bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-throughput growth and data with ‘impact’: Converting the Singer testing fleet into a lab
Authors: Severn Oliver
Published: December 2019

Singer Instruments have been embedded in the yeast academic community since 1982, and had supported the wider scientific community for 85 years. Traditionally, the role of our lab has been testing prototypes, engaging in the work of R&D for the production and improvement of robotic products. For the first time, in collaboration with the University of Manchester, Singer have recruited a PhD student to actively engaged in independent research. This has required quickly changing tack from a prototype and software development test bed, to a lab capable of outputting meaningful data to collaborators within the Aromagenesis project. Collaboration with local beverage producers has allowed a transitional generation of impactful data, that is in the process of informing experimentation into their own brewing processes. Colonies are picked using the newly developed PIXL, and strains arrayed via the ROTOR in excess of 1536 colonies per plate, colony growth data was analysed using the imaging device PhenoBooth. This has allowed rapid generation of data on numerous media types in the projects relatively short time span. The effects of in-house research are already been realised, with innovative changes to products, and detailed requests for making software more helpful to scientists. With a greater automation capacity than is currently required by our own research, the ability to engage in collaborative projects and for Singer to provide a service to the yeast research community is very much increasing.
Mec1ATM/ATR is a multifaceted protein kinase promoting cellular response to genotoxic stress and perturbation in protein homeostasis
Authors: Corcoles-Saez Isaac , Dong Kangzhen , Waskiewicz Erik , Costanzo Michael , Boone Charles , Cha Rita
Published: December 2019

ATM and ATR are master regulators of the DNA damage response linked to cancer, neurodegeneration, and accelerated ageing. We find that inactivation of Mec1, an essential budding yeast ATM/ATR protein, leads to widespread protein aggregation and cell death in response to three different types of proteotoxic stresses; heat, Huntingtin (HTT), the aggregation prone Huntington’s disease protein, andazetidine 2 carboxylic acid (AZC), a proline analogue that induces protein misfolding. Conditions that activate protein catabolism (e.g. activation of autophagy) or impede protein anabolism (e.g. cycloheximide [CHX] or deletion of genes involved translation) rescues the lethality via aggregate-resolution. Inactivation of Rad53- or Dun1- kinases, the two key components of the Mec1 DNA damage checkpoint response, confers distinct sensitivity profiles: rad53K277A confers sensitivity to AZC, HTT, and CHX; in contrast, dun1Δconfers sensitive only to AZC and HTT but robust resistance to CHX. We also find that Sml1, an inhibitor of ribonucleotide reductase (RNR), which undergoes Mec1-Rad53-Dun1 dependent degradation in response to DNA damage is maintained in response to proteotoxic stress. Taken together, these results unveil a new function of Mec1 in mediating cellular response to perturbation in protein homeostasis. We propose that Mec1 is a versatile signal transduction protein that promotes resistance to both genotoxic and proteotoxic stresses via distinct mechanisms.
Investigating a novel commensal strain of Candida famata within Daniorerio
Authors: Jones Daniel , Hagen Ferry , Donaldson Christopher , Rudman Jacob , Canedo Jaime , Johnston Simon
Published: December 2019

Our understanding of normal immunity to opportunistic fungal infection is limited by a lack of species-specific commensal/host/pathogen models. There are many species of opportunistic fungal pathogens (such as Candida spp. and Cryptococcus spp.) which exist as commensal organisms or are common in our environment. Therefore, we sought to develop a model of commensal opportunistic infection within zebrafish by identification of a normal commensal fungus that could act as an opportunistic pathogen.

Using dissections of D. rerio guts we isolated a monoculture of a commensal yeast. The strain was identified as Candida famata via DNA sequencing and phenotypic analysis (e.g. halotolerance). C. famata was isolated from six individual animals and three strains (DJ1-3) have been deposited in the CBS collection.

C. famata is a common commensal of animals, including humans and is a rare opportunistic pathogen. Our DJ1 strain was thermotolerant and grows at mammalian body temperature. We found it was easily phagocytosed by mouse macrophages, in some cases to the extent of host cell destruction. Infection of zebrafish larval model of opportunistic infection demonstrated C. famata could act as an opportunistic pathogen of its commensal host.

Thus, we have characterised the first commensal fungus to be isolated from zebrafish and demonstrated that it may be a potential opportunistic pathogen, as in humans. The study of C. famata in zebrafish therefore represents an unparalleled opportunity to understand the evolution of fungal immunology and the switch between commensal and pathogen.
Assessing the ecological role of yeasts in the human gut
Authors: Ward Grace , Gibson Glenn , Wijeyesekera Anisha , Sanderson Jeremy , Brostoff Jonathan
Published: December 2019

Background:

The influence of gut microorganisms in health and disease is well documented, however, the role of yeasts has not been as widely studied as bacteria, despite associations with gastrointestinal disorders, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). For instance, Candida albicans is an opportunistic pathogen that has been linked to gastrointestinal symptoms.

