bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Into the deep (sequence) of the foot-and-mouth disease virus gene pool: bottlenecks and adaptation during infection in naïve and vaccinated cattle
Authors: Fish Ian , Stenfeldt Carolina , Palinski Rachel M. , Pauszek Steven J. , Arzt Jonathan
Published: November 2019

Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV), like many RNA viruses, infects hosts as a population of closely related viruses referred to as a quasispecies. The behavior of this quasispecies has not been described in detail over the full course of infection in a natural host species. In this study, virus samples taken from vaccinated and non-vaccinated cattle up to 35 days post experimental infection with FMDV A24-Cruzeiro were analyzed by deep-sequencing. Vaccination induced significant differences compared to viruses from non-vaccinated cattle. in virus substitution rates, entropy, and evidence for adaptation. Genomic variation detected during early infection was found to reflect the diversity inherited from the source virus (inoculum), whereas by 12 days post infection (dpi) dominant viruses were defined by newly acquired mutations. In most serially sampled cattle, mutations conferring recognized fitness gain occurred within numerous genetic backgrounds, often associated with selective sweeps. Persistent infections always included multiple FMDV subpopulations, suggesting independently maintained foci of infection within the nasopharyngeal mucosa. Although vaccination prevented disease, subclinical infection in this group was associated with very early bottlenecks which subsequently reduced the diversity within the virus population. This implies an added consequence of vaccination in the control of foot-and-mouth disease. Viruses sampled from both animal cohorts contained putative antigenic escape mutations. However, these mutations occurred during later stages of infection, at which time transmission between animals is less likely to occur.

Importance

Preparedness and control of foot-and-mouth disease virus have substantial, yet distinct implications in endemic and free regions. Viral evolution and emergence of novel strains are of critical concern in both settings. The factors that contribute to the asymptomatic carrier state, a common form of long-term FMDV infection in cattle and other species, are important but not well-understood. This experimental study of foot-and-mouth disease virus in cattle explored the evolution of the pathogen through detailed sampling and analytical methods in both vaccinated and non-vaccinated hosts. Significant differences were identified between the viruses subclinically infecting vaccinated animals and those causing clinical disease in the non-vaccinated cohort. These results can benefit vaccination programs and contribute to the understanding of persistent infection of cattle.
Intramembrane protease RHBDL4 cleaves oligosaccharyltransferase subunits to target them for ER-associated degradation
Authors: Knopf Julia D. , Landscheidt Nina , Pegg Cassandra L. , Schulz Benjamin L. , Kühnle Nathalie , Chao Chao-Wei , Huck Simon , Lemberg Marius K.
Published: November 2019

The Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)-resident intramembrane rhomboid protease RHBDL4 generates metastable protein fragments and together with the ER-associated degradation (ERAD) machinery provides a clearance mechanism for aberrant and surplus proteins. However, the endogenous substrate spectrum and with that the role of RHBDL4 in physiological ERAD is mainly unknown. Here, we use a substrate trapping approach in combination with quantitative proteomics to identify physiological RHBDL4 substrates. This revealed oligosacharyltransferase (OST) complex subunits such as the catalytic active subunit STT3A as substrates for the RHBDL4-dependent ERAD pathway. RHBDL4-catalyzed cleavage inactivates OST subunits by triggering dislocation into the cytoplasm and subsequent proteasomal degradation. Thereby, RHBDL4 controls the abundance and activity of OST, suggesting a novel link between the ERAD machinery and glycosylation tuning.
Regularities in species niches reveal the World’s climatic regions
Authors: Calatayud Joaquín , Neuman Magnus , Rojas Alexis , Eriksson Anton , Rosvall Martin
Published: November 2019

Although classifications of the Earth’s climates date back to the ancient Greeks, the climatic regions shaping the distribution of animals remain poorly resolved. Here we present a classification of global climates based on regularities in realised niches of 3657 amphibians, 7204 reptiles, 10684 birds and 4574 mammals. We found 16 main climatic regions that are mostly consistent across groups and previous plant expert-based classifications, confirming the existence of major climatic restrictions for life. The results also suggest that differences among groups likely relate to their particular adaptations and dispersal capabilities. We further show how the integration of species niche classifications with geographical information provides valuable information on potential mechanisms shaping the climatic regions. Our climate classification has applications in several disciplines, including conservation planning and ecological and evolutionary studies.
Balancing Selection atHLA-GModulates Fetal Survival, Preeclampsia and Human Birth Sex Ratio
Authors: Wedenoja S. , Yoshihara M. , Teder H. , Sariola H. , Gissler M. , Katayama S. , Wedenoja J. , Häkkinen I.M. , Ezer S. , Linder N. , Lundin J. , Skoog T. , Sahlin E. , Iwarsson E. , Pettersson K. , Kajantie E. , Mokkonen M. , Heinonen S. , Laivuori H. , Krjutškov K. , Kere J.
Published: November 2019

