bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Production of multiple bacteriocins, including the novel bacteriocin gassericin M, byLactobacillus gasseriLM19, a strain isolated from human milk
Authors: Garcia-Gutierrez Enriqueta , O’Connor Paula M. , Colquhoun Ian J. , Vior Natalia M. , Rodríguez Juan Miguel , Mayer Melinda J. , Cotter Paul D. , Narbad Arjan
Published: November 2019

Bacteriocins are antimicrobial peptides produced by bacteria and their production by health-promoting microbes is regarded as a desirable probiotic trait. We found thatLactobacillus gasseriLM19, a strain isolated from human milk, exhibits antagonistic activity against different enteropathogens and produces several bacteriocins, including a novel bacteriocin, gassericin M. These bacteriocins were purified from culture and synthesised to investigate their activity and potential synergy.L. gasseriLM19 was tested in a complex environment mimicking human colon conditions where it not only survived but expressed the seven bacteriocin genes and produced short chain fatty acids. Metagenomic analysis of thesein vitrocolon cultures showed that co-inoculation ofL. gasseriLM19 withClostridium perfringensgave profiles with more similarity to controls than to vessels inoculated withC. perfringensalone. This makesL. gasseriLM19 an interesting candidate for further study for maintaining homeostasis in the gut environment.
Stimulus reliability automatically biases temporal integration of discrete perceptual targets
Authors: Rangelov Dragan , West Rebecca , Mattingley Jason B.
Published: November 2019

Many decisions, from crossing a busy street to choosing a profession, require integration of discrete sensory events. Previous studies have shown that integrative decision-making favours more reliable stimuli, mimicking statistically optimal integration. It remains unclear, however, whether reliability biases are automatic or strategic. To address this issue, we asked observers to reproduce the average motion direction of two suprathreshold coherent motion signals, presented successively and varying in reliability. Although unbiased responses were both optimal and possible by virtue of task rules and suprathreshold motion coherence, we found robust behavioural biases favouring the more reliable stimulus. Using population-tuning modelling of brain activity recorded using electroencephalography, we characterised tuning to the average motion direction. In keeping with the behavioural biases, the tuning profiles also exhibited reliability biases. Taken together, our findings reveal that temporal integration of discrete sensory events is automatically and sub-optimally weighted according to stimulus reliability.
Bayesian estimation of Lassa virus epidemiological parameters: implications for spillover prevention using wildlife vaccination
Authors: Nuismer Scott L. , Remien Christopher H. , Basinski Andrew , Varrelman Tanner , Layman Nathan , Rosenke Kyle , Bird Brian , Jarvis Michael , Barry Peter , Fichet-Calvet Elisabeth
Published: November 2019

Lassa virus is a significant burden on human health throughout its endemic region in West Africa, with most human infections the result of spillover from the primary rodent reservoir of the virus, the natal multimammate mouse,M. natalensis. Here we develop a Bayesian methodology for estimating epidemiological parameters of Lassa virus within its rodent reservoir and for generating probabilistic predictions for the efficacy of rodent vaccination programs. Our approach uses Approximate Bayesian Computation (ABC) to integrate mechanistic mathematical models, remotely-sensed precipitation data, and Lassa virus surveillance data from rodent populations. Using simulated data, we show that our method accurately estimates key model parameters, even when surveillance data are available from only a relatively small number of points in space and time. Applying our method to previously published data from two villages in Guinea estimates the time-averagedR0of Lassa virus to be 1.658 and 1.453 for rodent populations in the villages of Bantou and Tanganya, respectively. Using the posterior distribution for model parameters derived from these Guinean populations, we evaluate the likely efficacy of vaccination programs relying on distribution of vaccine-laced baits. Our results demonstrate that effective and durable reductions in the risk of Lassa virus spillover into the human population will require repeated distribution of large quantities of vaccine.

Author Summary

Lassa virus is a chronic source of illness throughout West Africa, and is considered to be a threat for widespread emergence. Because most human infections result from contact with infected rodents, interventions that reduce the number of rodents infected with Lassa virus represent promising opportunities for reducing the public health burden of this disease. Evaluating how well alternative interventions are likely to perform is complicated by our relatively poor understanding of viral epidemiology within the reservoir population. Here we develop a novel statistical approach that couples mathematical models and viral surveillance data from rodent populations to robustly estimate key epidemiological parameters. Applying our method to existing data from Guinea yields well-resolved parameter estimates and allows us to simulate a variety of rodent vaccination programs. Together, our results demonstrate that rodent vaccination alone is unlikely to be an effective tool for reducing that public health burden of Lassa fever within West Africa.
HLA class II polymorphism influences the immune response to protective antigen and susceptibility to Bacillus anthracis
Authors: Ascough Stephanie , Ingram Rebecca J. , Chu Karen K. Y. , Moore Stephen J. , Gallagher Theresa , Dyson Hugh , Doganay Mehmet , Metan Gökhan , Ozkul Yusuf , Baillie Les , Williamson E. Diane , Robinson John H. , Maillere Bernard , Boyton Rosemary J. , Altmann Daniel M.
Published: November 2019

