bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Translation, adaptation, and validation of the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) for use in Japan: A multicenter cross-sectional study
Authors: Aoki Takuya , Yamamoto Yosuke , Nakata Tomoaki
Published: May 2020

Objectives. The Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) is a well-established and internationally recognized scale for measuring patient experience with hospital inpatient care. This study aimed to develop a Japanese version of the HCAHPS and to examine its structural validity, criterion-related validity, and internal consistency reliability.
Design. Multicenter cross-sectional study.
Setting. A total of 48 hospitals in Japan.
Participants. Patients aged ≥ 16 years who were discharged from the participating hospitals.
Results. We translated the HCAHPS into Japanese according to the guidelines. Psychometric properties were examined using data from 6,522 patients. A confirmatory factor analysis showed excellent goodness of fit of the same factor structure as that of the original HCAHPS, with the following composites: communication with nurses, communication with doctors, responsiveness of hospital staff, hospital environment, communication about medicines, and discharge information. All hospital-level Pearson correlation coefficients between the Japanese HCAHPS composites and overall hospital rating exceeded the criteria. Results of inter-item correlations indicated adequate internal consistency reliability.
Conclusions. We developed the Japanese HCAHPS, and evaluated its structural validity, criterion-related validity, and internal consistency reliability. This scale could be used for quality improvement based on the assessment of patient experience with hospital care and for health services research in Japan.
How well can we forecast the COVID-19 pandemic with curve fitting and recurrent neural networks?
Authors: Zhao Zhuowen , Nehil-Puleo Kieran , Zhao Yangzhi
Published: May 2020

Predictions of the COVID-19 pandemic in USA are compared using curve fitting and various recurrent neural networks (RNNs) including the standard long short-term memory (LSTM) RNN and 10 types of slim LSTM RNNs. The curve fitting method predicts the pandemic would end in early summer but the exact date and scale vary with the evolving data used for fitting. All LSTM RNNs result in short-term (8 to 10 days) predictions with comparable accuracies (smaller than 10 %) to curve fitting—they do not show advantage over curve fitting.
A concise, machine learning-based questionnaire that screens for insomnia and apnoea in the general population
Authors: Yu Yizhou , Jackson Samantha , Björnsdóttir Erla , Oulton Charles
Published: May 2020

Poor sleep is a major public health problem with implications for a wide range of critical health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease, obesity, mental health, and neurodegenerative disease.1,2 The most prevalent sleep disorders are insomnia and sleep apnoea. While questionnaires aimed at detecting and quantifying sleep problems have been used for years and proven to be reliable,3-6 they are often very extensive and scientifically worded. Here, we propose that the general population can use the SleepHubs Check-up (SHC), a concise questionnaire as a screening tool for sleep apnoea and insomnia. We validated the SHC against widely-used sleep questionnaires. These include the Insomnia Sleep Index (ISI)5 for detection of insomnia risk, as well as STOP-Bang3 and Multivariable Apnoea Prediction Index (MAPI)7,8 for the detection of sleep apnoea risk. We built a multivariate linear model to predict the ISI score based on the SHC questions and obtained an R2 of 0.60. For the detection of sleep apnoea, we constructed a convoluted neural network to predict the risk of apnoea from the SHC questions, and obtained an accuracy of 0.91. The SHC is therefore a reliable and accessible tool for the detection of latent sleep problems in the general public. Future work will aim at increasing the input data to improve the accuracy.
Fusing a Bayesian case velocity model with random forest for predicting COVID-19 in the U.S.
Authors: Watson Gregory L , Xiong Di , Zhang Lu , Zoller Joseph A , Shamshoian John , Sundin Phillip , Bufford Teresa , Rimoin Anne W , Suchard Marc A , Ramirez Christina M
Published: May 2020

Predictions of COVID-19 case growth and mortality are critical to the decisions of political leaders, businesses, and individuals grappling with the pandemic. This predictive task is challenging due to the novelty of the virus, limited data, and dynamic political and societal responses.
We embed a Bayesian nonlinear mixed model and a random forest algorithm within an epidemiological compartmental model for empirically grounded COVID-19 predictions. The Bayesian case model fits a location-specific curve to the velocity (first derivative) of the transformed cumulative case count, borrowing strength across geographic locations and incorporating prior information to obtain a posterior distribution for case trajectory. The compartmental model uses this distribution and predicts deaths using a random forest algorithm trained on COVID-19 data and population-level characteristics, yielding daily projections and interval estimates for infections and deaths in U.S. states. We evaluate forecasting accuracy on a two-week holdout set, finding that the model predicts COVID-19 cases and deaths well, with a mean absolute scaled error of 0.40 for cases and 0.32 for deaths throughout the two-week evaluation period. The substantial variation in predicted trajectories and associated uncertainty between states is illustrated by comparing three unique locations: New York, Ohio, and Mississippi. The sophistication and accuracy of this COVID-19 model offer reliable predictions and uncertainty estimates for the current trajectory of the pandemic in the U.S. and provide a platform for future predictions as shifting political and societal responses alter its course.
Distinct conformational states of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein
Authors: Cai Yongfei , Zhang Jun , Xiao Tianshu , Peng Hanqin , Sterling Sarah M. , Walsh Richard M. , Rawson Shaun , Rits-Volloch Sophia , Chen Bing
Published: May 2020

