bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microtranscriptome of contrasting sugarcane cultivars in response to aluminum stress
Authors: Gonçalves Silva Renan , Mateus-Rosa Thiago , de Castro França Suzelei , Kottapalli Pratibha , Kottapalli Kameswara Rao , Zingaretti Sonia Marli
Published: May 2019

Although metallic elements are required for plant growth, aluminum ions (Al+3) can be considered one of the major abiotic factors affecting productivity. In plants, the presence of Al+3 can result in inhibition of root growth triggering water and nutrient deficiency. Plants under stress conditions undergo gene expression changes in specific genes or post-transcriptional gene regulators as miRNAs that can led to resistance. In this study, we investigated the miRNAs involved in the sugarcane response to aluminum stress. Four miRNA libraries were generated using sugarcane roots of two contrasting (tolerant and sensitive) sugarcane cultivars growing under aluminum stress to identify the miRNAs involved in the sugarcane response. Here we present the first miRNAs sequencing of sugarcane response under aluminum stress. The contrast of the cultivars seen in the field was reflected in the micro transcriptome with opposing expression profile. We selected 394 differentially expressed miRNAs, in both cultivars, 22% were common between cultivars. Real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to validate the differentially expressed miRNAs through high-throughput sequencing in sugarcane roots. Target genes prediction was also analyzed. Our results indicated miRNAs that modulated specific target genes involved in roots development and plant aluminum stress response. Those genes can be the answer to tolerance in sugarcane and used in breeding programs to develop tolerant cultivars.
A low-cost and high-precision scanning electrochemical microscope built with open source tools
Authors: Guver Alperen , Fifita Nafetalai , Milas Peker , Straker Michael , Guy Michael , Green Kara , Yildirim Taha , Unlu Ilyas , Yigit Veysel , Ozturk Birol
Published: May 2019

A low-cost Scanning Electrochemical Microscope (SECM) was built with a 0.6 pA current measurement capability potentiostat and submicron resolution motorized stage, using open source software and hardware tools. The high performance potentiostat with a Python graphical user interface was built based on an open source project. Arduino boards, stepper motors, a manual XY micromanipulator stage, 3D printed couplers and gears were used in building the motorized stage. An open source motor control software was used for moving the motorized stage with high precision. An inverted microscope was utilized for viewing a standard microelectrode while scanning. The setup was tested in the formation of a map of electrochemical signals from an array of pores on a parafilm membrane. As the setup will be used in future biosensing experiments, DNA hybridization detection experiments were also performed with the setup.
HCMV miR-US22 down-regulation of EGR-1 regulates CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cell proliferation and viral reactivation
Authors: Mikell Iliyana , Crawford Lindsey B. , Hancock Meaghan H. , Mitchell Jennifer , Buehler Jason , Goodrum Felicia , Nelson Jay A.
Published: May 2019

Reactivation of latent Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) in CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) is closely linked to hematopoiesis. Viral latency requires maintenance of the progenitor cell quiescence, while reactivation initiates following mobilization of HPCs to the periphery and differentiation into CD14+ macrophages. Early growth response gene 1 (EGR-1) is a transcription factor activated by Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling that is essential for the maintenance of CD34+ HPC self-renewal in the bone marrow niche. Down-regulation of EGR-1 results in mobilization and differentiation of CD34+ HPC from the bone marrow to the periphery. In the current study we demonstrate that the transcription factor EGR-1 is directly targeted for down-regulation by HCMV miR-US22 that results in decreased proliferation of CD34+ HPCs and a decrease in total hematopoietic colony formation. We also show that an HCMV miR-US22 mutant fails to reactivate in CD34+ HPCs, indicating that expression of EGR-1 inhibits viral reactivation during latency. Since EGR-1 promotes CD34+ HPC self-renewal in the bone marrow niche, HCMV miR-US22 down-regulation of EGR-1 is a necessary step to block HPC self-renewal and proliferation to induce a cellular differentiation pathway necessary to promote reactivation of virus.

Author summary

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a widespread herpesvirus that persists in the host and remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in solid organ and stem cell transplant patients. HCMV latency is complex, and the molecular mechanisms for establishment, maintenance, and reactivation from latency are poorly understood.