The causative agent of anthrax, Bacillus anthracis, evades the host immune response and establishes infection through the production of binary exotoxins composed of Protective Antigen (PA) and one of two subunits, lethal factor (LF) or edema factor (EF). The majority of vaccination strategies have focused upon the antibody response to the PA subunit. We have used a panel of humanised HLA class II transgenic mouse strains to define HLA-DR-restricted and HLA-DQ-restricted CD4+ T cell responses to the immunodominant epitopes of PA. This was correlated with the binding affinities of epitopes to HLA class II molecules, as well as the responses of two human cohorts: individuals vaccinated with the Anthrax Vaccine Precipitated (AVP) vaccine (which contains PA and trace amounts of LF), and patients recovering from cutaneous anthrax infections. The infected and vaccinated cohorts expressing different HLA types were found to make CD4+ T cell responses to multiple and diverse epitopes of PA. The effects of HLA polymorphism were explored using transgenic mouse lines, which demonstrated differential susceptibility, indicating that HLA-DR1 and HLA-DQ8 alleles conferred protective immunity relative to HLA-DR15, HLA-DR4 and HLA-DQ6. The HLA transgenics enabled a reductionist approach, allowing us to better define CD4+ T cell epitopes. Appreciating the effects of HLA polymorphism on the variability of responses to natural infection and vaccination will be vital in planning protective strategies against anthrax.

Author Summary

The bacterium responsible for causing the disease anthrax, Bacillus anthracis, produces a binary toxin composed of Protective Antigen (PA) and either Lethal Factor (LF) or Edema Factor (EF). Previous vaccination strategies have focused upon the antibody response to the PA subunit. However, within the field of bacterial immunity, there is a growing appreciation of the importance of the adaptive immune response, specifically led by CD4+ T cells. We identified long-term CD4+ T cell responses to PA epitopes following cutaneous human anthrax infection and vaccination, indicating that this toxin component is a principle B. anthracis antigen. To characterise the impact of polymorphism in HLA class II alleles at DR and DQ loci, we used transgenic mice to map the immunodominant epitopes from PA. This was correlated with survival in the transgenic lines following live anthrax challenge. We were able to demonstrate the differential impact of HLA class II alleles upon the CD4+ T cell immunodominant epitopes which shaped the immune hierarchy and therefore susceptibility to anthrax infection.
LESSeq: Local event-based analysis of alternative splicing using RNA-Seq data
Authors: Leng Jing , Cameron Christopher JF , Oh Sunghee , Noonan James P , Gerstein Mark B
Published: November 2019

Alternative splicing, which can be observed genome-wide by RNA-Seq, is important in cellular development and evolution. Comparative RNA-Seq experiments between different cellular conditions allow alternative splicing signatures to be detected. However, inferring alternative splicing signatures from short-read technology is unreliable and still presents many challenges before biologically significant signatures may be identified. To enable the robust discovery of differential alternative splicing, we developed the Local Event-based analysis of alternative Splicing using RNA-Seq (LESSeq) pipeline. LESSeq utilizes information of local splicing events (i.e., the partial structures in genes where transcript-splicing patterns diverge) to identify unambiguous alternative splicing. In addition, LESSeq quantifies the abundance of these alternative events using Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE) and provides their significance between different cellular conditions. The utility of LESSeq is demonstrated through two case studies relevant to human variation and evolution. Using an RNA-Seq data set of lymphoblastoid cell lines in two human populations, we examined within-species variation and discovered population-differential alternative splicing events. With an RNA-Seq data set of several tissues in human and rhesus macaque, we studied cross-species variation and identified lineage-differential alternative splicing events. LESSeq is implemented in C++ and R, and made publicly available on GitHub at: https://github.com/gersteinlab/LESSeq
Disruption of relapse to alcohol seeking by aversive counterconditioning following memory retrieval
Authors: Goltseker Koral , Handrus Hen , Barak Segev
Published: November 2019