The ongoing SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) pandemic has created urgent needs for intervention strategies to control the crisis. The spike (S) protein of the virus forms a trimer and catalyzes fusion between viral and target cell membranes - the first key step of viral infection. Here we report two cryo-EM structures, both derived from a single preparation of the full-length S protein, representing the prefusion (3.1Å resolution) and postfusion (3.3Å resolution) conformations, respectively. The spontaneous structural transition to the postfusion state under mild conditions is independent of target cells. The prefusion trimer forms a tightly packed structure with three receptor-binding domains clamped down by a segment adjacent to the fusion peptide, significantly different from recently published structures of a stabilized S ectodomain trimer. The postfusion conformation is a rigid tower-like trimer, but decorated by N-linked glycans along its long axis with almost even spacing, suggesting possible involvement in a mechanism protecting the virus from host immune responses and harsh external conditions. These findings advance our understanding of how SARS-CoV-2 enters a host cell and may guide development of vaccines and therapeutics.
A novel fragmented mitochondrial genome in the protist pathogenToxoplasma gondiiand related tissue coccidia
Authors: Namasivayam Sivaranjani , Baptista Rodrigo P. , Xiao Wenyuan , Hall Erica M. , Doggett Joseph S. , Troell Karin , Kissinger Jessica C.
Published: May 2020

Mitochondrial genome content and structure vary widely across the eukaryotic tree of life with protists displaying extreme examples. Apicomplexan and dinoflagellate protists have evolved highly-reduced mitochondrial genome sequences, mtDNA, consisting of only 3 cytochrome genes and fragmented rRNA genes. Here we report the independent evolution of fragmented cytochrome genes inToxoplasmaand related tissue coccidia and evolution of a novel genome architecture consisting minimally of 21 sequence blocks (SBs) that exist as non-random concatemers. Single-molecule Nanopore reads consisting entirely of SB concatemers ranging from 1-23 kb reveal both whole and fragmented cytochrome genes. Full-length cytochrome transcripts including a divergentcoxIIIare detected. The topology of the mitochondrial genome remains an enigma. Analysis of acobpoint mutation reveals that homoplasmy of SB’s is maintained. Tissue coccidia are important pathogens of man and animals and the mitochondrion represents an important therapeutic target. Their mtDNA sequence has remained elusive until now.
REMBRANDT: A high-throughput barcoded sequencing approach for COVID-19 screening
Authors: Palmieri Dario , Siddiqui Jalal , Gardner Anne , Fishel Richard , Miles Wayne O.
Published: May 2020

The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), also known as 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), is a highly infectious RNA virus. A still-debated percentage of patients develop coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) after infection, whose symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath and fatigue. Acute and life-threatening respiratory symptoms are experienced by 10-20% of symptomatic patients, particularly those with underlying medical conditions that includes diabetes, COPD and pregnancy. One of the main challenges in the containment of COVID-19 is the identification and isolation of asymptomatic/pre-symptomatic individuals. As communities re-open, large numbers of people will need to be tested and contact-tracing of positive patients will be required to prevent additional waves of infections and enable the continuous monitoring of the viral loads COVID-19 positive patients. A number of molecular assays are currently in clinical use to detect SARS-CoV-2. Many of them can accurately test hundreds or even thousands of patients every day. However, there are presently no testing platforms that enable more than 10,000 tests per day. Here, we describe the foundation for the REcombinase Mediated BaRcoding and AmplificatioN Diagnostic Tool (REMBRANDT), a high-throughput Next Generation Sequencing-based approach for the simultaneous screening of over 100,000 samples per day. The REMBRANDT protocol includes direct two-barcoded amplification of SARS-CoV-2 and control amplicons using an isothermal reaction, and the downstream library preparation for Illumina sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. This protocol represents a potentially powerful approach for community screening, a major bottleneck for testing samples from a large patient population for COVID-19.
Epitope-Based Peptide Vaccine Against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus-2 Nucleocapsid Protein: Anin silicoApproach
Authors: Rakib Ahmed , Sami Saad Ahmed , Islam Md. Ashiqul , Ahmed Shahriar , Faiz Farhana Binta , Khanam Bibi Humayra , Uddin Mir Muhammad Nasir , Emran Talha Bin
Published: May 2020

