bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Colonization of naïve roots fromPopulus tremula x albainvolves successive waves of fungi and bacteria with different trophic abilities
Authors: Fracchia F. , Mangeot-Peter L. , Jacquot L. , Martin F. , Veneault-Fourrey C. , Deveau A. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThrough their roots, trees interact with a highly complex community of microorganisms belonging to various trophic guilds and contributing to tree nutrition, development and protection against stresses. Tree roots select for specific microbial species from the bulk soil communities. The root microbiome formation is a dynamic process but little is known on how the different microorganisms colonize the roots and how the selection occurs. To decipher if the final composition of the root microbiome is the product of several waves of colonization by different guilds of microorganisms, we planted sterile rooted cuttings of Gray Poplar obtained from plantlets propagated in axenic conditions in natural soil taken from a poplar stand. We analyzed the root microbiome at different time points between 2 and 50 days of culture by combining high-throughput Illumina MiSeq sequencing of fungal rDNA ITS and bacterial 16S rRNA amplicons with Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope observations. The microbial colonisation of poplar roots took place in three stages but the dynamic was different between bacteria and fungi. Root bacterial communities were clearly different from the soil after two days of culture. By contrast, if fungi were also already colonizing roots after two days, the initial communities were very close to the one of the soil and were dominated by saprotrophs. Those were slowly replaced by endophytes and ectomycorhizal fungi. The replacement of the most abundant fungal and bacterial community members observed in poplar roots along time suggest potential competition effect between microorganisms and/or a selection by the host.ImportanceThe tree root microbiome is composed of a very diverse set of bacterial and fungal communities. These microorganisms have a profound impact on tree growth, development and protection against different types of stress. They mainly originate from the bulk soil and colonize the root system which provides a unique nutrient rich-environment for a diverse assemblage of microbial communities. In order to better understand how the tree root microbiome is shaped along time, we observed the composition of root-associated microbial communities of naïve plantlets of poplar transferred in natural soil. The composition of the final root microbiome rely on a series of colonization stages characterized by the dominance of different fungal guilds and bacterial community members along time. Our observations suggest an early stabilization of bacterial communities, whereas fungal communities are established following a more gradual pattern.
LyGo: A platform for rapid screening of lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase production
Authors: Hernández-Rollán Cristina , Falkenberg Kristoffer B. , Rennig Maja , Bertelsen Andreas B. , Ipsen Johan Ø. , Brander Søren , Daley Daniel O. , Johansen Katja S. , Nørholm Morten H. H. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractEnvironmentally friendly sources of energy and chemicals are essential constituents of a sustainable society. An important step towards this goal is the utilization of non-edible biomass as supply of building blocks for future biorefineries. Lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) are enzymes that play a critical role in breaking the chemical bonds in the most abundant polymers found in recalcitrant biomass, such as cellulose and chitin. Predicting optimal strategies for producing LPMOs is often non-trivial, and methods allowing for screening several strategies simultaneously are therefore needed. Here, we present a standardized platform for cloning LPMOs. The platform allows users to combine gene fragments with different expression vectors in a simple 15-minute reaction, thus enabling rapid exploration of several gene contexts, hosts and expression strategies in parallel. The open-source LyGo platform is accompanied by easy-to-follow online protocols for both cloning and expression. As a demonstration, we utilize the LyGo platform to explore different strategies for expressing several different LPMOs inEscherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, andKomagataella phaffii.
A genetically encoded, pH-sensitive mTFP1 biosensor for probing lysosomal pH
Authors: Chin Marcus Y. , Patwardhan Anand R. , Ang Kean-Hooi , Wang Austin L. , Alquezar Carolina , Welch Mackenzie , Nguyen Phi T. , Grabe Michael , Molofsky Anna V. , Arkin Michelle R. , Kao Aimee W. 
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACTLysosomes are important sites for macromolecular degradation, defined by an acidic lumenal pH of ∼4.5. To better understand lysosomal pH, we designed a novel, genetically encoded, fluorescent protein (FP) based pH biosensor called FIRE-pHLy (Fluorescence IndicatorREportingpHinLysosomes). This biosensor was targeted to lysosomes with lysosomal-associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP1) and reported lumenal pH between 3.5 and 6.0 with monomeric teal fluorescent protein 1 (mTFP1), a bright cyan pH sensitive FP variant with a pKa of 4.3. Ratiometric quantification was enabled with cytosolically oriented mCherry using high-content quantitative imaging. We expressed FIRE-pHLy in several cellular models and quantified the alkalinizing response to bafilomycin A1, a specific V-ATPase inhibitor. In summary, we have engineered FIRE-pHLy, a specific, robust and versatile lysosomal pH biosensor that has broad applications for investigating pH dynamics in aging and lysosome-related diseases, as well as in lysosome-based drug discovery.
Efficiency assessment of microfinance institutions: using DEA with weighted Russell directional distance model
Authors: M Sai Mohini , Vilvanathan Lavanya 
Published: November 2020

