bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ligation of random oligomers leads to emergence of autocatalytic sequence network
Authors: Kudella Patrick W. , Tkachenko Alexei V. , Maslov Sergei , Braun Dieter 
Published: August 2020

ABSTRACTThe emergence of longer information-carrying and functional nucleotide polymers from random short strands was a major stepping stone at the dawn of life. But the formation of those polymers under temperature oscillation required some form of selection. A plausible mechanism is template-based ligation where theoretical work already suggested a reduction in information entropy.Here, we show how nontrivial sequence patterns emerge in a system of random 12mer DNA sequences subject to enzyme-based templated ligation reaction and temperature cycling. The strands acted both as a template and substrates of the reaction and thereby formed longer oligomers. The selection for templating sequences leads to the development of a multiscale ligation landscape. A position-dependent sequence pattern emerged with a segregation into mutually complementary pools of A-rich and T-rich sequences. Even without selection for function, the base pairing of DNA with ligation showed a dynamics resembling Darwinian evolution.
PHF6 Interacts with LMO2 During Normal Haematopoiesis and in Leukaemia and Regulates Gene Expression and Genome Integrity
Authors: Stanulović Vesna S. , Binhassan Sarah , Dorrington Ian , Ward Douglas G. , Hoogenkamp Maarten 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe transcriptional mediator LIM domain only 2 (LMO2) forms a large multi-protein complex together with TAL1/LYL1, HEB/E2A, LDB1 and GATA. This complex regulates transcription from the onset of haematopoietic development and during differentiation. Chromosomal re-arrangements involving LMO and other members of the complex are causative for T-cell lymphoblastic leukaemia (T-ALL). We have identified Plant Homeodomain (PHD)-like Finger 6 (PHF6) as a new LMO2 interacting factor. Somatic mutations inPHF6have been found to occur in several types of leukaemia. We show that PHF6 interacts with LMO2 during the initial stages of the haematopoietic development, myeloid differentiation and in T-ALL. The LMO2/PHF6 complex binds the DNA and regulates linage-specific gene expression. Additionally, a loss or reduction of LMO2 and PHF6 leads to chromosomal instability. PHF6 and LMO2 are required for maintaining levels of γH2AX and 53BP1, where PHF6 is important for γH2AX accumulation and LMO2 has a role in recruiting 53BP1 to γH2AX foci.
Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway control of CD8+T cell differentiation
Authors: Damasio Marcos P. , Marchingo Julia M. , Spinelli Laura , Cantrell Doreen A. , Howden Andrew J.M. 
Published: August 2020

SummaryThe integration of multiple signalling pathways that co-ordinate T cell metabolism and transcriptional reprogramming is required to drive T cell differentiation and proliferation. One key T cell signalling module is mediated by extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) which are activated in response to antigen receptor engagement. The activity of ERKs is often used to report antigen receptor occupancy but the full details of how ERKs control T cell activation is not understood. Accordingly, we have used mass spectrometry to explore how ERK signalling pathways control antigen receptor driven proteome restructuring in CD8+T cells to gain insights about the biological processes controlled by ERKs in primary lymphocytes. Quantitative analysis of >8000 proteins identified only 900 ERK regulated proteins in activated CD8+T cells. The data identify both positive and negative regulatory roles for ERKs during T cell activation and reveal that ERK signalling primarily controls the repertoire of transcription factors, cytokines and cytokine receptors expressed by activated T cells. The ERKs thus drive the transcriptional reprogramming of activated T cells and the ability of T cells to communicate with external immune cues.
Economic growth or electricity, what came first in Spain after 1958?
Authors: Sanaú Villarroya Jaime Jesús , Sanz-Villarroya Isabel , Perez y Perez Luis 
Published: August 2020