Methods:

Urine, stool and blood samples will be collected from 40 healthy controls, 40 IBS and 40 inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients for microbial and metabolic analysis using primarily flow cytometry-fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FC-FISH) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) spectroscopy, respectively. Calprotectin and anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies (ASCA) levels will assess gastrointestinal inflammation. Statistical analysis will identify yeasts and their metabolites associated with the cohorts of interest.

Preliminary results:

Preliminary tests to assess the presence and functionality of yeasts in healthy and IBS faecal samples using in vitro batch culture fermentation highlighted significant metabolic differences between the phenotypes: Trimethylamine (TMA), short chain fatty acids (SCFA) and ethanol predominantly distinguished in the IBS metabolic profile, compared to gamma-amino-N-butyrate (GABA) in the healthy donor. The addition of C. albicans shifted the healthy phenotype to resemble the IBS donor, whereas nystatin shifted the IBS phenotype towards the healthy metabolic profile.

Conclusion:

This study will further define the preliminary results that indicate the implication of yeasts in IBS pathogenesis. Understanding the role of yeasts within the healthy and diseased human gut is necessary to develop targeted therapies to improve patient’s quality of lives and relieve burdens on the economy and healthcare systems.
Comparative Genomics of the Saccharomyces complex
Authors: Keane Ann-Marie , Elliston Adam , Roberts Ian , Dicks Jo
Published: December 2019

The Saccharomyces complex is a well-studied group of yeasts of considerable academic and industrial importance. Many species within the complex have no genome sequence publicly available and have yet to be formally compared at the genomic level with related species. We have recently sequenced the genomes of 40 species from 11 clades within the Saccharomyces complex. Considerable genomic diversity was observed in this dataset, including varying predicted genome size (9-22Mbp), coding proportion (42-76%) and gene number (4,194-11,001).

We evaluated the completeness of our gene sets and draft genome assemblies using the BUSCO tool, with a few species found to have a large number of duplicated and missing genes. These same species also had larger than average genome sizes and numbers of genes, which could indicate a duplication or hybridisation event. The total GC content was also found to vary significantly across the dataset, from Hanseniaspora uvarum (31.3%) to Lachancea thermotolerans (46%). GC content in the coding regions versus the whole genome was also observed, which could indicate differences in evolutionary pressures between species according to their environmental niches.

Here, we highlight some of the key differences found within this fascinating dataset, investigating the origins of some of the more extreme results and touching upon the opportunities and challenges they present in investigating the evolution of these yeasts.
Hog1 signalling in the emerging multidrug resistant fungal pathogen Candida auris
Authors: Bamborough Leon , Quinn Janet , Day Alison
Published: December 2019

The emerging fungal pathogen Candida auris is responsible for recent global outbreaks caused by genetically divergent clades that, alarmingly, display multi-drug resistance to currently available antifungals. Although not much is known about the pathobiology of this emerging pathogen, we recently found that the Hog1 stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK) in C. auris promotes stress resistance and virulence. SAPKs are evolutionary conserved pathways employed by fungi to promote survival in hostile environments. The aim of this project is to characterise the upstream signalling proteins that relay stress signals to C. auris Hog1. In all eukaryotes, SAPK pathways are comprised of three tiers of kinases with upstream MAPKKK and MAPKKs relaying signals to the terminal SAPK. However, unique to fungi and plants, is an upstream two-component related signalling cascade that transmits signals to the SAPK module, comprising of a histidine kinase, a phosphorelay protein and a response regulator. In C. auris, the proteins that regulate Hog1 activation are unknown. However, bioinformatics analyses of the C. auris genome has allowed for the identification of putative homologues of key Hog1 regulatory proteins including the Pbs2 MAPKK, the Ssk2 MAPKKK, the Ssk1 response regulator, the Ypd1 phosphorelay protein and the Sln1 and Nik1 histidine kinases. Mutational analyses is currently underway to dissect the role of these proteins in Hog1 regulation. Understanding how the Hog1 SAPK is regulated in C. auris may facilitate the identification of fungal specific anti-fungal targets that can be exploited to tackle the threat of this emerging drug resistant pathogen.
Dissecting the role of Peroxiredoxins in regulating conserved ROS-activated kinases
Authors: Galler Martin , Day Alison , Latimer Heather , Vos Harmjan , Quinn Janet , Dansen Tobias , Veal Elizabeth
Published: December 2019

In order to protect against oxidative damage, cells have evolved a host of ROS-detoxifying enzymes. These include peroxiredoxins, a highly conserved family of thioredoxin peroxidases. Unexpectedly, given their role in lowering H2O2levels, peroxiredoxins have been shown to be required for the activation of conserved stress-activated MAPKs in response to ROS in yeast1 and human2 cells. For example, we have previously shown that the single 2-Cys peroxiredoxin in S. pombe, Tpx1, but not its thioredoxin peroxidase activity, is required for the H2O2-induced activation of the p38/JNK-related MAPK, Sty1. Our findings revealed that Tpx1 forms H2O2-induced disulphide bonds with cysteines in Sty11, which suggested that Tpx1 may directly regulate Sty1 through these complexes. However, the mechanisms by which Tpx1-Sty1 disulphide complexes alter Sty1 function have remained unclear. Sty1, like its mammalian counterparts, has a number of important functions, including roles in coordinating cell growth, division, stress resistance and longevity in response to a variety of nutritional and stress stimuli. Our data suggests that disulphide complexes with Tpx1 are important for a subset of these roles. Intriguingly, our proteomic studies have identified multiple protein kinases that form disulphide complexes with Tpx1, these include kinases with established roles in regulating cell division and ageing. Here, we will present data suggesting that interactions with Tpx1 play important roles in regulating the activities of these kinases.

