bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The D614G mutation in the SARS-CoV2 Spike protein increases infectivity in an ACE2 receptor dependent manner
Authors: Ogawa Junko , Zhu Wei , Tonnu Nina , Singer Oded , Hunter Tony , Ryan (Firth) Amy L , Pao Gerald M
Published: July 2020

The SARS-CoV2 coronavirus responsible for the current COVID19 pandemic has been reported to have a relatively low mutation rate. Nevertheless, a few prevalent variants have arisen that give the appearance of undergoing positive selection as they are becoming increasingly widespread over time. Most prominent among these is the D614G amino acid substitution in the SARS-CoV2 Spike protein, which mediates viral entry. The D614G substitution, however, is in linkage disequilibrium with the ORF1b P314L mutation where both mutations almost invariably co-occur, making functional inferences problematic. In addition, the possibility of repeated new introductions of the mutant strain does not allow one to distinguish between a founder effect and an intrinsic genetic property of the virus. Here, we synthesized and expressed the WT and D614G variant SARS-Cov2 Spike protein, and report that using a SARS-CoV2 Spike protein pseudotyped lentiviral vector we observe that the D614G variant Spike has >1/2 log10increased infectivity in human cells expressing the human ACE2 protein as the viral receptor. The increased binding/fusion activity of the D614G Spike protein was corroborated in a cell fusion assay using Spike and ACE2 proteins expressed in different cells. These results are consistent with the possibility that the Spike D614G mutant increases the infectivity of SARS-CoV2.
Specific interaction of Penetratin with cell surface partners measured with biomembrane force probe
Authors: Soule P , Illien F , Kulifaj S , Joliot A , Gourier C , Sagan S , Cribier S , Rodriguez N
Published: July 2020

Penetratin is a Cell Penetrating Peptide able to cross the cell plasma membrane possibly bound to a cargo molecule to be delivered into the cell. The mechanism of its entry is poorly known. A key to a molecular description of this mechanism is to identify the partners of Penetratin at the cell surface during its adhesion and internalization. We used the Biomembrane Force Probe to identify the partners during the first second of adhesion of Penetratin on the cell plasma membrane. We evidenced that heparan sulfates are the first partners after contact as well as unknown partners hidden by sialic acids. Experiments of binding of Penetratin on vesicles bearing charged or sulfated lipids showed no adhesion pointing that a negatively charged partner is not enough and there is a specificity for certain chemical groups bearing the charges. A model of the measured forces of interaction enabled to determine the adhesion energy of a Penetratin with heparan sulfates on a cell to be in the range 18 to 22kBT.
Intra- and extra-cellular environments contribute to the fate of HIV-1 infection
Authors: Ratnapriya Sneha , Harris Miranda , Chov Angela , Vrbanac Vladimir , Deruaz Maud , Sodroski Joseph , Herschhorn Alon
Published: July 2020

HIV-1 entry into host cells leads to one of three alternative fates: 1) HIV-1 elimination by restriction factors, 2) establishment of HIV-1 latency, or 3) active viral replication in target cells. Here we developed an improved system for monitoring HIV-1 fate and provide evidence for the differential contribution of the intracellular environment as well as extracellular environment found in organs of BLT humanized mouse to the fate of HIV-1 infection.
DNA microarray analysis ofStaphylococcus aureusfrom Nigeria and South Africa
Authors: Shittu Adebayo O. , Adesoji Tomiwa , Udo Edet E.
Published: July 2020

Staphylococcus aureusis an important human pathogen with an arsenal of virulence factors and a propensity to acquire antibiotic resistance genes. The understanding of the global epidemiology ofS. aureusthrough the use of various typing methods is important in the detection and tracking of novel and epidemic clones in countries and regions. However, detailed information on antibiotic resistance and virulence genes ofS. aureus, and its population structure is still limited in Africa. In this study,S. aureusisolates collected in South Africa (n=38) and Nigeria (n=2) from 2001-2004 were characterized using DNA microarray. The combination ofspatyping and DNA microarray classified the isolates into sevenspatypes and three clonal complexes (CCs) i.e. t064-CC8 (n=17), t037-CC8 (n=8), t1257-CC8 (n=6), t045-CC5 (n=5), t951-CC8 (n=1), t2723-CC88 (n=1), t6238-CC8 (n=1), and untypeable-CC8 (n=1). There was excellent agreement (only two discordant results) between antibiotic susceptibility testing and the detection of the corresponding resistance genes by DNA microarray. Antibiotic and virulence gene markers were associated with specific clones. The detection of the collagen-binding adhesion (cna) gene was unique for t037-CC8-MRSA, the enterotoxin gene cluster (egc) and staphylococcal complement inhibitor (scn) gene for t045-CC5-MRSA, and the combination of genes encoding enterotoxin (entA,entB,entK,entQ) were noted with most of the CC8 isolates. The t045-CC5-MRSA clone was positive for the mercury resistance (mer) operon. DNA microarray assay provides information on antibiotic resistance and virulence gene determinants and can be a useful tool to identify gene markers of specificS. aureusclones in Africa.
Elucidation of Genome Polymorphisms in Emerging SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Ray Manisha , Sarkar Saurav , Rath Surya Narayan , Sable Mukund Namdev
Published: July 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic is having a devastating effect on the healthcare system and the economy of the world. The unavailability of a specific treatment regime and a candidate vaccine yet opens up scope for new approaches and discoveries of drugs for mitigation of the sufferings of humankind due to the disease. The present isolated whole-genome sequences of SARS-CoV-2 from 11 different nations subjected to evolutionary study and genome-wide association study throughin silicoapproaches including multiple sequence alignment, phylogenetic study through MEGA7 and have been analyzed through DNAsp respectively. These investigations recognized the nucleotide varieties and single nucleotide mutations/polymorphisms on the genomic regions as well as protein-coding regions. The resulted mutations have diversified the genomic contents of SARS-CoV-2 according to the altered nucleotides found in 11 genome sequences. India and Nepal have found to have progressively more distinct species of SARS-CoV-2 with variations in Spike protein and Nucleocapsid protein-coding sites. These genomic variations might be the explanation behind the less case fatality rate of India and Nepal dependent on the populaces. The anticipated idea of this investigation upgrades the information about genomic medication and might be useful in the planning of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2.
σ-Hole interactions in small-molecule compounds containing divalent sulfur groupsR1—S—R2
Authors: Lundemba Albert S. , Bibelayi Dikima D. , Wood Peter A. , Pradon Juliette , Yav Zéphyrin G.
Published: July 2020