Relapse to alcohol abuse is often caused by exposure to potent alcohol-associated cues. Therefore, disruption of the cue-alcohol memory can prevent relapse. It is believed that memories destabilize and become prone for updating upon their reactivation through retrieval, and then re-stabilize within 6 h during a “reconsolidation” process. We recently showed that relapse to cocaine seeking could be prevented by counterconditioning the cocaine-cues with aversive outcomes following cocaine-memory retrieval, in a place conditioning paradigm. However, to better model addiction-related behaviors, self-administration models are necessary. Here, we demonstrate that relapse to alcohol seeking can be prevented by aversive counterconditioning conducted during alcohol-memory reconsolidation, in conditioned place preference (CPP) and operant self-administration paradigms, in mice and rats, respectively. We found that the reinstatement of alcohol-CPP was abolished only when aversive counterconditioning with water-flooding was given shortly after alcohol-memory retrieval. Furthermore, rats trained to lever-press for alcohol showed decreased context-induced renewal of alcohol-seeking responding when the lever-pressing was counterconditioned with foot-shocks, shortly, but not 6 h, after memory retrieval. These results 0suggest that aversive counterconditioning can prevent relapse to alcohol seeking only when performed during alcohol-memory reconsolidation, presumably by updating, or replacing, the alcohol memory with aversive information. Also, we found that aversive counterconditioning preceded by alcohol-memory retrieval was characterized by upregulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) mRNA expression in the medial prefrontal cortex, suggesting that Bdnf plays a role in the memory updating process.
Comparative analysis of microbial diversity across temperature gradients in hot springs from Yellowstone and Iceland
Authors: Podar Peter T. , Yang Zamin , Björnsdóttir Snædís H. , Podar Mircea
Published: November 2019

Geothermal hot springs are a natural setting to study microbial adaptation to a wide range of temperatures reaching up to boiling. Temperature gradients lead to distinct microbial communities that inhabit their optimum niches. We sampled three distant but chemically similar hot springs in Yellowstone and Iceland that had outflows and presented a wide range of temperatures. The microbial composition at different niches was determined by deep DNA sequencing of rRNA gene amplicons. Over three dozen phyla of Archaea and Bacteria were identified, representing over 1700 unique organisms. We observed a significant reduction in the number of microbial taxa as the temperature increased from warm (38°C) to boiling. The community structure was primarily driven by temperature and, at high taxonomic levels, was similar between Yellowstone and Iceland, suggesting that the environment rather than biogeographic location play the largest role in the microbial ecology of hot springs. We observed significant endemism at genus level, especially in thermophilic phototrophs, potentially driven by distinct environmental conditions and dispersal limitations.
Growth Cone-Localized Microtubule Organizing Center Establishes Microtubule Orientation in Dendrites
Authors: Liang Xing , Kokes Marcela , Fetter Richard , Pickett Melissa A. , Sallee Maria D. , Moore Adrian W. , Feldman Jessica , Shen Kang
Published: November 2019

A polarized arrangement of neuronal microtubule arrays is the foundation of membrane trafficking and subcellular compartmentalization. Conserved among both invertebrates and vertebrates, axons contain exclusively “plus-end-out” microtubules while dendrites contain a high percentage of “minus-end-out” microtubules, the origins of which have been a mystery. Here we show that the dendritic growth cone contains a non-centrosomal microtubule organizing center (ncMTOC), which generates minus-end-out microtubules along outgrowing dendrites and plus-end-out microtubules in the growth cone. RAB-11-positive recycling endosomes accumulate in this region and are responsible for localizing the microtubule nucleation complex γ-TuRC. The MTOC tracks the extending growth cone by kinesin-1/UNC-116-mediated endosome movements on distal plus-end-out microtubules and dynein-mediated endosome clustering near MTOC. Critically, perturbation of the function or localization of the MTOC causes reversed microtubule polarity in dendrites. These findings unveil the dendritic MTOC as a critical organelle for establishing axon-dendrite polarity.
The KDM5A/RBP2 histone demethylase represses NOTCH signaling to sustain neuroendocrine differentiation and promote small cell lung cancer tumorigenesis
Authors: Oser Matthew G. , Sabet Amin H. , Gao Wenhua , Chakraborty Abhishek A. , Schinzel Anna C. , Jennings Rebecca B. , Fonseca Raquel , Bonal Dennis M. , Booker Matthew A. , Flaifel Abdallah , Novak Jesse S. , Christensen Camilla L. , Zhang Hua , Herbert Zachary T. , Tolstorukov Michael Y. , Buss Elizabeth J. , Wong Kwok-Kin , Bronson Roderick T. , Nguyen Quang-De , Signoretti Sabina , Kaelin William G.
Published: November 2019