With an increasing fatality rate, severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has emerged as a promising threat to human health worldwide. SARS-CoV-2 is a member of theCoronaviridaefamily, which is transmitted from animal to human and because of being contagious, further it transmitted human to human. Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) has announced the infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, which is known as coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-2019) as a global pandemic. But, no specific medications are available for the treatment of COVID-19 so far. As a corollary, there is a need for a potential vaccine to impede the progression of the disease. Lately, it has been documented that the nucleocapsid (N) protein of SARS-CoV-2 is responsible for viral replication as well as interferes with host immune responses. We have comparatively analyzed the sequences of N protein of SARS-CoV-2 for the identification of core attributes and analyzed the ancestry through phylogenetic analysis. Subsequently, we have predicted the most immunogenic epitope for T-cell as well as B-cell. Importantly, our investigation mainly focused on major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I potential peptides and NTASWFTAL interacted with most human leukocyte antigen (HLA) that are encoded by MHC class I molecules. Further, molecular docking analysis unveiled that NTASWFTAL possessed a greater affinity towards HLA and also available in a greater range of the population. Our study provides a consolidated base for vaccine design and we hope that this computational analysis will pave the way for designing novel vaccine candidates.
Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern and Detection of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (blaCTX-M) Gene in Escherichia coli from Urinary Tract Infections at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia
Authors: Chirwa Emmanuel , Mulundu Georgina , Ndashe Kunda , Kanongesha Kalo , Simpokolwe Kaziwe , Kachinda Wezi , Hangombe Bernard Mudenda
Published: May 2020

Urinary tract infections caused by Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase producing Escherichia coli are increasing globally and yet treatment still remains a challenge due to antibiotic resistance of the causative agent. The aim of the study was to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern and detect the presence of blaCTX-M gene in Escherichia coli isolated from urinary tract infection patients at the University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia. This was a cross-sectional study that involved the collection of urine samples from patients who were diagnosed with urinary tract infections. The samples were cultured on MacConkey agar complemented with cefotaxime and Polymerase Chain Reaction was performed to confirm the Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase producers by detecting the CTX-M gene. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests were conducted using standard methods. A total of 327 urine samples were cultured and 15 (4.6%) of these samples were positive ESBL producers. The isolates showed complete resistance to ampicillin and cotrimoxazole. Multi drug-resistant Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase producing Escherichia coli was detected in 4.6 % of UTI patients at the University Teaching Hospital.
A lean proposal: development of value stream mapping for L'Oreal's artwork process
Authors: Ghosh Sid , Lever Kaitlin
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This research develops value stream mapping (VSM) for L'Oreal's artwork process, to eliminate waste, reduce lead time and identify stages that can be automated, which makes the process less prone to human error and more responsive to fulfilling business-to-business customer requirements. In addition, amendments frequently occur slowing down the artwork process. In this context, VSM is applied to L'Oreal's artwork process to reduce lead time, human error and missed deadlines.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses data from L'Oreal's artwork tracker from 2018–2019, which is manually tracked by the launch team. The service level agreement and task time data have been collected from 12 employees representing the launch, factory and marketing teams working on the artwork process. Qualitative feedback was also obtained from nine employees to validate the VSM for L'Oreal's artwork process.

Findings

VSM identified stages that can be streamlined and automated in L'Oreal's artwork process, which makes the process more efficient and responsive to changing scope of the artworks. 50% of the stages have been eliminated from the manual artwork process, resulting in a reduced lead time of 10.5 days and a reduction of 28% spent on the process. This allows the artwork process to be more agile to the requirements of business-to-business customers. The proposed VSM shows a 73% increase in value-added time for a renovation and a 75% increase in value-added time for new product developments.

Originality/value

VSM has been specifically designed, developed and analyzed for L'Oreal's artwork process, in order to make the process more efficient and responsive to business-to-business customer’s requirements.
From “Codeine Diet” to “Gutter Water”: polydrug use among Nigerian young adults
Authors: Dumbili Emeka W. , Ezekwe Emmanuel , Odeigah Ogochukwu Winifred
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore polydrug use and the factors that motivate the use of multiple substances among selected young adults.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 23 male and female participants (aged 23-29 years) who use illicit drugs and prescription pharmaceuticals for non-medical purposes were recruited through snowball sampling. Qualitative interviews were conducted, and the data were analysed thematically.

