bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The use of high-resolution computed tomography to explore age-related trabecular change in human ribs
Authors: Mavroudas Sophia R. , Dominguez Victoria M.
Published: July 2021

High-resolution computed tomography was used to explore age-related trabecular change in male human ribs ranging in age from 20–95 years (Mean=55 years, SD=21.634 years) from the Texas State Donated Skeletal Collection (TXSTDSC). Two regions of interest (ROIs), midshaft (50%) and anterior (75%) were extracted from each scan to analyze age-related trabecular change. Dragonfly V4.1 was used to isolate cortical bone volumes of interest (VOIs) and three trabecular VOIs for each ROI; one each along the cutaneous cortex, the center of the medullary cavity, and the pleural cortex. Each trabecular VOI was analyzed for bone volume fraction (BV/TV), trabecular thickness (TbTh), trabecular spacing (TbSp), connectivity density (Conn.D), and degree of anisotropy (DA), within and between the 50 and 75% ROIs. Overall, the cutaneous VOIs at both the 50% and 75% ROIs exhibited greater BV/TV, TbTh, and Conn.D when compared to the center and pleural VOIs. All results are consistent with expected biomechanical strain on human ribs. Both trabecular variables and cortical bone volume are only weakly associated with age. These results show that 3D analysis of trabecular bone volume does not improve visualization or understanding of trabecular bone changes with age over traditional 2D methods. Future research should incorporate female samples to explore sex-related trabecular change variation.

HIGHLIGHTS

3D analysis of change in trabecular structure along the rib length and with age

Trabecular spacing at midshaft shows highest correlations with age-at-death

Relative cortical area is more strongly correlated with age in anterior ribs than at midshaft
The genomic basis of copper tolerance inDrosophilais shaped by a complex interplay of regulatory and environmental factors
Authors: Green Llewellyn , Coronado-Zamora Marta , Radio Santiago , Rech Gabriel E. , Salces-Ortiz Judit , González Josefa
Published: July 2021

Increases in industrialization and anthropogenic activity have resulted in an increase of pollutants released into the environment. Of these pollutants, heavy metals such as copper are particularly concerning due to their bio-accumulative nature. Due to its highly heterogeneous distribution and its dual nature as an essential micronutrient and toxic element, the genetic basis of copper tolerance is likely shaped by a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors.

In this study, we utilized the natural variation present in multiple populations ofDrosophila melanogastercollected across Europe to screen for variation in copper tolerance. We found that latitude and the degree of urbanization at the collection sites, rather than any other combination of environmental factors, were linked to copper tolerance. While previously identified copper-related genes were not differentially expressed in tolerantvs. sensitive strains, genes involved in metabolism, reproduction, and protease induction contributed to the differential stress response. Additionally, the greatest transcriptomic and physiological responses to copper toxicity were seen in the midgut; where we found that preservation of gut acidity is strongly linked to greater tolerance. Finally, we identified transposable element insertions likely to play a role in copper stress response.

Overall, by combining genome-wide approaches with environmental association analysis, and functional analysis of candidate genes, our study provides a unique perspective on the genetic and environmental factors that shape copper tolerance in naturalD. melanogasterpopulations, and identifies new genes, transposable elements and physiological traits involved in this complex phenotype.
Cell adhesion factors during adolescence support amygdalo-cortical connections and flexible action later in life
Authors: Kietzman Henry W. , Shapiro Lauren P. , Trinoskey-Rice Gracy , Guo Jidong , Gourley Shannon L.
Published: July 2021

Adolescent brain development is characterized by dramatic neuronal remodeling in the prefrontal cortex. This plasticity is presumed to act in part to “set the stage” for prefrontal cortical function in adulthood, but causal relationships have largely not been verified. Integrins are cell adhesion factors that provide a link between the extracellular matrix and the intracellular actin cytoskeleton. We find that β1-integrin presence in the prelimbic subregion of the prefrontal cortex (PL) during adolescence, but not adulthood, is necessary for adult mice to select actions based on reward likelihood and value. These behaviors require coordinated limbic-frontal-striatal circuits. We identified projections from the basolateral amygdala (BLA) to PL as being necessary for mice to express learned response strategies. We then visualized adolescent PL neurons receiving input from the BLA and projecting to the dorsomedial striatum (DMS), a primary striatal output by which the PL controls reward-related behavior. These projection-defined neurons had a more “adult-like” morphology relative to a general population of layer V PL neurons. β1-integrin loss caused the overexpression of stubby-type dendritic spines at the expense of more mature spines, a phenotype not observed when β1-integrins were silenced before or after adolescence. Together, these experiments localize β1-integrin-mediated cell adhesion activity within a developing di-synaptic circuit that coordinates flexible action.
A complete reference genome improves analysis of human genetic variation
Authors: Aganezov Sergey , Yan Stephanie M. , Soto Daniela C. , Kirsche Melanie , Zarate Samantha , Avdeyev Pavel , Taylor Dylan J. , Shafin Kishwar , Shumate Alaina , Xiao Chunlin , Wagner Justin , McDaniel Jennifer , Olson Nathan D. , Sauria Michael E.G. , Vollger Mitchell R. , Rhie Arang , Meredith Melissa , Martin Skylar , Lee Joyce , Koren Sergey , Rosenfeld Jeffrey A. , Paten Benedict , Layer Ryan , Chin Chen-Shan , Sedlazeck Fritz J. , Hansen Nancy F. , Miller Danny E. , Phillippy Adam M. , Miga Karen H. , McCoy Rajiv C. , Dennis Megan Y. , Zook Justin M. , Schatz Michael C.
Published: July 2021