The population sex ratio is thought to be maintained through balancing selection on rare phenotypes. However, empirical evidence for genetic influence has thus far proven elusive. We combined 1000 Genomes data and large cohorts to study human sex ratios. We found underrepresentation of male offspring in preeclampsia, a serious pregnancy disorder with uncertain pathogenesis. Genetic variation of fetalhuman leukocyte antigen G(HLA-G), regulating maternal anti-fetal immune responses, was found to be under balancing selection. Sex-linked downregulation ofHLA-Gand upregulation ofinterferon alpha-1(IFNA1) expression contribute to loss of fetal immunotolerance in preeclampsia and suggest hydroxychloroquine as a treatment option. Our findings indicate that an evolutionary trade-off between fetal immunotolerance and protection against infections promotes genetic diversity inHLA-G, thereby maintaining human sex ratios.

One Sentence Summary

FetalHLA-Gmodulates human sex ratio.
Selective facilitation of egocentric mental transformations under short-term microgravity
Authors: Meirhaeghe Nicolas , Bayet Virginie , Paubel Pierre-Vincent , Mélan Claudine
Published: November 2019

Understanding the impact of microgravity on human cognitive performance is crucial to guarantee the safety and success of future long-term manned missions. The effects of weightlessness on key mental processes such as spatial abilities are in particular not fully characterized. In this study, we examine the influence of microgravity on perspective-taking abilities—a type of mental operation especially relevant in the context of collaborative teamwork between ‘free-floating’ astronauts. Twelve subjects performed a cooperative task in virtual-reality under both normal and short-term microgravity conditions during a parabolic flight. The task involved various degrees of mental transformations, and required subjects to perform actions instructed by a fellow astronaut aboard a virtual spacecraft. The experimental design allowed us to control for nuisance variables, training effects, and non-gravity related factors of parabolic flights. Overall, our results indicated that microgravity has a facilitatory effect on perspective-taking abilities. Notably, this facilitation was selective to conditions requiring subjects to rotate their perspective around their line of sight, i.e., for mental rotations in the frontal plane. Moreover, microgravity affected subjects differently depending on their visual field dependence, as determined via a classic rod-and-frame test. Specifically, improvement in performance was more pronounced in field-independent subjects. Together, these results shed light on a long standing debate about the impact of microgravity on egocentric mental imagery, and have direct operational consequences for future long-term missions.
Alternative splicing in neuroblastoma generates RNA-fusion transcripts and is associated with vulnerability to spliceosome inhibitors
Authors: Shi Yao , Rraklli Vilma , Maxymovitz Eva , Li Shuijie , Westerlund Isabelle , Bedoya-Reina Oscar C. , Yuan Juan , Bullova Petra , Juhlin C. Christofer , Stenman Adam , Larsson Catharina , Kogner Per , O’Sullivan Maureen J. , Schlisio Susanne , Holmberg Johan
Published: November 2019

The paucity of recurrent mutations has hampered efforts to understand and treat neuroblastoma. Alternative splicing and splicing-dependent RNA-fusions represent mechanisms able to increase the gene product repertoire but their role in neuroblastoma remains largely unexplored. Through analysis of RNA-sequenced neuroblastoma we here show that elevated expression of splicing factors is a strong predictor of poor clinical outcome. Furthermore, we identified >900 primarily intrachromosomal fusions containing canonical splicing sites. Fusions included transcripts from well-known oncogenes, were enriched for proximal genes and in chromosomal regions commonly gained or lost in neuroblastoma. As a proof-of-principle that these fusions can generate altered gene products, we characterized a ZNF451-BAG2 fusion, generating a truncated BAG2-protein which inhibited retinoic acid-induced differentiation. Spliceosome inhibition impeded neuroblastoma fusion expression, induced apoptosis and inhibited xenograft tumor growth. Our findings elucidate a splicing-dependent mechanism producing altered gene products in neuroblastoma and suggest that the spliceosome is a tractable therapeutical target.
Identification of a novel missense variant in SLC45A2 associated with dilute snowdrop phenotype in Gypsy horses
Authors: Bisbee D. , Carpenter M. L. , Hoefs-Martin K. , Brooks S. A. , Lafayette C.
Published: November 2019