More than 90% of small cell lung cancers (SCLCs) harbor loss-of-function mutations in the tumor suppressor gene RB1. The canonical function of the RB1 gene product, pRB, is to repress the E2F transcription factor family, but pRB also functions to regulate cellular differentiation in part through its binding to the histone demethylase KDM5A (also known as RBP2 or JARID1A). We show that KDM5A promotes SCLC proliferation and SCLC's neuroendocrine differentiation phenotype in part by sustaining expression of the neuroendocrine transcription factor ASCL1. Mechanistically, we found that KDM5A sustains ASCL1 levels and neuroendocrine differentiation by repressing NOTCH2 and NOTCH target genes. To test the role of KDM5A in SCLC tumorigenesis in vivo, we developed a CRISPR/Cas9-based mouse model of SCLC by delivering an adenovirus (or an adeno-associated virus [AAV]) that expresses Cre recombinase and sgRNAs targeting Rb1, Tp53, and Rbl2 into the lungs of Lox-Stop-Lox Cas9 mice. Coinclusion of a KDM5A sgRNA decreased SCLC tumorigenesis and metastasis, and the SCLCs that formed despite the absence of KDM5A had higher NOTCH activity compared to KDM5A+/+ SCLCs. This work establishes a role for KDM5A in SCLC tumorigenesis and suggests that KDM5 inhibitors should be explored as treatments for SCLC.
Dual functions of angiopoietin-like protein 2 signaling in tumor progression and anti-tumor immunity
Authors: Horiguchi Haruki , Kadomatsu Tsuyoshi , Kurahashi Ryoma , Hara Chiaki , Miyata Keishi , Baba Masaya , Osumi Hironobu , Terada Kazutoyo , Araki Kimi , Takai Toshiyuki , Kamba Tomomi , Linehan W. Marston , Moroishi Toshiro , Oike Yuichi
Published: November 2019

Angiopoietin-like protein 2 (ANGPTL2) is a secreted glycoprotein homologous to angiopoietins. Previous studies suggest that tumor cell-derived ANGPTL2 has tumor-promoting function. Here, we conducted mechanistic analysis comparing ANGPTL2 function in cancer progression in a murine syngeneic model of melanoma and a mouse model of translocation renal cell carcinoma (tRCC). ANGPTL2 deficiency in tumor cells slowed tRCC progression, supporting a tumor-promoting role. However, systemic ablation of ANGPTL2 accelerated tRCC progression, supporting a tumor-suppressing role. The syngeneic model also demonstrated a tumor-suppressing role of ANGPTL2 in host tumor microenvironmental cells. Furthermore, the syngeneic model showed that PDGFRα+ fibroblasts in the tumor microenvironment express abundant ANGPTL2 and contribute to tumor suppression. Moreover, host ANGPTL2 facilitates CD8+ T-cell cross-priming and enhances anti-tumor immune responses. Importantly, ANGPTL2 activates dendritic cells through PIR-B–NOTCH signaling and enhances tumor vaccine efficacy. Our study provides strong evidence that ANGPTL2 can function in either tumor promotion or suppression, depending on what cell type it is expressed in.
Copolymerization of single-cell nucleic acids into balls of acrylamide gel
Authors: Li Siran , Kendall Jude , Park Sarah , Wang Zihua , Alexander Joan , Moffitt Andrea , Ranade Nissim , Danyko Cassidy , Gegenhuber Bruno , Fischer Stephan , Robinson Brian D. , Lepor Herbert , Tollkuhn Jessica , Gillis Jesse , Brouzes Eric , Krasnitz Alex , Levy Dan , Wigler Michael
Published: November 2019

We show the use of 5′-Acrydite oligonucleotides to copolymerize single-cell DNA or RNA into balls of acrylamide gel (BAGs). Combining this step with split-and-pool techniques for creating barcodes yields a method with advantages in cost and scalability, depth of coverage, ease of operation, minimal cross-contamination, and efficient use of samples. We perform DNA copy number profiling on mixtures of cell lines, nuclei from frozen prostate tumors, and biopsy washes. As applied to RNA, the method has high capture efficiency of transcripts and sufficient consistency to clearly distinguish the expression patterns of cell lines and individual nuclei from neurons dissected from the mouse brain. By using varietal tags (UMIs) to achieve sequence error correction, we show extremely low levels of cross-contamination by tracking source-specific SNVs. The method is readily modifiable, and we will discuss its adaptability and diverse applications.
In situ observation of void evolution in 1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene under compression by synchrotron radiation X-ray nano-computed tomography
Authors: Chen Liang , Wu Lihui , Liu Yu , Chen Wei
Published: November 2019

The formation and development of voids in 1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene crystals under compression were characterized in situ by X-ray nano-computed tomography. Benefiting from high spatial resolution (30 nm) and excellent imaging contrast, the X-ray nano-computed tomography images revealed the presence of a small fraction of inhomogeneous structures in the original crystal (volume ratio ∼1.2%). Such an inhomogeneity acts as a nucleation of voids and produces stress concentration during compression, which leads to continuous growth of the voids under loading. Meanwhile, the results further reveal that the developing voids are not isotropic: voids with higher surface roughness and irregular structures are easier to break and form new micro-voids. These new voids with higher irregular structures are weaker and easier to break into smaller ones compared with the originals, leading to the development of voids along these weak zones. Finally large voids form. The experiments allow direct investigation of void formation and development, which helps in studying the mechanisms of void development and energetic materials deterioration during manufacturing and transporting.
Highly luminescent crystals of a novel linear π-conjugated thiophene–phenylene co-oligomer with a benzothiadiazole fragment
Authors: Postnikov Valery A. , Sorokina Nataliya I. , Kulishov Artem A. , Lyasnikova Maria S. , Grebenev Vadim V. , Voloshin Alexey E. , Borshchev Oleg V. , Skorotetcky Maxim S. , Surin Nikolay M. , Svidchenko Evgeniya A. , Ponomarenko Sergei A.
Published: November 2019