1. Veal et al. (2004) Molecular Cell, 15(1), pp. 129-139.

2. Jarvis et al. (2012) Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 53(7), pp. 1522-1530.
Ultra-low input single tube linked-read library method enables short-read NGS systems to generate highly accurate and economical long-range sequencing information for de novo genome assembly and haplotype phasing
Authors: Chen Zhoutao , Pham Long , Wu Tsai-Chin , Mo Guoya , Xia Yu , Chang Peter , Porter Devin , Phan Tan , Che Huu , Tran Hao , Bansal Vikas , Shaffer Justin , Belda-Ferre Pedro , Humphrey Greg , Knight Rob , Pevzner Pavel , Pham Son , Wang Yong , Lei Ming
Published: December 2019

Long-range sequencing information is required for haplotype phasing, de novo assembly and structural variation detection. Current long-read sequencing technologies can provide valuable long-range information but at a high cost with low accuracy and high DNA input requirement. We have developed a single-tube Transposase Enzyme Linked Long-read Sequencing (TELL-Seq™) technology, which enables a low-cost, high-accuracy and high-throughput short-read next generation sequencer to routinely generate over 100 Kb long-range sequencing information with as little as 0.1 ng input material. In a PCR tube, millions of clonally barcoded beads are used to uniquely barcode long DNA molecules in an open bulk reaction without dilution and compartmentation. The barcode linked reads are used to successfully assemble genomes ranging from microbes to human. These linked-reads also generate mega-base-long phased blocks and provide a cost-effective tool for detecting structural variants in a genome, which are important to identify compound heterozygosity in recessive Mendelian diseases and discover genetic drivers and diagnostic biomarkers in cancers.
CCLA: an accurate method and web server for cancer cell line authentication using gene expression profiles
Authors: Zhang Qiong , Luo Mei , Liu Chun-Jie , Guo An-Yuan
Published: December 2019

Cancer cell lines (CCLs) as important model systems play critical roles in cancer researches. The misidentification and contamination of CCLs are serious problems, leading to unreliable results and waste of resources. Current methods for CCL authentication are mainly based on the CCL-specific genetic polymorphisms, whereas no method is available for CCL authentication using gene expression profiles. Here, we developed a novel method and homonymic web server (CCLA, Cancer Cell Line Authentication,http://bioinfo.life.hust.edu.cn/web/CCLA/) to authenticate 1,291 human CCLs of 28 tissues using gene expression profiles. CCLA curated CCL-specific gene signatures and employed machine learning methods to measure overall similarities and distances between the query sample and each reference CCL. CCLA showed an excellent speed advantage and high accuracy with a top 1 accuracy of 96.58% or 92.15% (top 3 accuracy of 100% or 95.11%) for microarray or RNA-Seq validation data (719 samples, 461 CCLs), respectively. To the best of our knowledge, CCLA is the first approach to authenticate CCLs based on gene expression. Users can freely and conveniently authenticate CCLs using gene expression profiles or NCBI GEO accession on CCLA website.
Plant traits are poor predictors of long-term ecosystem functioning
Authors: van der Plas Fons , Schröder-Georgi Thomas , Weigelt Alexandra , Barry Kathryn , Meyer Sebastian , Alzate Adriana , Barnard Romain L. , Buchmann Nina , de Kroon Hans , Ebeling Anne , Eisenhauer Nico , Engels Christof , Fischer Markus , Gleixner Gerd , Hildebrandt Anke , Koller-France Eva , Leimer Sophia , Milcu Alexandru , Mommer Liesje , Niklaus Pascal A. , Oelmann Yvonne , Roscher Christiane , Scherber Christoph , Scherer-Lorenzen Michael , Scheu Stefan , Schmid Bernhard , Schulze Ernst-Detlef , Temperton Vicky , Tscharntke Teja , Voigt Winfried , Weisser Wolfgang , Wilcke Wolfgang , Wirth Christian
Published: December 2019