SLC45A2 mutations are responsible for several dilution phenotypes in horses, including cream, pearl, and sunshine. We sequenced the SLC45A2 gene in a horse that possessed a diluted coat color but tested negative for any known dilution genotypes. We identified a novel homozygous missense mutation in ECA21: SLC45A2:c.305G>A; p.(Arg102Gln) which we have named snowdrop (Csno). The snowdrop dilution is autosomal recessive and dilutes both red and black pigment in the homozygous state, creating a phenotype similar to homozygous cream. We also identified this mutation in the heterozygous state in several relatives, including the sire and dam of the affected horse, where it has no visible effect on phenotype. Based on these data, the snowdrop variant produces a recessive dilution similar to cream, and its discovery confirms that multiple SLC45A2 alleles cause dilute phenotypes in horses.
An electrostatic-interaction-based mechanism triggering misfolding of prion proteins from cellular isoform to scrapie isoform
Authors: Li J. , Ma X. , Guo S. , Hou C. , Shi L. , Ye L. , Yang L. , Zheng B. , He X.
Published: November 2019

Understanding how prion proteins refold from a cellular isoform (PrPC) to a disease-causing isoform (PrPSc) has been among the “ultimate challenges” in molecular biology, biophysics, pathology, and immunology. Conformational changes of prion proteins from PrPC to PrPSc involve the unfolding of a short α-helix that overshadows the challenge. Considering the mechanisms of electrostatic attraction, thermal disturbance, hydrogen ion concentration, hydrophobic interaction, and the shielding effect of water molecules, this study reveals an electrostatic-interaction-based mechanism by means of which prion proteins refold in an aqueous environment. The electrostatic-interaction-induced protein unfolding mechanism causes a hydrophobic polypeptide segment to dangle out over the conglobate main body of the prion protein, thereby allowing the first triangular hydrophobic rung formation via hydrophobic interaction. A molecular model of PrPSc is proposed that allows the β-solenoid with a triangular hydrophobic core.

Statement of Significance

We present three main results that would revolutionize the understanding of pathology of prion diseases. First, the prion protein refolding (from cellular isoform to scrapie isoform) derives from the unfolding of the shortest α-helix of PrPC, which provides a long polypeptide segment full of hydrophobic residues dangling out over the conglobate main body of the prion protein, thereby allowing formation of the first triangular hydrophobic rung via hydrophobic interaction. Second, polyanions-induced increasing in local concentration of hydrogen ion (i.e., the PH increase) undermines the shielding effect of water molecules, thereby allowing escape of the arginine side chains from the hydration shell, destabilizing the shortest α-helix and initiating the refolding of PrPC. Third, a β-solenoid structural model for PrPSc with a triangular hydrophobic core is proposed.
ETV7 limits antiviral gene expression and control of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses
Authors: Froggatt Heather M. , Harding Alfred T. , Heaton Brook E. , Heaton Nicholas S.
Published: November 2019

The type I interferon (IFN) response is an important component of the innate immune response to viral infection. Precise control of interferon responses is critical; insufficient levels of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) can lead to a failure to restrict viral spread while excessive ISG activation can result in interferon-related pathologies. While both positive and negative regulatory factors control the magnitude and duration of IFN signaling, it is also appreciated that a number of ISGs regulate aspects of the interferon response themselves. However, the mechanisms underlying these ISG regulatory networks remain incompletely defined. In this study, we performed a CRISPR activation screen to identify new regulators of the type I IFN response. We identified ETS variant transcription factor 7 (ETV7), a strongly induced ISG, as a protein that acts as a negative regulator of the type I IFN response; however, ETV7 did not uniformly suppress ISG transcription. Instead, ETV7 preferentially targeted a subset of known antiviral ISGs. Further, we showed the subset of ETV7-modulated ISGs was particularly important for IFN-mediated control of some viruses including influenza viruses and SARS-CoV-2. Together, our data assign a function for ETV7 as an IFN response regulator and also identify ETV7 as a therapeutic target to increase innate responses and potentiate the efficacy of interferon-based antiviral therapies.

One Sentence Summary

ETV7 is an interferon-induced, repressive transcription factor that negatively regulates antiviral interferon-stimulated genes essential for controlling influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2 infections.
A saturating mutagenesis CRISPR-Cas9 mediated functional genomic screen identifiescis-andtrans-regulatory elements ofOct4in murine ESCs
Authors: Canver Matthew C. , Tripathi Pratibha , Bullen Michael J. , Olshansky Moshe , Kumar Yogesh , Wong Lee H. , Turner Stephen J. , Lessard Samuel , Pinello Luca , Orkin Stuart H. , Das Partha Pratim
Published: November 2019

