bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vernalization alters sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) sink and source identities and reverses phloem translocation from taproots to shoots
Authors: Rodrigues Cristina Martins , Müdsam Christina , Keller Isabel , Zierer Wolfgang , Czarnecki Olaf , Corral José María , Reinhardt Frank , Nieberl Petra , Sommer Frederik , Schroda Michael , Mühlhaus Timo , Harms Karsten , Flügge Ulf-Ingo , Sonnewald Uwe , Koch Wolfgang , Ludewig Frank , Neuhaus H. Ekkehard , Pommerrenig Benjamin 
Published: January 2020

ABSTRACTDuring vegetative growth, biennial sugar beets maintain a steep gradient between the shoot (source) and the sucrose-storing taproot (sink). To shift from vegetative to generative growth, they require a chilling phase, called vernalization. Here, we studied sugar beet sink-source dynamics upon cold temperature-induced vernalization and revealed a pre-flowering taproot sink to source reversal. This transition is induced by transcriptomic and functional reprogramming of sugar beet tissue, resulting in a reversal of flux direction in long distance transport system, the phloem. As a key process for this transition, vacuolar sucrose importers and exporters, BvTST2;1 and BvSUT4, are oppositely regulated, leading to re-mobilization of sugars from taproot storage vacuoles. Concomitant changes in the expression of floral regulator genes suggest that the now deciphered processes are a prerequisite for bolting. Our data may thus serve dissecting metabolic and developmental triggers for bolting, which are potential targets for genome editing or breeding approaches.
Beware of asymptomatic transmission: Study on 2019-nCoV prevention and control measures based on extended SEIR model
Authors: Shao Peng , Shan Yingji 
Published: January 2020

SummaryBackgroundThe 2019 new coronavirus, “2019-nCoV”, was discovered from Wuhan Viral Pneumonia cases in December 2019, and was named by the World Health Organization on January 12, 2020. In the early stage, people knows little about the 2019-nCoV virus was not clear, and the spread period was encountering China’s annual spring migration, which made the epidemic spread rapidly from Wuhan to almost all provinces in China.MethodsThis study builds a SEIRD model that considers the movement of people across regions, revealing the effects of three measures on controlling the spread of the epidemic.Based on MATLAB R2017a, computational experiments were performed to simulate the epidemic prevention and control measures.FindingsThe research results show that current prevention and control measures in China are very necessary. This study further validates the concerns of international and domestic experts regarding asymptomatic transmission (E-status).InterpretationThe results of this study are applicable to explore the impact of the implementation of relevant measures on the prevention and control of epidemic spread, and to identify key individuals that may exist during the spread of the epidemic.
An Expanded Role for WRINKLED1 Metabolic Control Based on Combined Phylogenetic and Biochemical Analyses
Authors: Kuczynski Cathleen , McCorkle Sean , Keereetaweep Jantana , Shanklin John , Schwender Jorg 
Published: January 2020