Earth is home to over 350,000 vascular plant species1that differ in their traits in innumerable ways. Yet, a handful of functional traits can help explaining major differences among species in photosynthetic rate, growth rate, reproductive output and other aspects of plant performance2–6. A key challenge, coined “the Holy Grail” in ecology, is to upscale this understanding in order to predict how natural or anthropogenically driven changes in the identity and diversity of co-occurring plant species drive the functioning of ecosystems7, 8. Here, we analyze the extent to which 42 different ecosystem functions can be predicted by 41 plant traits in 78 experimentally manipulated grassland plots over 10 years. Despite the unprecedented number of traits analyzed, the average percentage of variation in ecosystem functioning that they jointly explained was only moderate (32.6%) within individual years, and even much lower (12.7%) across years. Most other studies linking ecosystem functioning to plant traits analyzed no more than six traits, and when including either only six random or the six most frequently studied traits in our analysis, the average percentage of explained variation in across-year ecosystem functioning dropped to 4.8%. Furthermore, different ecosystem functions were driven by different traits, with on average only 12.2% overlap in significant predictors. Thus, we did not find evidence for the existence of a small set of key traits able to explain variation in multiple ecosystem functions across years. Our results therefore suggest that there are strong limits in the extent to which we can predict the long-term functional consequences of the ongoing, rapid changes in the composition and diversity of plant communities that humanity is currently facing.
S-nitrosylation affects TRAP1 structure and ATPase activity and modulates cell response to apoptotic stimuli
Authors: Faienza Fiorella , Lambrughi Matteo , Rizza Salvatore , Pecorari Chiara , Giglio Paola , Viloria Juan Salamanca , Allega Maria Francesca , Chiappetta Giovanni , Vinh Joëlle , Pacello Francesca , Battistoni Andrea , Rasola Andrea , Papaleo Elena , Filomeni Giuseppe
Published: December 2019

The mitochondrial chaperone TRAP1 has been involved in several mitochondrial functions, and modulation of its expression/activity has been suggested to play a role in the metabolic reprogramming distinctive of cancer cells. TRAP1 posttranslational modifications, i.e. phosphorylation, can modify its capability to bind to different client proteins and modulate its oncogenic activity. Recently, it has been also demonstrated that TRAP1 isS-nitrosylated at Cys501, a redox modification associated with its degradationviathe proteasome. Here we report molecular dynamics simulations of TRAP1, together with analysis of long-range structural communication, providing a model according to which Cys501S-nitrosylation induces conformational changes to distal sites in the structure of the protein. The modification is also predicted to alter open and closing motions for the chaperone function. By means of colorimetric assays and site directed mutagenesis aimed at generating C501S variant, we also experimentally confirmed that selectiveS-nitrosylation of Cys501 decreases ATPase activity of recombinant TRAP1. Coherently, C501S mutant was more active and conferred protection to cell death induced by staurosporine. Overall, our results provide the firstin silico, in vitroand cellular evidence of the relevance of Cys501S-nitrosylation in TRAP1 biology.
Impacts of intraspecific variability and local adaptation on the ecophysiology of mosses: an example withSphagnum magellanicum
Authors: Oke Tobi A. , Turetsky Merritt R. , Weston David J. , Shaw A. Jonathan
Published: December 2019

Background

Bryophytes are a diverse plant group and are functionally different from vascular plants. Yet, plant ecology theories and hypotheses are often presented in an inclusive term. The trait-based approach to ecology is no exception; largely focusing on vascular plant traits and almost exclusively on interspecific traits. Currently, we lack information about the magnitude and the importance of intraspecific variability to the ecophysiology of bryophytes and how these might translate to local adaptation—a prerequisite for adaptive evolution.

Method

We used transplant and factorial experiments involving moisture and light to ask whether variability in traits between morphologically distinct individuals ofSphagnum magellanicumfrom habitat extremes was due to phenotypic plasticity or local adaptation and the implications for the ecophysiology of the species.

Key Results

We found that the factors that discriminated between the plant origins in the field did not translate to their ecophysiological functioning and the pattern of variability changed with the treatments, which suggests that the trait responses were due largely to phenotypic plasticity. The trait responses suggest that the need for mosses to grow in clumps where they maintain a uniform growth rate may have an overriding effect on responses to environmental heterogeneity, and therefore a constraint for local adaptation.

Conclusion

The circumstances under which local adaptation would be beneficial in this plant group is not clear. We conclude that extending the trait-based framework to mosses or making comparisons between mosses and vascular plants under any theoretical framework would only be meaningful to the extent that growth form and dispersal strategies are considered.
Mechanical plasticity of the ECM directs invasive branching morphogenesis in human mammary gland organoids
Authors: Buchmann B. , Meixner L.K. , Fernandez P. , Hutterer F.P. , Raich M.K. , Scheel C.H. , Bausch A.R.
Published: December 2019

Although branching morphogenesis is central for organogenesis in diverse organs, the underlying self-organizing principles have yet to be identified. Here, we show that invasive branching morphogenesis in human mammary organoids relies on an intricate tension-driven feedback mechanism, which is based on the nonlinear and plastic mechanical response of the surrounding collagen network. Specifically, we demonstrate that collective motion of cells within organoid branches generates tension that is strong enough to induce a plastic reorganization of the surrounding collagen network which results in the formation of mechanically stable collagen cages. Such matrix encasing in turn directs further tension generation, branch outgrowth and plastic deformation of the matrix. The identified mechanical feedback-loop sets a framework to understand how mechanical cues direct organogenesis.
Growth-inhibiting activity of citronella essential oil to multiple fungal plant pathogens
Authors: Balendres Mark Angelo O. , Dela Cueva Fe M.
Published: December 2019