Findings

The use of drug “concoctions” and cocktails was widespread among the participants. Some used what they called Codeine Diet (codeine-based cough syrup mixed with a Coca-Cola® product or malt drink), while others took Gutter Water (a cocktail of cannabis, codeine, tramadol, vodka and juice or water). The use of Monkey Tail (a mixture of local gin, cannabis leaves, stems, roots and seeds) and petrol mixed with glue and La Casera® (carbonated soft drink) combined with Tom-Tom® (menthol-flavoured candy) was also revealed. Pleasure, better highs, the need to experience prolonged intoxication and the use of one drug to douse the effects of another substance motivated polysubstance use.

Social implications

The findings revealed that the reasons why codeine-based cough syrups are mixed with soft drinks (Codeine Diet) include avoiding social discrimination and evading law enforcement agencies. Results suggest that these drug use practices require specifically tailored public health interventions. Social stigmatization against substance users and the use of extra-legal measures by the police should be discouraged to facilitate harm reduction.

Originality/value

This study represents the first qualitative research to explore polydrug use among an understudied Nigerian population.
Understanding informal volunteer behavior for fast and resilient disaster recovery: an application of entrepreneurial effectuation theory
Authors: Monllor Javier , Pavez Ignacio , Pareti Stefania
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Examine and understand how an informal volunteer’s goals and actions develop from the moment they first learn about a disaster.

Design/methodology/approach

We examine informal volunteerism (the activities of people who work outside of formal emergency and disaster management arrangements) through the theoretical lens of entrepreneurial effectuation to explain informal volunteer behavior and cognition and gain insight on how they develop their disaster relief ventures.

Findings

We find that informal volunteers follow an effectual logic, relying on available means to take advantage of opportunities as they are recognized or created. Application of effectuation vs causation processes depended on whether the informal volunteers were categorized as traditional, emergent or extended volunteers.

Practical implications

Informal volunteers’ disregard for the Affordable Loss Principle task governments and disaster relief organizations with the important challenge of managing and assuring the safety and well-being of informal volunteers. Their entrepreneurial behavior also invites the establishment of formal processes to counsel and guide informal volunteers, helping them fill out the necessary paperwork and funding applications to develop their efforts.

Social implications

Through their experimentation and flexibility, informal volunteers accelerate disaster recovery, recognizing opportunities, working around bureaucracy and other roadblocks that hinder the efforts of established organizations. They also demonstrate entrepreneurial behavior that helps revitalize and jumpstart the local economy, making for stronger and more resilient communities

Originality/value

This study borrows from Effectuation Theory from the entrepreneurship field in order to bring a much needed theoretical lens to the topic and greatly assists informal volunteerism research, moving from past efforts that simply define and categorize the concept.
Social sustainability considerations in construction project feasibility study: a stakeholder salience perspective
Authors: Goel Ashish , Ganesh L.S. , Kaur Arshinder
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Past research recommends integration of social sustainability (SS) considerations in construction project feasibility study for benefitting a larger group of project stakeholders. However, there is a lack of empirical evidence to this effect, especially from the developing economies. The purpose of this study is to address this knowledge gap through a SS-centric analysis of feasibility study reports using a stakeholder salience perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

Feasibility study reports for 61 projects were obtained from various government organizations in India. The SS considerations were identified in the reports using a combination of quantitative and qualitative assessments. The former was based on content analysis and the latter was conducted using “VOSviewer” text analysis software.

Findings

SS considerations related to occupational health and safety, workers' employment practices and proactive involvement of communities and end-users were found to be inadequately addressed in the reports. Based on occurrences of the SS considerations, project-affected community was found to be the most salient stakeholder, followed by the end-users and the construction workers. Statistical analysis revealed significant relationship between the SS considerations and the type of project as well as the type of project delivery system.

Originality/value

This study contributes to better understanding of integrating SS considerations in feasibility study of construction projects. Its results provide useful inputs to decision-makers for orienting construction projects, right from the early phases, towards benefitting the disadvantaged and weaker stakeholders irrespective of their salience attributes. In developing economies, such interventions may improve quality of lives of a large number of project stakeholders and also cultivate a positive societal image of the construction industry as a respectful, ethical and employee friendly industry.
Involvement of stakeholders in the adoption and implementation of energy retrofits in hotel buildings
Authors: Fasna M.F.F. , Gunatilake Sachie
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Existing buildings encompass the largest segment of the built environment and, hence, have become a key target for energy retrofits (ER) to substantially reduce global energy usage. The success of ER projects is closely linked to the effective involvement of various stakeholders within the decision-making process. This paper aims to investigate different stakeholders and their involvement throughout the decision-making process of ER projects.