The synthesis, growth from solutions and structure of crystals of a new linear thiophene–phenylene co-oligomer with a central benzothiadiazole fragment with a conjugated core, (TMS-2T-Ph)2-BTD, are presented. Single-crystal samples in the form of needles with a length of up to 7 mm were grown and their crystal structure was determined at 85 K and 293 K using single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The conformational differences between the crystal structures are insignificant. The parameters of melting and liquid crystalline phase transitions of (TMS-2T-Ph)2-BTD were established using differential scanning calorimetry and the thermal stability of the crystals was investigated using thermogravimetric analysis. The optical absorption and photoluminescence spectra of the solutions and crystals of (TMS-2T-Ph)2-BTD were obtained, and the kinetics of their photodegradation under the action of UV radiation were studied.
Thermomechanical, electronic and thermodynamic properties of ZnS cubic polymorphs: anab initioinvestigation on the zinc-blende–rock-salt phase transition
Authors: Ulian Gianfranco , Valdrè Giovanni
Published: November 2019

In the present work, an extensive and detailed theoretical investigation is reported on the thermomechanical, electronic and thermodynamic properties of zinc-blende (sphalerite, zb-ZnS) and rock-salt zinc sulfide (rs-ZnS) over a wide range of pressure, by means ofab initioDensity Functional Theory, Gaussian type orbitals and the well known B3LYP functional. For the first time, vibrational frequencies, phonon dispersion relations, elasto-piezo-dielectric tensor, thermodynamic and thermomechanical properties of rs-ZnS were calculated with a consistent approach that allows a direct comparison with the low-pressure polymorph. Special attention was paid to the evaluation of the thermodynamic pressure–temperature stability of the mineral phases between 0–25 GPa and 0–800 K. The static (T= 0 K) bulk moduli of sphalerite and rock-salt ZnS were 72.63 (3) GPa and 84.39 (5) GPa, respectively. The phase transition in static conditions calculated from the equation of state was about 15.5 GPa, whereas the elastic constants data resulted inPtrans= 14.6 GPa. At room temperature (300 K), the zb-rs transition occurs at 14.70 GPa and a negative Clapeyron slope (dP)/(dT) = 0.0023 was observed up to 800 K. The electronic band structure showed a direct band gap for zb-ZnS (Eg= 4.830 eV at equilibrium geometry), which became an indirect one by increasing pressure above 11 GPa. The results were found to be in good agreement with the available experimental and theoretical data, further extending the knowledge of important properties of zinc sulfide, in particular the thermomechanical ones of the rock-salt polymorph here extensively explored for the first time.
Effects of CSR initiatives on company perceptions among Millennial and Gen Z consumers
Authors: Kim Seoyeon , Austin Lucinda
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine Millennial consumers’ responses to two corporate social initiative types – socially responsible business practices and corporate philanthropy – in combination with proactive and reactive CSR communication strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

A 2 (corporate philanthropy/socially responsible business practices) ×2 (proactive/reactive CSR communication) between-subjects experiment was conducted.

Findings

The socially responsible business practices were largely perceived more positively than the philanthropic initiatives. Likewise, greater public-serving motives were attributed to the socially responsible business practices compared to the philanthropy. While philanthropic initiatives were perceived more negatively when communicated reactively, there were no significant differences between proactive and reactive socially responsible business practices.

Originality/value

As an attempt to initiate the comparative examination of the effects of different corporate social initiative types, this study suggests outperformance of the socially responsible business practices type of corporate social initiatives over the resources-giving (i.e. philanthropy) type of initiatives even in the reactive communication setting where reputational threat resides.
Implications of the paracrises on the companies’ stock prices
Authors: Selaković Marko , Ljepava Nikolina , Mateev Miroslav
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The concept of social media crisis has been consequently replaced by the term “paracrisis”. However, the economic implications of the paracrises have not been thoroughly researched by now. The purpose of this paper is to examine the potential influence of paracrisis on companies’ stock price values.

Design/methodology/approach

Secondary data analysis has been conducted to identify paracrises for the publicly listed companies and verify that there were no other market events that could affect the stock price during the observed period. Quantitative data analysis has been conducted using the event study, observing stock price values before and during the paracrisis, and the relationship between stock price oscillations and S&P 500 trends was tested.

Findings

There were no significant differences in stock price values before and during the paracrisis. Additionally, a strong correlation between S&P 500 and stock price trends has been found. Findings indicate that paracrises do not significantly impact the stock price behaviour and they should be considered as an irrelevant market event from the stock price point of view.

