bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Novel Set of Cas9 Fusion Proteins to stimulate Homologous Recombination: Cas9-HRs
Authors: Hackley Chris R. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractCRISPR/Cas9 has revolutionized genetic engineering, however, the inability to control double strand break (DSB) repair has severely limited both therapeutic and academic applications. Many attempts have been made to control DSB repair choice, however particularly in the case of larger edits, none have been able to bypass the rate-limiting step of Homologous Recombination (HR): long-range 5’ end resection. Here we describe a novel set of Cas9 fusions, Cas9-HRs, designed to bypass the rate-limiting step of HR repair by simultaneously coupling initial and long-range end resection. Cas9-HRs can increase the rate HR by 2-2.5 fold and decrease cellular toxicity by 2-4 fold compared to Cas9 in mammalian cells with minimal apparent editing site bias, thus making Cas9-HRs an attractive option for applications demanding increased HDR rates for long inserts and/or reduced p53 pathway activation.SummaryA novel Cas9 fusion protein designed to increase HDR rates through bypassing the rate limiting step of homologous recombination repair.
Architecture and self-assembly of the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein
Authors: Ye Qiaozhen , West Alan M.V. , Silletti Steve , Corbett Kevin D. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe COVID-2019 pandemic is the most severe acute public health threat of the twenty-first century. To properly address this crisis with both robust testing and novel treatments, we require a deep understanding of the life cycle of the causative agent, the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Here, we examine the architecture and self-assembly properties of the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein, which packages viral RNA into new virions. We determined a 1.4 Å resolution crystal structure of this protein’s N2b domain, revealing a compact, intertwined dimer similar to that of related coronaviruses including SARS-CoV. While the N2b domain forms a dimer in solution, addition of the C-terminal spacer B/N3 domain mediates formation of a homotetramer. Using hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry, we find evidence that at least part of this putatively disordered domain is structured, potentially forming an α-helix that self-associates and cooperates with the N2b domain to mediate tetramer formation. Finally, we map the locations of amino acid substitutions in the N protein from over 38,000 SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences. We find that these substitutions are strongly clustered in the protein’s N2a linker domain, and that substitutions within the N1b and N2b domains cluster away from their functional RNA binding and dimerization interfaces. Overall, this work reveals the architecture and self-assembly properties of a key protein in the SARS-CoV-2 life cycle, with implications for both drug design and antibody-based testing.
Ebselen as a highly active inhibitor of PLProCoV2
Authors: Węglarz-Tomczak Ewelina , Tomczak Jakub M. , Talma Michał , Brul Stanley 
Published: May 2020

AbstractSince December 2019 a novel a coronavirus identified as SARS-CoV-2 or COV2 has been spreading around the world. On the 16th of May around 4.5 million people got infected and over 300,000 died due to the infection of COV2. The effective treatment remains a challenge. Targeted therapeutics are still under investigation. The papain-like protease (PLPro) from the human SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus is a cysteine protease that plays a critical role in virus replication. Its activity is required to process the viral polyprotein into functional, mature subunits. Moreover, COV2 uses this enzyme to modulate the host’s immune system to its own benefit. Therefore, it represents a highly promising target for the development of antiviral drugs.In this work, we discovered that ebselen, a synthetic organoselenium drug molecule with anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and cytoprotective activity in mammalian cells and cytotoxicity in lower organisms, is a highly active inhibitor of PLProCoV2. We proved that ebselen is a covalent, fast-binding inhibitor of PLProCoV2 exhibiting a low micromolar potency. Furthermore, we identified a difference between PLProfrom SARS-CoV-1 (the corona virus which caused the 2002–2004 outbreak, SARS) and SARS-CoV-2 that allows to explain the difference in dynamics of the replication, and, thus, the disease progression. Namely, we present that they show differences in the binding affinity of substrates that we observed through kinetics and molecular docking studies. Using a novel Approximate Bayesian Computation method we were able to find kinetic constants for both enzymes. Molecular modeling study on the structure of the active site and binding mode of the ebselen with SARS and COV2 showed also significant differences that could explain our observation that ebselen is less active and slower bounding with SARS than COV2.In conclusion, we show that ebselen inhibits the activity of the essential viral enzyme papain-like protease (PLpro) from SARS-COV-2 in low micromolar range.
Diazotrophic bacteria from maize exhibit multifaceted plant growth promotion traits in multiple hosts
Authors: Higdon Shawn M. , Pozzo Tania , Tibbett Emily J. , Chiu Colleen , Jeannotte Richard , Weimer Bart C. , Bennett Alan B. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractSierra Mixe maize is a geographically remote landrace variety grown on nitrogen-deficient fields in Oaxaca, Mexico that meets its nutritional requirements without synthetic fertilizer by associating with free-living diazotrophs comprising the microbiota of its aerial root mucilage. We selected nearly 500 diazotrophic bacteria isolated from Sierra Mixe maize mucilage and sequenced their genomes. Comparative genomic analysis demonstrated that isolates represented diverse genera and possessed multiple marker genes for mechanisms of direct plant growth promotion (PGP). In addition to nitrogen fixation, we examined deamination of 1-amino-1-cyclopropanecarboxylic acid, biosynthesis of indole-3-acetic acid, and phosphate solubilization. Implementingin vitrocolorimetric assays revealed each isolate’s potential to confer the alternative PGP activities that corroborated genotype and pathway content. We examined the ability of mucilage diazotrophs to confer PGP by direct inoculation of clonally propagated potato plantsin planta, which led to the identification of bio-stimulant candidates that were tested for PGP by inoculating a conventional maize variety. The results indicate that, while many diazotrophic isolates from Sierra Mixe maize possessed genotypes andin vitrophenotypes for targeted PGP traits, a subset of these organisms promoted the growth of potato and conventional maize using multiple promotion mechanisms.
“When other people try to understand”: exploring the experiences of people with intellectual disabilities, who also have mental health problems
Authors: Mattock Sasha Martine , Beard Kieron , Baddeley Amy 
Published: May 2020