AbstractDuring triacylglycerol biosynthesis in developing oilseeds ofArabidopsis thaliana, fatty acid production is regulated by the seed-specific transcription factor WRINKLED1 (WRI1). WRI1 is known to directly stimulate the expression of fatty acid biosynthetic enzymes and a few targets in glycolysis. However, it remains unclear to what extent and how the conversion of sugars into fatty acid biosynthetic precursors in seeds is controlled by WRI1. Based on a previously reported DNA binding motif for WRI1, the ASML1/WRI1 (AW)- box, we developed a comparative genomics approach to search for conserved binding motifs in upstream regions ofArabidopsis thalianaprotein-encoding genes and orthologous regions of 11 other Brassicaceae species. The AW-box was over-represented across orthologs for 915Arabidopsis thalianagenes. Among these, 73 genes with functions in the biosynthesis of fatty acids and triacylglycerols and in glycolysis were enriched. For 90 AW-box sequences associated with these target genes, binding affinity to heterologously expressedArabidopsis thalianaWRI1 protein was determined using Microscale Thermophoresis. Sites with low dissociation constants are preferentially located close to the transcriptional start site and are highly conserved between the 12 Brassicaceae species. Most of the associated genes were found to be co-expressed with WRI1 during seed development. When 46 automatically and manually curated genes containing conserved AW-sites with high binding affinity are mapped to central metabolism, a conserved regulatory blueprint emerges that infers concerted control of contiguous pathway sections in fatty acid biosynthesis and glycolysis. Among unexpectedly identified putative targets of WRI1 are plastidic fructokinase, phosphoglucose isomerase and several transcription factors.One sentence summaryA combined comparative genomics and in-vitro DNA binding assay approach was used to identify conserved binding sites for the WRINKLED1 transcription factor in central metabolism and lipid biosynthesis.
Virus-mediated transient expression techniques enable genetic modification ofAlopecurus myosuroides
Authors: Mellado-Sánchez Macarena , McDiarmid Faye , Cardoso Victor , Kanyuka Kostya , MacGregor Dana R. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractEven though considerable progress has been made in weed ecology, weed molecular biology has been hindered by an inability to genetically manipulate weeds. Genetic manipulation is essential to demonstrate a causative relationship between genotype and phenotype. Herein we demonstrate that virus-mediated transient expression techniques developed for other monocots can be used in black-grass (Alopecurus myosuroides) for loss- and gain-of-function studies. We not only use virus induced gene silencing (VIGS) to create the black-grass exhibiting reducedPHYTOENE DESATURASEexpression and virus-mediated overexpression (VOX) to drive GREEN FLUORESCENT PROTEIN, we demonstrate these techniques are applicable to testing hypotheses related to herbicide resistance in black-grass. We use VIGS to demonstrate thatAmGSTF1is necessary for the resistant biotype Peldon to survive fenoxaprop application and show the heterologous expression of thebialaphos resistancegene with VOX is sufficient to confer resistance to an otherwise lethal dose of glufosinate. Black-grass is the most problematic weed for winter-cereal farmers in the UK and Western Europe as it has rapidly evolved adaptions that allow it to effectively avoid current integrated weed management practices. Black-grass also reduces yields and therefore directly threatens food security and productivity. Novel disruptive technologies which mitigate resistance evolution and enable better control over this pernicious weed are therefore required. These virus-mediated protocols offer a step change in our ability to alter genes of interest under controlled laboratory conditions and therefore to gain a molecular-level understanding of how black-grass can survive in the agri-environment.One Sentence SummaryVirus-mediated transient expression techniques create loss- and gain-of-function mutations in black-grass and show causation between specific genotypes and measurable changes in herbicide resistance.
Extreme hot weather has stronger impacts on avian reproduction in forests than in cities
Authors: Pipoly Ivett , Preiszner Bálint , Sándor Krisztina , Sinkovics Csenge , Seress Gábor , Vincze Ernő , Bókony Veronika , Liker András 
Published: January 2020

AbstractClimate change and urbanization are among the most salient human-induced changes affecting Earth’s biota. Extreme weather events can have high biological impacts and are becoming more frequent recently. In cities, the urban heat island can amplify the intensity and frequency of hot weather events. However, the joint effects of heat events and urban microclimate on wildlife are unclear, as urban populations may either suffer more from increased heat stress or become adapted to warmer temperatures. Here we test whether the effects of hot weather on reproductive success of great tits (Parus major) are exacerbated or dampened in urban environments compared to forest habitats. By studying two urban and two forest populations over six years, we show that 14-16 days-old nestlings have smaller body mass and tarsus length, and suffer increased mortality when they experience a higher number of hot days during the nestling period. The negative effects of hot weather on body mass and survival are significantly stronger in forests than in urban areas, where these effects are dampened or even reversed. These results suggest that urban birds are less vulnerable to extreme hot weather conditions than their non-urban conspecifics, possibly by adaptively evolving or flexibly adjusting nestling physiology to tolerate heat stress, and/or by adjusting parental behavior in response to heat. This finding highlights that endothermic vertebrates may be able to adapt to heat stress, which may help their populations cope with the joint challenges of climate change and urbanization.Significance statementExtreme weather events are becoming more frequent due to climate change and can have substantial effects on reproduction and survival of wild animals. Urban heat island can amplify the frequency of extreme hot weather events, making it potentially more harmful for city-dwelling organisms. Alternatively, urban populations living in warmer environments may adapt to better tolerate heat. We investigated these alternatives by comparing nestling development and survival between urban and forest great tit (Parus major) populations. We found that urban populations are less vulnerable to heat: nestling body mass and survival decreased rapidly with the increasing number of hot days in forests, while these effects were dampened in urban broods. Thus, urban populations may become adapted to better tolerate heat events.
Semi-analytical solution to one-dimensional consolidation of viscoelastic saturated soils subject to an inner point sink
Authors: Li Peichao , Li Linzhong , Lu Mengmeng 
Published: January 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a semi-analytical solution to one-dimensional (1D) consolidation induced by a constant inner point sink in viscoelastic saturated soils.Design/methodology/approachBased on the Kelvin–Voigt constitutive law and 1D consolidation equation of saturated soils subject to an inner sink, the analytical solutions of the effective stress, the pore pressure and the surface settlement in Laplace domain were derived by using Laplace transform. Then, the semi-analytical solutions of the pore pressure and the surface settlement in physical domain were obtained by implementing Laplace numerical inversion via Crump method.FindingsAs for the case of linear elasticity, it is shown that the simplified form of the presented solution in this study is the same as the available analytical solution in the literature. This to some degree depicts that the proposed solution in this paper is reliable. Finally, parameter studies were conducted to investigate the effects of the relevant parameters on the consolidation settlement of saturated soils. The presented solution and method are of great benefit to provide deep insights into the 1D consolidation behavior of viscoelastic saturated soils.Originality/valueThe presented solution and method are of great benefit to provide deep insights into the 1D consolidation behavior of viscoelastic saturated soils. Consolidation behavior of viscoelastic saturated soils could be reasonably predicted by using the proposed solution with considering variations of both flux and depth because of inner point sink.
School “Brillo de Luna”: sustainable business model
Authors: Villalobos Araya Rodrigo 
Published: January 2020