Compared to its predecessors, the Telomere-to-Telomere CHM13 genome adds nearly 200 Mbp of sequence, corrects thousands of structural errors, and unlocks the most complex regions of the human genome to clinical and functional study. Here we demonstrate how the new reference universally improves read mapping and variant calling for 3,202 and 17 globally diverse samples sequenced with short and long reads, respectively. We identify hundreds of thousands of novel variants per sample—a new frontier for evolutionary and biomedical discovery. Simultaneously, the new reference eliminates tens of thousands of spurious variants per sample, including up to 12-fold reduction of false positives in 269 medically relevant genes. The vast improvement in variant discovery coupled with population and functional genomic resources position T2T-CHM13 to replace GRCh38 as the prevailing reference for human genetics.

One Sentence Summary

The T2T-CHM13 reference genome universally improves the analysis of human genetic variation.
Development of photo-lenalidomide for cellular target identification
Authors: Lin Zhi , Amako Yuka , Kabir Farah , Flaxman Hope A. , Budnik Bogdan , Woo Christina M.
Published: July 2021

The thalidomide analog lenalidomide is a clinical therapeutic that alters the substrate engagement of cereblon (CRBN), a substrate receptor for the CRL4 E3 ubiquitin ligase. Here, we report the development of photo-lenalidomide, a lenalidomide probe with a photo-affinity label and enrichment handle, for target identification by chemical proteomics. After evaluating a series of lenalidomide analogs, we identified a specific amide linkage to lenalidomide that allowed for installation of the desired functionality, while preserving the substrate degradation profile, phenotypic anti-proliferative and immunomodulatory properties of lenalidomide. Photo-lenalidomide maintains these properties by enhancing binding interactions with the thalidomide-binding domain of CRBN, as revealed by binding site mapping and molecular modeling. Using photo-lenalidomide, we captured the known targets IKZF1 and CRBN from multiple myeloma MM.1S cells, and further identified a new target, eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 subunit i (eIF3i), from HEK293T cells. eIF3i is directly labeled by photolenalidomide and forms a complex with CRBN in the presence of lenalidomide, but is itself not ubiquitylated or degraded. These data point to the potentially broader array of substrates induced by ligands to CRBN that may or may not be degraded, which can be revealed by the highly translatable application of photo-lenalidomide and chemical proteomics in additional biological settings.

Abstract Figure
VCP protects neurons from proteopathic seeding
Authors: Zhu Jiang , Pittman Sara , Dhavale Dhruva , French Rachel , Patterson Jessica N. , Kaleelurrrahuman Salman , Sun Yuanzi , Buscher William J. , Bieschke Jan , Kotzbauer Paul , Ayala Yuna , Davis Albert A. , Weihl Conrad
Published: July 2021

Uptake and spread of proteopathic seeds, such as αS, Tau, and TDP-43, contribute to neurodegeneration. The cellular machinery necessary for this process is poorly understood. Using a genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 screen, we identified Valosin Containing Protein (VCP) as a suppressor of αS seeding. Dominant mutations in VCP cause multisystem proteinopathy (MSP) with muscle and neuronal degeneration. VCP inhibition or disease mutations increase αS seeding in cells and neurons. This is not associated with an increase in seed uptake and is similar to treatment with the lysosomal damaging agent, LLoME. Intrastriatal injection of αS seeds into VCP disease mice enhances seeding efficiency compared with controls. This is not specific to αS since VCP inhibition or disease mutations increased TDP-43 seeding in neurons. These data support that VCP protects against proteopathic spread of pathogenic aggregates. The spread of distinct aggregate species may dictate pleiotropic phenotypes and pathologies in VCP associated MSP.
Lack of blocking activity in anti-CTLA-4 antibodies reduces toxicity, but not anti-tumor efficacy
Authors: Stone Erica L. , Carter Kyle P. , Wagner Ellen K. , Asensio Michael A. , Benzie Emily , Chiang Yao Y. , Coles Garry L. , Edgar Chelsea , Gautam Bishal K. , Gras Ashley , Leong Jackson , Leong Renee , Manickam Vishal A. , Mizrahi Rena A. , Niedecken Ariel R. , Saini Jasmeen , Sandhu Savreet K. , Simons Jan Fredrick , Stadtmiller Kacy , Tinsley Brendan , Tracy LaRee , Wayham Nicholas P. , Lim Yoong Wearn , Adler Adam S. , Johnson David S.
Published: July 2021

