bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Insights into the mutation T1117I in the spike and the lineage B.1.1.389 of SARS-CoV-2 circulating in Costa Rica
Authors: Molina-Mora Jose Arturo 
Published: July 2021

AbstractEmerging mutations and genotypes of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, have been reported globally. In Costa Rica during the year 2020, a predominant genotype carrying the mutation T1117I in the spike (S:T1117I) was previously identified. To investigate the possible effects of this mutation on the function of the spike, i.e. the biology of the virus, different bioinformatic pipelines based on phylogeny, natural selection and co-evolutionary models, molecular docking and epitopes prediction were implemented.Results of the phylogeny of sequences carrying the S:T1117I worldwide showed a polyphyletic group, with the emergency of local lineages. In Costa Rica, the mutation is found in the lineage B.1.1.389 and it is suggested to be a product of positive/adaptive selection. Different changes in the function of the spike protein and more stable interaction with a ligand (nelfinavir drug) were found. Only one epitope out 742 in the spike was affected by the mutation, with some different properties, but suggesting scarce changes in the immune response and no influence on the vaccine effectiveness.Jointly, these results suggest a partial benefit of the mutation for the spread of the virus with this genotype during the year 2020 in Costa Rica, although possibly not strong enough with the introduction of new lineages during early 2021 which became predominant later. In addition, the bioinformatics pipeline offers an integrative and exhaustive in silico strategy to eventually study other mutations of interest for the SARS-CoV-2 virus and other pathogens.HighlightsIn Costa Rica during the year 2020, a predominant SARS-CoV-2 genotype carrying the mutation T1117I in the spike (S:T1117I) was identified.The S:T1117I was assessed for possible effects of this mutation on the function of the spike with a in silico approach.Phylogeny revealed that sequences carrying the S:T1117I worldwide define a polyphyletic group, with the emergency of local lineages, including the lineage B.1.1.389 in Costa Rica.A positive/adaptive selection was identified for S:T1117I, with different changes in the function of the spike protein, more stable interaction with ligands and scarce changes in the immune response.The bioinformatics pipeline can be eventually used to study other mutations of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and other pathogens.
The disease associated Tau35 fragment has an increased propensity to aggregate compared to full-length tau
Authors: Lyu Chen , Da Vela Stefano , Al-Hilaly Youssra , Marshall Karen E. , Thorogate Richard , Svergun Dmitri , Serpell Louise , Pastore Annalisa , Hanger Diane 
Published: July 2021

AbstractTau35 is a truncated form of tau found in human brain in a subset of tauopathies. Tau35 expression in mice recapitulates key features of human disease, including progressive increase in tau phosphorylation, along with cognitive and motor dysfunction. The appearance of aggregated tau suggests that Tau35 may have structural properties distinct from those of other tau species that could account for its pathological role in disease. To address this hypothesis, we performed a structural characterization of monomeric and aggregated Tau35 and compared the results to those of two longer isoforms, 2N3R and 2N4R tau. We used small angle X-ray scattering to show that Tau35, 2N3R and 2N4R tau all behave as disordered monomeric species but Tau35 exhibits higher rigidity. In the presence of the poly-anion heparin, Tau35 increases thioflavin T fluorescence significantly faster and to a greater extent than full-length tau, demonstrating a higher propensity to aggregate. We used atomic force microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray fiber diffraction to demonstrate that Tau35 aggregates are morphologically similar to previously reported tau fibrils but they are more densely packed. These data increase our understanding of the aggregation inducing properties of clinically relevant tau fragments and their potentially damaging role in the pathogenesis of human tauopathies.
Genomic and functional characterization of Pseudomonas aeruginosa-targeting bacteriophages isolated from hospital wastewater
Authors: Nordstrom Hayley R. , Evans Daniel R. , Finney Amanda G. , Westbrook Kevin J. , Zamora Paula F. , Iovleva Alina , Yassin Mohamed H. , Bomberger Jennifer M. , Shields Ryan K. , Doi Yohei , Van Tyne Daria 
Published: July 2021