Originality/value

This study is the first research that examines the stock price paracrisis interdependence.
Intermediate imports and innovation performance: do family firms benefit more?
Authors: Ramírez-Alesón Marisa , Fernández-Olmos Marta
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the impact of imported intermediate inputs on innovation performance, differentiating among types of innovation output (product and process innovation) and considering both family and non-family firms in the Spanish context.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses an unbalanced panel of 1963 firms in the Spanish manufacturing sector (13,155 observations; 2006–2016) that can be identified as family or non-family firms. The authors apply a recently developed methodology (conditional mixed process model) that takes into account the possible relationships among the dependent variables to a panel bivariate probit model with robust standard errors.

Findings

Importing intermediate inputs is an important source of process innovation for all firms, but not of product innovations. Significant differences were found between family and non-family firms in favor of the family type.

Research limitations/implications

This paper breaks down the family state into two categories (belonging to a family group or not) because the database does not contain information regarding the percentage of family ownership or the number of family members in the management structure. Moreover, the research is context specific.

Practical implications

These results will be useful for firms that are considering the value of importing intermediate inputs as a strategy to improve their process innovations, particularly for family firms.

Social implications

Family firms are more successful in the utilization of imported intermediate inputs to achieve greater innovation performance. If family firms are more competent in leveraging their intermediate input imports in innovation performance, it should contribute to increasing business performance.

Originality/value

The research on imports takes into account the different impacts of intermediate imports depending on innovation performance (product innovation vs process innovation) and the nature of the firm (family firms vs non-family firms).
Examining consumers’ usage intention of contactless payment systems
Authors: Karjaluoto Heikki , Shaikh Aijaz A. , Leppäniemi Matti , Luomala Roope
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop and test a conceptual model that combines the modified Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) with a consumer brand engagement (CBE) model to predict consumers’ usage intentions toward contactless payment systems in a developed country.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors cooperated with a contactless payment service provider in Finland and reached out to 22,000 customers, resulting in 1,165 usable responses. The collected data were analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings

The study shows that the UTAUT2 and the CBE model together explain approximately 70 percent of the variance in usage intention. Of the predictors, habit and consumers’ overall satisfaction have the strongest influence on usage intentions. The model also confirms the positive relationship between intention and use.

Practical implications

Understanding the reasons for both the intention to use and the continued use of contactless payments is important for merchants, banks and other service providers. This study shows which technology adoption factors drive both the intention and the use of contactless payments. The finding that intention is mainly driven by habit and overall satisfaction and not by hedonic reasons indicates that such behaviors are difficult to change.

Originality/value

This study is among the first to examine contactless payment usage in a developed market, where over half of all point-of-sale transactions are executed using contactless payment cards and/or cell phones.
Gendered labour process
Authors: Reddy Raghunandan , Sharma Arun Kumar , Jha Munmun
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine perspective of “gendered labour process” to explore the aspectsof managerialism, which utilize gender as a control measure to achieve its ends. The paper seeks to integrate gender and labour process theory and contribute to studies on gendering of organizations that focus on organization logic as well as integrated studies of labour process theory and gender.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper utilizes thematic analysis as the method for analysing the interviews of senior managers in an information technology service organization in India, to identify managerial ideologies and practices.

Findings

A gendered labour process perspective could reveal the institutional orders that systemically discriminate or exclude women in organizations, rather than gender ideologies alone.

Practical implications

Rather than focussing on gender sensitization alone, as is the case with the gender diversity initiatives, it may be fruitful to revisit work design and work organization, to identify and implement changes, so that women’s marginalization and exclusion from certain workplaces could be minimized.

Social implications

A view of gendered labour process could aid public policies aimed at enabling women to continue their employment without disruptions.

Originality/value

The paper attempted to integrate gender and labour process theory by delineating the organization logic that deploys gender as a means of managerial control.
Collaboration in a circular economy
Authors: Bloise Camila
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Given the lacuna in sustainability studies which investigate collaborative supply chain relationships in the context of the circular economy (CE), the purpose of this paper is to explore how farmers manage stakeholder relationship in the supply chain to reduce food waste within the CE framework.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews is used to collect primary data for this research. Interviews are conducted with farmers across different farming types in the UK. A thematic analysis is used to discuss the most prominent themes.

Findings

The findings extend previous research investigating collaboration in sustainability settings. Farmers adopt collaborative relationships to manage exchanges of food waste and to share knowledge of waste management practices. However, contrary to extant literature, the study finds that geographic proximity is still relevant in the CE framework, although its importance is determined by the type of exchange: i.e. physical or non-physical.

