bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Somatic piRNAs and Transposons are Differentially Regulated During Skeletal Muscle Atrophy and Programmed Cell Death
Authors: Tsuji Junko , Thomson Travis , Brown Christine , Ghosh Subhanita , Theurkauf William E. , Weng Zhiping , Schwartz Lawrence M. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPiWi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are small single-stranded RNAs that can repress transposon expression via epigenetic silencing and transcript degradation. They have been identified predominantly in the ovary and testis, where they serve essential roles in transposon silencing in order to protect the integrity of the genome in the germline. The potential expression of piRNAs in somatic cells has been controversial. In the present study we demonstrate the expression of piRNAs derived from both genic and transposon RNAs in the intersegmental muscles (ISMs) from the tobacco hawkmothManduca sexta.These piRNAs are abundantly expressed, are ~27 nt long, map antisense to transposons, are oxidation resistant, exhibit a uridine bias at their first nucleotide, and amplify via the canonical ping-pong pathway. An RNA-seq analysis demonstrated that 20 piRNA pathway genes are expressed in the ISMs and are developmentally regulated. The abundance of piRNAs does not change when the muscles initiate developmentally-regulated atrophy, but are repressed when cells become committed to undergo programmed cell death at the end of metamorphosis. This change in piRNA expression is associated with the targeted repression of several retrotransposons and the induction of specific DNA transposons. The developmental changes in the expression of piRNAs, piRNA pathway genes, and transposons are all regulated by 20-hydroxyecdysone, the steroid hormone that controls the timing of ISM death. Taken together, these data provide compelling evidence for the existence of piRNA in somatic tissues and suggest that they may play roles in developmental processes such as programmed cell death.Author SummarypiRNAs are a class of small non-coding RNAs that suppress the expression of transposable elements, parasitic DNA that if reintegrated, can harm the integrity of the host genome. The expression of piRNAs and their associated regulatory proteins has been studied predominantly in germ cells and some stem cells. We have found that they are also expressed in skeletal muscles in the mothManduca sextathat undergo developmentally-regulated atrophy and programmed cell death at the end of metamorphosis. The expression of transposons becomes deregulated when the muscles become committed to die, which may play a functional role in the demise of the cell by inducing genome damage. piRNA-mediated control of transposons may represent a novel mechanism that contributes to the regulated death of highly differentiated somatic cells.
The anti-immune dengue subgenomic flaviviral RNA is found in vesicles in mosquito saliva and associated with increased infectivity
Authors: Yeh Shih-Chia , Tan Wei-Lian , Chowdhury Avisha , Chuo Vanessa , Kini R. Manjunatha , Pompon Julien , Garcia-Blanco Mariano A. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMosquito transmission of dengue viruses to humans starts with infection of skin resident cells at the biting site. There is great interest in identifying transmission-enhancing factors in mosquito saliva in order to counteract them. Here we report the discovery of high levels of subgenomic flaviviral RNA (sfRNA) in dengue virus 2-infected mosquito saliva. We show that salivary sfRNA is protected in detergent-sensitive, protease-resistant compartments. Furthermore, we show that incubation with mosquito saliva containing higher sfRNA levels results in higher virus infectivity in human cells. Since sfRNA potently inhibits innate immunity in human cells, we posit that sfRNA in mosquito saliva is present in extracellular vesicles that deliver it to cells at the biting site to inhibit innate immunity and enhance dengue virus transmission.
The Hob proteins are novel and conserved lipid binding proteins at ER-PM contact sites
Authors: Neuman Sarah D. , Jorgensen Jeff R. , Cavanagh Amy T. , Smyth Jeremy T. , Selegue Jane E. , Emr Scott D. , Bashirullah Arash 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACTMembrane contact sites are critical junctures for organelle signaling and communication. Endoplasmic reticulum-plasma membrane (ER-PM) contact sites were the first membrane contact sites to be described; however, the protein composition and molecular function of these sites is still emerging. Here, we leverage yeast andDrosophilamodel systems to uncover a novel role for the Hobbit/Hob proteins at ER-PM contact sites. We find that Hobbit localizes to ER-PM contact sites in both yeast cells and theDrosophilalarval salivary glands, and this localization is mediated by an N-terminal ER membrane anchor and conserved C-terminal sequences. The C-terminus of Hobbit binds to plasma membrane phosphatidylinositols, and the distribution of these lipids is altered inhobbitmutant cells. Notably, the Hobbit protein is essential for viability in higher animals, providing one of the first examples of a membrane contact site-localized lipid binding protein that is required for development.
Functional interdependence of the actin nucleator Cobl and Cobl-like in dendritic arbor development
Authors: Izadi Maryam , Seemann Eric , Schlobinski Dirk , Schwintzer Lukas , Qualmann Britta , Kessels Michael M. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractLocal actin filament formation is indispensable for development of the dendritic arbor of neurons. We show that, surprisingly, the action of single actin filament-promoting factors was insufficient for powering dendritogenesis. Instead, this process required the actin nucleator Cobl and its only evolutionary distant ancestor Cobl-like acting interdependently. This coordination between Cobl-like and Cobl was achieved by physical linkage by syndapin I. Syndapin I formed nanodomains at convex plasma membrane areas at the base of protrusive structures and interacted with three motifs in Cobl-like, one of which was Ca2+/calmodulin-regulated. Consistently, syndapin I, Cobl-like’s newly identified N terminal calmodulin-binding site and the single Ca2+/calmodulin-responsive syndapin-binding motif all were critical for Cobl-like’s functions. In dendritic arbor development, local Ca2+/CaM-controlled actin dynamics thus relies on regulated and physically coordinated interactions of different F-actin formation-promoting factors and only together they have the power to bring about the sophisticated neuronal morphologies required for neuronal network formation.
Do audit committee characteristics improve financial reporting quality in emerging markets? Evidence from Iran
Authors: Safari Gerayli Mehdi , Rezaei Pitenoei Yasser , Abdollahi Ahmad 
Published: March 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the association between certain audit committee characteristics like independence and financial expertise with financial reporting quality (FRQ) of the firms listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange (TSE).Design/methodology/approachThe sample includes the 558 firm-year observations from companies listed on the TSE during the years 2012–2017, and the study’s hypotheses were tested using multivariate regression model based on panel data.FindingsThe authors find that audit committee independence has no significant effect on corporate FRQ, whereas audit committee's financial expertise significantly improves firms' FRQ. In other words, higher financial expertise of an audit committee can lead to an increase in its FRQ. The findings of the study are robust to alternate measures of FRQ, individual analysis of the research hypotheses for each year and endogeneity problem.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to analyze the association between audit committee characteristics and FRQ in emerging capital markets, and so, the findings of the study not only extend the extant theoretical literature concerning the audit committee in developing countries including emerging capital market of Iran but also help investors, managers, capital market regulators, policymakers and audit profession regulators to make informed decisions.
Assessment of nutritional quality of snacks and beverages sold in university vending machines: a qualitative assessment
Authors: Faris MoezAlIslam E. , Al-Bakheit Ala'a , Hasan Hayder , Cheikh Ismail Leila , Jahrami Haitham , Rajab Dina , Afra Almashgouni Afra , Alshehhi Alanood , Aljabry Asma , Aljarwan Mariam , Alnaqbi Moza , Obaid Reyad Shaker 
Published: March 2021

