bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sequence-based modeling of genome 3D architecture from kilobase to chromosome-scale
Authors: Zhou Jian
Published: May 2021

The structural organization of the genome plays an important role in multiple aspects of genome function. Understanding how genomic sequence influences 3D organization can help elucidate their roles in various processes in healthy and disease states. However, the sequence determinants of genome structure across multiple spatial scales are still not well understood. To learn the complex sequence dependencies of multiscale genome architecture, here we developed a sequence-based deep learning approach, Orca, that predicts genome 3D architecture from kilobase to whole-chromosome scale, covering structures including chromatin compartments and topologically associating domains. Orca also makes both intrachromosomal and interchromosomal predictions and captures the sequence dependencies of diverse types of interactions, from CTCF-mediated to enhancer-promoter interactions and Polycomb-mediated interactions. Orca enables the interpretation of the effects of any structural variant at any size on multiscale genome organization and provides an in silico model to help study the sequence-dependent mechanistic basis of genome architecture. We show that the models accurately recapitulate effects of experimentally studied structural variants at varying sizes (300bp-80Mb) using only sequence. Furthermore, these sequence models enable in silico virtual screen assays to probe the sequence-basis of genome 3D organization at different scales. At the submegabase scale, the models predicted specific transcription factor motifs underlying cell-type-specific genome interactions. At the compartment scale, based on virtual screens of sequence activities, we propose a new model for the sequence basis of chromatin compartments: sequences at active transcription start sites are primarily responsible for establishing the expression-active compartment A, while the inactive compartment B typically requires extended stretches of AT-rich sequences (at least 6-12kb) and can form ‘passively’ without depending on any particular sequence pattern. Orca thus effectively provides an “in silico genome observatory” to predict variant effects on genome structure and probe the sequence-based mechanisms of genome organization.
HPF1 dynamically controls the PARP1/2 balance between initiating and elongating ADP- ribose modifications
Authors: Langelier Marie-France , Billur Ramya , Sverzhinsky Aleksandr , Black Ben E. , Pascal John M.
Published: May 2021

Upon detecting DNA strand breaks, PARP1 and PARP2 produce the posttranslational modification poly(ADP-ribose) to orchestrate the cellular response to DNA damage. Histone PARylation factor 1 (HPF1) binds to PARP1/2 to directly regulate their catalytic output. HPF1 is required for the modification of serine residues with ADP-ribose, whereas glutamate/aspartate residues are modified in the absence of HPF1. PARP1 is an abundant nuclear protein, whereas HPF1 is present in much lower amounts, raising the question of whether HPF1 can pervasively modulate PARP1 activity. Here we show biochemically that HPF1 efficiently regulates PARP1/2 catalytic output at the sub-stoichiometric ratios matching their relative cellular abundances. HPF1 rapidly associates and dissociates from multiple PARP1 molecules, initiating ADP-ribose modification of serine residues before modification can initiate on glutamate/aspartate residues. HPF1 accelerates the rate of attaching the first ADP-ribose, such that this initiation event is comparable to the rate of the elongation reaction to form poly(ADP-ribose). This “hit and run” mechanism ensures that HPF1 contributions to the PARP1/2 active site during initiation do not persist and interfere with PAR chain elongation at sites of DNA damage. HPF1 thereby balances initiation and elongation events to regulate PARP1/2 output. Structural analysis of HPF1 in complex with PARP1 provides first insights into the assembly on a DNA strand break, and the HPF1 impact on PARP1 retention on DNA. Our data support the prevalence of the serine-ADP-ribose modification in cells and establish that HPF1 imparts the efficiency of serine-ADP-ribose modification required for an acute response to DNA damage.
A community-science approach identifies genetic variants associated with three color morphs in ball pythons (Python regius)
Authors: Brown Autumn R. , Comai Kaylee , Mannino Dominic , McCullough Haily , Donekal Yamini , Meyers Hunter C. ,   The BIO306W Consortium, Graves Chiron W. , Seidel Hannah S.
Published: May 2021