PurposeThe study aims to focus on data envelopment analysis for assessing the microfinance institutions (MFIs) efficiency over the footings of its undesirable output, i.e. non-performing loans (NPLs). The attention is not only to evaluate the efficiency but also to identify the variable wise inefficiencies incorporating the quality of the portfolio.Design/methodology/approachThe paper assessed MFI efficiency using three different methods of treatment of undesirable output to portray the significant difference. It also has used an advanced methodological model, i.e. weighted Russell directional distance model (WRDDM), under the non-radial assumption that allowed us to find the variable-wise inefficiency contribution. The study also investigated the efficiency differences concerning ownership, including all sizes of MFIs.FindingsThe study findings evidence the fall in efficiency score as NPL integrated, and it is found to be statistically significant. In the context of inefficiency assessment, among all input and output variables, total employees and operating expenses, portfolio quality inefficiencies are the leading causes of MFI inefficiencies. Undesirable output inefficiency accounts for almost one-third part of the total inefficiencies and remaining due to input inefficiencies. It is significant to draw attention that there is no improvement in undesirable output inefficiency. By contrast, input inefficiencies retained gains for two years and gradually showed a decreasing trend throughout 2015–2017.Research limitations/implicationsThe authors have used balanced panel data of 72 Indian MFIs for five years' period from 2013–2017 whose complete data were available in the Microfinance Information Exchange.Practical implicationsThe paper has focused on identifying the inefficiencies that are needed to be focused on to attain efficiency. It could provide vital information to the managers, policymakers in identifying the causes of inefficiencies, which is crucial to improve for long-term sustainability. It will be a roadmap for benchmarking, strategy building and policy-making processes.Social implicationsThe findings of the study help in finding the benchmarking information for the inefficient decision-making units to identify the target units that need particular attention to focus. These practices could give a positive outcome, not only for institutions but also for the MFI clients.Originality/valueThe study provides an insight in to variable-wise inefficiency measurement using advanced model WRDDM in Indian context MFIs.
Successful private investor activism in an emerging market
Authors: Viviers Suzette , Mans-Kemp Nadia 
Published: November 2020

Purpose
Institutional investors in emerging markets are increasingly under pressure to integrate environmental, social and corporate governance considerations into their investment analyses and ownership practices. Old Mutual Investment Group (OMIG) is a South African-based institutional investor that has long been regarded as a pioneer in responsible investing. The purpose of this study was to examine the nature and effectiveness of OMIG's private shareholder activism endeavours over the period 1 January 2014 to 30 June 2018.

Design/methodology/approach
A unique database was constructed using proprietary, point-in-time data for 69 listed companies covering 283 private engagements. Binary logistic regressions were conducted to test the hypothesised relationships.

Findings
The majority of the private engagements centred on executive remuneration. This finding was not unexpected given the large and growing wage gap in South Africa. Close to two-thirds of OMIG’s private deliberations were successful. Engagement success was positively associated with a targeted company’s capacity to change and desire to protect its reputation.

Research limitations/implications
This study only investigated the private shareholder engagement actions of a single, well-resourced institutional investor.

Practical implications
The findings serve as an encouragement to other investors who are contemplating a more active approach to change unethical and unsustainable corporate policies and practices.