Regulatory elements (REs) consist of enhancers and promoters that occupy a significant portion of the non-coding genome and control gene expression programs either in–cisor in– trans. Putative REs have been identified largely based on their regulatory features (co-occupancy of ESC-specific transcription factors, enhancer histone marks and DNase hypersensitivity) in mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). However, less has been established regarding their regulatory functions in their native context. We deployedcis-andtrans-regulatory elements scanning through saturating mutagenesis and sequencing (ctSCAN-SMS) to target elements within the ∼12kbcis-region (Cis-REs; CREs) of theOct4gene locus, as well as genome-wide 2,613 high-confidencetrans-REs (TREs), in mESCs. ctSCAN-SMS identified 10 CREs and 12 TREs, as novel candidate REs of theOct4gene in mESCs. Furthermore, deletions of these candidate REs confirmed that the majority of the REs are functionally active, and CREs are more active than TREs in controllingOct4gene expression. A subset of active CREs and TREs physically interact with theOct4promoter to varying degrees; specifically, a greater number of active CREs compared to active TREs, physically interact with theOct4promoter. Moreover, comparative genomics analysis reveals that more number of active CREs than active TREs are evolutionary conserved between mouse and primates, including human. Taken together, our study demonstrates the reliability and robustness of ctSCAN-SMS screening to identify critical REs, and investigate their roles in the regulation of transcriptional output of a target gene (in this caseOct4)in their native context.
Slicing the genome of star-fruit (Averrhoa carambola L.)
Authors: Fan Yannan , Sahu Sunil Kumar , Yang Ting , Mu Weixue , Wei Jinpu , Cheng Le , Yang Jinlong , Xu Xun , Liu Xin , Mu Ranchang , Liu Jie , Zhao Jianming , Zhao Yuxian , Liu Huan
Published: November 2019

The Averrhoa carambola is commonly known as star fruit because of its peculiar shape and its fruit is a rich source of minerals and vitamins. It is also used in traditional medicines in countries like India, China, the Philippines, and Brazil for treating various ailments such as fever, diarrhea, vomiting, and skin disease. Here we present the first draft genome of the Oxalidaceae family with an assembled genome size of 470.51 Mb. In total, 24,726 protein-coding genes were identified and 16,490 genes were annotated using various well-known databases. The phylogenomic analysis confirmed the evolutionary position of the Oxalidaceae family. Based on the gene functional annotations, we also discovered the enzymes possibly involved in the important nutritional pathways in star fruit genome. Overall, being the first sequenced genome in the Oxalidaceae family, the data provides an essential resource for the nutritional, medicinal, and cultivational studies for this economically important star-fruit plant.
Serial liquid biopsies for detection of treatment failure and profiling of resistance mechanisms in KLC1–ALK-rearranged lung cancer
Authors: Dietz Steffen , Christopoulos Petros , Gu Lisa , Volckmar Anna-Lena , Endris Volker , Yuan Zhao , Ogrodnik Simon J. , Zemojtel Tomasz , Heussel Claus-Peter , Schneider Marc A. , Meister Michael , Muley Thomas , Reck Martin , Schlesner Matthias , Thomas Michael , Stenzinger Albrecht , Sültmann Holger
Published: November 2019

Genetic rearrangements involving the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene confer sensitivity to ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and superior outcome in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, clinical courses vary widely, and recent studies suggest that molecular profiling of ALK+ NSCLC can provide additional predictors of therapy response that could assist further individualization of patient management. As repeated tissue biopsies often pose technical difficulties and significant procedural risk, analysis of tumor constituents circulating in the blood, including ctDNA and various proteins, is increasingly recognized as an alternative method of tumor sampling (“liquid biopsy”). Here, we report the case of a KLC1–ALK-rearranged NSCLC patient responding to crizotinib treatment and demonstrate how analysis of plasma and serum biomarkers can be used to identify the ALK fusion partner and monitor therapy over time. Results of ctDNA sequencing and copy-number alteration profiling as well as serum protein concentrations at various time points during therapy reflected the current remission status and could predict the subsequent clinical course. At the time of disease progression, we identified four distinct secondary mutations in the ALK gene in ctDNA potentially causing treatment failure, accompanied by rising levels of CEA and CYFRA 21–1. Moreover, several copy-number variations were detected at the end of the treatment, including an amplification of a region on Chromosome 12 encompassing the TP53 regulator MDM2. In summary, our findings illustrate the utility of noninvasive longitudinal molecular profiling for assessing remission status, exploring mechanisms of treatment failure, predicting subsequent clinical course, and dissecting dynamics of drug-resistant clones in ALK+ lung cancer.
An integrated production-distribution planning with a routing problem and transportation cost discount in a supply chain
Authors: Karimi Behzad , Ghare Hassanlu Mahsa , Niknamfar Amir Hossein
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The motivation behind this research refers to the significant role of integration of production-distribution plans in effective performance of supply chain networks under fierce competition of today’s global marketplace. In this regard, this paper aims to deal with an integrated production-distribution planning problem in deterministic, multi-product and multi-echelon supply chain network. The bi-objective mixed-integer linear programming model is constructed to minimize not only the total transportation costs but also the total delivery time of supply chain, subject to satisfying retailer demands and capacity constraints where quantity discount on transportation costs, fixed cost associated with transportation vehicles usage and routing decisions have been included in the model.

