxury goods is evident in popular culture, previous research has yet to empirically explore this relationship. This study fills this gap by investigating the role of religiosity on the perceived morality and ultimately the purchase of luxury branded goods.
Mediating effect of student engagement on social network sites and academic performance of medical students
Authors: Bhat Ishfaq Hussain , Gupta Shilpi
Published: November 2019

Purpose

In the recent times social media is considered as the most popular tool of communication among the students in India. Based on the assumption that the usage of social media is going to reinforce the academic performance among the medical students, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the mediating effect of student engagement on the use of SM and AP of medical students of India.

Design/methodology/approach

The students were selected from the top three public-funded medical colleges of India. Almost 250 medical students took part in the survey. A self-administered structured questionnaire was used for the collection of the data. Structural equation modelling was used for the analysis of the final data.

Findings

The results of the study show that student engagement is a multi-dimensional construct. It was found that the behavioural and emotional engagement did not mediate the relationship between usage of social media and academic performance, whereas, the cognitive engagement did mediate the relationship. The outcome of the study depicts that the usage of the social media has a potential impact on the learning environment and enhances the cognitive engagement among the medical students and eventually their academic performance.

Research limitations/implications

This paper contributes to the existing body of knowledge on the effectiveness of social media in higher education learning among medical students. Furthermore, the study also looks at the mediating effect of Student engagement between usage of social media and academic performance. This will be helpful for the educator to know how social media can be useful for conducive learning.

Originality/value

The usage of the social media is claimed to enhance learning among the students but there is hardly any empirical evidence of the same. Therefore, the present paper looks at the combined effect of two distinct sets of literature, i.e., the influence of usage of social media on student engagement, and student engagement and academic performance. Linking the two studies the present paper looks at the usage of the social media, student engagement and academic performance among the medical students of India.
Estimating the underground economy, illegal money and tax evasion in Qatar
Authors: Gamal Awadh Ahmed Mohammed , Dahalan Jauhari , Viswanathan K. Kuperan
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Up to now a country-specific study on Qatar with respect to underground economy, illegal money and tax evasion has not been undertaken. This paper aims to contribute by separately estimating the magnitude of the underground economy in Qatar from 1980 to 2010 using adjusted currency demand function.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses the Zivot–Andrews unit root test for the stationarity analysis and applies the Gregory and Hansen long run cointegrating technique for estimating the underground economy based on the latest form of the currency demand function model. While the general to specific technique is used to estimate the short run error correction model.

Findings

The results show that the average size of the underground economy in Qatar is about 17.03 per cent of the official gross domestic products (GDPs). The average level of tax evasion as a per cent of the total non-oil tax revenues is estimated at around 16.50 per cent and is about 2.12 per cent of the official GDP. The average level of illegal money to the total money from banking sector is estimated at 26.70 per cent.

Originality/value

This study is the first to separately estimate the extent of the underground economy, illegal currency and tax evasion in Qatar. It overcomes the methodological errors and spurious estimation problems encountered in the previous studies that included Qatar with other countries based on cross-country data without taking into consideration the economic differences between countries. The authors believe that the findings may help the government of Qatar to re-formulate its economic policies, thus, enabling it to curb the growing underground economic activities.
Detecting counterfeit pharmaceutical drugs
Authors: Peltier-Rivest Dominic , Pacini Carl
Published: November 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze drug counterfeiting, explains its risk factors and operating and legal environments reviews recent legal cases and develops a multi-stakeholder prevention strategy that includes forensic accounting methods.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a theoretical study based on legal case studies and the best forensic accounting strategies.

Findings

Pharmaceutical drug counterfeiting is a fast-growing fraud that so far has attracted little attention from forensic accountants. A recent estimate projects that criminals collect around $75bn annually in illicit sales from counterfeit drugs (Bairu, 2015). Pharmaceutical counterfeiting also leads to the loss of lives when criminals use lethal chemicals in the manufacturing of fake medicines (Liang, 2006a; Brown, 2005). Because the detection of drug counterfeiting is extremely difficult after fake medicines have been ingested by patients, the strategy developed in this paper is based on early discovery by using reliable tracking technologies and inventory management controls in the supply chain, conducting effective regulatory and legitimate customs inspections, and increasing consumer awareness of basic forensic accounting tools.