Anti-CTLA-4 antibodies such as ipilimumab were among the first immune-oncology agents to show significantly improved outcomes for patients. However, existing anti-CTLA-4 therapies fail to induce a response in a majority of patients and can induce severe, immune-related adverse events. It has been assumed that checkpoint inhibition, i.e., blocking the interaction between CTLA-4 and its ligands, is the primary mechanism of action for ipilimumab. In this study we present evidence that checkpoint inhibition is not a primary mechanism of action for efficacy of anti-CTLA-4 antibodies. Instead, the primary mechanism for efficacy is FcR-mediated Treg depletion in the tumor microenvironment. First, we identified a monoclonal antibody (mAb) that binds to CTLA-4 at an epitope that differs from ipilimumab’s by only a few amino acids, yet has limited checkpoint inhibitor activity. Surprisingly, the weak checkpoint inhibitor has superior anti-tumor activity compared to ipilimumab in a murine model. The weak checkpoint inhibitor also induces less Treg proliferation and has increased ability to inducein vitroFcR signaling andin vivodepletion of intratumoral Tregs. Further experiments showed that the enhanced FcR activity of the weak checkpoint inhibitor likely contributes to its enhanced anti-tumor activity. Importantly, we also showed that weak checkpoint inhibition was associated with lower toxicity in murine models. Our work suggests that new anti-CTLA-4 drugs should be optimized for Treg depletion rather than checkpoint inhibition.
Pharmacokinetics of caffeine: A systematic analysis of reported data for application in metabolic phenotyping and liver function testing
Authors: Grzegorzewski Jan , Bartsch Florian , Köller Adrian , König Matthias
Published: July 2021

Caffeine is by far the most ubiquitous psychostimulant worldwide found in tea, coffee, cocoa, energy drinks, and many other beverages and food. Caffeine is almost exclusively metabolized in the liver by the cytochrome P-450 enzyme system to the main product paraxanthine and the additional products theobromine and theophylline. Besides its stimulating properties, two important applications of caffeine are metabolic phenotyping of cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) and liver function testing. An open challenge in this context is to identify underlying causes of the large inter-individual variability in caffeine pharmacokinetics. Data is urgently needed to understand and quantify confounding factors such as lifestyle (e.g. smoking), the effects of drug-caffeine interactions (e.g. medication metabolized via CYP1A2), and the effect of disease. Here we report the first integrative and systematic analysis of data on caffeine pharmacokinetics from 148 publications and provide a comprehensive high-quality data set on the pharmacokinetics of caffeine, caffeine metabolites, and their metabolic ratios in human adults. The data set is enriched by meta-data on the characteristics of studied patient cohorts and subjects (e.g. age, body weight, smoking status, health status), the applied interventions (e.g. dosing, substance, route of application), measured pharmacokinetic time-courses, and pharmacokinetic parameters (e.g. clearance, half-life, area under the curve). We demonstrate via multiple applications how the data set can be used to solidify existing knowledge and gain new insights relevant for metabolic phenotyping and liver function testing based on caffeine. Specifically, we analyzed (i) the alteration of caffeine pharmacokinetics with smoking and use of oral contraceptives; (ii) drug-drug interactions with caffeine as possible confounding factors of caffeine pharmacokinetics or source of adverse effects; (iii) alteration of caffeine pharmacokinetics in disease; and (iv) the applicability of caffeine as a salivary test substance by comparison of plasma and saliva data. In conclusion, our data set and analyses provide important resources which could enable more accurate caffeine-based metabolic phenotyping and liver function testing.
Probing remdesivir nucleotide analogue insertion to SARS-CoV-2 RNA dependent RNA polymerase in viral replication
Authors: Romero Moises Ernesto , Long Chunhong , Rocco Daniel La , Keerthi Anusha Mysore , Xu Dajun , Yu Jin
Published: July 2021

Remdesivir (RDV) prodrug can be metabolized into a triphosphate form nucleotide analogue (RDV-TP) to bind and insert into the active site of viral RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) to further interfere with the viral genome replication. In this work, we computationally studied how RDV-TP binds and inserts to the SARS-CoV-2 RdRp active site, in comparison with natural nucleotide substrate adenosine triphosphate (ATP). To do that, we first constructed atomic structural models of an initial binding complex (active site open) and a substrate insertion complex (active site closed), based on high-resolution cryo-EM structures determined recently for SARS-CoV-2 RdRp or non-structural protein (nsp) 12, in complex with accessory protein factors nsp7 and nsp8. By conducting all-atom molecular dynamics simulation with umbrella sampling strategies on the nucleotide insertion between the open and closed state RdRp complexes, our studies show that RDV-TP can bind comparatively stabilized to the viral RdRp active site, as it primarily forms base stacking with the template Uracil nucleotide (at +1), which is under freely fluctuations and supports a low free energy barrier of the RDV-TP insertion (∼ 1.5 kcal/mol). In comparison, the barrier (∼ 2.6 kcal/mol), when the fluctuations of the template nt are well quenched. The simulations also show that the initial base stacking of RDV-TP with the template can be particularly stabilized by motif B-N691, S682, and motif F-K500 with the sugar, base, and the template backbone, respectively. Although the RDV-TP insertion can be hindered by motif-F R555/R553 interaction with the triphosphate, the ATP insertion seems to be facilitated by such interactions. The inserted RDV-TP and ATP can be further distinguished by specific sugar interaction with motif B-T687 and motif-A D623, respectively.
TOR signalling is required for host lipid metabolic remodelling and survival following enteric infection inDrosophila
Authors: Deshpande Rujuta S. , Lee Byoungchun , Qiao Yuemeng , Grewal Savraj S.
Published: July 2021