Practical implications

Based on the study’s findings, recommendations for further research are proposed. The study also advises on practical considerations for supply chain managers wishing to adopt collaborative relationships to support circular models of supply chains.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the sustainability literature by adding new knowledge to the relatively new theory of the CE. It demonstrates that factors of collaboration identified in previous sustainability research are still relevant in the CE framework, and thus require further investigation into the significance of collaboration. The study is also of relevance to supply chain managers wishing to adopt the CE framework in the transition to more sustainable supply chains.
Money laundering control: the missing link in Trinidad and Tobago
Authors: Murray-Bailey Sherene Alicia
Published: November 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the socio-economic effect of money laundering in Trinidad and Tobago. It assesses the efficacy of the administration of justice in addressing money laundering and the confiscation of the proceeds of crime. It identifies deficiencies within the existing anti-money laundering system and provides recommendations to ensure a robust anti-money laundering framework in keeping with international standards.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper embraces a pluralist approach. It uses qualitative and quantitative methods and uses a case study approach with contextual qualitative analysis. Empirical data are used and causal connections are linked to the analysis.

Findings

The paper highlights a fragmented and inefficient system in addressing money laundering and the confiscation of the proceeds of crime. It concludes that a robust money laundering framework, which meets international standards, requires strong legislative and institutional alignments that promote timeliness, collaboration and efficiency across many agencies.

Research limitations/implications

Findings are limited to Trinidad and Tobago and to the period ending December 2018. Accordingly, these findings lack generalisability.

Practical implications

Trinidad and Tobago needs to revisit its silo approach to anti-money laundering (AML). New policies which embrace harmonisation, collaboration and timeliness in adjudicating upon ML matters are critical.

Social implications

The negative socio-economic effects of money-laundering are considered in this paper. A disruption of money laundering and the confiscation of the proceeds of crime, benefits society economically and socially.

Originality/value

Trinidad and Tobago has been listed as a country with strategic AML deficiencies by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). This study provides assistance in guiding much needed reform in the anti-money laundering area and has not before been undertaken.
Digital forensics and evolving cyber law: case of BIMSTEC countries
Authors: Jayasekara Sisira Dharmasri , Abeysekara Iroshini
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the role of digital forensics in an evolving environment of cyber laws giving attention to Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) countries, comprising Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal and Bhutan, in a dynamic global context.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a case study approach to discuss the digital forensics and cyber laws of BIMSTEC countries. The objective of the study was expected to be achieved by referring to decided cases in different jurisdictions. Cyber laws of BIMSTEC countries were studied for the purpose of this study.

Findings

The analysis revealed that BIMSTEC countries are required to amend legislation to support the growth of information technology. Most of the legislation are 10-15 years old and have not been amended to resolve issues on cyber jurisdictions.

Research limitations/implications

This study was limited to the members of the BIMSTEC.

Originality/value

This paper is an original work done by the authors who have discussed the issues of conducting investigations with respect to digital crimes in a rapidly changing environment of information technology and deficient legal frameworks.
Data mining for statistical analysis of money laundering transactions
Authors: Lokanan Mark Eshwar
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to use statistical techniques to mine and analyze suspicious transactions. With the increase in money laundering activities across various sectors in some of the world’s leading democracies, the ability to detect such transactions is gaining grounds with more urgency. Regulators and practitioners have been calling for an approach that can mine the large volume of unstructured data form suspicious money laundering transactions to inform public policies.

Design/methodology/approach

By deducing from the results of empirical studies in the field of money laundering detection, this paper presented an overview of data mining technology for detecting suspicious transactions.

Findings

After chronicling the data mining process, the paper delves into an analysis of the statistical approaches that can be used to differentiate between legitimate and suspicious money laundering transactions. The different stages of the data mining process are carefully explained in relation to their application to anti-money laundering compliance. The results indicate that statistical data mining methodology is a very efficient and useful technique to detect suspicious transactions.

Practical implications

The paper is of relevance to regulators and the financial service sector. A discussion of how data can be mined to facilitate statistical analysis can be used to inform regulatory policies on the detection and prevention of money laundering activities in the financial service sector.

Originality/value

The paper discuss approaches that illustrate how analysts can use statistical techniques to analyze data for suspicious money laundering transactions
Beyond placement, layering and integration – the perception of trade-based money laundering risk in UK financial services
Authors: Menz Mario
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the perception of trade-based money laundering in Letters of Credit (“L/C”) transactions among trade finance practitioners in the UK banking sector and to compare it to the perception of the same risk by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”), the regulator of the UK’s banking sector.

Design/methodology

A survey was used to carry out research among financial services professionals engaged in trade finance in the UK.

Findings

This paper contributes to the existing literature in a number of ways. First, it investigates the perception of trade-based money laundering risk from the perspective of financial services professionals, which has not previously been done. Second, it argues that the perception of trade-based money laundering in financial services is overly focussed on placement, layering and integration, and that the full extent of the offence under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 is less well known. It further found that financial services firms need to improve their understanding of the nature of trade-based money laundering under UK law.

Practical implications

This study argues that the financial services sector’s perception of trade-based money laundering risk in trade finance is underdeveloped and makes suggestions on how to improve it.