Color morphs in ball pythons (Python regius) provide a unique and largely untapped resource for understanding the genetics of coloration in reptiles. Here we use a community-science approach to investigate the genetics of three color morphs affecting production of the pigment melanin. These morphs—Albino, Lavender Albino, and Ultramel—show a loss of melanin in the skin and eyes, ranging from severe (Albino) to moderate (Lavender Albino) to mild (Ultramel). To identify genetic variants causing each morph, we recruited shed skins of pet ball pythons via social media, extracted DNA from the skins, and searched for putative loss-of-function variants in homologs of genes controlling melanin production in other vertebrates. We report that the Albino morph is associated with missense and non-coding variants in the gene TYR. The Lavender Albino morph is associated with a deletion in the gene OCA2. The Ultramel morph is associated with a missense variant and a putative deletion in the gene TYRP1. Our study is one of the first to identify genetic variants associated with color morphs in ball pythons and shows that pet samples recruited from the community can provide a resource for genetic studies in this species.
NAP1L1 and NAP1L4 binding to Hypervariable Domain of Chikungunya Virus nsP3 Protein is bivalent and requires phosphorylation
Authors: Dominguez Francisco , Shiliaev Nikita , Lukash Tetyana , Agback Peter , Palchevska Oksana , Gould Joseph R. , Meshram Chetan D. , Prevelige Peter E. , Green Todd J. , Agback Tatiana , Frolova Elena I. , Frolov Ilya
Published: May 2021

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is one of the most pathogenic members of the Alphavirus genus in the Togaviridae family. Within the last two decades, CHIKV has expanded its presence to both hemispheres and is currently circulating in both Old and New Worlds. Despite the severity and persistence of the arthritis it causes in humans, no approved vaccines or therapeutic means have been developed for CHIKV infection. Replication of alphaviruses, including CHIKV, is determined not only by their nonstructural proteins, but also by a wide range of host factors, which are indispensable components of viral replication complexes (vRCs). Alphavirus nsP3s contain hypervariable domains (HVDs), which encode multiple motifs that drive recruitment of cell- and virus-specific host proteins into vRCs. Our previous data suggested that NAP1 family members are a group of host factors that may interact with CHIKV nsP3 HVD. In this study, we performed a detailed investigation of the NAP1 function in CHIKV replication in vertebrate cells. Our data demonstrate that i) the NAP1-HVD interactions have strong stimulatory effects on CHIKV replication; ii) both NAP1L1 and NAP1L4 interact with the CHIKV HVD; iii) NAP1 family members interact with two motifs, which are located upstream and downstream of the G3BP-binding motifs of CHIKV HVD; iv) NAP1 proteins interact only with a phosphorylated form of CHIKV HVD and HVD phosphorylation is mediated by CK2 kinase; v) NAP1 and other families of host factors redundantly promote CHIKV replication and their bindings have additive stimulatory effects on viral replication.

IMPORTANCE

Cellular proteins play critical roles in the assembly of alphavirus replication complexes (vRCs). Their recruitment is determined by the viral nonstructural protein 3 (nsP3). This protein contains a long, disordered hypervariable domain (HVD), which encodes virus-specific combinations of short linear motifs interacting with host factors during vRC assembly. Our study defined the binding mechanism of NAP1 family members to CHIKV HVD and demonstrated a stimulatory effect of this interaction on viral replication. We showed that interaction with NAP1L1 is mediated by two HVD motifs and requires phosphorylation of HVD by CK2 kinase. Based on the accumulated data, we present a map of the binding motifs of the critical host factors currently known to interact with CHIKV HVD. It can be used to manipulate cell specificity of viral replication and pathogenesis, and to develop a new generation of vaccine candidates.
A coarse-grained approach to model the dynamics of the actomyosin cortex
Authors: Hernández-del-Valle Miguel , Valencia-Expósito Andrea , López-Izquierdo Antonio , Casanova-Ferrer Pau , Tarazona Pedro , Martín-Bermudo Maria D. , Míguez David G.
Published: May 2021

The dynamics of the actomyosin machinery is at the core of many important biological processes. Several relevant cellular responses such as the rhythmic compression of the cell cortex are governed, at a mesoscopic level, by the nonlinear interaction between actin monomers, actin crosslinkers and myosin motors. Coarse grained models are an optimal tool to study actomyosin systems, since they can include processes that occur at long time and space scales, while maintaining the most relevant features of the molecular interactions. Here, we present a coarse grained model of a two-dimensional actomyosin cortex, adjacent to a three-dimensional cytoplasm. Our simplified model incorporates only well characterized interactions between actin monomers, actin crosslinkers and myosin, and it is able to reproduce many of the most important aspects of actin filament and actomyosin network formation, such as dynamics of polymerization and depolymerization, treadmilling, network formation and the autonomous oscillatory dynamics of actomyosin. Furthermore, the model can be used to predict the in vivo response of actomyosin networks to changes in key parameters of the system, such as alterations in the anchor of actin filaments to the cell cortex.
The transcriptome of Schistosoma mansoni developing eggs reveals key mediators in pathogenesis and life cycle propagation
Authors: Lu Zhigang , Sankaranarayanan Geetha , Rawlinson Kate , Offord Victoria , Brindley Paul J. , Berriman Matt , Rinaldi Gabriel
Published: May 2021