AbstractPseudomonas aeruginosa infections can be difficult to treat and new therapeutic approaches are needed. Bacteriophage therapy is a promising alternative to traditional antibiotics, but large numbers of isolated and characterized phages are lacking. We collected 23 genetically and phenotypically diverse P. aeruginosa isolates from people with cystic fibrosis (CF) and clinical infections, and characterized their genetic, phenotypic, and prophage diversity. We then used these isolates to screen and isolate 14 new P. aeruginosa-targeting phages from hospital wastewater. Phages were characterized with genome sequencing, comparative genomics, and lytic activity screening against all 23 bacterial host isolates. For four different phages, we evolved bacterial mutants that were resistant to phage infection. We then used genome sequencing and functional analysis of the resistant mutants to study their mechanisms of phage resistance as well as changes in virulence factor production and antibiotic resistance, which differed from corresponding parent bacterial isolates. Finally, we tested two phages for their ability to kill P. aeruginosa grown in biofilms in vitro, and observed that both phages reduced viable bacteria in biofilms by least one order of magnitude. One of these phages also showed activity against P. aeruginosa biofilms grown on CF airway epithelial cells. Overall, this study demonstrates how systematic genomic and phenotypic characterization can be deployed to develop bacteriophages as precision antibiotics.
Financial literacy and financial well-being of Australian consumers: a moderated mediation model of impulsivity and financial capability
Authors: Tahir Muhammad S. , Ahmed Abdullahi D. , Richards Daniel W. 
Published: July 2021

PurposeThis study aims to test a moderated mediation model for a twofold purpose. First, to examine the mediating role of financial capability (FC) in the association between financial literacy (FL) and financial well-being (FW). Second, to analyze if non-impulsive future-oriented behavior (NIB) moderates the associations of FL with FC and FL with FW.Design/methodology/approachThe authors use the PROCESS macros in IBM SPSS Statistics to test the moderated mediation model and analyze the 2016 wave of the Household, Income and Labor Dynamics in Australia Survey.FindingsThe empirical analysis shows that FC partially mediates the association between FL and FW. Furthermore, the moderated mediation analysis shows that NIB strengthens the associations of FL with FC and FL with FW. Specifically, the positive associations of FL with FC and FL with FW significantly increase for those consumers who score high on NIB.Practical implicationsThe findings have implications for the financial services industry. Professional financial planners can positively improve the ability of consumers to deal with their financial matters by highlighting the importance of FL and NIB.Social implicationsThe study findings suggest educating consumers to discourage impulsive behavior and encourage them to create financial plans as it will enhance their ability to conduct financial tasks efficiently, improving their FW.Originality/valueTo the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to assess a moderated mediation model, which examines the role of FC as a mediator variable and NIB as a moderator variable in the association between FL and FW.
Oil price and exchange rate nexus in Algeria: evidence from nonlinear asymmetric and frequency domain approach
Authors: Chekouri Sidi Mohammed , Sahed Abdelkader , Chibi Abderrahim 
Published: July 2021

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the relationship between exchange rate and oil prices in Algeria over the period 2004Q1–2019Q4.Design/methodology/approachThe nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag method is used to capture the potential asymmetric relationship among oil prices and the exchange rate. Frequency domain spectral Granger causality test is also applied to investigate the causal linkage between the two variables. The wavelet coherence is applied to analyze the evolution of this relationship both in time and frequency domains.FindingsThe empirical results reveal evidence of long-run asymmetric effects of oil price on Algeria’s real effective exchange rate (REER), implying that an increase in oil price causes a real exchange rate to appreciate, while a decrease in oil price leads to a real exchange rate to depreciate. More specifically, it is found that the impact of negative oil price shocks is higher than the one associated with positive shocks. The spectral Granger causality results further indicate that there is unidirectional causality running from oil price to REER in both medium and long run. The wavelet coherence findings provide evidence of some co-movement between the REER and oil price and point out that the oil price is leading real exchange rate in the medium and long terms.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature by investigating the asymmetric impact and the time domain causal linkage between oil price fluctuations and real exchange rate in Algeria.
Trait emotional intelligence and job performance evaluations: evidence from self, manager, team and peer ratings
Authors: Furnham Adrian , Treglown Luke , Topic Daria 
Published: July 2021

Purpose
The study aims to look at whether trait emotional intelligence (EI) was related to the job performance level of a manager, their immediate team and their peers.

Design/methodology/approach
This study looked at the relationship between trait EI and performance appraisals, as evaluated by the person themselves, their peers, manager and team. Trait EI facets of 903 employees were compared to evaluated performance appraisals of the different groups four months later.

Findings
All 15 of the correlations (20 < r < 0.42) between the emotional intelligence facets and self-ratings were significantly positive whilst for managers 10, peers 6 and team only 4 were significant, though all were positive. In line with affective primacy theory, structural equation modelling revealed performance was rated higher by non-manager colleagues when employees exhibited traits associated with positive interpersonal interactions.

Originality/value
There are very few studies using multi-source ratings to explore the consequences of EI on a manager’s team and peers.
Statistical analysis of wind resource and energy potential assessment of Quaidabad site, Sindh Pakistan
Authors: Hulio Zahid Hussain , Yousufzai Gm , Jiang Wei 
Published: July 2021

Purpose
Pakistan is an energy starving country that needs continuous supply of energy to keep up its economic speed. The aim of this paper is to assess the wind resource and energy potential of Quaidabad site for minimizing the dependence on fuels and improving the environment.