Originality/value
This unique analysis sheds light on the determinants and success of private shareholder activism in an emerging market.
Implementing strategies of entrepreneurship education in Zimbabwe
Authors: Mawonedzo Abigal , Tanga Magdaline , Luggya Simon , Nsubuga Yvonne 
Published: November 2020

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to explore how the strategies of entrepreneurship education in clothing and textile programmes are implemented in selected Technical Colleges in Zimbabwe.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative research approach was adopted for this paper. Purposive sampling technique was used to collect data from 42 participants through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions.FindingsThe findings show that there were two principal strategies that are used by lecturers in technical colleges, where entrepreneurship education is taught. The findings reveal that the implementation of the lecture method in most of these colleges deviates remarkable from each other. Given the socioeconomic and linguistic backgrounds of the learners, lectures are delivered in both English and the dominant local language, and the notes are written on the blackboard. Experiential learning, which is the placement of students in textile and clothing industries, was revealed to be another strategy, which was not achieving the intended results as most of the students were engaged in unrelated activities. The implementation of the two methods fall short of internationally recognised and pedagogically acceptable strategies that ought to instil the necessary skills in students to become future entrepreneurs in the textile and clothing industries in Zimbabwe and in Africa.Research limitations/implicationsOne of the limitations of the paper is that data was not collected from production managers from the clothing manufacturing industry and from the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education officials, especially those from the Curriculum Development Unit. However, the core of this paper is on implementing strategies from the perspectives of lecturers and students. Another limitation of the paper is that data was collected only from three technical colleges in Harare, Manicaland and Midland provinces. There are a total of nine such colleges in Zimbabwe. Nonetheless, since this a qualitative paper, its aim is not to generalise its findings but to provide in-depth and rich information about implementing strategies in Clothing and Textile programmes in selected TVET colleges.Originality/valueThe paper presents some pertinent recommendations to enhance a better implementation of the strategies used in entrepreneurship education to ensure that upon graduation, graduates can be self-employed and create jobs. This could help in curbing the high unemployment rate in Zimbabwe as well as in Africa in general.
Regulatory focus and investment advisers' recommending behavior
Authors: Ewe Soo Yeong , Lee Christina Kwai Choi , Gul Ferdinand A. 
Published: November 2020

PurposeThis study examines the effect of a regulatory-focused prime (i.e. a brochure with a picture and message) on the recommending behavior of investment advisers in the context of an investment decision.Design/methodology/approachThree experiments were conducted with 468 participants, mostly from the financial services industry. Study 1 examined the direct effect of a regulatory-focused prime on an investment adviser's recommending behavior, whereas Study 2 examined the moderating role of regulatory fit on such behavior. Study 3 validated the findings.FindingsThe results provide evidence that a message using visual and textual cues based on a promotion and prevention regulatory focus may trigger a preference in an investment adviser's product recommendation. A promotion (prevention)-focused framed message will trigger the recommendation of an investment plan with a higher but riskier (safe and stable) potential return. However, when the same prime is presented with details of a performance incentive scheme, the effect of the prime is reduced when there is a regulatory nonfit between the prime and the message relating to the performance incentive scheme.Practical implicationsThe findings highlight the importance of understanding how regulatory-focused stimuli may subconsciously influence the recommendation of investment advisers as heuristics used in decision-making, thereby influencing their clients' investment decisions.Originality/valuePast studies have focused on how regulatory-focused visual and message cues influence consumer decision-making. This study provides empirical evidence regarding the influence of regulatory-focused prime on an investment adviser's behavior when providing investment advice.
Evaluating hotel websites through the use of fuzzy AHP and fuzzy TOPSIS
Authors: Baki Rahmi 
Published: November 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to develop a useful, effective and comprehensive approach to facilitate the evaluation of hotel websites.Design/methodology/approachThe paper examines the literature evaluating e-commerce sites, particularly that is focused on hotel, tourism and travel. Moreover, 5 criteria and 19 sub-criteria are identified, and a two-step method is proposed for the assessment of hotel websites whereby the global weights of the proposed criteria are determined by the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process, and hotel websites are ranked through the fuzzy technique for order preference by similarity to ideal situation.FindingsThe results show that the leading criteria to effectively evaluate hotel websites are trust and information quality and that the most important sub-criteria are special discounts, assurance and reservation information.Practical implicationsThis research offers practical advice to increase understanding of the determinants of an effective hotel website so that appropriate strategies can be developed to convert a website visitor into a customer.Originality/valueThe study aims to contribute to businesses operating in the tourism sector which seeks to increase the effectiveness of their websites by identifying criteria and proposing a methodology for hotel website evaluation.
COVID-19 and restaurant demand: early effects of the pandemic and stay-at-home orders
Authors: Yang Yang , Liu Hongbo , Chen Xiang 
Published: November 2020