When infected by enteric pathogenic bacteria, animals need to initiate local and whole-body defence strategies. While most attention has focused on the role of innate immune anti-bacterial responses, less is known about how changes in host metabolism contribute to host defence. Using Drosophila as a model system, we identify induction of intestinal target-of-rapamycin (TOR) kinase signalling as a key adaptive metabolic response to enteric infection. We find TOR is induced independently of the IMD innate immune pathway, and functions together with IMD signalling to promote infection survival. These protective effects of TOR signalling are associated with re-modelling of host lipid metabolism. Thus, we see that TOR switches intestinal metabolism to lipolysis and fatty acid oxidation. In addition, TOR is required to limit excessive infection mediated wasting of adipose lipid stores by promoting an increase in the levels of fat body-expressed de novo lipid synthesis genes. Our data support a model in which induction of TOR represents a host tolerance response to counteract infection-mediated lipid wasting in order to promote survival.
Inulin nanostructures: The sweet-spot of carbohydrate self-assembly
Authors: Arnon Zohar A. , Grabarics Márkó , Kreiser Topaz , Raveh Avi , Pagel Kevin , Gazit Ehud
Published: July 2021

Supramolecular architecture formation by the self-assembly of proteins and nucleic acids is well studied. Yet, the spontaneous organization of oligosaccharides, the most common polymers in nature, is less explored. Here, using inulin as a model, we identify the “sweet spot” length for oligosaccharide assembly. Inulin forms discrete spheres in a concentration-dependent manner. Size-based fractionation displayed markedly different aggregation morphologies. Based on these findings, we believe that carbohydrates could become an important source for novel self-assembling materials.
Structural insight into Marburg virus nucleoprotein-RNA complex formation
Authors: Fujita-Fujiharu Yoko , Sugita Yukihiko , Takamatsu Yuki , Houri Kazuya , Igarashi Manabu , Muramoto Yukiko , Nakano Masahiro , Tsunoda Yugo , Becker Stephan , Noda Takeshi
Published: July 2021

The nucleoprotein (NP) of Marburg virus (MARV), a close relative of Ebola virus (EBOV), encapsidates the single-stranded, negative-sense viral genomic RNA (vRNA) to form the helical NP-RNA complex. The NP-RNA complex serves as a scaffold for the assembly of the nucleocapsid that is responsible for viral RNA synthesis. Although appropriate interactions among NPs and RNA are required for the formation of nucleocapsid, the structural basis of the helical assembly remains largely elusive. Here, we show the structure of the MARV NP-RNA complex determined using cryo-electron microscopy at a resolution of 3.1 Å. The structures of the asymmetric unit, a complex of an NP and six RNA nucleotides, was very similar to that of EBOV, suggesting that both viruses share common mechanisms for the nucleocapsid formation. Structure-based mutational analysis of both MARV and EBOV NPs identified key residues for the viral RNA synthesis as well as the helical assembly. Importantly, most of the residues identified were conserved in both viruses. These findings provide a structural basis for understanding the nucleocapsid formation and contribute to the development of novel antivirals against MARV and EBOV.
GH18 family glycoside hydrolase Chitinase A of Salmonella facilitates bacterial invasion and survival by modulating host immune responses
Authors: Chandra Kasturi , Chakravortty Dipshikha
Published: July 2021

Salmonella is a facultative intracellular pathogen that has co-evolved with its host and has also developed various strategies to evade the host immune responses. Salmonella recruits an array of virulence factors to escape from host defense mechanisms. Previously chitinase A (chiA) was found to be upregulated in intracellular Salmonella. Although studies show that chitinases and chitin binding proteins (CBP) of many human pathogens have a profound role in various aspects of pathogenesis, like adhesion, virulence and immune evasion, the role of chitinase in strict intravacuolar pathogen Salmonella has not yet been elucidated. In this study, we deciphered the role of chitinase of Salmonella in the pathogenesis of the serovars, Typhimurium and Typhi. Our data propose that ChiA mediated modification of the glycosylation on the epithelial cell surface facilitates the invasion of the pathogen into the epithelial cells. Further we found that ChiA aids in reactive nitrogen species (RNS) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in phagocytes, leading to MHCII downregulation followed by suppression of antigen presentation and antibacterial responses. In continuation of the study in animal model C. elegans, Salmonella Typhi ChiA was found to facilitate attachment to the intestinal epithelium, gut colonization and persistence by downregulating antimicrobial peptides.
1-{(E)-[4-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-ylidene]amino}-3-phenylthiourea: crystal structure, Hirshfeld surface analysis and computational study
Authors: Tan Ming Yueh , Kwong Huey Chong , Crouse Karen A. , Ravoof Thahira B. S. A. , Tiekink Edward R. T.
Published: July 2021