Cymbopogon species are among the most reported essential oils with fungitoxic effect. In this study, mycelial growth of Fusarium oxysporum (banana wilt), Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (mango anthracnose), C. falcatum (sugarcane red rot) and Neopestalotiopsis spp. (mango leaf spot) as influenced by varying concentrations of citronella essential oil (CEO) was assessed in in vitro assays. Following growth inhibition test, spore germination and germ tube elongation of C. gloeosporioides were then examined. Mycelial growth of all test fungal pathogens was strongly inhibited by CEO, but variations were observed among fungal species. This growth inhibition activity was caused by the inhibition of spore germination and germ tube elongation as observed in C. gloeosporioides. The findings of this study show the strong growth-inhibitory activity of CEO to multiple fungal pathogens, indicating CEO’s potential as a chemical control approach against these fungal pathogens. Glasshouse and field experiments would establish CEO as one potential alternative to fungicides.
Phase separation-aided compartmentalization of protein-protein interactions in cells
Authors: Liu Hongrui , Wang Jing , Li Pilong
Published: December 2019

Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) are of great significance in many biological activities and diseases. It is essential to distinguish between direct, indirect and false PPIs in order to accurately understand their biological functions. Here we report a method based onphase separation-aidedcompartmentalization ofprotein-protein interactions incells (PACPIC), which is tailored for identification of direct and indirect PPIs in cells, using recruitment as the readout.
Immunizing Mice and Rats with Nitrocellulose-Bound Antigen
Authors: Greenfield Edward A.
Published: December 2019

A desired target antigen within a mixture of antigenic proteins such as a cell lysate can be separated from the mixture by gel electrophoresis. However, extracting the antigen from a section of gel and eluting it can be cumbersome and often results in significant loss of protein. Also, the animal might not tolerate the injection of the polyacrylamide gel piece containing the antigen. Alternatively, the protein can be transferred from the gel onto nitrocellulose and then injected either subcutaneously or into the peritoneal cavity. Protein antigens immobilized on nitrocellulose often make exceptionally good immunogens. This is likely because of their slow release from the paper, thus behaving somewhat like an adjuvant. Not all antigens show increased immunogenicity using this methodology, but some do. The antigen is bound to paper and can be implanted on the back of the mouse's neck, a location that makes it difficult for the mouse to disturb the surgical clip, or extracted and injected.
Methods for In Vitro Mutagenesis
Authors: Forloni Matteo , Liu Alex Y. , Wajapeyee Narendra
Published: December 2019

Several different methodologies for mutagenesis have been developed to introduce mutations at predetermined sites or regions within mammalian genes. These methods of in vitro mutagenesis have had a transforming effect on the understanding of functions of protein, transcription regulatory elements, and noncoding RNAs and are now integral to molecular biology investigations. In this introduction, we summarize the most commonly used experimental approaches for mutagenesis and their major applications.
How IFRS influence the relationship between the types of FDI and economic growth
Authors: Akisik Orhan , Mangaliso Mzamo P.
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships between International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), types of foreign direct investment (FDI) – greenfield investments (GFIs) and mergers and acquisitions (M&As) – and economic growth in 49 African countries between 2003 and 2017.

Design/methodology/approach

In the study, panel data fixed effects and generalized method of moments estimation techniques are used in order to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Using country-level data obtained from the World Development Indicators, The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development and World Governance Indicators websites, the authors find that IFRS and the types of FDI are significantly related to economic growth. Moreover, our results provide evidence that the effect of GFIs and M&As on growth is influenced by IFRS positively.

Research limitations/implications

With a handful of exceptions, most African countries do not have active stock markets. Therefore, the authors were unable to determine the effect of capital markets on growth.

Practical implications

FDI has the potential to contribute to economic growth and quality of life. Our findings suggest that policymakers should create incentives for attracting FDI and effective enforcement of IFRS in order to unleash the benefits of FDI on their economies.

Originality/value

The study provides important insights into the effects of types of FDI on the economic growth of African countries and into the role that IFRS play on this relationship.
Sustainability reporting in Indonesian listed banks
Authors: Amidjaya Prihatnolo Gandhi , Widagdo Ari Kuncara
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to find empirical evidence of ownership structure and corporate governance (CG) effect on sustainability reporting in Indonesian listed banks. The study also tries to describe sustainability reporting disclosure practice.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analyze balanced panel data with a total of 155 observations from 2012 to 2016 using panel data regression.