Research limitations/implications

This paper extends previous research by integrating various factors into a single multi-stakeholder prevention framework.

Practical implications

The paper presents a synthesized, comprehensive view of the drug fraud epidemic and analyzes concrete steps that can be taken to protect the pharmaceutical supply chain to reduce the loss of lives and monetary injuries.

Originality/value

No previous research has analyzed this issue from a multi-stakeholder point of view and used forensic accounting tools to complement a prevention strategy. The drug counterfeiting prevention strategy developed in this paper addresses the supply side, the regulatory enforcement side and the demand side.
Reconsidering criminal law-based liability for corporations and directors in South Africa
Authors: Kawadza Herbert
Published: November 2019

Purpose

It is recognised that the mere proscription of corporate offences is not adequate to deter misconduct or engender compliance. There is a need for the enforcement of the rules through robust culture-changing sanctions. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the inadequacies of criminal law liability in ensuring compliance with ethical corporate conduct in South Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is purely qualitative. For expository purposes, it draws from the Criminal Procedure Act, 51 of 1977 as well the corporate criminality enforcement trends and data from the National Prosecutions Agency’s annual reports to demonstrate that much as criminal liability is enshrined in a statute it has, however, not yielded the expected results. It situates the debate within the broader economic criminological scholarship.

Findings

This paper argues that even though the option of prosecuting corporations and directors is part of South African law, many corporate offences are not brought into the criminal justice system. Judging by its erratic imposition, criminal liability has failed to express the indignation and condemnation that are normally attached to criminal sanctions. Several reasons account for this. These include evidentiary, legal, technical and definitional complexities of some corporate offences, which lead to them being regarded as “unprosecutable crimes”. This has a negative impact on enforcement.

Originality/value

This paper is novel because it approaches the debate from a fresh perspective, economics and criminology. Not much scholarly attention has been devoted to analysing the efficacy of criminal sanctions in the South African context. This paper attempts to fill that gap.
Work-related whistle-blowing in democratic societies context
Authors: Bakirci Kadriye
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Turkey is required by the international and EU instruments and domestic law to address the issue of whistle-blowing and the protection of whistle-blowers. The purpose of this paper is to analyse Turkish legislation which is applicable to work-related whistle-blowing, the conflict between the worker’s right to “blow the whistle” and the obligation to loyalty and confidentiality. The consequences of groundless or deliberate false disclosures are considered. Comparisons are made with international conventions, the COE Recommendation CM/Rec(2014)7 and the Proposed EU Directive on the Protection of Whistleblowers and ECtHR precedents.

Design/methodology/approach

In the first part, this paper reviews the definition of whistle-blowing and whistle-blower. The second part outlines the impact of international and EU Law on Turkish legislation. The third part reviews the Turkish legal framework applicable to whistle-blowing.

Findings

Whistle-blowing in the public interest is suggested as a tool to combat corruption worldwide. There is no doubt that some whistle-blowers have been beneficial to society. However without democratic structures to take into account the assessment of the quality of the information, the type of the disclosure and the category of the reporting person, there are downsides to excessive whistle-blowing. Therefore, whistle-blowing should be discussed in the context of democratic societies, and a balanced approach should be adopted to ensure the position of not only whistle-blowers but also the people affected by the reports.

Originality/value

The paper offers new insights into the limits of work-related whistle-blowing within the context of freedom of expression and the right of employees and public officials to petition. The protection of whistle-blowers and the consequences of groundless or deliberate false disclosures under Turkish Law from a comparative perspective are considered.
Board ethical commitment and corporate performance: Malaysian evidence
Authors: Salin Ahmad Saiful Azlin Puteh , Ismail Zubaidah , Smith Malcolm , Nawawi Anuar
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between board ethical commitment and the performance of the company. When directors embed ethics in discharging their duty, it will prohibit frauds, unnecessary actions and decisions that are detrimental to the company.

Design/methodology/approach

This study collected data for two years i.e. 2013 and 2014 from the annual report of the biggest 500 companies by market capitalisation as of 31 December 2013 listed under Bursa Malaysia stock exchange. Board ethical commitment is measured based on the Malaysian Code of Corporate Governance (MCCG) and various international best practices while corporate performance is measured based on return on equity, return on assets, net profit margin, market to book value and TobinQ.