The title thiourea derivative, C17H19N3OS, adopts a U-shaped conformation with the dihedral angle between the terminal aromatic rings being 73.64 (5)°. The major twist in the molecule occurs about the ethane bond with the Ci—Ce—Ce—Cb torsion angle being −78.12 (18)°; i = imine, e = ethane and b = benzene. The configuration about the imine bond is E, the N-bound H atoms lie on opposite sides of the molecule and an intramolecular amine-N—H...N(imine) hydrogen bond is evident. In the molecular packing, hydroxyl-O—H...S(thione) and amine-N—H...O hydrogen bonding feature within a linear, supramolecular chain. The chains are connected into a layer in the ab plane by a combination of methylene-C—H...S(thione), methylene-C—H...O(hydroxyl), methyl-C—H...π(phenyl) and phenyl-C—H...π(hydroxybenzene) interactions. The layers stack without directional interactions between them. The analysis of the calculated Hirshfeld surface highlights the presence of weak methyl-C—H...O(hydroxyl) and H...H interactions in the inter-layer region. Computational chemistry indicates that dispersion energy is the major contributor to the overall stabilization of the molecular packing.
Manpower forecasting models in the construction industry: a systematic review
Authors: Zhao Yijie , Qi Kai , Chan Albert P.C. , Chiang Yat Hung , Siu Ming Fung Francis
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to make a systematic review of the manpower prediction model of the construction industry. It aims to determine the forecasting model's development trend, analyse the use limitations and applicable conditions of each forecasting model and then identify the impact indicators of the human resource forecasting model from an economic point of view. It is hoped that this study will provide insights into the selection of forecasting models for governments and groups that are dealing with human resource forecasts.

Design/methodology/approach

The common search engine, Scopus, was used to retrieve construction manpower forecast-related articles for this review. Keywords such as “construction”, “building”, “labour”, “manpower” were searched. Papers that not related to the manpower prediction model of the construction industry were excluded. A total of 27 articles were obtained and rated according to the publication time, author and organisation of the article. The prediction model used in the selected paper was analysed.

Findings

The number of papers focussing on the prediction of manpower in the construction industry is on the rise. Hong Kong is the region with the largest number of published papers. Different methods have different requirements for the quality of historical data. Most forecasting methods are not suitable for sudden changes in the labour market. This paper also finds that the construction output is the economic indicator with the most significant influence on the forecasting model.

Research limitations/implications

The research results discuss the problem that the prediction results are not accurate due to the sudden change of data in the current prediction model. Besides, the study results take stock of the published literature and can provide an overall understanding of the forecasting methods of human resources in the construction industry.

Practical implications

Through this study, decision-makers can choose a reasonable prediction model according to their situation. Decision-makers can make clear plans for future construction projects specifically when there are changes in the labour market caused by emergencies. Also, this study can help decision-makers understand the current research trend of human resources forecasting models.

Originality/value

Although the human resource prediction model's effectiveness in the construction industry is affected by the dynamic change of data, the research results show that it is expected to solve the problem using artificial intelligence. No one has researched this area, and it is expected to become the focus of research in the future.
Fostering technological innovation through management and marketing innovation. The human and non-technological linkage
Authors: Henao-García Edwin Alexander , Cardona Montoya Raúl Armando
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse the relationships between management innovation, marketing innovation, technological innovation and the personnel involved in science, technology and innovation activities.

Design/methodology/approach

The work used data from the Technological Development and Innovation Survey – Colombian Industry VII 2013–2014. Six logistic regression models are tested for the analysis with 2,045 manufacturing firms.

Findings

The results suggest that the probability to pursue technological innovation diminishes in those firms that introduce management and/or marketing innovations. The same happens in firms seeking non-technological innovations with the introduction of product and process innovations. The human side, administrative and technical staff, working on innovation projects plays a key role in the success of different types of innovations.

