bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
NAP1L1 and NAP1L4 binding to Hypervariable Domain of Chikungunya Virus nsP3 Protein is bivalent and requires phosphorylation
Authors: Dominguez Francisco , Shiliaev Nikita , Lukash Tetyana , Agback Peter , Palchevska Oksana , Gould Joseph R. , Meshram Chetan D. , Prevelige Peter E. , Green Todd J. , Agback Tatiana , Frolova Elena I. , Frolov Ilya 
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACTChikungunya virus (CHIKV) is one of the most pathogenic members of the Alphavirus genus in the Togaviridae family. Within the last two decades, CHIKV has expanded its presence to both hemispheres and is currently circulating in both Old and New Worlds. Despite the severity and persistence of the arthritis it causes in humans, no approved vaccines or therapeutic means have been developed for CHIKV infection. Replication of alphaviruses, including CHIKV, is determined not only by their nonstructural proteins, but also by a wide range of host factors, which are indispensable components of viral replication complexes (vRCs). Alphavirus nsP3s contain hypervariable domains (HVDs), which encode multiple motifs that drive recruitment of cell- and virus-specific host proteins into vRCs. Our previous data suggested that NAP1 family members are a group of host factors that may interact with CHIKV nsP3 HVD. In this study, we performed a detailed investigation of the NAP1 function in CHIKV replication in vertebrate cells. Our data demonstrate that i) the NAP1-HVD interactions have strong stimulatory effects on CHIKV replication; ii) both NAP1L1 and NAP1L4 interact with the CHIKV HVD; iii) NAP1 family members interact with two motifs, which are located upstream and downstream of the G3BP-binding motifs of CHIKV HVD; iv) NAP1 proteins interact only with a phosphorylated form of CHIKV HVD and HVD phosphorylation is mediated by CK2 kinase; v) NAP1 and other families of host factors redundantly promote CHIKV replication and their bindings have additive stimulatory effects on viral replication.IMPORTANCECellular proteins play critical roles in the assembly of alphavirus replication complexes (vRCs). Their recruitment is determined by the viral nonstructural protein 3 (nsP3). This protein contains a long, disordered hypervariable domain (HVD), which encodes virus-specific combinations of short linear motifs interacting with host factors during vRC assembly. Our study defined the binding mechanism of NAP1 family members to CHIKV HVD and demonstrated a stimulatory effect of this interaction on viral replication. We showed that interaction with NAP1L1 is mediated by two HVD motifs and requires phosphorylation of HVD by CK2 kinase. Based on the accumulated data, we present a map of the binding motifs of the critical host factors currently known to interact with CHIKV HVD. It can be used to manipulate cell specificity of viral replication and pathogenesis, and to develop a new generation of vaccine candidates.
A coarse-grained approach to model the dynamics of the actomyosin cortex
Authors: Hernández-del-Valle Miguel , Valencia-Expósito Andrea , López-Izquierdo Antonio , Casanova-Ferrer Pau , Tarazona Pedro , Martín-Bermudo Maria D. , Míguez David G. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe dynamics of the actomyosin machinery is at the core of many important biological processes. Several relevant cellular responses such as the rhythmic compression of the cell cortex are governed, at a mesoscopic level, by the nonlinear interaction between actin monomers, actin crosslinkers and myosin motors. Coarse grained models are an optimal tool to study actomyosin systems, since they can include processes that occur at long time and space scales, while maintaining the most relevant features of the molecular interactions. Here, we present a coarse grained model of a two-dimensional actomyosin cortex, adjacent to a three-dimensional cytoplasm. Our simplified model incorporates only well characterized interactions between actin monomers, actin crosslinkers and myosin, and it is able to reproduce many of the most important aspects of actin filament and actomyosin network formation, such as dynamics of polymerization and depolymerization, treadmilling, network formation and the autonomous oscillatory dynamics of actomyosin. Furthermore, the model can be used to predict the in vivo response of actomyosin networks to changes in key parameters of the system, such as alterations in the anchor of actin filaments to the cell cortex.
The transcriptome of Schistosoma mansoni developing eggs reveals key mediators in pathogenesis and life cycle propagation
Authors: Lu Zhigang , Sankaranarayanan Geetha , Rawlinson Kate , Offord Victoria , Brindley Paul J. , Berriman Matt , Rinaldi Gabriel 
Published: May 2021