PurposeVending machines (VMs) provide quick access for snack foods and beverages for students during their study days. These vended foods have been reported to affect the student's nutritional status and contributing to obesity by increasing the caloric intake. This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional value of snacks and beverages provided by VM at the university campuses.Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional observational study in one large urban university with four campuses was conducted. In total, 55 VMs were found distributed over 50 buildings of the four university campuses. Of the vending slots surveyed, only 57 snacks and beverage food items were found repeated. These items were vended and analyzed using nutrient databases, and their nutritional quality was assessed using nutrient adequacy ratio and nutritional quality score.FindingsMost vended snacks were salty (77%) and sweet (23%). Neither snacks nor beverages were nutrient-dense, and the majority (65%) of snacks and beverages were calorie-dense, with high contents of sugar, sodium and saturated fat; while they were low in vitamins C and A, calcium, iron, sodium, protein and dietary fibers. None of the vended beverages met the low calorie, low sugars and high-fiber criteria.Research limitations/implicationsOne limitation of the current work is represented in the fact that VM snacks and beverages are not fixed throughout the year days, and exposed to continuous changes, depending on the customers' attitudes and economic and financial considerations related to the operating contractor company and the customer students. Thus, a continuous, long-term evaluation is suggested to be conducted for a more representative and reflective evaluation of the nutritional quality of vended snacks and beverages.Practical implicationsPoor nutritional quality has been found for vended foods. Healthier food options should be provided to improve students' dietary intake.Social implicationsAttention has to be directed toward the nutritional quality of VM foods, and how to provide adolescents and young adults with healthy options.Originality/valueThis is the first study conducted in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Gulf Cooperation Council countries (GCC) assessing the nutritional value of vending machine foods in university settings.
Effects of internal marketing on strategic orientations in the banking sector
Authors: Mazzarolo Aloisio Henrique , Mainardes Emerson Wagner , Montemor Danilo Soares 
Published: March 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to assess whether internal marketing tends to influence the perception of bank employees regarding the strategic orientations of banks toward the market, brand and value. The authors also aimed to determine whether employees' organizational commitment mediates the relationship between internal marketing and the three strategic orientations and whether they influence bank employees' perception of obtaining a competitive advantage.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conducted a survey with 832 bank employees using an online questionnaire. The authors performed data analysis by modeling structural equations with data estimation using the PLS-SEM.FindingsThe results showed that internal marketing positively influences bank employees' perception of banks' strategic marketing orientations and through that their perception of a competitive advantage. The authors also note that organizational commitment can partially mediate the relationship between internal marketing and the strategic orientations tested in this study.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings indicate that banks' investment in employee valuation tends to generate positive results in relation to their adherence to marketing strategies, with the potential to result in a competitive advantage.Originality/valueThe results demonstrate the strength of internal marketing in the strategic orientations of banks, indicating that having employees who are committed to their bank contributes to the delivery of a high-quality service focused on the external customers, generating a competitive advantage.
How can universities improve student loyalty? The roles of university social responsibility, service quality, and “customer” satisfaction and trust
Authors: Latif Khawaja Fawad , Bunce Louise , Ahmad Muhammad Shakil 
Published: March 2021