Design/methodology/approach

As the proposed mathematical model is NP-hard and that finding an optimum solution in polynomial time is not reasonable, two multi-objective meta-heuristic algorithms, namely, non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGAII) and multi-objective imperialist competitive algorithm (MOICA) are designed to obtain near optimal solutions for real-sized problems in reasonable computational times. The Taguchi method is then used to adjust the parameters of the developed algorithms. Finally, the applicability of the proposed model and the performance of the solution methodologies in comparison with each other are demonstrated for a set of randomly generated problem instances.

Findings

The practicality and applicability of the proposed model and the efficiency and efficacy of the developed solution methodologies were illustrated through a set of randomly generated real-sized problem instances. Result. In terms of two measures, the objective function value and the computational time were required to get solutions.

Originality/value

The main contribution of the present work was addressing an integrated production-distribution planning problem in a broader view, by proposing a closer to reality mathematical formulation which considers some real-world constraints simultaneously and accompanied by efficient multi-objective meta-heuristic algorithms to provide effective solutions for practical problem sizes.
Exploring self-care abilities among women in prisons of West Bengal, India
Authors: Chatterjee Debolina , Chopra Chatterjee Suhita , Bhattacharyya Tulika
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Self-care is defined as the ability to take care of one’s body and health with or without the help of healthcare personnel. The purpose of this paper is to explore the opportunities for self-care among imprisoned women within the constraints of a confined life, which, in turn, affect their health.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data have been collected through semi-structured interviews with 90 women in three prisons in the Indian state of West Bengal.

Findings

Findings reveal that a majority of the women cited the inability to self-care was due to factors such as constricted architecture, specific penal policies that thwarted relational contexts in prisons and also the loss of control over their consumptive choices. However, it was found that coping mechanisms also existed among some women who actively constituted penal spaces for self-care. Many long-term imprisoned women tried to actively engage themselves in daily activities such as the “labour” allotted to them.

Practical implications

The paper concludes that abilities to self-care have a deep impact on the health of women, which if not facilitated will lead to a health depleting experience. At a time when Indian prisons are focussing on rehabilitation, the recommendations for providing opportunities for self-care in prisons can minimize the “pains” of imprisonment and pave the way for rehabilitation.

Originality/value

The research is based on data collected during original fieldwork conducted in three prisons in West Bengal, India. It provides valuable insights on how penal environments affect self-care opportunities of imprisoned women.
Race and place
Authors: Murji Karim , Picker Giovanni
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the special issue on race and place.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach used by the authors is to combine an overview of sociological debates on place within a framework that makes the case for a relational approach to race, space and place.

Findings

The overview provides an account of place in sociology, of the relationality of race and place, and the making of race and place in sociological work.

Originality/value

The Introduction sets the papers in context, providing a short account of each of them; it also aims to present an argument for attention to race and place in sociology in a setting characterized by racism and reaction.
The alignment of global equity and corporate bonds markets with the Paris Agreement
Authors: Thomä Jakob , Hayne Michael , Hagedorn Nikolaus , Murray Clare , Grattage Rebecca
Published: November 2019

Purpose

To comply with the adopted Paris Agreement, global finance flows must be measured against climate scenarios consistent with possible pathways towards limiting global warming to 2°C or less. For this, there must be proven and accepted accounting principles for assessing financial plans of climate relevant actors against climate models. As there are a variety of data sources describing the financial plans of relevant actors, these principles must accommodate a variety of reported information, while still yielding relevant metrics to different stakeholders. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

A set of accounting principles tested by governments, financial supervisory bodies and both institutional investors and mangers, covering global-listed equity and corporate bond investment is described.

Findings

The application illustrates that a common set of accounting principles can act across both asset classes and provide relevant metrics to multiple stakeholders.

Research limitations/implications

The principles require data of varying quality and are ultimately unverified. Thus, the definitive quality of the output metrics is uncertain and is yet to be characterized. The principles are yet to be applied to the credit market as the information is seldom publicly available, but it too plays an important role in the required market transition and therefore must be incorporated into these guiding principles of analysis.

Practical implications

The principles allow for standardised assessment of financial flows of equity and corporate debt with global climate scenarios.