Originality/value

At this time, there is a need for research studies with new approaches that look at innovation beyond the technological domain and focus on the human side of innovation and other important aspects such as the managerial contribution to innovation. Theoretically, the work contributes to expanding the scarce literature on the proposed relationship and, as far as is known, it is the only one with empirical data for an emerging economy such as the Colombian one. Empirically, useful information is provided for the design of strategies that seek to improve firms' innovation performance.
Internationalization of higher education in Vietnam: current situations, policies, and challenges
Authors: Ryu Jung Hyun , Nguyen Anh Thuy
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The research aims to provide the basis for a better understanding of the internationalization of higher education in Vietnam. First, it examines Vietnam's higher education reforms and policy/ legal frameworks for the promotion of internationalization since the implementation of Doi Moi in 1986. Secondly, it analyzes the internationalization activities at the national and institutional levels. At both levels, the internationalization activities are categorized into internationalization at home and cross borders (Knight, 2012). Finally, the paper discusses the challenges Vietnamese HE is facing and presents policy directions.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs a case study research strategy to examine and gain understanding of internationalization of higher education in Vietnam as a phenomenon. The study collected detailed information using a variety of data collection procedures over a period of time. First, it analyzes Vietnam's higher education reforms as well as policy and legal framework for the promotion of internationalization. Then, using Knight's framework, the study analyzed the internationalization at home and crossborder educational activities at the national and institutional levels. At the national level, strategic policy goals and programs were explored. Then, it chose Vietnam National University- Hanoi as a institutional case to learn its institutional strategies on cross border programs and mobility, reputation building, research cooperation.

Findings

Vietnam has continuously reformed its legal and policy framework of higher education to better integrate into the global higher education market and also to meet the national demand for economic development. Predominant rationale for Vietnam to engage in crossborder programs is for brain development, specifically in the academics and public sector. Meanwhile internationalization at home is driven by (1) international programs and universities and (2) initiative to enhance competitiveness of its higher education institutes. Vietnam hosts different models of international universities, including classical, satellite and co-founded. However, issues and challenges remain, such as poor lack of systematic cooperation and coordination at the governmental level, retaining talents, and finally finances.

Originality/value

Written for the special edition on Internationalization of Higher Education in the Era of SDGs: Asia–Pacific Perspective, the study aims to provide a basis for understanding the current situation of internationalization higher education in Vietnam and how it compares to its partners in the region. This study is unique as it provides a two-layer analysis, at the national and institutional levels capturing macro and micro perspectives in one scene. In addition, this study includes rich empirical data, which was rare in previous literature due to limited access.
Key tea beverage values driving tourists’ memorable experiences: an empirical study in Hong Kong-style café memorable experience
Authors: Cheung Man Lai , Leung Wilson K.S. , Cheah Jun-Hwa , Koay Kian Yeik , Hsu Bryan Cheng-Yu
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Using consumption value theory, this study aims to examine the impact of tourists’ perceived consumption value dimensions of tea beverages offered by Hong Kong (HK)-style cafés, including taste value, price value, health value and emotional value, on tourists’ memorable experience (ME), satisfaction and revisit intention.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an online survey, this study collected 225 usable data from tourists who had experience in visiting HK-style cafés. Partial least squares–structural equation modelling was used to examine the importance of tourists’ value dimensions, including taste value, price value, health value and emotional value, on tourists’ ME, satisfaction and revisit intention.

Findings

The results revealed that taste value, price value, health value and emotional value are significant predictors of tourists’ ME in HK-style cafés, which in turn drive their satisfaction and revisit intention.

Research limitations/implications

This study focusses on a single context: HK-style cafés. Future research may enhance the generalisability of the findings by replicating the model in other countries with diverse cultures.

Practical implications

Tourism marketers may strengthen tourists’ ME, satisfaction and revisit intention by promoting tea beverages as well as HK-style cafés. Tourism marketers are recommended to communicate taste value, price value, health value and emotional value of HK-style tea beverages, which in turn encourages tourists to learn about the features of tea beverages. Subsequently, it drives tourists’ ME and satisfaction, thereby strengthening their intention to revisit.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the tourism marketing literature by providing an understanding of the role of tea beverage value in driving tourists’ ME, satisfaction and revisit intention. By empirically testing a research model, this study confirms that specific consumption value elements of tea beverages, namely, taste value, price value, health value and emotional value, are critical drivers in driving tourists’ ME, satisfaction and revisit intention.
Developing best practices of Islamic estate planning: a construction based on the perspectives of individuals and estate planning providers
Authors: Abd. Wahab Norazlina , Maamor Selamah , Zainol Zairy , Hashim Suraiya , Mustapha Kamal Kamarul Azman
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to develop the best practices of Islamic estate planning for Muslims. Islamic estate planning is a fixed proposal for the management and outlook of an individual’s assets throughout their life and upon their passing, created by means of existing Islamic estate planning tools, for instance, farāʾiḍ (inheritance), waṣiyyah (will), hibah (gift) and waqf (endowment).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper used an interview method to obtain information on the best practices of Islamic estate planning. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the respondents and estate planning providers in the northern region of Peninsular Malaysia. The data gathered was analysed using thematic analysis which involved five phases to construct the best practices of Islamic estate planning.

Findings

The paper identifies important elements in Islamic estate planning. The elements were outlined as the crucial things that Muslims should do to plan for intergenerational transfer and earning a good share in the hereafter.

Research limitations/implications

The first limitation of the paper is that the best practices were developed based on a qualitative method. There is no evidence of its validity, which is a gap that can be explored in the future. Second, it involves the perceptions of two types of respondents (individuals and Islamic estate planning providers), which may be broadened to other related stakeholders such as regulators, in future studies.