PurposeStudent loyalty is important if universities are to stay in business by recruiting and retaining satisfied students who provide positive evaluations of their university to others. The current study employed a theoretical framework established by consumer researchers to test the hypothesis that university social responsibility (USR) would predict student loyalty, but that this relation would be mediated by perceived service quality, student satisfaction, and student trust in their university.Design/methodology/approachFee-paying university students in Pakistan (n = 608) completed a questionnaire to assess their perception of USR and service quality, their satisfaction with and trust in their university, and loyalty toward their university.FindingsStructural equation modelling with partial least squares software supported the hypotheses that higher perceived USR would be related to higher student loyalty, and that this relation would be mediated by perceived service quality, student satisfaction, and student trust.Originality/valueThis study provides a novel contribution to the limited literature on USR and its relations with student loyalty. Several models have previously examined the relation between corporate social responsibility and general consumer loyalty, but these have limited applicability to the education sector. The data in this study support a model showing that USR supports student loyalty through its positive impact on perceptions of service quality, student satisfaction, and student trust. The findings suggest that USR could be a marketing tool that supports student loyalty, as long as USR initiatives increase students' perceptions of service quality, satisfaction and trust in their university.
Reliability and validation of an instrument for measuring problems with performance appraisal of automotive parts manufacturing employees
Authors: Na-Nan Khahan , Joungtrakul Jamnean , Smith Ian David , Sanamthong Ekkasit 
Published: March 2021

PurposeTo develop and validate an instrument to measure the problems associated with performance appraisal.Design/methodology/approachThe implementation was in two phases. Phase 1 involved the development and validation of an instrument to measure the problems with performance appraisal. Phase 2 involved the exploration and confirm the construct measurement. Data used in Phase 1 were collected from interviews with administrators and employees in the automotive parts manufacturing industry and five experts. In Phase 2, data were derived from questionnaires sent to 320 employees of automotive parts manufacturers in the Eastern Region of Thailand.FindingsProblems concerning performance appraisals were classified into two components as problems with the appraisal process and problems with the appraising person. The concepts, theories and interview results that were used to develop the instrument and assess problems with performance appraisals were consistent with the empirical evidence.Practical implicationsThe developed instrument may be used to measure problem levels of performance appraisals in organizations with high accuracy and reliability. Findings may be used as guidelines for management to effectively reduce problems with performance appraisals. The instrument may also be used for research measurement of organizational problems concerning performance appraisal.Social implicationsFairness, transparency and testability are aspects of effective management. Ignorance of problems in performance appraisals may have negative effects on a conducive working atmosphere and behaviors at the personal, group and organizational levels. Therefore, the findings of this study have social implications for the capability to examine fairness in employees' performance appraisals.Originality/valueThe instrument for measuring problems with performance appraisal was developed based on the combination of concepts, theories and interview and questionnaire data. This instrument facilitates human resource officers, managers and organizations in measuring the levels of problems with performance appraisals.
How to leverage manufacturing digitalization for green process innovation: an information processing perspective
Authors: Wei Zelong , Sun Lulu 
Published: March 2021