Originality/value

It illustrates the acceptance of a common set of accounting principles that is relevant across different actors and asset classes and summarizes the principles underlying the first climate finance scenario analyses.
Walking the talk
Authors: Scheetz Andrea M. , Fogarty Timothy J.
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Based on exchange theory and the generalized norm of reciprocity, psychological contracts perceived by employees are believed to have dysfunctional consequences for organizations if breached. This paper aims to study the willingness of employees to report fraud, as such is an important aspect of internal control for organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

A 2 × 2 between-subjects experiment was conducted in which 99 participants with diverse accounting backgrounds were first asked questions about their preconceived beliefs (psychological contract) regarding how reports of unethical conduct would be managed, and their reaction if these beliefs were broken (psychological contract violation). Participants were given a hypothetical situation of fraud and then asked to indicate their likelihood of reporting fraud to a supervisor.

Findings

The main hypotheses are that employees will be less likely to report fraud when the organization fails to signal the presence of a positive ethical environment or when management reacts weakly to previous reports of unethical activity. The data and findings support these hypotheses. Additional testing also reveals that a psychological contract violation mediates the relationship between the outcome of previous reports and the intention to report fraud.

Research limitations/implications

As with any experimental study, this study’s results come with limitations. Reading an overly simplistic scenario that omits real world details and providing intention to report is very different from actually reporting fraud in one’s own place of employment. Therefore, reporting intentions may vary from actual reporting behavior. Further, reporting motivation (self-defense, altruism, etc.) and concern over retaliation are not measured.

Practical implications

Employees have expectations surrounding ethical corporate environments. Psychological contract violations occur as a result of broken expectations and are common in the workforce. In this study, a breakdown in the internal control environment because of a poor ethical culture, caused an even greater breakdown in internal controls because of employees’ decreased reporting intentions.

Social implications

Psychological contract violations impact employees’ intention to report fraud. These violations need to be understood so that additional measures and safeguards can be instituted when employees are not acting as a fraud defense or detection mechanism. During such times when there is a breakdown in this type of internal control (that is, when employees might be hesitant to report fraud), extra safeguards against fraud, additional procedures to detect fraud, and enhanced employee training encouraging reporting of suspected unethical conduct, become even more important.

Originality/value

Strong experimental methods provide a rigorous way to evaluate a problem of our day: job insecurity caused by rampant organizational turbulence. The hidden cost is expressed in terms of how less can be expected of employees as a first line of defense against fraud.
Institutional quality and its impact on the facilitation of foreign direct investment
Authors: Chen Fuzhong , Jiang Guohai , Wang Wenting
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Improvements in the facilitation of foreign direct investment (FDI) through institutional quality play a significant role in the establishment of an open economy. However, the impact of institutional quality on the facilitation of FDI along the Belt and Road countries is not well explored. This study aims to empirically investigate the influence of institutional quality on the degree of FDI facilitation and explore the impact mechanism using national-level panel data from countries along the Belt and Road.

Design/methodology/approach

For the data set, all variables have been normalized, and principal component analysis has been used. For the empirical models, robust standard errors and dynamic GMM method have been used to alleviate heteroscedasticity and endogeneity.

Findings

The empirical results indicate that institutional quality has a significantly positive effect on the degree of FDI facilitation. Furthermore, the impact mechanism involves the mediating mechanism. In other words, the effect of institutional quality that promotes FDI facilitation is influenced by factors such as laws and regulations. In addition, the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has significantly enhanced the promotional effect of institutional quality on the facilitation of FDI.

Practical implications

Policymakers should focus on improving the institutional quality and the influence of mediating mechanisms, such as policies and regulations, in the institutional environment.

Originality/value

This study contributes to extant literature on the impact of institutional quality on FDI facilitation of significance to China, the BRI countries, and other countries to facilitate openness in international investment. This study also contributes to the extant literature on the influence of the BRI on the development of BRI countries. This will inform policy makers, investment institutions and enterprises about the development of effective policies to aid the development of BRI countries and improve the efficiency and the returns on FDI.
Moral literacy and school leadership
Authors: Lowery Charles
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Public interests and concerns often create dilemmas for school principals. As such moral dilemmas are the case for schools as places marked by social, economic, cultural and political diversity. The purpose of this paper is to look at how Appalachian school leaders use moral literacy to make decisions when facing ethical issues?

Design/methodology/approach

The data for this study emerged from interviews conducted with ten principals. The principals interviewed represent a purposeful sample of practitioners within the Appalachian region of Southern Ohio, using group characteristic sampling.

Findings

Principals’ responses varied in their depth of familiarity and comfort with moral literacy. The abductive analysis yielded several thematic units, classified using both emergent patterns anda prioricodes. The overarching themes that emerged from this analysis concerned what an ethical dilemma is, what it means to be a morally literate leader, moral dimensions of leadership, and the value integration of doing ethics and being ethical.