Design/methodology/approach

Two successfully implemented ER projects in existing hotel buildings were selected as cases to gain novel insights into the key stakeholders to be involved along with their functions and roles in five different stages of the ER decision-making process. To collect required data, in total 11 semi-structured interviews were conducted with stakeholders involved in different stages of the decision-making process in the respective case studies. Data was analysed using code-based content analysis with the aid of NVivo computer software.

Findings

Altogether, 18 stakeholders and 7 roles reflective of the nature of their involvement in the respective stages were established. Findings disclosed that the nature of the project, level of knowledge, expertise and commitment of internal staff, type of ownership of the facility and mode of financing have significant influence on involvement of different stakeholders in ER projects.

Originality/value

The findings of this study are useful in enhancing the successful adoption and implementation of ER through timely and effective involvement and integration of stakeholders.
Measuring the regional non-observed economy in China with nighttime lights
Authors: Chen Menggen , Zhang Shuai
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The non-observed economy (NOE) is a pervasive phenomenon worldwide, especially in developing countries, but the size of the NOE and its contributions to the overall economy are usually unknown. This paper presents an estimation of the average size of the NOE for the 31 provincial regions in China between 1992 and 2013.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program/Operational Linescan System (DMSP/OLS) nighttime light data combined with 11 existing surveys on or measurements of NOE for 191 countries or regions throughout the world, to measure the size of the NOE.

Findings

The results show that the NOE share is unevenly distributed among China's provincial regions, with the smallest being 3.19% for Beijing and the largest being 69.71% for Ningxia. The national average is 43.11%, while the figures for the eastern region, middle region, northeastern region and western region are 39.3%, 47.6%, 44.7% and 43.6%, respectively. The NOE estimates are negatively correlated with the measured gross domestic product (GDP) and GDP per capita, which suggests that developed regions tend to have less NOE.

Originality/value

The nighttime lights are used to measure the NOE for China's provincial regions. Compared with traditional databases, one of the prominent features of nighttime lights is its objectivity, as there is little human interference; therefore, it can be used to achieve more accurate results.
The impact of organizational social networks on salespeople’s negative headquarters stereotypes
Authors: Hayati Babak , Puri Sandeep
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Extant sales management literature shows that holding negative headquarters stereotypes (NHS) by salespeople is harmful to their sales performance. However, there is a lack of research on how managers can leverage organizational structures to minimize NHS in sales forces. This study aims to know how social network patterns influence the flow of NHS among salespeople and sales managers in a large B2B sales organization.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors hypothesize and test whether patterns of social networks among salespeople and sales managers determine the stereotypical attitudes of salespeople toward corporate directors and, eventually, impact their sales performance. The authors analyzed a multi-level data set from the B2B sales forces of a large US-based media company.

Findings

The authors found that organizational social network properties including the sales manager’s team centrality, sales team’s network density and sales team’s external connectivity moderate the flow of NHS from sales managers and peer salespeople to a focal salesperson.

Research limitations/implications

First, the data was cross-sectional and did not allow the authors to examine the dynamics of social network patterns and their impact on NHS. Second, The authors only focused on advice-seeking social networks and did not examine other types of social networks such as friendship and trust networks. Third, the context was limited to one company in the media industry.

Practical implications

The authors provide recommendations to sales managers on how to leverage and influence social networks to minimize the development and flow of NHS in sales forces.

Originality/value

The findings advance existing knowledge on how NHS gets shared and transferred in sales organizations. Moreover, this study provides crucial managerial insights with regard to controlling and managing NHS in sales forces.
The impacts of foreign direct investment and globalisation on economic growth in West Africa: examining the role of political governance
Authors: Shittu Waliu Olawale , Yusuf Hammed Agboola , El Moctar El Houssein Abdallah , Hassan Sallahuddin
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This paper measures the impacts of foreign direct investment (FDI), globalisation and political governance on economic growth in West Africa. The empirical analysis also includes the interaction effect of political governance and FDI on the growth of the sub-region, over the period of 1996–2016.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs the autoregressive distributed lag technique on data obtained from the World Bank and the KOF institute.

Findings

The study findings suggest a positive relationship between globalisation and political governance on economic growth. Even though there have been inconclusive results on the FDI–growth nexus, the authors found that FDI stimulates the growth of the sub-region, while political governance enhances the positive impact of FDI on economic growth. The other factors of growth included are labour, capital and government size, whose effects on growth are, respectively, negative, negative and positive.