PurposeWith the opening up of the economy since the 1959 Economic Stabilization Plan, was it the production of electricity that drove the growth of gross domestic product (GDP) in Spain or, on the contrary, was it the growth of GDP that drove the production of electricity well into the 21st century? The purpose of this paper is to answer this question.Design/methodology/approachA cointegration approach based on the studies conducted by Pesaran and Shin (1999) and Pesaranet al.(2001) is applied, as it is suitable for short data series like those used in this paper.FindingsThe results of this paper allow us to conclude that electricity production boosted economic growth in Spain during the period under study, confirming the growth hypothesis.Research limitations/implicationsThe results of this paper should be interpreted with caution, as electricity today amounts to less than a quarter of the total amount of energy used in Spain. It was not possible to incorporate other inputs to the production function (such as other energy inputs, technological or human capital), but the methodology used avoids the problems of omitted variables and of autocorrelation.Practical implicationsThe results show that a small economy with limited resources, such as the Spanish one, is more vulnerable to energy shocks than other energy-sufficient economies. As Spain is a country with high energy dependence from abroad, the government must first ensure the electricity supply. Increased availability and access to different sources of electricity will improve the outlook for the Spanish economy. Conversely, a shortage in supply of electricity will constrain the regular pace of economic growth.Social implicationsSpain should investigate and explore more efficient and cost-effective sources of energy, in particular the renewable energies, as traditional energy sources will be scarce before long.Originality/valueThis paper differs from previous ones carried out for Spain in several aspects: it considers a broader period of time, from 1958 to 2015; the relationships between electricity production and GDP are analysed for the first time in a neo-classical production function where electricity, capital and employment are considered as separate factors; and a cointegration approach based on the studies conducted by Pesaran and Shin (1999) and Pesaranet al.(2001) is applied, as it is suitable for short data series like those used in this paper.
Nonconvex consumer preferences, compulsive eating, and food addiction
Authors: Miljkovic Dragan 
Published: August 2020

PurposeEpisodes of compulsive eating may lead to addiction. Changing relative prices does not always work for many food addicts turned overweight or obese individuals. This paper points to when such situations may arise and how they can be remedied.Design/methodology/approachWe modify the standard neoclassical economics model assumption of indifference curves being convex to the origin. It becomes violated in situations when compulsive eaters become food addicts. As a result of that, the assumption of the concave (quasi-concave) utility function is violated too. We also introduce the possibility that compulsive eaters may have stable but nonconstant preferences.FindingsMost important finding of our model is that a smooth dynamic path to addiction, caused by habit, disappears. Hence, the ability for smooth adjustment to relative price changes due to policies targeting obesity may not be applicable for a compulsive addict. We postulate the existence of thresholds past in which irreversible harm to addicted overeaters may occur. Reaching such states implies that no economic tools at our disposal could reverse the harm, which, in turn, deem that many policies directed at altering relative prices are ineffective in correcting overeating addiction and its consequences.Social implicationsEven if we believe in consumer sovereignty, it is possible to shape consumer behavior via policy actions, including the behavior of extremum seekers turned addicts. The public policy of obesity should consider, in this case, its social cost.Originality/valueNo prior research has considered food addiction in light of compulsive eating caused by extremum-seeking behavior. Addiction correcting food policies always relied on either rational or myopic addiction models.
Professionalising family firm through internal HR marketing: a case of Ratnamani Metal and Tubes Ltd.
Authors: Sinha Anamika , Varkkey Biju , Saha Surajit , Kakkar Shiva 
Published: August 2020

PurposeThe paper reports the practices and interventions adopted at a successful business transformation in an Indian family run organization. The firm deployed internal HR marketing and large-scale interface to deliver results in terms of improved financial performance.Design/methodology/approachSingle case study method and grounded theory approach was used to conceptualise the practices deployed to implement desired change. Multiple interviews and on-site observations were conducted and validated through different primary and secondary data sources to build the case narrative.FindingsThe results demonstrate how repositioning and rebranding of HR as strategic partner helped in building promoter and line manager buy in of HRM initiatives, build capabilities, controlled employee attrition, increased engagement and productivity, and eventually resulted in improved the financial performance of the company.Research limitations/implicationsThe article is based on single organization in India. Hence, generalizability of the study is limited. The description and analysis provide insights about internal HR marketing and navigating the professionalising journey of traditional firms.Practical implicationsScholars and practitioners working in the domain of internal HR marketing, employer/HR branding will develop a nuanced understanding of using internal HR marketing as a strategic tool for business realignment. The study also makes readers aware about the dilemmas faced by decision-makers during such transitions.Originality/valueThe study illustrates how internal HR marketing can be successfully deployed in family business environments and adds to both “family business management” “Internal HR Marketing” and “Employer/HR branding” literature.
The impact of closing mechanism changes: evidence from the Shanghai stock market
Authors: Ma Dan , Wang Chunfeng , Fang Zhenming , Wang Ziwei 
Published: August 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to empirically examine the impact of closing mechanism changes on market quality, investor trading behavior and market manipulation in the Shanghai stock market.Design/methodology/approachA dummy variable is constructed indicating whether the closing mechanism is call auction or continuous auction. Market quality is measured from aspects of liquidity, volatility and price continuity; investor trading behavior is scaled by order timing and order aggressiveness, and a price deviation indicator is the proxy of manipulation. Using panel regression, this study examines the impact of closing mechanism changes based on intraday transaction data from the Shanghai stock market.FindingsThe conclusions are as follows: First, market quality improves after the closing mechanism is reformed in terms of liquidity, volatility and price continuity. Second, order strategy changes significantly in the closing call market, and investors trade more aggressively in the continuous trading period before closing. Third, the closing call mechanism restrains the closing price manipulation and thus prompts an efficient closing price.Originality/valueThis paper examines the policy effects of closing mechanism changes from aspects of market quality, trading behavior and price manipulation, providing pieces of evidence for trading mechanism design and market supervision in emerging markets.
Change facilitation: what styles do Pakistani secondary school head teachers possess?
Authors: Jogezai Nazir Ahmed , Mohamed Ismail Shaik Abdul Malik , Baloch Fozia Ahmed 
Published: August 2020