Research limitations/implications

This study relies strictly on the participants’ personal conceptualization of moral literacy and the ethical paradigms it presupposes. As a qualitative study, the findings are based primarily on the participants’ perception of and the researcher’s interpretation of the complexities and ambiguities in reading ethical dilemmas.

Practical implications

To effectively accomplish the moral work of the principalship requires that school leaders be morally literate, understanding the integrated nature of ethical paradigms.

Originality/value

The findings of this study continue to disclose the manner in which practicing principals define what an ethical dilemma is and moves us closer to understanding how practitioners frame moral literacy within their practice yet outside of exposure to clearly defined theoretical frameworks.
A high-speed world with fake news: brand managers take warning
Authors: Peterson Mark
Published: November 2019

Purpose

In an increasingly dangerous era for brands because of the emergence of fake news on the internet, brand managers need to know what is happening with fake news. This study aims to present perspectives on how to cope in an era of fake news.

Design/methodology/approach

The author provides a general review of fake news and what its sudden rise means for brand managers.

Findings

The study highlights the importance of context for news and the role of institutions, such as businesses and governments. The study calls brand managers to slow down in the high-speed world of the infosphere to preserve the integrity of their brands.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited by its time frame as the internet continues to evolve. However, for times when fake news presents a threat to brands and other institutions, the study is relevant.

Practical implications

Brand managers need to slow down their activity levels just as savvy readers need to slow down their own reading on the internet. By doing this, brand managers will be better able to defend their brands in an era characterized by volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity (VUCA).

Social implications

The study suggests that resistance to fake news and its pernicious effects can be improved by taking an approach to processing content on the internet characterized by the scientific method. In this way, a context for news can be derived and fake news can be identified. In this way, societal trust can be improved.

Originality/value

This study is original because it analyzes the implications of fake news for brand managers and presents the most workable steps for identifying fake news.
Visual storytelling and vulnerable health care consumers: normalising practices and social support through Instagram
Authors: Gurrieri Lauren , Drenten Jenna
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore how vulnerable healthcare consumers foster social support through visual storytelling in social media in navigating healthcare consumption experiences.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs a dual qualitative approach of visual and textual analysis of 180 Instagram posts from female breast cancer patients and survivors who use the platform to narrate their healthcare consumption experiences.

Findings

This study demonstrates how visual storytelling on social media normalises hidden aspects of healthcare consumption experiences through healthcare disclosures (procedural, corporeal, recovery), normalising practices (providing learning resources, cohering the illness experience, problematising mainstream recovery narratives) and enabling digital affordances, which in turn facilitates social support among vulnerable healthcare consumers.

Practical implications

This study highlights the potential for visual storytelling on social media to address shortcomings in the healthcare service system and contribute to societal well-being through co-creative efforts that offer real-time and customised support for vulnerable healthcare consumers.

Social implications

This research highlights that visual storytelling on image-based social media offers transformative possibilities for vulnerable healthcare consumers seeking social support in negotiating the challenges of their healthcare consumption experiences.

Originality/value

This study presents a framework of visual storytelling for vulnerable healthcare consumers on image-based social media. Our paper offers three key contributions: that visual storytelling fosters informational and companionship social support for vulnerable healthcare consumers; recognising this occurs through normalising hidden healthcare consumption experiences; and identifying healthcare disclosures, normalising practices and enabling digital affordances as fundamental to this process.
Using social media to explore regional cuisine preferences in China
Authors: Zhang Chengzhi , Yue Zijing , Zhou Qingqing , Ma Shutian , Zhang Zi-Ke
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Food plays an important role in every culture around the world. Recently, cuisine preference analysis has become a popular research topic. However, most of these studies are conducted through questionnaires and interviews, which are highly limited by the time, cost and scope of data collection, especially when facing large-scale survey studies. Some researchers have, therefore, attempted to mine cuisine preferences based on online recipes, while this approach cannot reveal food preference from people’s perspective. Today, people are sharing what they eat on social media platforms by posting reviews about the meal, reciting the names of appetizers or entrees, and photographing as well. Such large amount of user-generated contents (UGC) has potential to indicate people’s preferences over different cuisines. Accordingly, the purpose of this paper is to explore Chinese cuisine preferences among online users of social media.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on both UGC and online recipes, the authors first investigated the cuisine preference distribution in different regions. Then, dish preference similarity between regions was calculated and few geographic factors were identified, which might lead to such regional similarity appeared in our study. By applying hierarchical clustering, the authors clustered regions based on dish preference and ingredient usage separately.

Findings

Experimental results show that, among 20 types of traditional Chinese cuisines, Sichuan cuisine is most favored across all regions in China. Geographical proximity is the more closely related to differences of regional dish preference than climate proximity.