Quiescent stem cells in the bone marrow represent a critical reservoir of latent HCMV, and the mobilization and differentiation of these cells is closely linked to viral reactivation from latency. HCMV encodes small regulatory RNAs, called miRNAs that play important roles in the regulation of viral and cellular gene expression. In this study, we show that HCMV miR-US22 targets Early growth response gene 1 (EGR-1) a host transcription factor that is necessary for stem cell quiescence and self-renewal in the bone marrow. Expression of this miR-US22 down-regulates expression of EGR-1 that reduces CD34+ HPCs proliferation and total hematopoietic colony formation. An HCMV miR-US22 mutant is unable to reactivate from latency suggesting that the ability of the miRNA to disrupt CD34+ HPC renewal in the bone marrow niche to initiate a differentiation pathway is critical for viral reactivation.
Coxiella burnetiiType 4B Secretion System-dependent manipulation of endolysosomal maturation is required for bacterial growth
Authors: Samanta Dhritiman , Clemente Tatiana M. , Gilk Stacey D.
Published: May 2019

Upon host cell infection, the obligate intracellular bacteriumC. burnetiiresides and multiplies within theCoxiella–ContainingVacuole (CCV). The nascent CCV progresses through the endosomal maturation pathway into a phagolysosome, acquiring lysosomal markers as well as acidic pH and active proteases and hydrolases. Approximately 24-48 hours post infection, heterotypic fusion between the CCV and host endosomes/lysosomes leads to CCV expansion and subsequent bacterial replication in the mature CCV. Initial CCV acidification is required to activateC. burnetiimetabolism and the Type 4B Secretion System (T4BSS), which secretes effector proteins required for CCV maturation. However, we recently found that the mature CCV is less acidic (pH~5.2) than lysosomes (pH~4.8). Further, CCV acidification to pH~4.8 causesC. burnetiilysis, suggestingC. burnetiiactively regulates CCV pH. Because heterotypic fusion with host endosomes/lysosomes may influence CCV pH, we investigated endosomal maturation in cells infected with wildtype (WT) or T4BSS mutant (ΔdotA)C. burnetii. We observed significantly fewer LAMP1-positive lysosomes, along with less acidic “mature” endosomes (pH~5.8), in WT-infected cells, compared to mock or ΔdotA-infected cells. Further, while endosomes progressively acidified from the periphery (pH~5.5) to the perinuclear area (pH~4.7) in both mock and ΔdotA-infected cells, endosomes did not acidify beyond pH~5.2 in WT-infected cells, indicating that theC. burnetiiT4BSS inhibits endosomal maturation. Finally, increasing the number of acidic lysosomes by overexpressing the transcription factor EB inhibitedC. burnetiigrowth, indicating lysosomes are detrimental toC. burnetii. Overall, our data suggest thatC. burnetiiregulates CCV pH, possibly by reducing the number of host lysosomes available for heterotypic fusion.

Author summary

The obligate intracellular bacteriumCoxiella burnetiicauses human Q fever, which manifests as a flu-like illness but can develop into a life-threatening and difficult to treat endocarditis.C. burnetii,in contrast to many other intracellular bacteria, thrives within a lysosome-like vacuole in host cells. However, we previously found that theC. burnetiivacuole is not as acidic as lysosomes and increased acidification kills the bacteria, suggesting thatC. burnetiiregulates the pH of its vacuole. Here, we discovered thatC. burnetiiblocks endosomal maturation and acidification during host cell infection, resulting in fewer lysosomes in the host cell. Moreover, increasing lysosomes in the host cells blockedC. burnetiigrowth. Together, our study suggests thatC. burnetiiregulates vacuole acidity and blocks endosomal acidification in order to produce a permissive intracellular niche.
A new crystal structure and small-angle X-ray scattering analysis of the homodimer of human SFPQ
Authors: Hewage Thushara Welwelwela , Caria Sofia , Lee Mihwa
Published: May 2019

Splicing factor proline/glutamine-rich (SFPQ) is an essential RNA-binding protein that is implicated in many aspects of nuclear function. The structures of SFPQ and two paralogs, non-POU domain-containing octamer-binding protein and paraspeckle component 1, from theDrosophilabehavior human splicing protein family have previously been characterized. The unusual arrangement of the four domains, two RNA-recognition motifs (RRMs), a conserved region termed the NonA/paraspeckle (NOPS) domain and a C-terminal coiled coil, in the intertwined dimer provides a potentially unique RNA-binding surface. However, the molecular details of how the four RRMs in the dimeric SFPQ interact with RNA remain to be characterized. Here, a new crystal structure of the dimerization domain of human SFPQ in theC-centered orthorhombic space groupC2221with one monomer in the asymmetric unit is presented. Comparison of the new crystal structure with the previously reported structure of SFPQ and analysis of the solution small-angle X-scattering data revealed subtle domain movements in the dimerization domain of SFPQ, supporting the concept of multiple conformations of SFPQ in equilibrium in solution. The domain movement of RRM1, in particular, may reflect the complexity of the RNA substrates of SFPQ. Taken together, the crystal and solution structure analyses provide a molecular basis for further investigation into the plasticity of nucleic acid binding by SFPQ in the absence of the structure in complex with its cognate RNA-binding partners.
Hirshfeld surface analysis and crystal structure of N-(2-methoxyphenyl)acetamide
Authors: Yaman Mavise , Dege Necmi , Ayoob Mzgin M. , Hussein Awaz J. , Samad Mohammed K. , Fritsky Igor O.
Published: May 2019