Schistosomiasis, the most important helminthic disease of humanity, is caused by infection with parasitic flatworms of the genus Schistosoma. The disease is driven by the eggs laid by the parasites and becoming trapped in host tissues, followed by inflammation and granuloma formation. Despite abundant transcriptome data for most developmental stages of the three main human-infective schistosome species, i.e. Schistosoma mansoni, S. japonicum and S. haematobium, the transcriptomic profiles of developing eggs remain largely unexplored. In this study, we performed RNAseq of S. mansoni eggs laid in vitro during early and late embryogenesis (days 1-3 and 3-6 post-oviposition, respectively). Analysis of the transcriptomes identified hundreds of up-regulated genes during the later stage, including venom allergen-like (VAL) proteins, well-established host immunomodulators, and genes involved in organogenesis of the miracidium larva. In addition, the transcriptomes of the in vitro laid eggs were compared with existing publicly available RNA-seq dataset from S. mansoni eggs collected from the livers of murine hosts. Analysis of enriched GO terms and pathway annotations revealed cell division and protein synthesis processes associated with early embryogenesis, whereas cellular metabolic processes, microtubule-based movement, and microtubule cytoskeleton organization were found enriched in the later developmental time point. This is the first transcriptomic analysis of S. mansoni embryonic development, and will facilitate our understanding of infection pathogenesis, miracidia development and life cycle progression of schistosomes.
Viscoelasticity of basal plasma membranes and cortices derived from MDCK II cells
Authors: Janshoff Andreas
Published: May 2021

In mature epithelial cells, however, cells adhere to one another through tight junctions, adherens junctions and desmosomes thereby displaying a pronounced apical-basal polarity. In vivo, the apical membrane has a larger surface area and faces the outer surface of the body or the lumen of internal cavities, whereas the basolateral membrane is oriented on the side away from the lumen and forms focal adhesions with the extracellular matrix. The mechanical properties of cells are largely determined by the architecture and dynamics of their viscoelastic cortex, which consists of a contractile, cross-linked actin mesh attached to the plasma membrane via linker proteins. Measuring the mechanical properties of adherent, polarized epithelial cells is usually limited to the upper, i.e., apical side of the cells due to their accessibility on culture dishes. Moreover, contributions from the cell interior comprising various filament types, organelles, and the crowded cytoplasm usually impede examination of the cortex alone. Here, we investigate the viscoelastic properties of basolateral membranes derived from polarized MDCK II epithelia in response to external deformation and compare them to living cells probed at the apical side. Therefore, we grew MDCK II cells on porous surfaces to confluency and removed the upper cell body by sandwich cleavage. The free-standing, defoliated cortices were subject to force indentation and relaxation experiments permitting a precise assessment of cortical viscoelasticity. A new theoretical framework to describe the force cycles is developed and applied to obtain the time-dependent area compressibility modulus of cell cortices from adherent cells. Compared to the viscoelastic response of living cells the basolateral membranes are substantially less fluid and stiffer but obey to the same universal scaling law if excess area is taken into account.
Natural antisense transcript of Period2, Per2AS, regulates the amplitude of the mouse circadian clock
Authors: Mosig Rebecca A. , Castaneda Allison N. , Deslauriers Jacob C. , Frazier Landon P. , He Kevin L. , Maghzian Naseem , Pokharel Aarati , Schrier Camille T. , Zhu Lily , Koike Nobuya , Tyson John J. , Green Carla B. , Takahashi Joseph S. , Kojima Shihoko
Published: May 2021

In mammals, a set of core clock genes form transcription–translation feedback loops to generate circadian oscillations. We and others recently identified a novel transcript at the Period2 (Per2) locus that is transcribed from the antisense strand of Per2. This transcript, Per2AS, is expressed rhythmically and antiphasic to Per2 mRNA, leading to our hypothesis that Per2AS and Per2 mutually inhibit each other's expression and form a double negative feedback loop. By perturbing the expression of Per2AS, we found that Per2AS transcription, but not transcript, represses Per2. However, Per2 does not repress Per2AS, as Per2 knockdown led to a decrease in the Per2AS level, indicating that Per2AS forms a single negative feedback loop with Per2 and maintains the level of Per2 within the oscillatory range. Per2AS also regulates the amplitude of the circadian clock, and this function cannot be solely explained through its interaction with Per2, as Per2 knockdown does not recapitulate the phenotypes of Per2AS perturbation. Overall, our data indicate that Per2AS is an important regulatory molecule in the mammalian circadian clock machinery. Our work also supports the idea that antisense transcripts of core clock genes constitute a common feature of circadian clocks, as they are found in other organisms.
Protein neddylation as a therapeutic target in pulmonary and extrapulmonary small cell carcinomas
Authors: Norton Justin P. , Augert Arnaud , Eastwood Emily , Basom Ryan , Rudin Charles M. , MacPherson David
Published: May 2021