Purpose
Recent guidelines from the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence highlight that service users (SUs) with intellectual disabilities and co-occurring mental health problems rarely get the opportunity to share their experiences of mental health services. Over the past 20 years, policy documents have stated that these individuals (SUs) must be included in decisions about their care. Research suggests that often this is not the case. Therefore, this paper aims to create a space for SUs to share their experiences of mental health services, and what they found helpful.

Design/methodology/approach
A focus group was held with five SUs, two psychologists and two researchers. The audio recording of the discussion was transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings
Three main themes were identified, namely, “relationships with others”, “inclusion and communication” and “challenges”. This focus group highlighted that although some SUs felt supported, they reported having little control in their lives and wanted to be listened to.

Research limitations/implications
Including a SU in the planning and facilitation of the focus group would have made this research more inclusive.

Practical implications
The implications of this research suggest that by listening to and involving SUs and developing more person-centred services, recovery rates may increase as the services provided would be more targeted.

Originality/value
Very little research has previously been conducted to explore SUs’ experiences. This paper highlights the value of being heard and the knowledge that is often lost if the authors do not take the time to listen to the people for whom a service is designed.
To toy or not to toy in supermarket instant reward programs
Authors: Lambert Claire , Goh Edmund 
Published: May 2020

PurposeThis industry viewpoint paper provides a comprehensive overview and critical viewpoint on the use of collectable toy premiums via instant reward programs (IRP) within the retail industry as a marketing tool.Design/methodology/approachThis paper draws upon the uses of a “free” collectable toy premium promotion with a fixed purchase spend (via an IRP) in the supermarket industry as a marketing instrument to increase customer basket spend and repeat visits. Reflections on the recent use of toy premiums by Australian supermarket retailers are also utilised to highlight the ingredients for a successful promotion but also the controversies associated with such promotions.FindingsOne of the key findings suggest that the role of toy premiums is a successful marketing tool by retailers to increase customer total basket spending. However, notable points of caution regarding offering IRPs incorporating collectable toy premiums promotions are established, including environmental concerns and the social, ethical dilemma as to whether these promotions are indirectly targeted at children rather than adult consumers.Practical implicationsThe findings have important implications for retailers to attract customer attention, increased market spend and repeat purchases through a desired collectable premium promotion (via an IRP).Originality/valueThis is the first paper to critically review the usage of collectable toy premiums within the supermarket retail industry.
Does macroeconomic uncertainty really matter in predicting stock market behavior? A comparative study on China and USA
Authors: Abbas Ghulam , Wang Shouyang 
Published: May 2020