Findings

The findings present empirical evidence that sustainability reporting in Indonesian listed banks is still low. CG, foreign ownership and family ownership positively influence sustainability reporting. Further, the authors find that family ownership weakens the effect of CG while foreign ownership has no significant moderating role. Digital banking is not a significant determinant and OJK sustainable finance roadmap is evidenced to have no impression on bank intention to produce sustainability report.

Research limitations/implications

The use of content analysis method for variable measurement may contain subjectivity substance from the researcher’s perspective. Further research works need confirmation from independent parties with expertise in this subject. Further research works can also implement the mixed method by combining quantitative and qualitative approach to gain better quality.

Practical implications

The result of this study underlines the need for sustainability reporting improvement, followed by suggestions for Indonesian banking regulator.

Originality/value

This paper provides a description of Indonesian banks sustainability reporting and evidence of CG and controlling owner’s role in its practice. The research presents a novelty, examining the role of digital banking as determinant.
Takaful models: origin, progression and future
Authors: Hassan Hafiz Ali
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The concept of Takaful has a long history. It is linked with the era of Prophet Muhammad 1,400 years ago. The globalization and development of socio-economic systems have made business activities more complex in response to emerging human needs and requirements. Similarly, Takaful insurance has fully commercialized and become an important indicator of the international financial market. The purpose of this study is to understand the Takaful mechanism and progression of its procedures to date since its inception.

Design/methodology/approach

This study seeks to examine the origin, evolution and historical developments of Takaful mechanism, operations, models and governing framework with extant literature review from previous studies and current practices.

Findings

The modern Takaful insurance first began in Sudan back in 1979. The Takaful operations must abide by the Sharia laws and work under the supervision of the Sharia Supervisory Board. Since its evolution, Sharia scholars have introduced various Takaful models that are going to be explained in this study. Moreover, several Islamic organizations, including the “Islamic Financial Services Board” and the “Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions,” have provided guidelines and supervision to develop and strengthen the Takaful industry further. The study acknowledges Takaful as a growing insurance industry with huge potential and promising future in both Pakistan and the international market.

Practical implications

During the analysis, various deficiencies and loopholes were identified, which are responsible for the unmatched growth of conventional insurance. They can be eliminated with the joint efforts of industrial players, Sharia scholars and Takaful insurance companies. Hence, Islamic scholars and academic researchers are encouraged to develop and modify the current practices of Takaful mechanism according to current market demands and consumer approach. The research efforts will help Takaful operators to develop more innovative Takaful products adhering Sharia compliance. Consequently, it will help to access more consumer market and further enhances the Takaful growth.

Originality/value

This study is an effort to provide a basic understanding of the mechanism of Takaful models. The study helps to comprehend how Takaful models have evolved and been modified over the course of time. Moreover, it provides a base for further development and improvement in current practices of Takaful models, which will result in increased progress for the Takaful industry.
Enhancing firms’ environmental performance and financial performance through green supply chain management practices and institutional pressures
Authors: Kalyar Masood Nawaz , Shoukat Aftab , Shafique Imran
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine how individual dimensions of green supply chain management (GSCM) practices affect firms’ financial performance directly and through environmental performance. Furthermore, the authors investigate the contingent role of institutional pressures on the direct link between GSCM practices and environmental performance and GSCM practices and financial performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a convenience sampling technique, data were collected from 238 textile firms in the province of Punjab, Pakistan. Hayes’ PROCESS macro was used to analyze the hypotheses.

Findings

The findings demonstrate that GSCM practices (green manufacturing, green purchasing, eco-design, cooperation with customers and green information systems) have a significant direct impact on firms’ financial performance directly and through environmental performance. Additionally, institutional pressures significantly moderate the nexus of GSCM practices-environmental performance and environmental performance-financial performance.

Practical implications

Textile firms should implement GSCM practices not just because of the pressure from regulatory bodies but also to elevate their environmental and financial performance. Government should also play its role in influencing the organizations for the adoption of GSCM practices, as its role is a significant one in preserving the environment.

Social implications

Because of less emission, energy usage and wastage, environmental performance will be increased, which affect the society positively.

Originality/value

Along with studying the GSCM practices in the textile industry of Pakistan, drawing upon the institutional theory, the contingent role of institutional pressures on two stages (first, between GSCM practices and environmental performance, and secondly, between GSCM practices and financial performance) is the novelty of this study.
Managing legitimacy following loss of human life: Loblaw and Rana Plaza
Authors: Bujaki Merridee Lynne , Durocher Sylvain
Published: December 2019

Purpose

This qualitative paper is about social reporting in response to an incident that involved the loss of human life. It examines Loblaw’s disclosures following the Rana Plaza building collapse that killed over 1,100 Bangladeshi workers.

Design/methodology/approach

This article draws on Suchman’s (1995) comprehensive legitimacy typology to interpret Loblaw’s disclosures about the collapse in both mass media coverage of the tragedy and the company’s quarterly, annual and corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports.