Learning outcomes
In entrepreneurship courses, the case would allow discussing the contribution of social innovation. On the other hand, in strategy courses the case would allow proposing the business model for a social enterprise, to evaluate the creation, delivery and capture of value of a social enterprise. Depending on the course and approach you want to give to the case discussion, it can serve as support for the following objectives: arguing the contribution of social innovation to solve problems in a region; propose the resources and value proposition of the business model of a social enterprise; and attitudes promotion: understand the importance of ethics and responsibility in the development of social enterprises.

Case overview/synopsis
The case addresses the opportunity of the school “Brillo de Luna,” when developing social entrepreneurship, which requires projection, evaluation and management support. In this context, the director of the school must propose a business model that is sustainable in the long-term in the market and that generates shared value. The institutional relationship of the school “Brillo de Luna” with the Cristalchile company, through the social entrepreneurship of glass recycling, could generate economic, environmental and social value to the school community and the company.

Complexity academic level
Courses in which the case could be applied: entrepreneurship and strategy.

Supplementary materials
Teaching Notes are available for educators only.

Subject code
CSS 3: Entrepreneurship.
Students’ perceptions and behavior toward on-campus foodservice operations
Authors: Smith Ruth Annette , White-McNeil Andrea , Ali Faizan 
Published: January 2020

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to determine the students’ perceptions of an on-campus foodservice operation at an identified historically black college and university (HBCU) and its effect on their satisfaction and dining frequency.

Design/methodology/approach
A survey of 685 students was conducted to collect data. Partial least squares based structural equation modeling is used to test the proposed structural model with SmartPLS 3.0.

Findings
Results confirm that quality of food, ambience, value for money, food and beverage options and service quality have a positively significant impact on students’ overall satisfaction with the on-campus foodservice operation and dining frequency. As such, all the hypotheses are supported.

Research limitations/implications
These findings indicate that on-campus foodservice operators should focus on quality of food, ambience, value for money, food and beverage options and service quality to achieve student satisfaction. This in turn could positively impact the institution’s reputation, student retention and the marketability of the institution to future students.

Originality/value
This study would help on-campus foodservice operators to better understand the impact of the various elements of foodservice experience which will lead to students’ overall satisfaction and dining frequency, particularly in a HBCU setting.
3D female upper body modelling based on 2D images
Authors: Gu Bingfei , Ahmed Md Kawysar , Zhong Zejun , Jin Juanfeng 
Published: January 2020

Purpose
With the rapid advancement of computer information technology, the traditional clothing industry has stridden towards automation and digitization that drive the growth of electronic commerce and line retailing. The purpose of this paper is to propose an approach on 3D upper body modelling based on the body measurements extracted by non-contact anthropometry.

Design/methodology/approach
Based on the frontal and side images of the human body, the body sizes were extracted through silhouette extraction, identification of landmarks and girth prediction. The generation rules of 15 characteristic cross-sectional curves were established using a method “feature points – inserted points – feature curves – basic surface – mannequin”. The feature points of each position were determined at each curve, such as the side neck point, front neck point, shoulder point, bust point, and bust root point and so on to get the cross-sections, and then some feature points were inserted at the curves according to the widths and depths to establish the calculative models. For example, there are 18 points distributed at the bust cross-sectional curve to determine the shape.

Findings
The final mannequin could describe the basic characteristics of a human body, and the shape of the feature curves could also fit the body type to provide basis for the future research on automatic pattern generation.

Originality/value
This study can realize the 3D virtual modelling of female upper body and the automatic generation of the individualized apparel patterns based on the frontal and side images.
How green is accounting? Brazilian students’ perception
Authors: Junger da Silva Raphael , Tommasetti Roberto , Zaidan Gomes Monica , da Silva Macedo Marcelo Álvaro 
Published: January 2020

Purpose
This paper aims to evaluate the undergraduate and graduate accounting students’ perceptions of sustainable (or green) information technology (IT) and information system (IS) practices and their contribution to its implementation.

Design/methodology/approach
A five-point Likert scale questionnaire was applied to 361 undergraduate and graduate accounting students in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) in eight higher education institutions (HEIs). Data are analyzed with SPSS.