Design/methodology/approach
The Quaidabad site wind shear coefficient and turbulence intensity factor are investigated. The two-parameter k and c Weibull distribution function is used to analyze the wind speed of site. The standard deviation of the site is also assessed for a period of a year. The wind power density and energy density are assessed for a period of a year. The economic assessment of energy/kWh is investigated for selection of appropriate wind turbine.

Findings
The mean wind shear coefficient was observed to be 0.2719, 0.2191 and 0.1698 at 20, 40 and 60 m, respectively, for a period of a year. The mean wind speed is found to be 2.961, 3.563, 3.907 and 4.099 m/s at 20, 40, 60 and 80 m, respectively. The mean values of k parameters were observed to be 1.563, 2.092, 2.434 and 2.576 at 20, 40, 60 and 80 m, respectively, for a period of a year. The mean values of c m/s parameter were found to be 3.341, 4.020, 4.408 and 4.625 m/s at 20, 40, 60 and 80 m, respectively, for a period of a year. The major portion of values of standard deviation was found to be in between 0.1 and 2.00 at 20, 40, 60 and 80 m. The wind power density (W/m2) sum total values were observed to be 351, 597, 792 and 923 W/m2 at 20, 40, 60 and 80 m, respectively, for a period of a year. The mean coefficient of variation was found to be 0.161, 0.130, 0.115 and 0.105 at 20, 40, 60 and 80 m, respectively. The sum total energy density was observed to be 1,157, 2,156, 2,970 and 3,778 kWh/m2 at 20, 40, 60 and 80 m, respectively. The economic assessment is showing that wind turbine E has the minimum cost US$0.049/kWh.

Originality/value
The Quaidabad site is suitable for installing the utility wind turbines for energy generation at the lowest cost.
Sports effects on ethical judgement skills of successful entrepreneurs: adaptation of interpretative phenomenological analysis
Authors: van Rensburg Nico , Kanayo Ogujiuba 
Published: July 2021

Purpose
This paper aims to identify how entrepreneurs’ active involvement in sports/athletic training affects and adds to their overall ethical judgement skills within and outside the workplace.

Design/methodology/approach
This study adopted a qualitative approach and included a combination of 12 male and female entrepreneurs who were purposively selected based on the study’s requirements. The primary data was collected through semi-structured one-on-one interviews, and interpretative phenomenological analysis served as the primary method of data analysis.

Findings
Findings from this study suggest that entrepreneurs’ active involvement in sports/athletic training does indeed influence their ethical judgement skills all-round. Arising from a combination of sports involvement factors, a unique group of underlying elements surfaced that proves valuable accustomed relationships concerning the significant impact sports/athletic training have on successful entrepreneurs’ ethical judgement skills.

Research limitations/implications
The active involvement in sports/athletic training undoubtedly plays a vital role in achieving entrepreneurs’ daily ethical judgement ability. However, this study was limited to the opinion of a small sample of participants in a specific field. Also, this study’s phenomenological nature requires the researcher’s interpretation of the results to be viewed as the truth.

Practical implications
This study provides a new perspective and validates how purposeful involvement in sports/athletic training regimens can boost the ethical judgement skills of entrepreneurs all-round. This study also proves powerful and new insight into the unique relationships among the accustomed factors and the underlying elements thereto – contributing beyond existing theory.

Originality/value
This study is novel and provides new and powerful insight into the ethical judgement skills and benefits derived thereof that can be developed by entrepreneurs from the active involvement in sports/athletic training.
Sustainability reporting and market value growth of quoted companies in Nigeria
Authors: Taiwo Oluwasikemi Janet , Owowlabi Babatunde Ayodeji , Adedokun Yemisi , Ogundajo Grace 
Published: July 2021

Purpose
This study aims to examine the effect of sustainability reporting on market value growth (MVG) of quoted companies in Nigeria. The corporate reporting system has evolved, and this study examined how it influences the perception of investors.

Design/methodology/approach
This study adopted an ex post facto research design with 167 listed firms as the population. A total of 28 quoted firms were chosen with the use of purposive sampling. Data from 2009 to 2018 were obtained from secondary sources. Content analysis was used as a tool to analyse the disclosures in sustainability reports. The model was estimated using pooled ordinary least square (multivariate regression). Company age and financial leverage were used as control variables.