The title compound, C9H11NO2, was obtained as unexpected product from the reaction of (4-{2-benzyloxy-5-[(E)-(3-chloro-4-methylphenyl)diazenyl]benzylidene}-2-phenyloxazol-5(4H)-one) with 2-methoxyaniline in the presence of acetic acid as solvent. The amide group is not coplanar with the benzene ring, as shown by the C—N—C—O and C—N—C—C torsion angles of −2.5 (3) and 176.54 (19)°, respectively. Hirshfeld surface analysis and two-dimensional fingerprint plots indicate that the most important contributions to the crystal packing are from H...H (53.9%), C...H/H...C (21.4%), O...H/H...O (21.4%) and N...H/H...N (1.7%) interactions.
Addressing the AICPA core competencies through the usage of the monopoly™ board game
Authors: Mousa Rania
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the learning outcomes of students enrolled in an introductory financial accounting course through their experience of playing the Monopoly™ board game and map those outcomes to a selected number of individual competency types addressed in the AICPA Core Competency Framework.

Design/methodology/approach

A longitudinal qualitative analysis was performed to analyze self-reported learning outcomes collected from undergraduate students enrolled in an introductory financial accounting course. Content analysis and participant observations were utilized to inform the analysis process and derive research findings.

Findings

The findings reveal a connection between the learning outcomes and a selected number of individual competency types addressed in the AICPA Framework. The findings also reemphasize the importance of utilizing some of the basic functions and features of Excel to augment foundational financial accounting knowledge and enhance professional skills.

Originality/value

Although the use of board games in accounting education was examined in prior research, this paper provides an empirical evidence on the alignment of self-reported learning outcomes of a popular board game to a notable profession-driven framework. In addition to bridging a potential gap between the accounting education and profession, this study informs academics as to the implications of engaging students in a class activity that applies basic financial accounting and computer knowledge.
Knights and dames on the board of directors
Authors: Li Michelle , Ma Diandian , Scott Tom
Published: May 2019

Purpose

New Zealand reintroduced titular honours (i.e. knighthoods and damehoods) in 2009. We document the prevalence of knights and dames on the board of directors.

Design/methodology/approach

We use a probit regression to investigate what firm characteristics are significantly associated with having a knight or dame on the board of directors.

Findings

We find 19 of 112 companies have a knight or dame on the board. These companies are bigger and have larger and more independent boards than other companies. We also find a knight or dame is more likely to serve in companies that have higher dividend yields.

Research limitations/implications

The generalisability of our results is limited by the small number of knights and dames on the boards of listed companies and our archival regression approach. Although we document an association, we cannot prove causation.

Originality/value

We show that directors with greater and easily visible reputational capital are more likely to supply their services to companies that mitigate risks to their reputation and protect minority shareholder interests.
Exploring the meaning of climate change discourses: an impression management exercise?
Authors: Nik Ahmad Nik Nazli , Hossain Dewan Mahboob
Published: May 2019

Purpose

This study aims to analyze how language is used to present climate change information in the narratives of Malaysian companies’ annual reports.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses content analysis and discourse analysis, and Brennan et al.’s (2009) impression management strategies and legitimacy theory were applied to explain findings.

Findings

Much of the discourses are rhetorical in nature and can be considered as corporate attempts to appear concerned for climate change, consistent with an attempt to appear legitimate and manage impressions.

Research limitations/implications

The first limitation is the purposive sampling used which limits the generalizability of the findings. The second limitation is that the study neglects to focus on companies in environmentally sensitive sectors which have more substantial adverse impacts. The third limitation is that the study did not examine all types of impression management strategies, limiting itself only to strategies which provide a favorable view of the firm. Finally, the study did not attempt to investigate the different levels of impression management strategies.

Practical implications

A major practical implication is for regulators to consider mandatory climate change reporting at least for the sectors which contribute adversely to global warming.