Findings

Loblaw worked on many fronts to secure stakeholders’ support in the aftermath of the fatal incident. Through their social disclosures, Loblaw simultaneously managed exchange, dispositional, consequential, procedural, structural, personal and cognitive legitimacy, striving to demonstrate that, notwithstanding the incident, the company was still conforming to its social contract.

Practical implications

This research operationalizes all aspects of Suchman’s legitimacy typology in the context of social reporting. In particular, the paper further develops the concept of cognitive legitimacy. This should be of benefit to other CSR researchers.

Social implications

The loss of human life during business operations is one of the most terrible events an organization can face. Corporate activities leading to loss of human life are obviously far from being socially acceptable. Stakeholders are likely to disapprove such activities and reconsider their support, which can threaten the survival of the organization. It is thus of utmost importance to understand the strategies used by corporate managers in their attempt to secure ongoing stakeholder support.

Originality/value

This paper innovates by focusing specifically on social disclosures about a negative event. In so doing, it also contributes to a small, but important, literature within CSR research that examines incidents resulting in the loss of human life. The paper adapts and applies Suchman’s legitimacy framework to interpret social reporting in response to a specific instance of loss of life, the Rana Plaza building collapse. Finally, this paper mobilizes the notion of cognitive dissonance to further develop Suchman’s notion of cognitive legitimacy.
Measuring the effects of time: repeated cross-sectional research in operations and supply chain management
Authors: Doering Torsten , Suresh Nallan C. , Krumwiede Dennis
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Longitudinal investigations are often suggested but rarely used in operations and supply chain management (OSCM), mainly due to the difficulty of obtaining data. There is a silver lining in the form of existing large-scale and planned repeated cross-sectional (RCS) data sets, an approach commonly used in sociology and political sciences. This study aims to review all relevant RCS surveys with a focus on OSCM, as well as data and methods to motivate longitudinal research and to study trends at the plant, industry and geographic levels.

Design/methodology/approach

A comparison of RCS, panel and hybrid surveys is presented. Existing RCS data sets in the OSCM discipline and their features are discussed. In total, 30 years of Global Manufacturing Research Group data are used to explore the applicability of analytical methods at the plant and aggregate level and in the form of multilevel modeling.

Findings

RCS analysis is a viable alternative to overcome the confines associated with panel data. The structure of the existing data sets restricts quantitative analysis due to survey and sampling issues. Opportunities surrounding RCS analysis are illustrated, and survey design recommendations are provided.

Practical implications

The longitudinal aspect of RCS surveys can answer new and untested research questions through repeated random sampling in focused topic areas. Planned RCS surveys can benefit from the provided recommendations.

Originality/value

RCS research designs are generally overlooked in OSCM. This study provides an analysis of RCS data sets and future survey recommendations.
Fidelity to foraging sites after long migrations
Authors: Shimada Takahiro , Limpus Colin J. , Hamann Mark , Bell Ian , Esteban Nicole , Groom Rachel , Hays Graeme C.
Published: December 2019

Patterns of animal movement associated with foraging lie at the heart of many ecological studies and often animals face decisions of staying in an environment they know versus relocating to new sites.

The lack of knowledge of new foraging sites means there is risk associated with a decision to relocate (e.g. poor foraging) as well as a potential benefit (e.g. improved foraging).

Using a unique long‐term satellite tracking dataset for several sea turtle species, combined with capture–mark–recapture data extending over 50 years, we show how, across species, individuals generally maintain tight fidelity to specific foraging sites after extended (up to almost 10,000 km) migration to and from distant breeding sites as well as across many decades.

Migrating individuals often travelled through suitable foraging areas en route to their ‘home’ site and so extended their journeys to maintain foraging site fidelity.

We explore the likely mechanistic underpinnings of this trait, which is also seen in some migrating birds, and suggest that individuals will forgo areas of suitable forage encountered en route during migration when they have poor knowledge of the long‐term suitability of those sites, making relocation to those sites risky.
Neither predator nor prey: What trafficking discourses miss about masculinities, mobility and work
Authors: HOWARD NEIL
Published: December 2019

Within trafficking discourses, men appear as predatory and exploitative, while boys appear as victims. This flattens the complexities of social life and obscures the ways that constructs of masculinity frame the trajectories of labour migrants and their brokers. This article challenges those discourses, drawing on research with two groups of labour migrants characterized as ‘victims of trafficking’, as well as with ‘traffickers’ who help them to move and work. The first are adolescents moving from Benin to the gravel quarries of Abeokuta, Nigeria. The second are adults from across West Africa who have made the illegal journey to Italy, where they live in ‘ghettos’ and work as gang labourers on harvests. In each case, migrants and their brokers come from the same or similar communities; (shared) ideals of masculinity structure their mobility and labour. Gendered transitions towards adulthood, the pressure to attain riches and status and a duty of responsibility to those younger and less successful are important. A focus on their masculinities takes us beyond ‘victim‐perpetrator’ dyads.
Mega‐Regional Agreements and Their Impact on Australia
Authors: Petri Peter A. , Plummer Michael G.
Published: December 2019