AbstractSchistosomiasis, the most important helminthic disease of humanity, is caused by infection with parasitic flatworms of the genus Schistosoma. The disease is driven by the eggs laid by the parasites and becoming trapped in host tissues, followed by inflammation and granuloma formation. Despite abundant transcriptome data for most developmental stages of the three main human-infective schistosome species, i.e. Schistosoma mansoni, S. japonicum and S. haematobium, the transcriptomic profiles of developing eggs remain largely unexplored. In this study, we performed RNAseq of S. mansoni eggs laid in vitro during early and late embryogenesis (days 1-3 and 3-6 post-oviposition, respectively). Analysis of the transcriptomes identified hundreds of up-regulated genes during the later stage, including venom allergen-like (VAL) proteins, well-established host immunomodulators, and genes involved in organogenesis of the miracidium larva. In addition, the transcriptomes of the in vitro laid eggs were compared with existing publicly available RNA-seq dataset from S. mansoni eggs collected from the livers of murine hosts. Analysis of enriched GO terms and pathway annotations revealed cell division and protein synthesis processes associated with early embryogenesis, whereas cellular metabolic processes, microtubule-based movement, and microtubule cytoskeleton organization were found enriched in the later developmental time point. This is the first transcriptomic analysis of S. mansoni embryonic development, and will facilitate our understanding of infection pathogenesis, miracidia development and life cycle progression of schistosomes.
Viscoelasticity of basal plasma membranes and cortices derived from MDCK II cells
Authors: Janshoff Andreas 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn mature epithelial cells, however, cells adhere to one another through tight junctions, adherens junctions and desmosomes thereby displaying a pronounced apical-basal polarity. In vivo, the apical membrane has a larger surface area and faces the outer surface of the body or the lumen of internal cavities, whereas the basolateral membrane is oriented on the side away from the lumen and forms focal adhesions with the extracellular matrix. The mechanical properties of cells are largely determined by the architecture and dynamics of their viscoelastic cortex, which consists of a contractile, cross-linked actin mesh attached to the plasma membrane via linker proteins. Measuring the mechanical properties of adherent, polarized epithelial cells is usually limited to the upper, i.e., apical side of the cells due to their accessibility on culture dishes. Moreover, contributions from the cell interior comprising various filament types, organelles, and the crowded cytoplasm usually impede examination of the cortex alone. Here, we investigate the viscoelastic properties of basolateral membranes derived from polarized MDCK II epithelia in response to external deformation and compare them to living cells probed at the apical side. Therefore, we grew MDCK II cells on porous surfaces to confluency and removed the upper cell body by sandwich cleavage. The free-standing, defoliated cortices were subject to force indentation and relaxation experiments permitting a precise assessment of cortical viscoelasticity. A new theoretical framework to describe the force cycles is developed and applied to obtain the time-dependent area compressibility modulus of cell cortices from adherent cells. Compared to the viscoelastic response of living cells the basolateral membranes are substantially less fluid and stiffer but obey to the same universal scaling law if excess area is taken into account.
What drives restaurant competitive productivity (CP): a comprehensive examination at meso-micro levels
Authors: Cho Meehee , Bonn Mark A. , Jung Hyo Sun 
Published: May 2021

PurposeThis study identified essential drivers of competitive productivity (CP) within the restaurant context at the meso-micro levels. Following evidence from previous research, this paper aims to discover if the relationships between the proposed drivers and restaurant competitive productivity (RCP) would differ based upon years in operations as a restaurant business (startup vs established).Design/methodology/approachData analysis was conducted using responses obtained from US restaurant managers. Structural equation modeling assessed the hypothesized relationships. Additionally, multi-group analyses were conducted to test the proposed moderating roles of restaurant firm age within the proposed model.FindingsResults documented that competitive personality, development and motivation were positively associated with employee competitive productivity (ECP) at the micro-level. Also, ECP, employee training, resource rareness, brand image and organizational culture were significantly and positively related to RCP at the meso-level. Additionally, the positive relationships between ECP and organizational culture, and RCP were greater in the established restaurant group compared with the startup group. However, the relationship between brand image and RCP was greater in the restaurant startup group than in the established group.Practical implicationsThis study offered empirical evidence regarding a combination of meso and micro level drivers and their roles in improving RCP. Findings can be adopted to develop effective operational strategies to improve RCP.Originality/valueAlthough RCP is critical and is proposed to be created by a comprehensive set of drivers considering organizational (meso-) and individual (micro-) situations, no literature has yet to adopt this comprehensive approach to assess RCP. This study focused on firm age and offered new knowledge about the need for developing specific strategies to improve RCP.
Analysing workforce development challenges in the Industry 4.0
Authors: Ozkan-Ozen Yesim Deniz , Kazancoglu Yigit 
Published: May 2021