Findings
There is a high perception of importance regarding IT/IS sustainability practices among the accounting students tested, although respondents are not comfortable with predominantly technical IT/IS topics. However, students are divided on the significance of the accountant’s contribution to these practices, confirming that reflection on their future role is still a challenge for them and their HEIs. The female sub-sample attaches significantly greater importance than the male sample to the accountant role in the implementation of green IT practices.

Research limitations/implications
The authors have proposed a novel integrative framework of IT/IS theories related to sustainability and accounting, and how accounting professionals could participate in the “neutral arena” of the education for sustainable development (SD).

Practical implications
Findings could be useful for educators and coordinators of sustainability of IT/IS in accounting courses, stimulating brainstorming on the accountant’s role in assisting organizations in green IT/IS strategies, best practice and implementation.

Originality/value
This study makes an original contribution to the research base of SD in HEIs. The lack of awareness identified in the study could be elaborated to stimulate discussion about the central role of the accountant in SD processes within organizations.
Challenges for education for sustainability in business courses
Authors: Singh Ananda Silva , Segatto Andréa Paula 
Published: January 2020

Purpose
This paper aims to analyze the main challenges faced by two business schools and a higher education institution when implementing education for sustainability (EfS). Also, it seeks to identify facilitating elements that contribute to minimizing or eliminating barriers faced by these institutions when implementing EfS.

Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative research approach is used of a descriptive nature and a multicase study is used as research strategy. Data were collected through interviews with the individuals responsible for EfS process in the institutions studied and were analyzed by the content analysis technique.

Findings
The data allowed identifying new challenges, such as those related to the governance of educational institutions, as well as divergent values of higher education institutions (HEIs) and of EfS.

Research limitations/implications
The number of cases here analyzed does not allow generalization of the results.

Practical implications
The discussion of the empirical data with the literature has provided some insights regarding good practices and recommendations for educational institutions to minimize the challenges faced in EfS process.

Originality/value
The identification of facilitating elements to mitigate challenges faced by business schools and HEIs provide insights for other institutions who long for implementing EfS. Also, the lack of actions aimed at mitigating resource-related challenges shows the need to improve educational public policies to help embed EfS in HEIs and business schools.
Principal–principal agency conflicts, product market competition and corporate payout policy in China
Authors: Iqbal Amjad , Zhang Xianzhi , Tauni Muhammad Zubair , Jebran Khalil 
Published: January 2020

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the interaction between competition and corporate payout policy and more specifically to answer the question that whether competition mitigates the principal–principal agency conflicts and influences firms to distribute dividends to shareholders in Chinese corporations.

Design/methodology/approach
This research models measures of competition with scaled measures of dividends and analyzes a sample of 16,730 firm-year observations from Chinese-listed manufacturing firms for the period spanning 2003 to 2016. Further, this research uses the Tobit model (a censored regression) to empirically test the proposed hypotheses.

Findings
This research finds that intense competition not only mitigates agency problems and forces firms to disgorge cash but also increases a firm’s likelihood to pay dividends and weakens the negative association between agency conflicts and dividends.

Practical implications
The results show an important policy implication for the industry. As the principal–principal agency conflict restrains the dividends, the regulatory authorities could encourage a competitive environment and a more diverse ownership structure to induce a higher dividend rate and protect the minority shareholders. In addition, this study also has implications for other emerging markets characterized by concentrated ownership and principal–principal agency problems.

Originality/value
This study adds to the literature related to the disciplinary role of competition and identifies competition as a significant determinant of corporate payout policy. Furthermore, this research extends earlier research on corporate payout decisions that besides firm-level corporate governance and country-level legal system, industry-level competition also influences corporate payout decisions, significantly.
CSR-enhancing factors for business vs public stakeholders: evidence from Hong Kong
Authors: Min Sungwook , Kim Namwoon , Lo Carlos 
Published: January 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this study provides the enhancing factors of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and examines their differential effects on corporate social performances for business-stakeholder groups (i.e. investors, employees, suppliers and customers) and public-stakeholder groups (i.e. communities and the environment).Design/methodology/approachThis study uses a differenced-equation model to test the differential effects of CSR-enhancing factors. The study tests the impact of each factor controlling the effects of the other CSR-enhancing factors in one multivariate analysis with survey data of 776 small and medium-sized enterprises from Hong Kong.FindingsThis study finds that firms give more CSR efforts for public stakeholders than for business stakeholders as firms’ financial resources, institutional conformity and their perceived regulatory pressure increase. On the other hand, firms provide more CSR efforts for business stakeholders than for public stakeholders when such efforts are based on their strategic motivation.Originality/valueThe main contribution of this study is to clarify diverse CSR-enhancing factors for different stakeholders, in particular, business vs public stakeholders, thus to help firms understand the effective ways to increase CSR actions for specific target stakeholder groups.