Originality/value

This paper presents a framework of best practices of Islamic estate planning, it being one of the first studies to do so, which is not only useful and relevant for Malaysian Muslims but also for Muslims in other countries.
Sustainable human resource planning for hospitals in tier 2/3 cities: evidence from India
Authors: Bhattacharya Sanjay , Bhattacharya Chandrani
Published: July 2021

Purpose

To evolve sustainable practices for human resource planning (HRP) for hospitals being set up in Tier 2/3 cities in India. The purpose of this study is to determine the strategic challenges are faced by hospitals in Tier 2/3 cities. To align HRP/workforce planning to departmental strategic/business planning of the hospital in the defined context. To address the dilemmas of the prospective health-care workforce in Tier 2/3 cities.

Design/methodology/approach

The integrated methodology adopted uses the grounded approach for building theory from practice. Due to the lack of research in the identified context, the study relies on a review of literature related to health-care practices, HRP and general management inputs to evolve the exact interview questionnaire. The subsequent empirical analysis is based on interviews of niche human resource experts in private hospitals.

Findings

The traditional and successful model of private hospitals in the metro cities cannot be transplanted to the Tier 2/3 cities. The thumb rule on a ratio between the doctors, paramedic staff, nurses and other support staff requires to be modified as necessary. Uncertainty in the new context requires the outlook to be basic, uncomplicated, flexible and agile. Attracting and recruitment strategies require adopting an innovative and multipronged approach. Sourcing high-end specialists need not follow the retainership model of employment.

Practical implications

The need to penetrate health-care services to the Tier 2/3 cities within India cannot be disputed. With the increase in disposable income and standard of living in these cities, access to quality and affordable health care is also imperative. The study is a pioneering effort to suggest a practicable and uncomplicated model for hospital setup in the identified context, with a focus on HRP.

Originality/value

This paper offers novel perspectives to the HRP of health-care personnel for a hospital setup in Tier 2/3 cities in India. For the success of private hospitals and their financial viability, this planning is of utmost importance. There is an attempt to fill the knowledge gap in the context which has been rarely explored or ventured. In addition, the policy initiatives suggested are expected to encourage the growth of private hospitals within the Tier 2/3 cities in India.
Sustainable corporate governance and non-financial disclosure in Europe: does the gender diversity matter?
Authors: Nicolò Giuseppe , Zampone Giovanni , Sannino Giuseppe , De Iorio Serena
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Recent regulatory changes in Europe have promoted non-financial reporting practices (e.g., Directive, 2014/95/EU) and gender diversity in decision-making positions. Special attention is devoted to promoting the gender balance on corporate boards as a key mechanism to enhance corporate governance effectiveness and better address multiple stakeholders' needs. With this in mind, this study intends to examine the impact of boardroom gender diversity on Environmental Social Governance (ESG) disclosure practices in the European listed firms' context.

Design/methodology/approach

The study applies different panel data models on an extended sample of 1,392 firms from 21 European Union (EU) countries for six years (2014–2019).

Findings

Findings allow to spotlight the positive role exerted by the presence of women directors on the boards in enhancing ESG disclosure, both at the overall and specific (individual ESG scores) level.

Research limitations/implications

Policymakers and regulators might consider the study's evidence as a stimulus to continue in promoting strategic actions and reforms that foster gender equality and balance in corporate decision-making positions.

Practical implications

Creating a heterogeneous and diversified board of directors may support implementing a “sustainable corporate governance” recently claimed by the EC.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the literature by disentangling the links between gender diversity and ESG disclosure over a period that covers a long season of European regulations and measures that affected both non-financial reporting practices and the board of directors' composition. Accordingly, it can contribute to enhancing the practical and theoretical understanding of the pivotal role that gender diversity may exert in strengthening corporate governance and, in turn, corporate transparency and accountability behaviours about non-financial issues.
Registration patterns, student characteristics and dual enrollment success in Georgia
Authors: Berry Reanna , Partridge Mark Allen , Schaller Tracey King , Routon P. Wesley
Published: July 2021

Purpose

During 2016–2020, the number of high school students enrolled at Georgia postsecondary institutions increased by over 110% and public spending on dual enrollment more than doubled (Georgia Student Finance Commission, 2020). Benefits to dual enrollment students include improved college performance and shorter time to graduation (An and Taylor, 2015; Blankenberger et al., 2017), which translates into significant tuition cost savings and higher potential wages (Partridge et al., 2020). In light of these economic benefits, this paper examines the subject-taking patterns of dual enrollment students and factors associated with successful outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analyzed longitudinal records of 1,931 dual enrollees at a public, four-year institution in metro-Atlanta during and between the 2015–16 and 2018–19 academic years. They performed a descriptive analysis, partial least squares structural equation modeling and regression analysis to examine the relationships between subject enrollment patterns, academic success and student demographics.