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to identify and analyse workforce development challenges in the digital age by first, presenting these challenges and relationship between them, and then proposing a structural model that categorizes these challenges and proposes suggestions for managers to improve human resources practices and firm performance.Design/methodology/approachFuzzy total interpretive structural modelling (TISM) is used as the methodology, which gives an interpretive structural model by presenting direct and transitive relationship between workforce development challenges and categorizes them under autonomous, dependent, independent and linkage groups.FindingsIn total, 13 different workforce development challenges are presented in this study. Results showed that lack of IT/digital skills has a critical role in workforce development in terms of affecting other challenges. Dependent group includes requirements for longer learning time and specialized training, lack of analytical thinking and dealing with complexity, and lack of interdisciplinary thinking and acting. On the other hand, lack of ability in decentralized decision-making and shortage of workforce with adequate skillset within the labour market have more macro-impacts on others. Most of the challenges located in the linkage group, which means that most of the challenges are interrelated with each other.Originality/valueOriginality of this paper is presenting a systematic structure for workforce development in Industry 4.0 that considers challenges systematically.
An exploration of engagement in community based creative activities as an occupation for older adults
Authors: Edwards Luned , Owen-Booth Bethan 
Published: May 2021

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of older adults (aged 60 and over) participating in community-based creative arts. With an ever increasing ageing population, understanding the benefits of leisure occupations such as community creative arts will be vital for Occupational Therapists in facilitating participation and active engagement.

Design/methodology/approach
An empirical qualitative research design with an interpretive phenomenological approach was undertaken. A purposive sampling method enlisted four older adult volunteers whose experiences of creative arts were explored through semi-structured interviews. Interview data were analysed thematically.

Findings
Participants identified many benefits of engaging in community creative arts. Four main themes were identified, namely, “personal benefits”, “choice” in their occupation, “encouragement” to and from others, with the environment facilitating “socialising”. These resulted in improved occupational performance and positive well-being outcomes.

Originality/value
The study complements national policy and extends evidence-based practice on the potential well-being benefits on older adults. In support of the preventative agenda, occupational therapists may apply these findings to increase social prescribing within practice.
The beauty of constructive culture: planting the seeds for widespread performance information use among councilors
Authors: Rajala Tomi , Sinervo Lotta-Maria 
Published: May 2021

PurposeAlthough politicians' use of performance information affects political decisions and, through them, the well-being of society, there is a lack of studies exploring what contextual factors are associated with annual active performance information use among politicians. Furthermore, past studies on this subject have been cross-sectional rather than longitudinal.Design/methodology/approachIn this qualitative case study, triangulation of observations and 10 semi-structured interviews were used to ensure the robustness of findings. The study was conducted in a Finnish municipality known as Kangasala.FindingsA dialogue culture, constructive political climate, trusted information sources and high-quality information attained via accessible information channels explained the high information use in primarily unfavorable conditions to such use. The authors’ findings contradict many prior interview and survey studies that did not recognize the simultaneous contributions of the information provider, channel and quality, along with organizational and environmental factors to high performance information use. The results contradict to some extent the findings from other countries as these studies have explained high levels of use with unique combinations of drivers, whereas we identify common attributes of these combinations and talk about their meaning in the success of Kangasala's public financial management. However, the findings of this case study cannot be generalized.Originality/valueThis study describes a case organization that created a supportive environment for politicians' frequent performance information use that contributed to improvements. Past studies provide little knowledge about establishing sustained high levels of information use among politicians, so the case offers ideas and inspiration for improving this use.
Post-war city to a tourism city: the perspectives of local stakeholders on post-war city tourism development in Jaffna, Sri Lanka
Authors: Dissanayake DMMI , Samarathunga WHMS 
Published: May 2021

PurposeWars destroy the tourism cities by causing damages to their cultural and natural attractions. However, the post-war cities have great upward potentials to develop through careful and integrated tourism planning. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to identify the perspectives of local stakeholders on tourism development in a post-war city.Design/methodology/approachThe study used qualitative methods in collecting and analysing the data while closely referring to pertinent literature. Interviews, observations and focus-group discussions have been the main data collection tools and content analysis was performed with NVivo (v.12) to analyse the data.FindingsAnalysis of interviews, focus group discussion findings and observations highlighted the availability of a plethora of tourism potentials within post-war Jaffna that include, both cultural and natural attractions: Hindu Kovils and Buddhist temples, colonial heritage, traditional cuisines and way of life, beaches, flora and fauna and sceneries. The study further identified a lack of professionals, absence of a master plan, remoteness, poor infrastructure and absence of tourist activities as main obstacles for tourism development in Jaffna. Finally, implications are forwarded based on stakeholders’ perspectives to promote post-war city tourism in Jaffna.Originality/valueWars are not common, and post-war tourism cities are rare. The present study is focused on a destination where the war has ended, causing much damages to the destination. The study evaluates the tourism potentials and challenges based on stakeholders’ perspectives and forwards implications for city tourism development despite post-war empirical glitches, which have rarely been addressed in the tourism literature.
Investigating the influence of absorptive capacity of recipients within cross-border transfer of knowledge: evidence from emerging markets
Authors: Mehreen Hina , Rammal Hussain Gulzar , Pereira Vijay , Del Giudice Manlio 
Published: May 2021