Practical implications

The governments of the West African countries promote policies that attract FDI into the sub-region, so that economic performances may be enhanced. In addition, the governments of the West African sub-region should work to reap the benefits of globalisation, by promoting the competitiveness of their local economies in order to keep pace with the global markets. Finally, the political-governance infrastructures should be overhauled; the culture of accountability and transparency should be promoted, while all efforts should be made to improve stability in the political environment in order to increase investors' confidence in the West African economy.

Originality/value

This study is the first to single out the impacts of political governance, as categorised by the World Bank, through both direct and interactive measures. This is necessary in view of the assertion that political governance largely accounts for improved economic performance in an economy. The use of the Pesaran (2007) technique of unit root is also a deviation from existing studies. This is in view of the fact that it tests variable unit root in the presence of cross-sectional dependence; thus, controlling for contemporaneous correlation which was not considered in the first-generation tests.
The role of IT practices in facilitating relational and trust capital for superior innovation performance: the case of Taiwanese companies
Authors: Cabrilo Sladjana , Dahms Sven , Burgos Mutuc Eugene , Marlin Janita
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the moderating role of information technology (IT) practices in the increase of organizational capacity for generating innovation performance from its relational (internal and external) capital and trust capital.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data has been collected from 102 publicly listed enterprises in Taiwan and is analysed by using symmetric structural equation modelling–partial least squares (SEM–PLS) and asymmetric fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) techniques.

Findings

The findings derived from SEM–PLS show that internal relationships and trust embedded in firms' relationships play a significant role in the innovation performance of Taiwanese enterprises, and reveal a more closed approach to innovation. The results also confirm the important role of IT advancement in amplifying the effect of internal and external relationships and trust formation on innovation performance. One more interesting note, the integration of fsQCA demonstrates several configurations that lead to superior innovation performance.

Research limitations/implications

The study was limited to Taiwanese companies with at least 200 employees. It might well be that the economically significant small business sector has distinct relationships with stakeholders, trust building strategies and IT practices, and that innovation performance depends on other macroeconomic effects. This study combines symmetric (SEM–PLS) and asymmetric (fsQCA) techniques to improve our understanding of the complementarities between relational and trust capital, and IT practices, and identify configurations that could yield organizational benefits for innovation outcomes.

Practical implications

This study provides new knowledge about IT utilization in the workplace which practitioners may use to capitalize on internal and external networks and enhance innovation performance.

Originality/value

Exploring together intellectual capital (IC) components and IT practices, this study merges IC and knowledge management (KM) streams of literature and adds to the prominent discussion on how IC and technology-based KM together contribute to superior innovation performance. In introducing the notion of equifinality, and testing our hypothesis by applying fsQCA, we also provide new ground for methodological discussions in the field of innovation performance.
Entrepreneurial university: an exploratory model for higher education
Authors: Ruiz Sofia Maria de Araujo , Martens Cristina Dai Pra , da Costa Priscila Rezende
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The paper aims to clarify the characteristics of the entrepreneurial university, beyond commercial entrepreneurship to other aspects of entrepreneurship, such as social or different demands for solutions to problems in society, and integrate the entrepreneurial practices between teaching, research, extension and innovation within an entrepreneurial ecosystem. The purpose of this study was to propose an entrepreneurial university model that contemplates elements and guidelines.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper opted for qualitative research of exploratory methodological approach and case study with units of analysis (management, technological innovation nucleus, academic units and ecosystem) in a Brazilian public university. For data collection, we used semi-structured interviews as primary data, and as a secondary, documentary survey, using as reference the theoretical model based on the bibliographic mapping.

Findings

The analyzed university is still in the process of transforming into an entrepreneurial university, and for that, it is necessary to devise strategies in a set. In addition, to giving new meaning to the concept of the entrepreneurial university, we reorganized the characteristics into dimensions, and we suggested guidelines.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the search approach chosen, the research results may lack generalizability. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test the proposed model further in different contexts, as non-technological, for example.

Practical implications

This study presents the understanding that different areas of knowledge can incorporate extension activities and contribute to the transformation of traditional universities into entrepreneurs and, starting point for other empirical studies.

Social implications

An entrepreneurial university incorporates its social role as it meets the demands of society.

Originality/value

This paper fulfills an identified need to expand the characteristics of an entrepreneurial university within an entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Exploring the role of goal setting and external accountability mechanisms in embedding strategic learning plans in small firms
Authors: Kelliher Felicity , Murphy Monica , Harrington Denis
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This paper explores the role of goal setting and external accountability mechanisms in embedding strategic learning plans in small firms. The research question asks, how are strategic learning plans embedded in small firms?