Originality/value

This is a first attempt to examine climate change discourses in a developing country.
The relationship between brand attractiveness and the intent to apply for a job
Authors: Santiago Joanna
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the relation between the dimensions of employer brand (EB) attractiveness and the intention to submit a job application to the organisation. An increase of competitiveness in the business world has resulted in an increased effort by organisations to improve the processes of recruitment and retention of talented professionals, as the human capital of organisations is extremely important for their growth and sustainability. Regardless of an organisation’s size, the difficulties faced in recruiting and retaining highly qualified human capital are tangible. In this sense, the research problem identifies EB as being a strategic element for attracting future employees to work for an organisation.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used both quantitative (a questionnaire survey) and qualitative (in-depth interviews) data to investigate the perceptions of future and current employees.

Findings

Evidence from 281 respondents (of which almost 60 per cent belong to the millennial generation) who participated in the quantitative study supports the multi-dimensionality of EB attractiveness, highlighting the importance of economic factors, such as an above-average salary or opportunities for promotion, which are seen to be less important to millennials when considering future job prospects. Interestingly, the results of the qualitative research for current employees show slightly different concerns, in that career progression appears to be crucial.

Originality/value

The study findings not only offer a basis for research on the dimensions of employer attractiveness, but also, they serve as a managerial guide towards enhancing companies’ ability to attract, retain and motivate talented individuals.
Influence of duct parameters on the acoustic wave generation
Authors: Rulik Sebastian , Wróblewski Włodzimierz , Rusin Krzysztof , Rogoziński Krzysztof
Published: May 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to determine the influence of geometrical features of the channel on the acoustic wave generation in a ducted cavity. The analysis is focussed on the effects of the change in the entrance length upstream the cavity and the height. The study is supposed to investigate boundary layer and acoustic wave parameters, and an attempt will be made to determine the correlation between the geometrical dimension and those parameters.

Design/methodology/approach

Analysis is conducted with the aim of a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tool and selected results are validated with experimental investigations. The influence of grid resolution and time discretization is analysed. Four different entrance lengths and height are investigated. Qualitative and quantitative comparison between cases is presented.

Findings

The investigations prove the small influence of the entrance length on acoustic wave generation, but channel height due to wave reflection and interference inside of the cavity has a significant impact on wave frequency and sound pressure level. Channel height has also impact on generation and shape of the vortex created in the cavity inlet.

Originality/value

The paper extends the knowledge of phenomena taking place in the ducted cavities. Results obtained from these investigations will be useful in designing new cooling techniques and in noise reduction. The CFD analysis makes it possible to determine the correlations between channel dimensions and SPL function and frequency of sound waves.
Modelling trade-offs in students’ choice set when determining universities
Authors: Kusumawati Andriani , Perera Nelson , Yanamandram Venkata
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the factors influencing Indonesian students’ choice of university by estimating the trade-off students make in selecting a university.

Design/methodology/approach

Conjoint analysis was used to examine the relative importance and the part-worth scores of the attributes that influence students’ public university preferences in Indonesia.

Findings

High-school leavers in Indonesia trade off university preferences and view advice from family, friends, and/or teachers, reputation, and job prospects as important factors for selecting a public university. Two different preference-based segments of prospective students were identified from cluster analysis, and classified as either a “social networks-based decision” or a “rational decision” segment. A choice simulator was employed with three propositions, and the segments were found to have dissimilar preferences.

Research limitations/implications

While this paper provides insights on higher-education consumer choice, more research is needed that includes samples from different types of higher-education institutions and fields of study.

Practical implications

A greater understanding of student choice can help to inform marketing practices and customize marketing strategies for each segment by providing important information to principal parties involved in making university choice decisions.

Originality/value

This paper demonstrates the relevance and value of conjoint analysis as an effective analytical tool for the identification of important choice criteria and its potential contribution to the development of more effective marketing strategies.
Principals’ conceptions of teachers’ power basis: a phenomenographic study
Authors: Özaslan Gökhan
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the various ways in which a group of principals conceptualize the power basis of teachers within teacher–principal interactions.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study takes power as a potential to influence people as it was conceptualized in the taxonomy developed by French and Raven (1959/1968) and Raven (1993). This taxonomy was also used to discuss the conceptions emerged in the interview data. A total of 16 principals, 8 from public schools and 8 from private schools, were interviewed.

Findings

The phenomenographic analysis of the interviews with the 16 principals revealed five ways of understanding teachers’ power basis. These conceptions (in the form of categories of description) were: (a) the principal’s sense of reciprocity, (b) teachers’ field-specific knowledge, (c) teachers’ administrative experience, (d) teachers’ union affiliation and (e) teachers’ legal rights. Categories (a) and (b) were common to all the study’s participants. Category (c) was unique to participants from private schools, while categories (d) and (e) were unique to participants from public schools.

Research limitations/implications

Three topics – the subtler forms of legitimate power, the issue of teacher tenure and the influence of unions on the educational system – appeared to have potential for interesting future studies in the field of educational management.