PurposeThis study aims to investigate whether the absorptive capacity, learning intent of the recipient, the attractiveness of the knowledge source and the relationship quality between the recipient and the source in high-technology sectors in emerging markets influences the nature of the intra-organizational knowledge being transferred.Design/methodology/approachA total of 180 completed survey responses from all cellular network providers operating in Pakistan were analyzed. This study uses multiple regression analysis to empirically tests the above relationships using data from the cellular network sector in Pakistan.FindingsThe findings highlight how the highly educated workforce and the motivation to learn has an impact on the effective cross-border sharing of knowledge, both technological and marketing knowledge.Originality/valueThis study is one of the few to test the factors that influence the effective and efficient transfer of knowledge from developed to emerging markets.
International marketing studies in banking and finance: a comprehensive review and integrative framework
Authors: Battisti Enrico , Graziano Elvira Anna , Leonidou Erasmia , Stylianou Ioanna , Pereira Vijay 
Published: May 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive analysis of international marketing (IM) studies within the context of banking and finance (B&F), articulating its significance and relevance in view of the growing influence of this topic in the global economy.Design/methodology/approachThe systematic review methodology was applied for the purpose of identifying the relevant studies, as well as the key themes and dominant concepts. In establishing a quality benchmark for the review results, the final sample included articles published in peer-reviewed academic journals ranked 3, 4 and 4* in the ABS 2018 journal list, a common practice in existing systematic review studies.FindingsBased on a systematic review of 66 studies, the results reveal that the topic has grown and continues to expand within the broader IM field over the past 35 years. From the proposed integrative framework, it is possible to identify the links between several IM subjects and B&F topics, highlighting a different intensity of studies and in-depth analysis among the various specific areas investigated.Originality/valueThe authors map and critically evaluate the extant IM research in B&F context for the purpose of increasing its coherence, scope and international dimension. Finally, the authors present a multidisciplinary, integrative framework that organizes the existing literature, provides the theoretical basis for scholars to further expand the boundaries of the domain and serves as a guiding tool for practitioners.
Female lens in urban mobility: technology-use behavior and individual differences
Authors: Cassitas Hino Marcia , Cunha Maria Alexandra 
Published: May 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate how women's individual differences influence urban mobility service technology-use behavior. The reduction in urban mobility is a major problem in countries with emerging economies, thus affecting both the economy and quality of life.Design/methodology/approachThe theoretical approach follows the individual differences theory of gender and information technology (IDTGIT). This research combines structured interviews to understand how the use of urban mobility service technology in daily routines is perceived, questionnaires to map individual differences and user demonstrations to capture how participants used mobility applications on their cell phones.FindingsThis study shows the influence of individual characteristics on the use of mobile apps and presents five behavioral profiles of women. This article goes beyond gender segregation to also show intragender differences.Practical implicationsThis study explains women's behavior regarding urban mobility mobile applications through the generation of five profiles. These profiles can inform public policy managers on urban mobility and provide opportunities for improving the services of companies in the urban transport service chain.Originality/valueWith an intragender perspective, this study identifies the influence of individual characteristics on the use of technology and suggests that contextual identity, a novel dimension of characteristics that influence technology-use behavior, is relevant in the adoption of technology by its users.
Pedagogical transitions experienced by higher education faculty members – “Pre-Covid to Covid”
Authors: Pandya Bharti , Patterson Louise , Cho BooYun 
Published: May 2021

PurposeThis study aimed to analyse if significant pedagogical transitions occurred from Pre-Covid-19 to Covid-19 period concerning applied teaching methods, course content, assessment strategies, technical support and faculty's readiness.Design/methodology/approachThis is a quantitative study wherein perceptions of 116 faculty (from higher education institutions) from 22 countries were collected through an online survey. The authors classified the responses by five measurement characteristics and treatment, that is, Pre-Covid and during Covid. ANOVA test identified the differences between the ten groups. The authors also conducted ANOVA test for five Pre-Covid groups and five Covid groups and found meaningful differences among those groups.FindingsThe authors compared the differences by the treatment, that is, Pre-Covid and Covid, and found the significant difference in teaching methods, assessment strategies and faculty's readiness while there was no significant difference found in course content and technological support.Practical implicationsThe findings and recommendations have a practical application for higher education leaders, curriculum managers and faculty working within this academic environment of online learning either completely remote or hybrid.Originality/valueThe interpretive analysis suggests key improvement areas where education policymakers and higher education strategists need to pay attention to developing strategies and be proactive to cope with any future emergencies whilst maintaining high standards of teaching and learning. This includes devising strategies to prepare faculty competencies to teach in a virtual learning environment, to revamp the assessment strategies and teaching methods.