Design/methodology/approach

Insights from in-depth action research carried out with three small firm owner-managers (OMs) inform the study.

Findings

Findings present valuable insights into how small firms learn strategically, and the link between OM goal setting and external accountability mechanisms in pursuit of embedded learning. A framework for embedding strategic learning plans in small firms is presented.

Research limitations/implications

This study offers a contribution to knowledge in the areas of small firm learning, strategic planning and social learning theory. While the sample size is small, data and case protocols are in place which allow for replication of the study. As the research is embedded in social learning theory, alternative theoretical frameworks may shed a different light on the research question.

Practical implications

The study may be of interest to practitioners working in the design, development, delivery and evaluation of learning interventions for small service firms. Given the importance of the small firm sector to the global economy, the research may also be of interest to government agencies, who strive to protect the survival and growth of small firms generally and who set aside resource amounts each year to fund training programmes for small firm OMs.

Originality/value

The research contributes to the body of existing knowledge in the small firm setting concerning social learning theory and small firm learning strategies. It has identified a link between OM goal setting and external accountability mechanisms in pursuit of sustainable organisational learning in small firms and offers a framework for embedding strategic learning plans in small firms. The study answers calls for a more robust framework to advance understanding of how OMs learn and whether that learning is consequently embedded in the organisation. The proposed framework can be used as a guideline for support organisations in assisting small firms in reaching their learning potential. It can also be used by small firms in the attainment of strategy learning capability.
Why are online reviews in the sharing economy skewed toward positive ratings? Linking customer perceptions of service quality to leaving a review of an Airbnb stay
Authors: Meijerink Jeroen , Schoenmakers Emma
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This study aims to explain why online reviews in Airbnb are skewed toward positive ratings. The authors examine customer perceptions of the service quality of an Airbnb stay as a relevant antecedent of whether customers leave an online review of that Airbnb stay. To this end, the authors test the hypothesis that the relationship between service quality and leaving an online review is linear and positive.

Design/methodology/approach

To test the hypothesis, the authors rely on primary survey data from 177 Airbnb customers combined with secondary data coming from their personal online Airbnb accounts. The authors conducted a binary logistic regression analysis to test the hypothesis.

Findings

The results show that customers’ service quality perceptions are positively and linearly related to leaving an online review of an Airbnb stay. In other words, satisfied customers are more likely to leave a review after an Airbnb stay than those who are dissatisfied.

Originality/value

The study is original in two respects. First, it reconsiders the role of customer experiences in explaining online customer reviews. In doing so, it empirically shows that the conventional wisdom of a U-shaped relationship between customer experiences and online reviewing does not hold in the context of the sharing economy. Second, by relying on primary survey data, the authors reveal the risk of dissatisfied customers creating an underreporting bias in online reviews, which ultimately make online reviews of Airbnb skewed toward positive ratings.
Customer management in Internet-based platform firms: review and future research directions
Authors: Yang Zhi , Diao Zihe , Kang Jun
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This study proposes a conceptual framework for analyzing customer management strategies and their effects on Internet-based platform performance based on a review of the relevant literature, and provides directions for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review of relevant research articles on customer management in platform firms was conducted.

Findings

First, a framework based on the market maker view of platform firms suggests customer acquisition, customer retention and customer governance are the main customer management subprocesses toward improving platform firm performance. Second, the most studied customer management strategies for each subprocess contribute to platform performance based on the mechanisms of building customer network, developing customer network effect and managing sustainable customer networks.

Originality/value

This study proposes a framework that identifies customer acquisition, customer retention and customer governance as three key customer management subprocesses in platform firms. It also summarizes the most studied customer management strategies/actions for each subprocess. With this analytical framework, it identifies underexplored key issues in customer management for further research.
Critical indices and model of uncertainty perception for regional supply chains: insights from a Delphi-based study
Authors: Durugbo Christopher M. , Al-Balushi Zainab , Anouze Abdellatef , Amoudi Omar
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The dynamic nature of uncertainty sources in regional operations represents supply chain management (SCM) imperatives to review uncertainty management frameworks on an ongoing basis with a view to identifying and prioritising critical indices of uncertainty for effective SCM. The purpose of this study is to identify the critical indices of uncertainty for regional supply chains and analyse how SCM practitioners perceive uncertainty.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a Delphi-based study with a panel of 70 SCM experts from the Sultanate of Oman in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. It applies three rounds of a Delphi exercise to identify, select and prioritise the critical indices of supply chain uncertainty perceived by panel experts. The thematic analysis also provides theorisations on the process for uncertainty perception and factors shaping perception.