Practical implications

There is an apparent need to include social power as a course component in preparatory programs for educational administrators. The revised power taxonomy, which took its final form after the revisions made by Raven (1993), appeared to be an adequate explanatory theory to understand the teachers’ bases of power, and as such, it can be used to structure the content of the course about power interactions in school settings. In addition, the Turkish Ministry of National Education should handle the issue of unions’ improper influence over the educational system and take necessary measures in order to maintain the effective functioning of public schools.

Originality/value

To date, subordinates’ bases of power as a research subject has apparently been ignored. The present study is the first to reveal variations in the ways that school principals conceptualize teachers’ basis of power. Although the study data were collected in one city in Turkey, the research implications drawn from its findings can inspire interest in this neglected field of study all around the world.
Constructive usage of WhatsApp in education sector for strengthening relations
Authors: Agrawal Shiv Ratan , Mittal Divya
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the key role of WhatsApp as WhatsApp-customer relationship management (w-CRM) for strengthening the relationship in the education sector. The paper is exploratory in nature.

Design/methodology/approach

A self-administered questionnaire was developed with 20 items for four latent constructs. The data were collected from the undergraduate and postgraduate students of Sri Sri University, Cuttack (Odisha), India, based on convenience sampling. The hypotheses were tested through regression and correlation analyzes.

Findings

The findings of the study unveiled that the relationships between students and teaching staff, students and non-teaching staff, and teaching and non-teaching staff can be strengthened by the adoption of w-CRM.

Practical implications

WhatsApp can be an inevitable tool to emerge with traditional CRM system to facilitating the advance implementation of w-CRM in the service industry.

Originality/value

Although the present study is limited to one of the service sectors, i.e. education, it unfolds the scope of implementation of w-CRM in different services. Especially, small and medium enterprises can implement this tool hand to hand to maintain strong relationships with customers.
Proximity and choice of College of Distance Education (CoDE) of the University of Cape Coast for further studies
Authors: Segbenya Moses , Oduro George Kwaku Toku , Peniana Fred , Ghansah Kwesi
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the proximity of study centres to the students of College of Distance Education, University of Cape Coast (CoDE/UCC) and whether further studies of distance learners who were teachers and employees could lead to absenteeism in their workplaces.

Design/methodology/approach

A sequential explanatory strategy was used. A self-administered questionnaire and unstructured interviews as well as observation guides were employed to collect data from 2,077 students pursuing business and education programmes of CoDE in all study centres across Ghana. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics and pattern matching of content analysis.

Findings

The study found that few teachers and other workers pursuing the distance education do absent themselves from the workplace or classroom on Fridays preceding their face-to-face session because they embarked on their journey to the study centres on Friday morning. Some teachers also absented themselves from work on Mondays after face-to-face sessions for a lack of means of transport on Sunday after lessons. The absenteeism of these respondents directly and indirectly affected their employers, students and customers.

Practical implications

It was therefore recommended that management of CoDE/UCC should open more study centres in all the regions especially Western, Ashanti, Upper East, Northern and Upper West Regions to reduce number of hours spent by students to their study centres and consider introducing the business programmes at the existing district centres to reduce average distance covered by these students to commute from their places of work to their respective centres in the regional capitals. It was also recommended that online/electronic learning and audio versions (impersonal communication) of the study modules should be introduced so that students would not necessary have to travel to the study centre to participate in lectures/face-to-face sessions.

Originality/value

The findings of this study will help managers and administrators of both public and private distance educational providers. In addition to providing basis and areas for establishing study centres for geographical proximity, findings of the study should prove helpful for designing and delivering electronic and audio versions of distance education modules to reduce the level of absenteeism in workplace for the students.
The performance of dairy supply chain in Indonesia: a system dynamics approach
Authors: Susanty Aries , Bakhtiar Arfan , Puspitasari Nia Budi , Susanto Novie , Handjoyo David Kurnia Setiawan
Published: May 2019

Purpose

First, the purpose of this paper is to develop some policies as an alternative scenario to increase the performance of the Indonesian dairy milk supply chain so it can fulfil the target of the government. Second, this study aims to find the best alternative scenario based on the performance resulted from the simulation.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper develops a system dynamics-based model by using six approaches, i.e. “population and consumption of dairy milk”, “national milk production”, “dairy cattle feed”, “dairy cattle population”, “profit gained by the dairy farmer”, and “government policy”.