Originality/value

It provided unique insight into the perception of trade-based money laundering risk among financial services professionals.
Quo Vadis legal profession participation in anti-money laundering
Authors: Go Lisanawati , Benarkah Njoto
Published: November 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the obstacles that the ethical guidelines of legal professionals pose in the implementation of an effective anti-money laundering regime, established in the law on anti-money laundering in Indonesia. Some compliance schemes have been developed to integrate the participation of gatekeepers in anti-money laundering efforts, but the solution to mitigate the challenges must be implemented through the participation of the legal profession.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a qualitative research methodology, including a triangulation of interviews with relevant experts, literature review and analysis of regulations. A deductive approach is employed to analyse the data.

Findings

The legal profession’s ethical regulations and laws were considered to be the cause for the Indonesian Government’s inability to implement the anti-money laundering regime. The findings show two practical solutions that could be implemented: A government policy for the amendment of the anti-money laundering law and organizational policy to increase support for the anti-money laundering regime; and active participation of legal professionals in an effective anti-money laundering regime in Indonesia.

Originality/value

This study provides insight into the participation of the legal profession in anti-money laundering efforts.
Prediction of restoration factor for various maintenance types of railway systems using analytical hierarchy process
Authors: Das Tapash Kumar , Goyal Neeraj Kumar , Gautam Anirudh
Published: November 2019

Purpose

For repairable systems (RSs), reliability estimation is generally performed using virtual age models. Virtual age models consider the effect of maintenance actions by reducing system age using restoration factor (RF). RF is generally estimated from system failure data using various statistical methods. However, RSs such as railway systems experience various types of maintenance actions at different times during their life cycle. To consider all these different types of actions, we need multiple RFs in the virtual age model. As failure data are limited, the estimation of so many parameters becomes a complex problem and it can lead to erroneous inferences. These RFs are representative of effects of maintenance activities on the system. Therefore, these can be predicted from the information about the maintenance actions performed on the system. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper considers different types of maintenance actions to predict RF of the system. These maintenance actions involve the replacement of components at some level of assembly. Each component in an assembly has its own impact on assembly restoration. RF for assembly/systems can be obtained by aggregating effects of multiple component replacement using analytical hierarchy process . The RF values obtained for different types of maintenance actions are then used to calculate the virtual age of the system at different failure points. Using these virtual age failure points, suitable distribution is fitted and parameters are estimated. The distribution and parameters provide information about reliability of the system at any point of time.

Findings

This paper provides an easier approach that gives different RFs for different types of PM and CM. To calculate RFs, it considers the impact of maintenance actions performed as well as the impact of the component on which they are performed. It is simpler and gives more consistent results than other approaches, which estimate RF using different statistical methods.

Originality/value

This paper provides an alternative approach to predict RF parameters instead of estimating these parameters using statistical methods. Estimation of parameters using different statistical methods is complex in nature and gives erroneous and inconsistent results. The approach given in this paper is simpler and gives more reliable results. This approach can be useful in estimating parameters for RSs when failure data are limited.
Risk analysis of engineering systems for sustainable industrial development using the Taguchi approach
Authors: Emovon Ikuobase , Norman Rosemary
Published: November 2019

Purpose

One of the key elements of a maintenance system is risk analysis because the risk level of an engineering system will determine the maintenance policy required. Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) is widely applied in evaluating risk of failure of engineering systems. However, the conventional FMEA used in analyzing risk by most industries has shortcomings such as an inability to utilize imprecise and interval data in prioritizing risk. To overcome these limitations, different variants of FMEA have been reported in the literature. However, these modified approaches are computationally intensive; hence, the purpose of this paper is to develop an efficient FMEA-based methodology that is easy to analyze and implement.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed technique combines the Taguchi method with FMEA in order to analyze risk of engineering systems easily and effectively. The effectiveness of the approach is demonstrated with a case study of the fuel oil system of a marine diesel engine.

Findings

The results of the integrated Taguchi method and FMEA, when compared with well-known techniques, namely, VIKOR and compromise programming, from the literature are very similar. From the comparative analysis, it was evident that the proposed method is a viable option to the more computationally intensive approaches used in the literature.

Originality/value

The approach proposed is novel and simple and can be implemented more easily than approaches from the literature in analyzing risk.
The effects of political orientation on corporate social (ir)responsibility
Authors: Jeong Nara , Kim Nari
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of political orientation on corporate social (ir)responsibility. In specific, it investigates CEO political liberalism, and its moderation with government political liberalism on corporate social responsibility (CSR) and corporate social irresponsibility (CSIR).

Design/methodology/approach

Panel regression analysis was conducted using 3,136 firm-year observations of 751 CEOs in the USA.

Findings

Results show that the effects of CEO liberalism are positive on CSR and negative on CSIR. During the reign of a democrat president, however, CEO political liberalism shows different impacts on CSR and CSIR. Interactions between the same political orientations are negatively associated with CSR, but not significantly associated with CSIR.

Originality/value

The primary contribution of this paper is in presenting the interactive effects of external environment and CEO attributions on CSIR.