PurposeThe aim of this study was to examine how manufacturing digitalization can be leveraged to promote green innovation in the digital era by investigating the effects of manufacturing digitalization on green process innovation, and thus firm performance. The authors also explored how the role of manufacturing digitalization varies with horizontal information sharing, vertical bottom-up learning and technological modularization.Design/methodology/approachFive hypotheses were examined by performing regression analyses on survey data from 334 manufacturing firms in China.FindingsManufacturing digitalization positively affects green process innovation, and thus firm performance. Furthermore, this positive effect is strengthened by horizontal information sharing and technological modularization and weakened by vertical bottom-up learning.Originality/valueThis study extends the literature rooted in the natural-resource-based view by identifying the crucial role of green process innovation and investigating the value of manufacturing digitalization for developing green capabilities in the digital era. It also contributes to this line of research by revealing contingent factors to leverage manufacturing digitalization from the information processing perspective. Furthermore, this study extends information processing theory to the digital context and identifies the interaction of organizational design (vertical bottom-up learning and horizontal information sharing) and digital investment (manufacturing digitalization).
Impact of workplace frustration on online gamer loyalty
Authors: Liao Gen-Yih , Pham Thi Tuan Linh , Huang Tzu-Ling , Cheng T.C.E. , Teng Ching-I 
Published: March 2021

PurposeOnline games are prevalent internet applications and are known for satisfying the various needs of users. Nonetheless, little is known about whether online games could be a resort for users encountering workplace frustration. Explaining how workplace frustration and users' need satisfaction affect loyalty of online gamers, this study aims to formulate hypotheses and develop a framework based on the self-determination theory (SDT).Design/methodology/approachThe authors use an online survey to collect 848 responses and use structural equation modelling to test the hypotheses.FindingsThe authors find that workplace frustration, autonomy need satisfaction and competence need satisfaction are positively related to online gamer loyalty. Moreover, workplace frustration enhances the link between competence need satisfaction and online gamer loyalty.Originality/valueThe authors are the first to use SDT to identify the three antecedents and the moderator of online gamer loyalty. Our findings offer a key message that game providers could design effective means to retain their gamers by understanding their gamers' workplace frustration and informing them that playing games could alleviate the associated negative feelings.
Understanding the effects of personality traits on solver engagement in crowdsourcing communities: a moderated mediation investigation
Authors: Shi Xiaoxiao , Evans Richard , Pan Wei , Shan Wei 
Published: March 2021

PurposeCrowdsourcing communities enable companies to post challenges that are completed by solvers (workers); their success depends on engagement, requiring both creativity and effort. This study explores solver engagement in online crowdsourcing communities, advancing the theory of trait engagement by investigating the mediating roles of: (a) task-related self-efficacy in linking conscientiousness, neuroticism and extraversion, with solver engagement, and (b) task complexity in influencing the mediation.Design/methodology/approach215 valid responses were obtained from solvers engaged in the popular Chinese crowdsourcing community, Epwk.com, using an online questionnaire. PLS was then used to analyze the data.FindingsResults show that self-efficacy mediates the relationships for conscientiousness, neuroticism and extraversion, with solver engagement. Moderated mediation analysis revealed that self-efficacy mediates the relationships for: (a) conscientiousness and extraversion, for only solvers with high task complexity; and (b) neuroticism, for only solvers with low task complexity.Originality/valueThe authors’ findings underscore the importance of accounting for solvers' situational contexts when examining the relationships between personality, self-efficacy and solver engagement in online crowdsourcing communities.
Top management support and knowledge sharing: the strategic role of affiliation and trust in academic environment
Authors: Lo Man Fung , Tian Feng , Ng Peggy Mei Lan 
Published: March 2021

Purpose
Knowledge sharing, the most important process in knowledge management, enables knowledge-intensive organizations to foster innovations and to gain competitiveness. Universities, the best contemporary embodiments of knowledge-intensive organizations, nowadays face fiercer competition in the changing world. Knowledge sharing is the key for academic departments to gain competitive advantages through innovation. However, limited studies examined the relationships between top management support, knowledge sharing and affiliation and trust. Based on the literature review, this study developed a research model which aims to examine the relationship between top management support and knowledge sharing, and the mediating role played by affiliation and trust.

Design/methodology/approach
A questionnaire survey was conducted in eight universities in Hong Kong. Data gathered from 109 professoriate staff (including chairs, professors and [research] associate/assistant professors) were used to test the four hypotheses in the research model with partial least squares structural equation modeling.

Findings
The results showed that top management support has a positive impact on affiliation and trust, and that affiliation and trust also have a positive impact on knowledge sharing. However, this study showed an insignificant linkage between top management support and knowledge sharing. Therefore, this study confirmed the mediating role played by affiliation and trust.

Practical implications
Based on the results, this study provided recommendations on how academic management and knowledge management consultants increase the faculty members’ affiliation and trust, for instance, mentoring, performance appraisal system, social interactions and communication pathways.

Originality/value
The findings of this study contribute to the literature in two ways. First, affiliation and trust are two interplayed elements of team climate that should be considered together. Second, this study validates affiliation and trust as a full mediator between top management support and knowledge sharing.