Findings

There is no best scenario; however, the combined scenario can give the better condition to achieve the targets set by the government.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of this study include: the relationship between the levels of welfare of farmers and the desire being a dairy farmer is not modelled; the quality of milk is only determined by the content of fat and protein in one litre of milk, and the level of milk consumption per capita increases naturally without any intervention or policy from the government.

Practical implications

This study provides essential insights into the context of implementing the policies in the Indonesian dairy supply chain.

Social implications

The research revealed that good policies scenario could be built after simulating and analysing the effect of each scenario on the performance of a dairy supply chain carefully.

Originality/value

This study does not test one policy in isolation. It simultaneously tests various combinations of policy that related to dairy cattle import, operational assistance for dairy cooperative and dairy farmer that may help maximise the performance of the Indonesian dairy milk supply chain.
Dissecting George Town’s human capital challenges in built heritage
Authors: Khoo Suet Leng , Lim Yoke Mui
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify, dissect and unravel real-life contextual human capital issues related to George Town’s built heritage from the perspectives of key stakeholders in the heritage arena.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper opted for an exploratory study using qualitative techniques like in-depth interviews and focus group discussions to gather insights and to listen to the voices from key stakeholders pertaining to issues related to human capital in built heritage. The data were supplemented and complemented by secondary resources such as technical reports, conservation guidelines, by-laws and case studies from other countries.

Findings

The paper provides empirical insights about real-life issues, barriers and challenges pertaining to human capital in George Town’s built heritage. The key findings from this study revealed that the quantity of professionals and builders is still insufficient and their quality of work has room for improvement.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the selected research approach, the research results may lack generalisability. Thus, researchers are encouraged to further test the proposed propositions by enlarging the number of respondents or administering this similar study in another locality/historic city (i.e. Malacca ‒ George Town’s twin historic city).

Practical implications

The paper provides practical implications for the development of the right quantity and quality of human capital for George Town’s built heritage. The findings from this study are also useful for urban managers, policymakers and conservation practitioners.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils an identified need to examine the real-life issues of human capital in built heritage for George Town.
Usage control architecture options for data sovereignty in business ecosystems
Authors: Zrenner Johannes , Möller Frederik Oliver , Jung Christian , Eitel Andreas , Otto Boris
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Current business challenges force companies to exchange critical and sensitive data. The data provider pays great attention to the usage of their data and wants to control it by policies. The purpose of this paper is to develop usage control architecture options to enable data sovereignty in business ecosystems.

Design/methodology/approach

The architecture options are developed following the design science research process. Based on requirements from an automotive use case, the authors develop architecture options. The different architecture options are demonstrated and evaluated based on the case study with practitioners from the automotive industry.

Findings

This paper introduces different architecture options for implementing usage control (UC). The proposed architecture options represent solutions for UC in business ecosystems. The comparison of the architecture options shows the respective advantages and disadvantages for data provider and data consumer.

Research limitations/implications

In this work, the authors address only one case stemming from the German automotive sector.

Practical implications

Technical enforcement of data providers policies instead of relying on trust to support collaborative data exchange between companies.

Originality/value

This research is among the first to introduce architecture options that provide a technical concept for the implementation of data sovereignty in business ecosystems using UC. Consequently, it supports the decision process for the technical implementation of data sovereignty.
Do strategy, processes, personnel and technology affect firm’s propensity to adopt cloud computing?
Authors: Kyriakou Niki , Loukis Euripides N.
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Previous empirical research on cloud computing (CC) adoption factors has examined the effects of only a small number of firm’s characteristics on CC adoption. The purpose of this paper is to investigate empirically the effects of a wide set of firm’s characteristics, which concern four important aspects of it, its strategy, processes, personnel and technology, on the propensity to adopt CC.

Design/methodology/approach

Having as theoretical background the technology, organization and environment (TOE) theory of technological innovation adoption, in combination with Scott-Morton’s framework on firm’s main elements, ten research hypotheses have been developed based on previous CC and management literature. They were tested using data collected through the e-Business W@tch Survey of the European Commission from 676 European firms from three traditional manufacturing sectors.

Findings

The results reveal three characteristics of a firm that affect positively its propensity to adopt CC for all firm sizes: the adoption of ICT investment reduction strategy, the adoption of product/service innovation strategy and the sophistication of firm’s administration support ICT infrastructure. Furthermore, they reveal four additional characteristics of a firm that affect positively the propensity for CC adoption only in the small firms: the adoption of process innovation strategy, the employment of ICT personnel, as well as the sophistication of firm’s production support and e-sales ICT infrastructures.

Research limitations/implications

First, this study provides a theoretical foundation for the elaboration of the organizational perspective of the TOE theory of technological innovation adoption, which opens a new stream of CC adoption factors research, investigating the effects of a wide range of firm’s characteristics on CC adoption. Second, based on the above foundation, this study enriches substantially the empirical literature on CC adoption factors. The main limitation of this study is that it has been based on data from only three European manufacturing sectors.