Small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) is among the most lethal of all solid tumor malignancies. In an effort to identify novel therapeutic approaches for this recalcitrant cancer type, we applied genome-scale CRISPR/Cas9 inactivation screens to cell lines that we derived from a murine model of SCLC. SCLC cells were particularly sensitive to the deletion of NEDD8 and other neddylation pathway genes. Genetic suppression or pharmacological inhibition of this pathway using MLN4924 caused cell death not only in mouse SCLC cell lines but also in patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models of pulmonary and extrapulmonary small cell carcinoma treated ex vivo or in vivo. A subset of PDX models were exceptionally sensitive to neddylation inhibition. Neddylation inhibition suppressed expression of major regulators of neuroendocrine cell state such as INSM1 and ASCL1, which a subset of SCLC rely upon for cell proliferation and survival. To identify potential mechanisms of resistance to neddylation inhibition, we performed a genome-scale CRISPR/Cas9 suppressor screen. Deletion of components of the COP9 signalosome strongly mitigated the effects of neddylation inhibition in small cell carcinoma, including the ability of MLN4924 to suppress neuroendocrine transcriptional program expression. This work identifies neddylation as a regulator of neuroendocrine cell state and potential therapeutic target for small cell carcinomas.
What drives restaurant competitive productivity (CP): a comprehensive examination at meso-micro levels
Authors: Cho Meehee , Bonn Mark A. , Jung Hyo Sun
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This study identified essential drivers of competitive productivity (CP) within the restaurant context at the meso-micro levels. Following evidence from previous research, this paper aims to discover if the relationships between the proposed drivers and restaurant competitive productivity (RCP) would differ based upon years in operations as a restaurant business (startup vs established).

Design/methodology/approach

Data analysis was conducted using responses obtained from US restaurant managers. Structural equation modeling assessed the hypothesized relationships. Additionally, multi-group analyses were conducted to test the proposed moderating roles of restaurant firm age within the proposed model.

Findings

Results documented that competitive personality, development and motivation were positively associated with employee competitive productivity (ECP) at the micro-level. Also, ECP, employee training, resource rareness, brand image and organizational culture were significantly and positively related to RCP at the meso-level. Additionally, the positive relationships between ECP and organizational culture, and RCP were greater in the established restaurant group compared with the startup group. However, the relationship between brand image and RCP was greater in the restaurant startup group than in the established group.

Practical implications

This study offered empirical evidence regarding a combination of meso and micro level drivers and their roles in improving RCP. Findings can be adopted to develop effective operational strategies to improve RCP.

Originality/value

Although RCP is critical and is proposed to be created by a comprehensive set of drivers considering organizational (meso-) and individual (micro-) situations, no literature has yet to adopt this comprehensive approach to assess RCP. This study focused on firm age and offered new knowledge about the need for developing specific strategies to improve RCP.
Analysing workforce development challenges in the Industry 4.0
Authors: Ozkan-Ozen Yesim Deniz , Kazancoglu Yigit
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to identify and analyse workforce development challenges in the digital age by first, presenting these challenges and relationship between them, and then proposing a structural model that categorizes these challenges and proposes suggestions for managers to improve human resources practices and firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Fuzzy total interpretive structural modelling (TISM) is used as the methodology, which gives an interpretive structural model by presenting direct and transitive relationship between workforce development challenges and categorizes them under autonomous, dependent, independent and linkage groups.

Findings

In total, 13 different workforce development challenges are presented in this study. Results showed that lack of IT/digital skills has a critical role in workforce development in terms of affecting other challenges. Dependent group includes requirements for longer learning time and specialized training, lack of analytical thinking and dealing with complexity, and lack of interdisciplinary thinking and acting. On the other hand, lack of ability in decentralized decision-making and shortage of workforce with adequate skillset within the labour market have more macro-impacts on others. Most of the challenges located in the linkage group, which means that most of the challenges are interrelated with each other.

Originality/value

Originality of this paper is presenting a systematic structure for workforce development in Industry 4.0 that considers challenges systematically.
An exploration of engagement in community based creative activities as an occupation for older adults
Authors: Edwards Luned , Owen-Booth Bethan
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of older adults (aged 60 and over) participating in community-based creative arts. With an ever increasing ageing population, understanding the benefits of leisure occupations such as community creative arts will be vital for Occupational Therapists in facilitating participation and active engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical qualitative research design with an interpretive phenomenological approach was undertaken. A purposive sampling method enlisted four older adult volunteers whose experiences of creative arts were explored through semi-structured interviews. Interview data were analysed thematically.