PurposeThis paper aims to evaluate the early effects of the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and accompanying stay-at-home orders on restaurant demand in US counties.Design/methodology/approachThe following two sets of daily restaurant demand data were collected for each US county: foot traffic data and card transaction data. A two-way fixed-effects panel data model was used to estimate daily restaurant demand from February 1 to April 30, 2020.FindingsResults show that a 1% increase in daily new COVID-19 cases led to a 0.0556% decrease in daily restaurant demand, while stay-at-home orders were collectively associated with a 3.25% drop in demand. The extent of these declines varied across counties; ethnicity, political ideology, eat-in habits and restaurant diversity were found to moderate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and stay-at-home orders.Practical implicationsThese results characterize the regional restaurant industry’s resilience to COVID-19 and identify particularly vulnerable areas that may require pubic policies and managerial strategies for intervention.Originality/valueThis study represents a pioneering attempt to investigate the economic impact of COVID-19 on restaurant businesses.
Can spirituality and long-term orientation relate to workplace identity? An examination using SEM
Authors: M M Sulphey 
Published: November 2020

PurposeThe interconnections and relationships of workplace identity with a few organizational behavior concepts such as job involvement, commitment and turnover intentions have been identified by earlier studies. The present study was undertaken to find out the relationship of workplace identity with long-term orientation and spirituality.Design/methodology/approachSEM was performed using Python, on a sample of 365 respondents, using three validated questionnaires. The questionnaires used for the study were Spirituality Index of Wellbeing (SIWB), Long-term Orientation (LTO) Scale and Workplace Identity Scale.FindingsResults indicated significant positive relationship between workplace spirituality and workplace identity, as well as LTO and workplace identity. No significant relationship was observed between LTO and workplace spirituality.Originality/valueAn in-depth review of literature revealed that no previous studies have examined the complex relationship between workplace spirituality, LTO and workplace identity. Further, there are only few studies about the workplace identity and its relationship with other constructs. The present work was a modest effort to fill this gap in literature. The study has succeeded in making significant contribution towards management literature.
Young adults' personal concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic in Finland: an issue for social concern
Authors: Ranta Mette , Silinskas Gintautas , Wilska Terhi-Anna 
Published: November 2020

PurposeThis study focuses on how young adults face the COVID-19 pandemic by investigating their personal concerns about mental well-being, career/studies and economic situation. The authors investigated how young adults' (aged 18–29) personal concerns differ from older people's concerns (aged 30–65) and which person- and context-related antecedents relate to personal concerns.Design/methodology/approachData of Finnish young adults aged 18–29 (n = 222), who participated in the “Corona Consumers” survey (N = 1,000) in April 2020, were analyzed by path analysis and compared to participants aged 30–65 by independent samples t-test.FindingsYoung adults were significantly more concerned about the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on their mental well-being, career/studies and economic situation than older people. Females were more concerned about their mental well-being than males. Among youth, lower life satisfaction was related to concerns about mental well-being, and lower satisfaction with financial situation was related to concerns about career/studies and economic situation. Young adults' predisposition to avoid difficult situations was related to more frequent concerns in all domains, whereas generalized trust and education were not.Research limitations/implicationsDue to cross-sectional data, causal COVID-19 interpretations should be made cautiously.Practical implicationsStrong youth policies are needed for youth empowerment, mental health and career advancement in the pandemic aftermath.Originality/valueThe study highlights the inequality of the effects of COVID-19: The pandemic has radically influenced young adults as they exhibit significant personal concerns in age-related life domains.
COVID on three continents: how local children’s organisations in Africa, Europe and South America are adapting to the coronavirus challenge
Authors: Clulow Suzanne , Dimitrouka Nikoleta , Zamora Zapata Iván 
Published: November 2020

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to share anecdotally how the pandemic is affecting children, families and some of the frontline local services that support them across three continents.

Design/methodology/approach
Three members of Family for Every Child across three continents detail some of the day-to-day challenges they are facing in their work with children and families as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Findings
Social distancing and fear of the virus are hampering front line organisations in Africa, Europe and South America, bringing additional challenges to keeping children safe.

Originality/value
These three case studies give a snapshot of the issues faced by three non-governmental children’s organisations over three continents during July 2020.