PurposeThe study aims to analyze the interaction between macroeconomic uncertainty and stock market return and volatility for China and USA and tries to draw some invaluable inferences for the investors, portfolio managers and policy analysts.Design/methodology/approachEmpirically the study uses GARCH family models to capture the time-varying volatility of stock market and macroeconomic risk factors by using monthly data ranging from 1995:M7 to 2018:M6. Then, these volatility series are further used in the multivariate VAR model to analyze the feedback interaction between stock market and macroeconomic risk factors for China and USA. The study also incorporates the impact of Asian financial crisis of 1997–1998 and the global financial crisis of 2007–2008 by using dummy variables in the GARCH model analysis.FindingsThe empirical results of GARCH models indicate volatility persistence in the stock markets and the macroeconomic variables of both countries. The study finds relatively weak and inconsistent unidirectional causality for China mainly running from the stock market to the macroeconomic variables; however, the volatility spillover transmission reciprocates when the impact of Asian financial crisis and Global financial crisis is incorporated. For USA, the contemporaneous relationship between stock market and macroeconomic risk factors is quite strong and bidirectional both at first and second moment level.Originality/valueThis study investigates the interaction between stock market and macroeconomic uncertainty for China and USA. The researchers believe that none of the prior studies has made such rigorous comparison of two of the big and diverse economies (China and USA) which are quite contrasting in terms of political, economic and social background. Therefore, this study also tries to test the presumed conception that macroeconomic uncertainty in China may have different impact on the stock market return and volatility than in USA.
Diversity management: a systematic review
Authors: Yadav Shatrughan , Lenka Usha 
Published: May 2020

PurposeDiversity management plays a significant role in the organization’s outcomes. This study seeks to provide a brief review of the history of diversity management and to identify the articles published on diversity management since 1991. A systematic review of the literature has been carried out to understand the literature in more detail to know the future scope of research.Design/methodology/approachThis study provides a comprehensive systematic review of quantitative, qualitative and theoretical studies published in leading peer-reviewed management journals from 1991 to 2018 and identifies 123 articles that fall within its established search inclusion criteria.FindingsThe literature review highlighted several aspects related to diversity management. The findings of the study revealed that there is a high concentration of researches in the USA and most number of articles published in the Academy of Management Journal. Although diversity management is a very emerging topic across the globe in management literature yet there is a lack of research in developed countries. Furthermore, most studies are found empirical in nature and the majority of the studies were published during the period of 1996–2000. This finding suggests that age, gender and racial diversity have been repeatedly discussed in diversity management research while other forms of diversity have given less attentionOriginality/valueThis study is one of the first systematic studies that describe the in-depth analysis of diversity management literature. The significant contribution of this study is to propose the integrated model with contemporary trends and patterns of results reported in diversity research, as well as contextual factors that have received more attention to date.
Rip current occurrence probability at selected recreational beaches along Pahang coastline
Authors: Hamsan Muhammad Amirul Syafiq , Ramli Muhammad Zahir 
Published: May 2020

Purpose
Pahang beaches draw more than thousand visitors throughout the year. From the year 2006 to 2018, more than 30 drowning and near-drowning cases were recorded mainly from rip currents. Rip currents are defined as unexpected currents that carried beachgoers away to seaward direction more than approximately 50 m from shore. The prediction of rip current development is very important for the protection of human life. This study aims to conduct preliminary survey and field works to identify rip current hazards.

Design/methodology/approach
The output would be an early warning preventative mitigation to public in Pahang. Beach state model, dimensionless fall velocity, littoral environment observation and relative tidal range were recorded for five recreational beaches during two different months (March and April 2018). The morphodynamic parameters such sediment fall velocity, sediment grain size and beach slope are then analysed using software PROFILER. Classification of risks was done based on beach morphodynamic model. The morphodynamics are classified as low tide bar rip, barred and low tide terrace associated with rip current, bar dissipative, reflective, non-bar dissipative, low tide terrace and ultra-dissipative.

Findings
Result shows three out of five recreational beaches may develop high-risk rip currents. During the first month of the survey, Batu Hitam (BH) was recorded the only one recreational beach that may develop high-risk rip current followed by Teluk Cempedak (TC) and Kempadang (KEM) as middle-risk rip current beaches, while Balok (BA) and Sepat (SEP) as low-risk rip current beaches. Different during second month of the survey, BA, BH and SEP were recorded as high-risk rip current beaches while TC and KEM as low-risk rip current beaches.

Originality/value
The results are consistent with beach incidents (drowning and near-drowning) reported.
From service engagement to product purchase: cross-buying behavior in hospitality contexts
Authors: Ma Shuang , Zhang Chao , Wang Yonggui 
Published: May 2020

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the transformation from service engagement through hotel consumption behavior to subsequent product purchases and identify marketing strategies to facilitate this transformation.

Design/methodology/approach
Using a 1.5-year data set of transactional data from a typical hotel firm, the authors examined 4,999 valid purchase events via ordinary least squares regression to test the hypotheses proposed.

Findings
Contrary to studies indicating that heavy hospitality users are resistant to external change, the authors found that hotel service engagement (in terms of recency, frequency and monetary value) significantly informed subsequent product purchases. Effects varied based on customized solutions and product purchase channel.