Findings

Participants identified many benefits of engaging in community creative arts. Four main themes were identified, namely, “personal benefits”, “choice” in their occupation, “encouragement” to and from others, with the environment facilitating “socialising”. These resulted in improved occupational performance and positive well-being outcomes.

Originality/value

The study complements national policy and extends evidence-based practice on the potential well-being benefits on older adults. In support of the preventative agenda, occupational therapists may apply these findings to increase social prescribing within practice.
The beauty of constructive culture: planting the seeds for widespread performance information use among councilors
Authors: Rajala Tomi , Sinervo Lotta-Maria
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Although politicians' use of performance information affects political decisions and, through them, the well-being of society, there is a lack of studies exploring what contextual factors are associated with annual active performance information use among politicians. Furthermore, past studies on this subject have been cross-sectional rather than longitudinal.

Design/methodology/approach

In this qualitative case study, triangulation of observations and 10 semi-structured interviews were used to ensure the robustness of findings. The study was conducted in a Finnish municipality known as Kangasala.

Findings

A dialogue culture, constructive political climate, trusted information sources and high-quality information attained via accessible information channels explained the high information use in primarily unfavorable conditions to such use. The authors’ findings contradict many prior interview and survey studies that did not recognize the simultaneous contributions of the information provider, channel and quality, along with organizational and environmental factors to high performance information use. The results contradict to some extent the findings from other countries as these studies have explained high levels of use with unique combinations of drivers, whereas we identify common attributes of these combinations and talk about their meaning in the success of Kangasala's public financial management. However, the findings of this case study cannot be generalized.

Originality/value

This study describes a case organization that created a supportive environment for politicians' frequent performance information use that contributed to improvements. Past studies provide little knowledge about establishing sustained high levels of information use among politicians, so the case offers ideas and inspiration for improving this use.
Post-war city to a tourism city: the perspectives of local stakeholders on post-war city tourism development in Jaffna, Sri Lanka
Authors: Dissanayake DMMI , Samarathunga WHMS
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Wars destroy the tourism cities by causing damages to their cultural and natural attractions. However, the post-war cities have great upward potentials to develop through careful and integrated tourism planning. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to identify the perspectives of local stakeholders on tourism development in a post-war city.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used qualitative methods in collecting and analysing the data while closely referring to pertinent literature. Interviews, observations and focus-group discussions have been the main data collection tools and content analysis was performed with NVivo (v.12) to analyse the data.

Findings

Analysis of interviews, focus group discussion findings and observations highlighted the availability of a plethora of tourism potentials within post-war Jaffna that include, both cultural and natural attractions: Hindu Kovils and Buddhist temples, colonial heritage, traditional cuisines and way of life, beaches, flora and fauna and sceneries. The study further identified a lack of professionals, absence of a master plan, remoteness, poor infrastructure and absence of tourist activities as main obstacles for tourism development in Jaffna. Finally, implications are forwarded based on stakeholders’ perspectives to promote post-war city tourism in Jaffna.

Originality/value

Wars are not common, and post-war tourism cities are rare. The present study is focused on a destination where the war has ended, causing much damages to the destination. The study evaluates the tourism potentials and challenges based on stakeholders’ perspectives and forwards implications for city tourism development despite post-war empirical glitches, which have rarely been addressed in the tourism literature.
Investigating the influence of absorptive capacity of recipients within cross-border transfer of knowledge: evidence from emerging markets
Authors: Mehreen Hina , Rammal Hussain Gulzar , Pereira Vijay , Del Giudice Manlio
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This study aims to investigate whether the absorptive capacity, learning intent of the recipient, the attractiveness of the knowledge source and the relationship quality between the recipient and the source in high-technology sectors in emerging markets influences the nature of the intra-organizational knowledge being transferred.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 180 completed survey responses from all cellular network providers operating in Pakistan were analyzed. This study uses multiple regression analysis to empirically tests the above relationships using data from the cellular network sector in Pakistan.

Findings

The findings highlight how the highly educated workforce and the motivation to learn has an impact on the effective cross-border sharing of knowledge, both technological and marketing knowledge.

Originality/value

This study is one of the few to test the factors that influence the effective and efficient transfer of knowledge from developed to emerging markets.
International marketing studies in banking and finance: a comprehensive review and integrative framework
Authors: Battisti Enrico , Graziano Elvira Anna , Leonidou Erasmia , Stylianou Ioanna , Pereira Vijay
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive analysis of international marketing (IM) studies within the context of banking and finance (B&F), articulating its significance and relevance in view of the growing influence of this topic in the global economy.

Design/methodology/approach

The systematic review methodology was applied for the purpose of identifying the relevant studies, as well as the key themes and dominant concepts. In establishing a quality benchmark for the review results, the final sample included articles published in peer-reviewed academic journals ranked 3, 4 and 4* in the ABS 2018 journal list, a common practice in existing systematic review studies.