Findings

A total of 39 uncertainty indices were identified from demand, supply, manufacturing, control, technology, competitive, project, transport and geological sources. The Delphi selection round captured the top 12 indices of experts. The research found an accumulative–aggregative duality that explains uncertainty perception and a cost–conformance–connection triadic set of factors underlying the perceived critical indices. Project uncertainty produced the top-ranked index in the final Delphi round.

Originality/value

This paper makes three main contributions. First, it offers a bottom-up based insight into supply chain uncertainty using the Delphi-based study and from a GCC perspective. Second, the research is unique in its focus on Oman and, third, it is of value for the international operations of GCC companies and for international firms with intentions of expanding, moving or outsourcing their operations to a GCC country such as Oman.
Can marketing create destination personality? The case of Macau
Authors: Lam Iok Keng Veronica , Ryan Chris
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The paper aims to study Macau’s brand and destination personality. The data are derived from 91 semi-structured interviews with visitors to Macau at points of departure such as the airport and ferry terminals. Macau is perceived as hospitable and friendly, but complexities and ambiguities exist as the city is a fusion of Western and Asian cultures and locates gaming with a Portuguese heritage. Indeed one informant described the city as an “old person with a young spirit”. Given this, the final discussion is concerned with the concepts of anthropomorphic attributes associated with destination personality when applied to a destination, whereas managerial implications are identified with reference to a need to overcome some deficiencies in a perceived coldness in interactions with industry personnel.
Food availability limits avian reproduction in the city: An experimental study on great tits Parus major
Authors: Seress Gábor , Sándor Krisztina , Evans Karl L. , Liker András
Published: May 2020

The altered ecological and environmental conditions in towns and cities strongly affect demographic traits of urban animal populations, for example avian reproductive success is often reduced. Previous work suggests that this is partly driven by low insect availability during the breeding season, but robust experimental evidence that supports this food limitation hypothesis is not yet available.

We tested core predictions of the food limitation hypothesis using a controlled experiment that provided supplementary insect food (nutritionally enhanced mealworms supplied daily to meet 40%–50% of each supplemented brood's food requirements) to great tit nestlings in urban and forest habitats.

We measured parental provisioning rates and estimated the amount of supplementary food consumed by control and experimental nestlings, and assessed their body size and survival rates.

Provisioning rates were similar across habitats and control and supplemented broods, but supplemented (and not control) broods consumed large quantities of supplementary food. As predicted by the food limitation hypothesis we found that nestlings in (a) urban control broods had smaller body size and nestling survival rates than those in forest control broods; (b) forest supplemented and control broods had similar body size and survival rates; (c) urban supplemented nestlings had larger body size and survival rates than those in urban control broods; and crucially (d) urban supplemented broods had similar body size and survival rates to nestlings in forest control broods.

Our results provide rare experimental support for the strong negative effects of food limitation during the nestling rearing period on urban birds' breeding success. Furthermore, the fact that supplementary food almost completely eliminated habitat differences in survival rate and nestling body size suggest that urban stressors other than food shortage contributed relatively little to the reduced avian breeding success. Finally, given the impacts of the amount of supplementary food that we provided and taking clutch size differences into account, our results suggest that urban insect populations in our study system would need to be increased by a factor of at least 2.5 for urban and forest great tits to have similar reproductive success.
The legacy of bacterial invasions on soil native communities
Authors: Xing Jiajia , Jia Xiu , Wang Haizhen , Ma Bin , Falcão Salles Joana , Xu Jianming
Published: May 2020

Soil microbial communities are often not resistant to the impact caused by microbial invasions, both in terms of structure and functionality, but it remains unclear whether these changes persist over time. Here, we used three strains of Escherichia coli O157:H7 (E. coli O157:H7), a species used for modelling bacterial invasions, to evaluate the resilience of the bacterial communities from four Chinese soils to invasion. The impact of E. coli O157:H7 strains on soil native communities was tracked for 120 days by analysing bacterial community composition as well as their metabolic potential. We showed that soil native communities were not resistant to invasion, as demonstrated by a decline in bacterial diversity and shifts in bacterial composition in all treatments. The resilience of native bacterial communities (diversity and composition) was inversely correlated with invader's persistence in soils (R2 = 0.487, p < 0.001). Microbial invasions also impacted the functionality of the soil communities (niche breadth and community niche), the degree of resilience being dependent on soil or native community diversity. Collectively, our results indicate that bacteria invasions can potentially leave a footprint in the structure and functionality of soil communities, indicating the need of assessing the legacy of introducing exotic species in soil environments.