Originality/value

Different from traditional definitions of regions to which cuisine belong, the authors found new association between region and cuisine based on dish preference from social media and ingredient usage of dishes. Using social media may overcome problems with using traditional questionnaires, such as high costs and long cycle for questionnaire design and answering.
Charting a path forward in student success
Authors: Deeken Lynn , Vecchione Amy , Carr Allison , Hallman Shelby , Herzellah Lara , Lopez Natalia , Rucker Rob , Alfieri Michael , Tenofsky Deborah , Moore Anne , Fawley Nancy , Glover John , Peacemaker Bettina , Pajewski Amy
Published: November 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to demonstrate the variety of ways institutions and their libraries approach student success both conceptionally and operationally.

Design/methodology/approach

Librarians from eight different institutions of higher education were given a series of questions about student success on their campuses and in their libraries. They responded with written essays describing their experiences and perspectives.

Findings

The contributed pieces in this second installment are collected together and a variety of ways the academic library engage with “student success” are discussed. Initiatives include high-impact practices, fostering academic rapport and creating a sense of belonging, experiential learning and creative spaces and professional development.

Originality/value

These examples help to observe what is happening throughout higher education and see potential paths forward at the institutions engaged in this work.
Tourism planning: impacts as benchmarks for sustainable development plans
Authors: Salazar Ana , Cardoso Carla
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive list of indicators to be used in the tourism sector, in support of the development of sustainable strategic plans. Specific objectives include making a comprehensive assessment and categorization of those indicators and facilitating an easier to use system that guarantees the use of those benchmarks as a base for objectives definition and performance standards monitorization.

Design/methodology/approach

This research adopted a descriptive design using secondary data. The data was analysed using content analysis and a posteriori categorization system, resulting in 87 indicators divided into positive and negative within six categories.

Findings

The results showed that there are six key factors that may have a significant impact on tourism development suggesting they could be used for setting objectives and performance indicators when developing a strategic plan, and therefore, ensuring the sustainability of a destination and its stakeholders.

Practical implications

The framework adopted in this study offers a practical tool to be used by destination and organizations planners to improve sustainable tourism performance in relation to economic, socio-cultural, psychological, political/administrative, tourism/commercial and environmental/physical measurement standards. This guidance may help decision-makers to design, manage and control sustainable strategic plans in a more effective way.

Originality/value

This paper links the academic debate on the impacts of tourism with the designing and implementation of sustainable tourism policies and strategies.
Sustainable destination management: a commitment for the future of world tourism
Authors: Guerreiro Marta
Published: November 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to highlight the importance of implementing practices that enable sustainable economic, social, cultural and environmental development to tourism worldwide. In particular, reference is made to the Portuguese archipelago of the Azores, highlighting its certification process as an ongoing sustainable destination.

Design/methodology/approach

It contains an analysis of supply and demand statistics in the Azores and a characterization of policies and strategic positioning plans as an active destination and an explanation of the various steps of the certification process.

Findings

Through statistical analysis of the various planning instruments in the Azores, it is possible to understand the strategies of regional government in streamlining the economy without neglecting concerns about safeguarding the environmental heritage and the quality of life of inhabitants.

Originality/value

Through a local approach to a global issue, this paper presents the Azores as a destination and its path toward becoming one of the most sustainable regions in the world.
Mass ratio effects underlie ecosystem responses to environmental change
Authors: Smith Melinda D. , Koerner Sally E. , Knapp Alan K. , Avolio Meghan L. , Chaves Francis A. , Denton Elsie M. , Dietrich John , Gibson David J. , Gray Jesse , Hoffman Ava M. , Hoover David L. , Komatsu Kimberly J. , Silletti Andrea , Wilcox Kevin R. , Yu Qiang , Blair John M.
Published: November 2019

Random species loss has been shown experimentally to reduce ecosystem function, sometimes more than other anthropogenic environmental changes. Yet, controversy surrounds the importance of this finding for natural systems where species loss is non‐random.

We compiled data from 16 multi‐year experiments located at a single native tallgrass prairie site. These experiments included responses to 11 anthropogenic environmental changes, as well as non‐random biodiversity loss either the removal of uncommon/rare plant species or the most common (dominant) species.

As predicted by the mass ratio hypothesis, loss of a dominant species had large impacts on productivity that were comparable to other anthropogenic drivers. In contrast, the loss of uncommon/rare species had small effects on productivity despite having the largest effects on species richness.

The anthropogenic drivers that had the largest effects on productivity nitrogen, irrigation, and fire experienced not only loss of species but also significant changes in the abundance and identity of dominant species.

Synthesis. These results suggest that mass ratio effects, rather than species loss per se, are an important determinant of ecosystem function with environmental change.