Findings

Based on a systematic review of 66 studies, the results reveal that the topic has grown and continues to expand within the broader IM field over the past 35 years. From the proposed integrative framework, it is possible to identify the links between several IM subjects and B&F topics, highlighting a different intensity of studies and in-depth analysis among the various specific areas investigated.

Originality/value

The authors map and critically evaluate the extant IM research in B&F context for the purpose of increasing its coherence, scope and international dimension. Finally, the authors present a multidisciplinary, integrative framework that organizes the existing literature, provides the theoretical basis for scholars to further expand the boundaries of the domain and serves as a guiding tool for practitioners.
Female lens in urban mobility: technology-use behavior and individual differences
Authors: Cassitas Hino Marcia , Cunha Maria Alexandra
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate how women's individual differences influence urban mobility service technology-use behavior. The reduction in urban mobility is a major problem in countries with emerging economies, thus affecting both the economy and quality of life.

Design/methodology/approach

The theoretical approach follows the individual differences theory of gender and information technology (IDTGIT). This research combines structured interviews to understand how the use of urban mobility service technology in daily routines is perceived, questionnaires to map individual differences and user demonstrations to capture how participants used mobility applications on their cell phones.

Findings

This study shows the influence of individual characteristics on the use of mobile apps and presents five behavioral profiles of women. This article goes beyond gender segregation to also show intragender differences.

Practical implications

This study explains women's behavior regarding urban mobility mobile applications through the generation of five profiles. These profiles can inform public policy managers on urban mobility and provide opportunities for improving the services of companies in the urban transport service chain.

Originality/value

With an intragender perspective, this study identifies the influence of individual characteristics on the use of technology and suggests that contextual identity, a novel dimension of characteristics that influence technology-use behavior, is relevant in the adoption of technology by its users.
Pedagogical transitions experienced by higher education faculty members – “Pre-Covid to Covid”
Authors: Pandya Bharti , Patterson Louise , Cho BooYun
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This study aimed to analyse if significant pedagogical transitions occurred from Pre-Covid-19 to Covid-19 period concerning applied teaching methods, course content, assessment strategies, technical support and faculty's readiness.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a quantitative study wherein perceptions of 116 faculty (from higher education institutions) from 22 countries were collected through an online survey. The authors classified the responses by five measurement characteristics and treatment, that is, Pre-Covid and during Covid. ANOVA test identified the differences between the ten groups. The authors also conducted ANOVA test for five Pre-Covid groups and five Covid groups and found meaningful differences among those groups.

Findings

The authors compared the differences by the treatment, that is, Pre-Covid and Covid, and found the significant difference in teaching methods, assessment strategies and faculty's readiness while there was no significant difference found in course content and technological support.

Practical implications

The findings and recommendations have a practical application for higher education leaders, curriculum managers and faculty working within this academic environment of online learning either completely remote or hybrid.

Originality/value

The interpretive analysis suggests key improvement areas where education policymakers and higher education strategists need to pay attention to developing strategies and be proactive to cope with any future emergencies whilst maintaining high standards of teaching and learning. This includes devising strategies to prepare faculty competencies to teach in a virtual learning environment, to revamp the assessment strategies and teaching methods.
Building research capacity through an academic community of practice: a design case study
Authors: Koz Olga , Lokey-Vega Anissa
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The study's purpose was to examine the faculty-driven organization's design and development that supports faculty research needs, track the emergence of the community of practice (CoP) and provide greater insight into continued organizational design iterations.

Design/methodology/approach

In this longitudinal design case study, the authors employed different methods to collect and analyze archival, quantitative and qualitative data to capture the phenomenon's complexity.

Findings

The findings challenge the assumption that only formal organizational structures and top-down management approaches stimulate research and build research capacity in universities and propose a new sustainable and agile informal organizational structure and strategies to respond to faculty members' various research needs.

Research limitations/implications

Future research is needed to investigate the tension between the individual researchers' and organizational needs, formal and informal organizational structures in universities, and the creation of a culture that would stimulate research.

Practical implications

Some of the recommended strategies and activities already have been implemented by the Research Consortium Committee (RCC), and faculty engagement in the RCC initiatives has increased. The practical implications are not limited to a College of Education (COE) context. The findings and the developed strategies could apply to many universities and colleges that desire to support their researchers. The research development officers, university administration and policymakers can consider the results of the present study to develop a comprehensive framework for research capacity and infrastructure building from not only organizational but individual perspectives.