Findings

This study found that ethical commitment by the board has a significant positive relationship with corporate performance. The findings are robust to the alternative performance measurements and lagged one-year corporate performance.

Research limitations/implications

This paper enhances the theoretical understanding of the contribution of the board of ethical commitment to the sustainable performance of the company. However, this study suffered from a limited data collection period of two years only from the annual report of the company.

Practical implications

This study provides an indicator that the directors need to provide a good ethical leadership example to the employees and committed to built a good ethical work culture in the organisation via establishment of code of ethics. In addition, this code needs to be promoted, enforced and embedded in the operations of the organisation.

Originality/value

This study is original as it not only examines board ethical commitment from MCCG 2012 but also international best practices from various countries such as UK, USA and Europe. It also contributed to the literature and theoretical understanding of the importance of board ethical commitment specifically in developing countries like Malaysia that scarce in the literature.
Are we any good at protecting our societies and economies from the threat of economic crime and misconduct?
Authors: Vanni Domitilla
Published: November 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to outline the Italian framework of rules against economic crime and to verify if Italian legislation provides for appropriate and effective measures according to own needs both at a national and European level.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a comparative approach by examining the European and Italian legal systems for finding analogies and differences between them.

Findings

The study has revealed the need of a greater international harmonisation of criminal laws and penalties as well as the transnationality of the economic crime cuts the chance of success of every national strategy, given that transnational criminals are encouraged by the awareness that their cross-border activities complicate law-enforcement efforts against them.

Research limitations/implications

To maintain a common international level in the protection of individuals from the risk of economic crimes and to enforce the effectiveness of European and national regulations.

Practical implications

The achievement of a high level of protection, for public security and social cohesion, to prevent and reduce economic crimes, in particular, cybercrimes.

Social implications

To ensure a high level of security for the general public by taking action against money laundering, cybercrimes and other sorts of misconducts.

Originality/value

Fighting economic crime requires the close cooperation of law enforcements from different countries, which the traditional law enforcement institutions are not designed to provide.
An emerging fungal pathogen is associated with increased resting metabolic rate and total evaporative water loss rate in a winter‐active snake
Authors: Agugliaro Joseph , Lind Craig M. , Lorch Jeffrey M. , Farrell Terence M.
Published: November 2019

Energy allocation trade‐offs associated with mounting metabolically costly immune responses may serve as sublethal mechanisms by which pathogens reduce host fitness. The emergence of cutaneous fungal pathogens, which invade the skin of their host and have the potential to disturb energy and water balance, highlight the importance of host physiology in determining individual‐ and population‐level effects of disease.

Snake fungal disease (SFD, ophidiomycosis), caused by the fungal pathogen Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola (Oo), is an emerging disease afflicting wild snake populations throughout eastern North America. Emaciation and dehydration are phenotypic correlates of SFD, but it is unknown if such declines in host condition occur via effects of Oo infection on host physiology (i.e. increased rates of metabolism and evaporative water loss respectively).

We used flow‐through respirometry to assess the energetic and hydric consequences of natural Oo infection in winter‐active pygmy rattlesnakes Sistrurus miliarius. We measured resting metabolic rate (CO2 production rate) and total evaporative water loss rate of winter‐acclimatized S. miliarius as a function of SFD status and acute temperature (17, 25 and 32°C). We also used regression models characterizing individual variation in the thermal‐sensitivity of resting metabolic rate to predict the theoretical effects of behavioural fever on daily resting CO2 production by free‐ranging S. miliarius with SFD in winter.

Natural infection by Oo was associated with significant increases in resting metabolic rate (30%–45%) and total evaporative water loss rate (30%–40%) across all measurement temperatures. Under simulated scenarios of behavioural fever, Oo infection was predicted to increase daily resting CO2 production rate by 58%–102%.

Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that the immune response to Oo infection is energetically costly and may contribute to declining host condition. Our modelling efforts combining the cumulative effects of increased immune activity and increased body temperature on metabolism represent a novel approach in quantifying the total daily energetic cost of infection in ectothermic vertebrates undergoing behavioural fever.

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