PurposeThis study aimed at exploring the change facilitator styles (CFS) that secondary school head teachers in Pakistan possess.Design/methodology/approachThis is a quantitative study using Hall and George CFS questionnaire to collect data from 276 secondary school head teachers. The CFSQ used in this study consists of 30 Likert-type questions relating to six scales. The six scales, with five items each in aggregate, form three possible CFS, including initiator, manager and responder.FindingsThe results indicate that most secondary school head teachers (75.7%) in Pakistan used responder CFS to facilitate change in their schools. 16.7% of the head teachers used manger, while only 7.6% possessed initiator change facilitation styles.Research limitations/implicationsThe study has implications for research, in particular in the developing countries where head teachers' leadership practices are rooted in the past with maintaining authority and status quo.Practical implicationsThe study has implications for policymakers and schools in developing countries, like Pakistan, in terms of considering the vital role of head teachers in change implementation. In particular, in the prevailing cluster-based educational management, the study's findings remain valuable for schools in the Balochistan province of Pakistan.Originality/valueThe paper reports the results regarding secondary school head teachers' change facilitator styles in the context of power devolution in Pakistan. The authors believe that the manuscript is appropriate for publication by the international journal of educational management because it is in line with the aims and scope of the journal. The authors assure the originality of this work. It has not been published elsewhere, nor is it currently under consideration for publication in any other journal.
Economic growth in the Malaysian vegetarian market potential: internalized dimension of motivation
Authors: Darmalinggam Darshana , Kaliannan Maniam 
Published: August 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore the internalized dimension of motivation under the Unified Model of Vegetarian Identity (UMVI) model, namely, personal and prosocial motivators, for vegetarianism that spurs economic growth in the Malaysian vegetarian market potential.Design/methodology/approachSemi-structured online questionnaire was adopted as the primary methodology from which a total of 163 respondents were obtained.FindingsBoth, personal and prosocial motivators do positively relate to the economic growth of the Malaysian vegetarian market potential. However, prosocial motivators has a greater impact with a beta coefficient of 0.374 compared to 0.273 for personal motivators.Research limitations/implicationsProbable inaccurate representation of the entire vegetarian population in Malaysia. Time and resources available.Practical implicationsPractically, the Malaysian vegetarian society and Malaysian government bodies benefit from the study in ensuing promotion of environmental awareness in line with a vegetarian diet.Originality/valueLack of literature resources on vegetarianism in Malaysia led to the study contributing to an expansion of literature on the matter. This pioneer study benchmarks global literatures on motivators of vegetarianism and their impact on economy against the scarce literatures available in the Malaysian context. It contributes to the Malaysian economy and potential vegetarian restaurant start-ups wishing to enter the Malaysian vegetarian market. Theoretically, the theory of planned behaviour, utilitarian function and the UMVI were jointly utilised in explaining the motivators capturing Malaysian vegetarians' intention towards demand for vegetarian food.
Direct observation in practice: co-developing an evidence-informed practice tool to assess social work communication
Authors: Westlake David , Stabler Lorna , McDonnell John 
Published: August 2020

Purpose
This paper presents findings from a project that aimed to support social work managers to observe, evaluate and give feedback on social work practice skills.

Design/methodology/approach
An embedded team of researchers observed over 300 meetings between parents and social workers and gave feedback based on an established research instrument that facilitated quantitative coding of individual skills such as empathy and purposefulness. Then managers took on this task to sustain ongoing feedback on practice skills beyond the timescale of the project.

Findings
A practice tool was successfully developed to take the place of the research instrument and aid managers in these observations, and it was implemented across a range of social work settings. The tool was used in a variety of ways by different managers which highlighted a range of views on what constitutes good practice. This raises questions about how far authorities can (or should) expect to achieve a consensus about the type of practice they want to deliver.

Research limitations/implications
The value of this project is primarily pragmatic, in that it shows the potential for using research to develop practice tools collaboratively. However, in doing so, it brings into focus key questions around the nature of good practice.

Practical implications
This paper presents a practice tool, based on an established research instrument that was co-developed with senior managers. It is an aid for observation that practitioners and managers can use to support practice development.