Originality/value

This study provides one of the rare empirical investigations of the design, development and evolution of researchers' needs-driven informal organization in a higher education (HE) setting.
High resting heart rate protects against childhood risk factors in predicting adult psychopathy
Authors: Farrington David P. , Bergstrøm Henriette
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Previous research has indicated that low resting heart rate (RHR), measured at age 18, predicts later psychopathy, and that high RHR acts as a protective factor in nullifying the influence of several psychosocial risk factors in predicting later antisocial and criminal outcomes. This paper aims to investigate high RHR as a protective factor against age 8–10 psychosocial risk factors in predicting psychopathy factors at age 48 (measured by the PCL:SV).

Design/methodology/approach

Data collected in the Cambridge Study in Delinquent Development are analyzed. This is a prospective longitudinal study of 411 London males from age 8 to age 61.

Findings

This paper first reports the age 8–10 psychosocial risk factors that predict the interpersonal/affective Factor 1 and the lifestyle/antisocial Factor 2. Then interaction effects with high RHR are studied. The results indicate that high RHR acts as a protective factor against a convicted father and a depressed mother in predicting both psychopathy factors. It also protected against harsh discipline, large family size, low verbal IQ, high hyperactivity, poor parental supervision and a high delinquency-rate school in predicting one of these psychopathy factors, and against a convicted mother in a sensitivity analysis.

Originality/value

This is the first ever longitudinal study showing that high RHR acts as a protective factor in the prediction of psychopathy. The replicated results with different antisocial outcomes show that more research is warranted on the protective effects of high RHR.
Tax evasion; public and political corruption and international trade: a global perspective
Authors: Kurauone Ophias , Kong Yusheng , Sun Huaping , Famba Takuriramunashe , Muzamhindo Simbarashe
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine the significance of public/political corruption; trade tax revenue (import and export) on tax evasion in a group of 140 countries for the period 2008–2017. Sampled countries were subsequently grouped into four clusters for further testing. With the increase in globalization and technology, there is a potential of increased tax corruption on trade tariffs revenue activities.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical testing was carried out using the technical and more advanced dynamic two-step system-generalized moment method. The econometrical method solves the problem of autocorrelation and heteroskedasticity on cross-sectional data. This study used the data from World Bank, Transparency International, World Economic Forum and Kaufmann’s governance indicators.

Findings

There is statistical interaction between the corruption perception index (CPI) and international trade activities. Moreover, other results revealed that CPI and trade tax revenue activities are statistically insignificant to tax evasion in three groups; low corrupt countries, high corrupt and trade surplus countries although the coefficient signs remain consistent. This can be attributed by a low level of corruption in the low corrupt countries or concealment of corruption-related information in high corrupt countries and the low level of import evasion in trade surplus countries.

Originality/value

Based on the theory and results, public and political officials should promote good corporate governance by strictly monitoring trade revenue activities because parties involved can use technical criminality to conceal illegal behavior. Additionally, all jurisdictions should apply the economic theory of crime, especially in high political corrupt countries and perennial trade deficit countries because key macroeconomic tax revenue activities such as imports invite numerous forms of dishonesty.
The use of Lean tools to reduce inpatient waiting time in a Thai public hospital: an action research study
Authors: Trakulsunti Yaifa , Trakoonsanti Lamphai
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The aims of this paper are to illustrate the use of Lean tools to reduce inpatient waiting time and to evaluate critical success factors of Lean implementation in an inpatient pharmacy in a Thai public hospital.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was carried out through action research methodology by following four key phases: identification of problems; planning action; taking action; and evaluation. In the “taking action” phase, Lean tools, including value stream mapping and 5S were implemented to improve dispensing process in an inpatient pharmacy. In the “evaluation phase”, the critical success factors of Lean implementation in an inpatient pharmacy were evaluated by the participants.

Findings

Lean methodology was successfully implemented to reduce the waiting time associated with a three days dose distribution system. As a result of Lean application, the average process time reduced from 8.81 to 7.2 min and the standard deviation reduced from 5.49 to 4.45 min. Moreover, the support of middle management and the leadership were the key success factors of Lean implementation in an inpatient pharmacy.

Practical implications

Hospitals can improve the dispensing process by using Lean tools which are easy to apply and use. This study is appropriate for hospital managers looking for changes in pharmacy services or other departments.