Practical implications

The findings provide new interesting insights concerning specific firm’s characteristics and therefore internal conditions that increase its propensity for CC adoption, and reveal specific kinds of strategy and ICT infrastructures for which CC is more appropriate and beneficial.

Originality/value

The authors have developed a theoretical foundation for extending our knowledge concerning the characteristics and internal conditions of firms that favor/promote the adoption of CC, which supports and enables the substantial extension of the existing knowledge base on CC adoption factors. Based on this theoretical foundation, the authors have formulated and tested ten research hypotheses concerning effects of firm’s strategic directions, processes, ICT infrastructures and ICT personnel, which have not been investigated previously, on CC adoption propensity.
Innovation and entrepreneurship research in India from 2000 to 2018: a bibliometric survey
Authors: Sharma Gautam
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Innovation and entrepreneurship are regarded as the key drivers to steer the engine of economic development in any nation. As a result, to understand the context and process of innovation and entrepreneurship there has been a steady rise in scientific literature and empirical studies. The purpose of this paper is to study the trends and progress of academic research on innovation and entrepreneurship in India by identifying the key articles, journals, authors and institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

Scientometric methods especially bibliometrics is used, for measuring the maturity of this research field in the country. The paper studies the research landscape in innovation and entrepreneurship in India by doing a bibliometric analysis using data from publications indexed in the Scopus database from the year 2000 to 2018. The study takes a multidisciplinary review of the literature in innovation and entrepreneurship research in India and could be used as a reference for future studies in this theme.

Findings

The study finds an increase in the scholarly studies in innovation and entrepreneurship in India in the last decade. It was also found that a large number of publications were joint-authored and collaborations between Indian and foreign universities is happening. The paper also highlights the authorship patterns, top journals and the most cited papers.

Research limitations/implications

A major limitation of this study is that it has considered publications which are indexed in Scopus. This paper has contributed by highlighting the growth of studies in the field of innovation and entrepreneurship in the Indian context. The results can be used by future studies in this area as a starting point to highlight the nature of this research area.

Originality/value

The study attempts to present a trend analysis of published literature on innovation and entrepreneurship in India.
Evaluating cryptocurrency laundering as a complex socio-technical system
Authors: Desmond Dennis B. , Lacey David , Salmon Paul
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the findings from a literature review, which aimed to identify previous studies evaluating cryptolaundering from a systems thinking perspective. The aim of this paper is to first confirm that cryptolaundering systems can indeed be defined as complex socio-technical systems and second to present the findings from a systematic review of the literature to determine the extent to which previous research has adopted a systems thinking perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

The study involved a SLR of studies published in the peer-reviewed literature between 2009 and 2018. Rasmussen’s risk management framework (Rasmussen, 1997) was used to evaluate the extent to which a systems thinking perspective had been adopted.

Findings

The cryptolaundering process is considered to be a complex socio-technical system. The review demonstrates that no previous studies have defined cryptolaundering as a complex socio-technical system or used systems thinking framework approach to evaluate how criminals, regulatory bodies or law enforcement entities understand processes and assess risk within cryptolaundering systems. It is argued that using such an approach to the cryptolaundering process would likely improve assessing criminal risk analyses of cryptolaundering and assist law enforcement and regulatory bodies with understanding risk management during the laundering of cryptocurrencies.

Originality/value

Future assessments of cryptolaundering using socio-technical system analytical processes may afford law enforcement and regulatory bodies the opportunity to improve intervention techniques and identify gaps in regulations and enforcement.
Exploring the links between AML, digital currencies and blockchain technology
Authors: Naheem Mohammed Ahmad
Published: May 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the implications of the 2014 Financial Action Task Force (FATF) publication and guidelines on virtual currency definitions and the overall impact of blockchain technology on anti-money laundering (AML) compliance and regulation. The report cites three case study examples, which the FATF paper uses and which this paper questions as to their relevance, especially to the formal banking sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper has provided a critical analysis of a FATF publication and guideline document. Additional secondary data has been used on blockchain technology and to analyse the relevance and implications of the case studies used in the FATF document.

Findings

The main findings are that virtual currency technology has the potential to support AML frameworks within banking when and if they are better understood. However, generic case examples of virtual currency legal cases are not necessarily useful when developing AML risk assessment frameworks within the banking sector.

Practical implications

The implications from the research affect any financial organisation undertaking AML risk analysis or compliance especially for virtual currencies. It applies to the banking, insurance and auditing professions and is of interest to academics working on virtual and digital currencies.