This paper estimates the effects of emerging mega‐regional agreements on the economy of Australia using a Computable General Equilibrium model. Scenarios considered include the 11‐member Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans‐Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) agreement, its possible enlargement to include five additional members (‘TPP16’) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) currently under negotiation. The study finds that Australia stands to enjoy real income and trade gains along both the CPTPP and RCEP paths. However, since Australia is already benefiting from its own liberal trade policies and many prior trade agreements, benefits are relatively modest, typically below one per cent of real income.
Economic Loss Due to Reputation Damage: A New Model and Its Application to Fukushima Peaches
Authors: Matsumoto Shigeru , Hoang Viet‐Ngu
Published: December 2019

Consumers have responded negatively to agricultural products originating from the Fukushima prefecture after the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant incident. These consumers’ behavioural changes have caused substantial economic losses for the producers located in contaminated regions through reductions in market prices, consumption quantities and market shares. Remarkably, these losses are observed also for uncontaminated products, posing an opportunity for research in reputation damage. However, existing literature is very rare on empirical modeling of such losses. We utilise the Dixit–Stiglitz demand framework to derive a simple but efficient empirical model that uses market data to quantify reputation damage. This model estimates changes in the perceived quality of a product originating in contaminated regions in relation to those products originating from other competing regions. The model also measures subsequent loss in market share for those products grown in contaminated regions. In our application to Fukushima, results suggest that consumers’ valuation of peaches from Fukushima decreased dramatically (between 22.5% and 23.6%) in the year the nuclear accident occurred, but rapidly recovered in the following years. The results also show that the degree of impact varies across wholesale markets. Fukushima farmers lost about 13.1–18.9% of sales due to reputation damage. Estimates from our proposed models deliver meaningful information in the context of policy interventions such as transfer programmes financed by gainers to compensate reputation losses.
Mitochondrial mass governs the extent of human T cell senescence
Authors: Callender Lauren A. , Carroll Elizabeth C. , Bober Emilia A. , Akbar Arne N. , Solito Egle , Henson Sian M.
Published: December 2019

The susceptibility of human CD4+ and CD8+ T cells to senesce differs, with CD8+ T cells acquiring an immunosenescent phenotype faster than the CD4+ T cell compartment. We show here that it is the inherent difference in mitochondrial content that drives this phenotype, with senescent human CD4+ T cells displaying a higher mitochondrial mass. The loss of mitochondria in the senescent human CD8+ T cells has knock‐on consequences for nutrient usage, metabolism and function. Senescent CD4+ T cells uptake more lipid and glucose than their CD8+ counterparts, leading to a greater metabolic versatility engaging either an oxidative or a glycolytic metabolism. The enhanced metabolic advantage of senescent CD4+ T cells allows for more proliferation and migration than observed in the senescent CD8+ subset. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been linked to both cellular senescence and aging; however, it is still unclear whether mitochondria play a causal role in senescence. Our data show that reducing mitochondrial function in human CD4+ T cells, through the addition of low‐dose rotenone, causes the generation of a CD4+ T cell with a CD8+‐like phenotype. Therefore, we wish to propose that it is the inherent metabolic stability that governs the susceptibility to an immunosenescent phenotype.
Ecological interactions among insect herbivores, ants and the host plant Baccharis dracunculifolia in a Brazilian mountain ecosystem
Authors: Monteiro Graziella França , Macedo‐Reis Luiz Eduardo , Dáttilo Wesley , Fernandes Geraldo Wilson , Siqueira de Castro Flavio , Neves Frederico S.
Published: December 2019

Insect–plant interactions occur in several ways and have considerable environmental and ecological importance. Many feeding strategies have evolved among herbivorous insects, with host–herbivore systems likely being influenced by trophobionts with ants. We investigated how these interactions vary across elevation gradients by evaluating the structure of the herbivorous insect community and ants associated with Baccharis dracunculifolia at three distinct elevations (800, 1100, and 1400 m a.s.l.) on a mountain in southeastern Brazil. Moreover, we evaluated the diversity and specialisation of interactions between herbivores and host plants along the elevational gradient. We sampled herbivores and ants on 60 plants at each elevation (totalling 180 plant individuals). Herbivore species composition differed among elevations, as did interaction diversity and specialisation. Richness and abundance of chewing insects increased with elevation, while β‐diversity among patches of the host plant was higher at the lowest elevation, probably due to the patchy occurrence of B. dracunculifolia. Richness and abundance of sap‐sucking insects were higher at the intermediate elevation, possibly due to local environmental conditions. We observed a positive relationship between ant and herbivore trophobiont richness on B. dracunculifolia. We found that interactions were more specialised and less diverse at higher elevations compared to the lowest elevation. Changes in vegetation and environmental variables shaped species distributions and their ecological interactions along the elevation gradient. Our study demonstrates that increased elevation changes the structure and patterns of interactions of the herbivore insect guilds associated with the host plant B. dracunculifolia. Ant effects depend on the context, the environment, and the species of ants involved, and are essential for the presence of insect trophobionts.