Originality/value

This is the first study that has applied Lean tools to improve the dispensing process in an inpatient pharmacy in Thai hospitals. This study offers important insights into the critical success factors of Lean employment in the inpatient pharmacy.
Supervisor-directed OCB and deviant behaviors: the role of LMX and impression management motives
Authors: Wulani Fenika , Handoko Tarsisius Hani , Purwanto Bernardinus Maria
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This study investigates the effect of supervisor-directed organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) on leader–member exchange (LMX), the moderating role of impression management motives on this relationship, the effect of LMX on organizational and interpersonal deviance and the mediating effect of LMX on the relationship between supervisor-directed OCB and deviant behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a survey questionnaire to collect data. Respondents were 342 nonmanagerial employees working in Surabaya Raya, Indonesia. Hypothesis testing is done using Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

The results show that supervisor-directed OCB is positively related to LMX, and LMX is negatively related to organizational deviance but not significantly related to interpersonal deviance. The study also finds that impression management motives moderate the positive relationship between supervisor-directed OCB and LMX. Furthermore, LMX mediates the relationship between supervisor-directed OCB and organizational deviance, but not interpersonal deviance.

Practical implications

This study suggests the importance of human resource management (HRM) activities and managers being aware of subordinate OCB motives and the impact of LMX on interpersonal and organizational deviance, as well as what supervisors need to do to reduce these negative effects.

Originality/value

Few studies examined the relationship between supervisor-directed OCB and workplace deviance behaviors (WDBs). This study provides a mechanism of their relationship by considering LMX as a mediator. Also, heretofore the existing studies tend to focus more on LMX as an antecedent of OCB. This study provides an understanding of OCB as an antecedent of LMX with the moderating effect of impression management motives.
Returnee status, academic staff rewards and psychological contract fulfilment in China's higher education sector
Authors: Gu Jun , Nyland Chris , Fan Xin , Wu Dan
Published: May 2021

Purpose

China's universities have decoupled academic staff rewards and returnee status (scholars with a higher degree or substantial work experience gained outside China). This development possibly poses a threat to returnees' psychological contract fulfilment (PCF), i.e. the extent to which employees perceive their employer has fulfilled their promises or obligations regarding the employment relationship. Drawing on the efficiency–flexibility balance theory, the authors predict Chinese universities would institutionalise human resource management (HRM) practices intended to countervail the decoupling's potentially negative influence. Furthermore, the positive effect of returnee status on PCF would subsequently manifest as higher job satisfaction and lower turnover intention.

Design/methodology/approach

Utilising a mixed-method approach, the authors first undertook a large-scale multi-time field survey of Chinese business school academics from a group of non-elite universities located in Southern China. The authors then conducted a series of in-depth interviews with a subsample of the surveyed cohort, which was then analysed using multivariate regression analyses and machine-aided qualitative content analysis (i.e. NVivo 10).

Findings

The authors find that, despite the decoupling of returnee status and faculty rewards, returnee status is positively associated with PCF. This positive association further manifests as an indirect effect on job satisfaction and a negative indirect effect on turnover intention. The authors also determine that returnees experience higher PCF because universities have revised HRM practices to reward evidenced job activities. Returnees can gain a competitive advantage by using their skills gained overseas.

Originality/value

This study makes four original contributions. First, the authors investigate a neglected yet essential issue, namely, how returnee status relates to PCF in China's universities. Second, the authors enrich the theoretical understanding by introducing the efficiency–flexibility balance theory into the employee PCF literature. Third, the authors provide new insights on how China's universities maximise the effectiveness of academic returnees' talents and skills. Finally, by focusing on non-elite universities, the authors provide insights relevant to a broader faculty population than is available in the existing literature.
Brazilian craft breweries and internationalization in the born global perspective
Authors: Stocker Fabricio , Abib Gustavo , Santos Jhunior Ronaldo de Oliveira , Irigaray Helio Arthur Reis
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze how the internationalization process of Brazilian microbreweries takes place, especially in factors of propensity to internationalization, competition and survival in the national and international market.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors adopted qualitative approach research, using a multiple case study strategy, analyzing seven Brazilian craft breweries. The authors developed this study through documentary research, semi-structured interviews and nonparticipant observation.

Findings

The research findings made it possible to characterize the internationalization process motivated by the background and international experience of entrepreneurs that adopted different strategies for expansion in the international market. The authors noticed that the networks developed in production partnerships, festivals and international missions represent an increase in the ease of internationalization and helps to reduce the risk perception.

Research limitations/implications

The contributions refer to the conjecture that the born global's evolution related to the high competitiveness of the market is influenced by the international background of the founders and by the influence of the international network, overcoming institutional and market challenges in emerging countries, assuming risks associated with rapid and early entry into the international arena.

Practical implications

The paper is potentially useful for managerial practice and policymakers by providing insights into the characteristics of entrepreneurs and companies considering their propensity to internationalize, presenting how entrepreneurs and managers can seek resources and develop their skills and capacities to manage such companies and processes of internationalization.

Originality/value

The research is presented as a complementary study to the limited number of studies examining born globals from emerging markets, also challenging the arguments of the dominant theory regarding gradual and nonlinear internationalization.