Social implications

The social implications are that virtual currency technology can be used to add protection to banking transactions and could also be considered for client identity information such as beneficial ownership.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper is the topic of blockchain technology being considered in AML frameworks and the critical analysis of the FATF cases.
The mechanism of control of corruption and the rule of law
Authors: Al Qudah Anas , Bani-Mustafa Ahmed , Yamen Ahmed
Published: May 2019

Purpose

In this study, the authors aim to investigate the control of corruption (COC) mechanism and the rule of law (ROL) in mediating the effect of culture on terrorism financing. Thus, whether the COC and the ROL can mediate the effect of culture on terrorism financing across 78 countries has been examined. This study can provide additional evidence about the importance of having good institutional quality to hinder any deviant behavior like terrorism financing.

Design/methodology/approach

Structural equation modeling is used to test the mechanism of the ROL and COC in mediating the effect of culture on terrorist financing (TF). This research tries to investigate the indirect path of culture in TF through COC and ROL and to examine the role of institutions in motivating or demotivating the deviant behaviors.

Findings

The results revealed that COC and ROL completely mediate the relation between culture and TF. This supports the postulation that there is an indirect relationship between culture and TF. Also, the results indicate that ROL is more powerful than COC, as a governmental tool, in controlling TF.

Originality/value

This paper highlights the fact that, according to authors’ research, this is the first study, to the best of their knowledge, that tests the mechanism of the ROL and COC in mediating the effect of culture on TF actions and money laundry.
Dirty money in the banking sector
Authors: Al Sabri Halawi Reeda
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze the Lebanese anti-money laundering (AML) paradigm in light of banking secrecy law. The phenomenon of money laundering that was first associated with the crime of drug trafficking developed a lot since the early 1900s to become a major threat to the world’s economy today. The fight against this ever-growing crime, with multiple sources and origins, has been the centre of attention of the biggest countries in the world. Thus, the need for international AML standards was required, by which countries must abide, to ensure an effective fight against this crime. The issue of banking secrecy regulations was important to study along with the AML framework as the principles of the first totally contradict those of the latter.

Design/methodology/approach

The scope of this study first entails a qualitative technique. It will start with analysing existing legal provisions on money laundering and studying the AML framework internationally and in accordance with the Lebanese banking system. For that, websites such as GoogleScholar and HeinOnline were used to collect many scholars articles. Additionally, Laws, Regulations and Directives have been examined for the purpose of establishing the legal basis for the fight against money laundering. Moreover, an interview was conducted in 2018 with the Lebanese Financial Prosecutor, which served as data related to the operations of the Special Investigation Commission (SIC) in Lebanon, which is the Lebanese Financial Intelligence Unit. Second, quantitative research has been done. Reports of the Association of Banks in Lebanon, Financial Action Task Force Report and Annual Reports of the SIC of Lebanon have been used to gather information related to the AML/combating the financing of terrorism framework, such as customer due to diligence provisions and know-your-customer requirements and to collect statistics of suspicious reports.

Findings

The question of “How to balance the confidentiality of the Lebanese banking sector with the interest of the international community in the fight against money laundering?” was interesting to study, as it turned out that the existence of such professional secrecy does not affect the effective implementation of the AML guidelines by banks and other financial institutions. This can only happen when there is a special judicial organ to which banking secrecy is not opposable at any time, and which is the sole organ entrusted with lifting off this professional secrecy and allowing the disclosure of information to the competent authorities. Thus, the Lebanese banking system can ensure total compliance with the AML framework while still adopting banking secrecy regulations.

Originality/value

The choice of Lebanon was compelling because of the special level of protection its banking secrecy law offers.
The creativity of everyday uncertainty
Authors: Bird Tess
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Drawing on ethnographic research in selection of urban households in Providence County, Rhode Island, the purpose of this paper is to define uncertainty as an everyday experience embedded in material and social worlds and explore the relationship of uncertainty to creative improvisation and well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

This research was anthropological and ethnographic, drawing on an everyday material culture approach to the home. Participant observation and interviews began in April 2015 and ended in April 2016. The data presented in derived from interview transcripts, field notes and photography.

Findings

Responses to uncertainty are embedded in habits and practices that help sustain well-being. During uncertain periods marked by transition, change and disappointment, participants draw on domestic practices as well as narrative frameworks to foster stability. Security, well-being, uncertainty, and improvisation emerge as an important intersection in everyday life.

Originality/value

This paper offers a perspective on uncertainty at the intimate level of the home, helping nuance the difference between collective creative improvisation and the economic expectation of individual adaptability.