Findings

Female students fair better academically as dual enrollees than male students. Black students enroll in fewer and less varied courses. The same is true for students from more affluent neighborhoods, who may feel less need to take advantage of dual enrollment as a pathway to collegiate success. Neighborhood affluency does not appear related to dual enrollment success. Younger dual enrollment students, unsurprisingly complete more courses but do no better or worse academically in the average course. Some academic subjects are much more strongly related to the longevity of a student's dual enrollment than others.

Originality/value

There is limited published research on specific subject-taking patterns and success for dual enrollment students.
Career choice, growth and well-being of women entrepreneurs’ community: insights on driving factors in India
Authors: Banu Jasmine , Baral Rupashree
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the entrepreneurial journey of select women entrepreneurs from South India to provide qualitative insights into the factors influencing their career choice (to become and continue as an entrepreneur) and to identify the drivers of their growth and well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were conducted to gather data from 35 women entrepreneurs in the micro, small and medium enterprises sectors of Tamil Nadu, India. Data were content analyzed using NVivo 12.

Findings

Qualitative content analysis identified three broad themes and several sub-themes to suggest a conceptual framework reflecting the possible relationships among them. Women entrepreneurs’ career choice, the growth of their ventures and their well-being were found to be significantly driven by a blend of personal attributes, strong family support and institutional support.

Practical implications

The findings will help the government to provide appropriate institutional support with customized initiatives and incentives to encourage women-owned tiny and small businesses to grow faster. Appropriate personality development programs and skills training will aid their growth.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the entrepreneurship literature by providing real-life insights from women entrepreneurs from an emerging economy context, especially from Tamil Nadu, which has the highest number of women entrepreneurs in India.
Corporate criminal liability for Bribery in Kuwait: issues in disclosing commissions
Authors: Aloumi Noura Taha
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This study aims to critically analyse corporate criminal liability for bribery in Kuwait, by focusing on laws and regulations as key problem-solving mechanisms. To that end, it identifies and assesses the existing anti-bribery laws in Kuwait, including a legal evaluation based on international standards. This study raises several issues concerning the lack of regulations of private bribery, facilitating payments and kickbacks in government contracts, and gifts and hospitalities in private sector, using UK Bribery Act 2010 (UK BA 2010) as a reference. This study showcases how these legal shortcomings are inconsistent with international treaties, and undermine efforts to tackle corruption. Emphasis has been put on criminalising private bribery, regulating the acceptance of hospitalities and gifts and abolishing the commission payment regime in public contracts in Kuwait.

Design/methodology/approach

Adopting a doctrinal focus, this paper examines case studies on curbing corporate bribery using both primary and secondary sources. Given the increasingly transitional and organised nature of business corruption, extravagant gifts and facilitating payments in public procurements globally, a comparison is drawn with the UK BA 2010.

Findings

Kuwait’s legal system does not criminalise bribery in private sector. Its anti-bribery laws are not at par with international standards. Therefore, the laws on disclosing commissions in public contracts must be abolished, and facilitating payments and hospitality payments in private sector must be regulated.

Originality/value

This study explores corporate criminal liability for bribery in Kuwait by investigating the weaknesses and legal shortcomings of the existing anti-bribery laws, and proposing reforms to counter these using UK BA 2010 as a guide.
Money creation and banks’ interest rate setting
Authors: Ponomarenko Alexey
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine a potential case of interdependence in loan and deposit interest rate setting.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors set up a theoretical microsimulation model with endogenous loan interest rate determination via a learning algorithm.

Findings

The authors show that in certain environments, it may be beneficial for large banks to incorporate information on retail funding costs into the lending rate setting decision.

Originality/value

The author’s model is based on the realistic money creation mechanism.
Tax aggressiveness and the proportion of quantitative information in income tax footnotes
Authors: Liu Hanni
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse the determinants of the proportion of quantitative data in financial statement footnote disclosures. Quantitative data represents “hard” information and has been considered to be more persuasive than qualitative data. The primary focus is on income tax footnotes because revenue agents use them as a reference in tax audits, and citizen groups use them to analyse tax inequalities. This study posits that firms with lower effective tax rates (“tax aggressive” firms) disclose less quantitative data in their income tax footnotes.

Design/methodology/approach

The multivariate analysis uses data from the contents of income tax footnotes extracted from 10-K filings in eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL). It uses the alphanumeric characters identified in the income tax footnotes to calculate the proportion of quantitative data relative to the entire footnote disclosure as the dependent variable in a multivariate regression analysis.

Findings

The findings show that firms which avoid more taxes disclose less quantitative data in income tax footnotes after controlling for the readability of the income tax footnotes and the entire annual report. Therefore, firms seem to reduce the publication of measurable data accessible to revenue agencies and citizen groups.

Originality/value

This analysis provides evidence that firms weigh the financial reporting requirements and tax audit risks when they disclose quantitative income tax data. Also, it supports the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (FASB’s) proposal to require more disaggregated income tax disclosure. To the researcher’s knowledge, this is the first analysis that focuses on the determinants of disclosing quantitative data in income tax footnotes.