Originality/value
Few research studies have worked so closely with practice managers to develop a tool that can be used to support practice. The paper also highlights the crucial and neglected role of observation in practice development.
Exploring strategies to reduce moral hazard and adverse selection of Ghanaian public–private partnership (PPP) construction projects
Authors: Owusu-Manu De-Graft , Kukah Augustine Senanu , Boateng Frank , Asumadu George , Edwards David John 
Published: August 2020

Purpose
Conditions of inadequate and asymmetric information when an agent is hired by a principal have resulted in the problems of moral hazard and adverse selection (MHAS) in public–private partnership (PPP) construction projects. The purpose of this study is to explore strategies to reduce MHAS in PPP construction projects.

Design/methodology/approach
Questionnaires were used to elicit responses from respondents. Mean score ranking was used to rank these strategies while reliability analysis was conducted using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and level of agreement tested using Kendall’s concordance. Factor analysis grouped the strategies into eight components.

Findings
From the mean score ranking, monitoring; transfer of risks; screening; managing of construction risks; and increased incentives to control costs were the most significant strategies. The eight components were transparent process and contract, incentives and monitoring, screening and technical assistance, unbundling and benchmarking, funding and small liabilities, information clarification and signaling, risk and contract management and cooperation and finance factors.

Practical implications
The findings of this study have identified the most significant strategies to reduce MHAS on PPP construction projects to serve as a guide to PPP practitioners in reducing MHAS.

Originality/value
The output of this research contributes to the checklist of strategies that reduce PPP project failures arising from MHAS and contributes to the development of the agency theory.
Understanding the impact of intellectual capital on entrepreneurship: a literature review
Authors: Crupi Antonio , Cesaroni Fabrizio , Di Minin Alberto 
Published: August 2020

PurposeThe present paper aims to explore and map the development of the intellectual capital (IC)-related studies by answering the following research questions: (1) what are the theoretical pillars on which prior literature focusing on the IC–entrepreneurship relationship has grown and expanded?; (2) what are the main research areas covered by past literature focused on the IC–entrepreneurship relationship?; (3) which areas of research should be explored in the future?Design/methodology/approachThe study relied on the co-citation analysis and bibliographic coupling techniques to investigate a complete data set of IC–entrepreneurship publications.FindingsFindings indicated that scholars' attention had increased, starting from the beginning of the 2000s due to the widespread recognition of the importance of knowledge for firms' competitive advantage. Results of the co-citation clustering analysis have identified five main theoretical building blocks of the IC–entrepreneurship literature, which addressed both the basics of IC foundations and more specific aspects related to IC (family firms and the measurement of IC). Results of the bibliographic coupling analysis indicated that future studies should consider the existence of interactions and synergies among the different components of IC. Furthermore, attention should be devoted to the management practices of IC.Originality/valueThe present study represents the contributions offered by IC to studies about entrepreneurship strategies. Building on findings emerging from a qualitative content analysis on clustered prior publications, the authors discuss a research agenda that is expected to inspire future studies to continue the exploration of the crucial characteristics of IC in contributing to entrepreneurial and managerial studies.
The effect of novel coronavirus pandemic on tourism share prices
Authors: Liew Venus Khim-Sen 
Published: August 2020

Purpose
This paper aims to provide swift feedback to readers and investors on the early effect of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic outbreak on tourism industry.

Design/methodology/approach
Three leading consolidators of hotel accommodations, airline tickets and travel services in the tourism industry around the globe, namely, Booking Holdings Inc., Expedia Group and Trip.com Group Ltd. are chosen in this study. First, numerical description is performed on their shares prices and a set of control variables to compare their performances before and during the lockdown because of COVID-19 outbreak. Next, this paper estimates ordinary least squares models with and without exponential generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedastic specification to establish the nature, significance and magnitude of the pandemic’s early effect on the shares performance of these online travel companies (OTCs).

Findings
This paper discovers a rapid decline in the performance of tourism industry amid the pandemic outbreak, from the perspective of three leading OTCs, which derive their profits from tourists by providing them online hotel reservation, air-ticketing and packaged-tour business services around the globe. These significant adverse direct and indirect effects testify that tourism-related businesses are extensively locked down by the pandemic outbreak.

Research limitations/implications
Future studies are encouraged to examine each of the tourism sectors for individual effects.

Practical implications
This paper provides implications for investors to protect their wealth, and for policymakers to ensure sustainability of tourism industry in the pandemic outbreak and in the future.

Originality/value
From the perspective of corporate finance, this paper empirically quantifies the early effect of COVID-19 on tourism industry for a quick snapshot.