Practical implications
Product managers in hospitality should target customers who have recently patronized hotels as well as hotel customers with high monetary value and frequency. Managers can adopt distinct marketing strategies (e.g. customized solutions and purchase channels) to sell hotel customers more products.

Originality/value
Prior studies have framed the cross-selling of hospitality services as a vital revenue management strategy from hotel firms’ or frontline employees’ perspectives. However, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to test how hotels cross-sell tangible products by targeting customers engaging in hotel consumption and by examining two major product marketing strategies that may facilitate or hinder this cross-selling process.
DEPSOSVM: variant of differential evolution based on PSO for image and text data classification
Authors: Dixit Abhishek , Mani Ashish , Bansal Rohit 
Published: May 2020

PurposeFeature selection is an important step for data pre-processing specially in the case of high dimensional data set. Performance of the data model is reduced if the model is trained with high dimensional data set, and it results in poor classification accuracy. Therefore, before training the model an important step to apply is the feature selection on the dataset to improve the performance and classification accuracy.Design/methodology/approachA novel optimization approach that hybridizes binary particle swarm optimization (BPSO) and differential evolution (DE) for fine tuning of SVM classifier is presented. The name of the implemented classifier is given as DEPSOSVM.FindingsThis approach is evaluated using 20 UCI benchmark text data classification data set. Further, the performance of the proposed technique is also evaluated on UCI benchmark image data set of cancer images. From the results, it can be observed that the proposed DEPSOSVM techniques have significant improvement in performance over other algorithms in the literature for feature selection. The proposed technique shows better classification accuracy as well.Originality/valueThe proposed approach is different from the previous work, as in all the previous work DE/(rand/1) mutation strategy is used whereas in this study DE/(rand/2) is used and the mutation strategy with BPSO is updated. Another difference is on the crossover approach in our case as we have used a novel approach of comparing best particle with sigmoid function. The core contribution of this paper is to hybridize DE with BPSO combined with SVM classifier (DEPSOSVM) to handle the feature selection problems.
Promoting language education for sustainable development: a program effects case study in Japanese higher education
Authors: Jodoin Joshua John 
Published: May 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of education for sustainable development (ESD) approaches in English as a foreign language (EFL) in Japanese higher education.Design/methodology/approachA content and language integrated learning (CLIL) University-level course was run over two separate semesters: the first as a lecture-based course and the second was a similar course that integrated ESD best-practice. A program effects case study was used to see if any significant changes could be measured between the separate semesters. A mixed-methods approach to data collection was used and student marks, survey results using values, beliefs and norms (VBN) model and reflection tasks were collected across the two courses.FindingsA meaningful change in the ascription of responsibility and personal norms was present in the ESD best-practice course. This shows that ESD best-practice integration into language teaching has a positive impact on student environmental VBN and more research is necessary for this area.Practical implicationsESD integrated into language teaching correlates positively with environmental behavior change according to the VBN-model. A new field of study is proposed, language education for sustainable development, to better integrate the disciplines of EFL and ESD.Originality/valueThis study is looking at the integration of ESD in language teaching and CLIL based courses in Higher Education and, at present, there are no other studies of this kind.
Integration, implementation and reporting outlooks of sustainability in higher education institutions (HEIs): index and case base validation
Authors: Zahid Muhammad , Ur Rahman Haseeb , Ali Wajahat , Habib Muhammad Nauman , Shad Fazaila 
Published: May 2020

Purpose
The integration of sustainability is more matured in the corporate sector. However, the topic received less attention in higher education institutions (HEIs). Therefore, this study aims to conceptualize an integration framework and proposes sustainability integration and implementation index in the HEIs.

Design/methodology/approach
The index was developed from previous literature. For the implementation of the index, three universities were selected. The required data collected from websites, internal documents and interviews with the high officials of these universities.

Findings
Sample universities have somehow inclination toward the broad agenda of sustainable development, but still, they lack integration, implementation and reporting of their sustainable practices. Moreover, the departments have positive and practical intent toward sustainability especially regarding the environment, designing curriculum, teaching, research activities and volunteerism. However, in assessment, the social and economic contributions of these universities revealed to be somewhat mild. The findings also evidenced heterogeneity among the sample institutions to follow the said agenda which reflects a lack of awareness and policy or a centralized or regulatory push from the top.

Research limitations/implications
The study is limited to three universities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Hence, in the future, the framework and index may be tested in other universities of the country or region. Nevertheless, the study carries theoretical significance in the literature of sustainability.

Practical implications
The study has practical implications for academia, regulatory bodies and universities to integrate, implement and report sustainability in HEIs.

Originality/value
The study proposes and validates the sustainability integration and implementation index in HEIs. The index is unique and has originality or value particularly for HEIs of the developing countries.