Findings
This study found that the compliance level of the sampled firms with sustainability reporting requirements for the four dimensions are below average, and sustainability reporting does not have a significant effect on MVG with Prob. (F-stat) of 0.7212 > 0.05. Therefore, this study recommends that management should intensify efforts in ensuring maximum compliance with the sustainability reporting guideline of Global Reporting Initiative to reflect in their market value and ensure its growth.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the original idea of the authors, although references were made to previous related study but it is a unique research work of its own. The work contained in this paper (in full and part) has not been previously submitted to any other journal for publication.
How positive service experiences contribute to service captivity
Authors: Stavros Constantino , Westberg Kate , Russell Roslyn , Banks Marcus 
Published: July 2021

Purpose
Service captivity is described as the experience of constrained choice whereby a consumer has no power and feels unable to exit a service relationship. This study aims to explore how positive service experiences can contribute to service captivity in the alternative financial services (AFS) sector for consumers experiencing financial vulnerability.

Design/methodology/approach
A total of 31 interviews were undertaken with Australian consumers of payday loans and/or consumer leases.

Findings
The authors reveal a typology of consumers based on their financial vulnerability and their experience with AFS providers. Then they present three themes relating to how the marketing practices of these providers create a positive service experience, and, in doing so, can contribute to service captivity for consumers experiencing financial vulnerability.

Research limitations/implications
The benefits derived from positive service experiences, including accessible solutions, self-esteem, and a sense of control over their financial situation, contribute to the service captivity of some consumers, rendering alternative avenues less attractive.

Practical implications
AFS providers must ensure a socially responsible approach to their marketing practices to minimize potentially harmful outcomes for consumers. However, a systems-level approach is needed to tackle the wider issue of financial precarity. Policymakers need to address the marketplace gaps, regulatory frameworks and social welfare policies that contribute to both vulnerability and captivity.

Originality/value
This research extends the understanding of service captivity by demonstrating how positive service experiences can perpetuate this situation. Further, specific solutions are proposed at each level of the service system to address service captivity in the AFS sector.
COVID-19 early stage social acceptance of entry restrictions for international tourists to Japan
Authors: Jones Thomas , Nguyen Minh-Hoang 
Published: July 2021

PurposeDifferent countries have responded to the pandemic with distinct domestic and international travel restrictions. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the stringency of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) countermeasures in Japan against their G20 cohorts. Primary data were monitored at a ski resort in Kyushu regarding the social acceptance of initial COVID-19 countermeasures, ranging from hygiene and local “lockdowns” to border control measures.Design/methodology/approachThe stringency of the COVID-19 countermeasures was examined using data from the Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Tracker (OxCGRT) and triangulated with the early stage social acceptance of survey respondents in Aso Kuju National Park in February 2020 that consisted of 165 valid Japanese language questionnaires.FindingsAn one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) identified significant differences in social acceptance for countermeasures, with more-concerned respondents agreeing more strongly with “low-tech” health protocols, such as washing hands (M = 3.7) or wearing a mask (3.4). More concerned visitors were significantly more likely to modify their travel plans (2.9) or cancel their trip altogether (2.7). Male day trippers were less likely to be concerned by the COVID-19 pandemic.Originality/valueThis paper's originality is derived from a triangulation of the stringency of Japan's initial COVID-19 countermeasures via a combination of comparison with G20 cohorts and social acceptance of domestic snowboarders and skiers. Moreover, by shining a light on the trade-off between public health and human rights, the paper provides a current review of the ethical dimension of a travel restriction debate that is often overlooked in the ongoing pandemic.
Litigation against clients and audit report lag: an examination of the role of state ownership and regional legal development in China
Authors: Liu Hui , Cullinan Charles , Zhang Junrui 
Published: July 2021

PurposeCompanies may be defendants in lawsuits that are unresolved at year-end. This paper aims to consider whether the financial statements of companies facing litigation claims (pending litigation) are more time-consuming to audit due to the complexity and subjectivity of contingent liabilities associated with pending litigation. The authors consider whether auditors tailor their approach to pending litigation based on two distinct factors in the Chinese business environment: the client’s government ownership status and the legal development of the region in which the company is based.Design/methodology/approachData on litigation against companies and their audit report lags were obtained for 18,029 firm-year observations of Chinese companies from 2008 to 2017. The sample was subsequently divided based on whether the company was a state-owned enterprise (SOE) and based on whether the company was based in a region of China with a more-developed and more market-oriented legal system.FindingsThe overall results indicate that audits of companies with pending litigation take 2.9 days longer than those of companies without pending litigation. For companies with multiple pending claims, each additional claim is associated with 1.9 more days of audit report lag. These effects are weaker for SOEs and for companies in regions of China with less developed legal systems. The results are consistent with the idea that auditors tailor their response to pending litigation based on the risk profile of the client, including consideration of SOE status and regional legal development.Originality/valueThis paper is the first to consider the potential effect of pending litigation (including claims not disclosed or recognized in financial statements) on audit report lags and how environmental business factors can influence this relationship.