Hydrogen bonds, aromatic stacking contacts and σ-hole interactions are all noncovalent interactions commonly observed in biological systems. Structural data derived from the Protein Data Bank showed that methionine residues can interact with oxygen atoms through directional S...O contacts in the protein core. In the present work, the Cambridge Structural Database (CSD) was used in conjunction withab initiocalculations to explore the σ-hole interaction properties of small-molecule compounds containing divalent sulfur. CSD surveys showed that 7095 structures containedR1—S—R2groups that interact with electronegative atoms like N, O, S and Cl. Frequencies of occurrence and geometries of the interaction were dependent on the nature ofR1andR2, and the hybridization of carbon atoms in C,C—S, and C,S—S fragments. The most common interactions in terms of frequency of occurrence were C,C—S...O, C,C—S...N and C,C—S...S with predominance of Csp2. The strength of the chalcogen interaction increased when enhancing the electron-withdrawing character of the substituents. The most positive electrostatic potentials (VS,max; illustrating positive σ-holes) calculated onR1—S—R2groups were located on the S atom, in the S—R1and S—R2extensions, and increased with electron-withdrawingR1andR2substituents like the interaction strength did. As with geometric data derived from the CSD, interaction geometries calculated for some model systems and representative CSD compounds suggested that the interactions were directed in the extensions of S—R1and S—R2bonds. The values of complexation energies supported attractive interactions between σ-hole bond donors and acceptors, enhanced by dispersion. The interactions ofR1—S—R2with largeVS,maxand nucleophiles with large negativeVS,mincoherently provided more negative energies. According to NBO analysis, chalcogen interactions consisted of charge transfer from a nucleophile lone pair to an S—R1or S—R2antibonding orbital. The directional σ-hole interactions atR1—S—R2can be useful in crystal engineering and the area of supramolecular biochemistry.
Study on the vibrational comfort of aircraft in formation flight
Authors: Liu Yaolong
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the passenger comfort changes due to the wake turbulence impact from the formation flight (FF) leading aircraft, which can be a showstopper for the real application of FF to airliners.

Design/methodology/approach

Taking advantage of the overall aircraft design and optimization framework, as well as the module for FF assessment, the comfort level has been quantified for aircraft in solo flight and in FF according to ISO 2631–1 specifications concerning vibration total value.

Findings

The results showed that atmospheric turbulence intensity is the dominant factor in determining the passenger ride quality in comparison to the impact of formation wake flow. According to the preliminary results of this study, passengers seated away from the aircraft mass center encounter larger discomfort. In comparison to mass center, seats away from mass center also experience slightly stronger discomfort due to FF. The current simulation results show that FF is feasible without remarkably degrading passenger comfort level, which agrees well with the flight test results.

Practical implications

As passenger comfort is crucial for civil transport application of FF, the study carried out within this manuscript can give a preliminary indication to the showstopper of FF real-world application.

Originality/value

The proposed strategy can provide quantitative values for judging the possible drawbacks of FF, i.e. passenger comfort issues as mentioned in the literature. On the other hand, the aircraft level study based on reliable data and methods can give important insight for this interesting topic and further help the real-world application of FF for commercial aircraft. In addition, it can serve as preliminary studies for further design and operation modifications for aircraft in FF.
An international market segmentation model based on susceptibility to global consumer culture
Authors: Hernani-Merino Martin , Lazo Lazo Juan G. , Talavera López Alvaro , Mazzon José Afonso , López-Tafur Gisella
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Companies that wish to market a global brand need to develop a greater understanding of consumers' and potential consumers' susceptibility to global consumer culture (SGCC) with a view to standardizing/adapting their brand according to the desires and preferences of the consumers who belong to specific segments of global consumers. Thus, the aim of the study is to fill a joint segmentation research gap within and between countries based on seven dimensions of SGCC while classifying consumers according to the degree of belonging to specific and hybrid (global citizenship) segments.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was applied online in English in five countries across the Americas and Europe resulting in a sample of 412 consumers. Based on the fuzzy C-means cluster analysis, the study segments the sample of consumers according to the degree of belonging to specific and global citizenship segments.

Findings

Analysis of survey results show three groups; two distinct groups and a third with features of both, a distinct intersection group. These findings suggest that consumers in different countries develop beliefs and attitudes about global citizenship, and this perspective coincides with the characteristics of the intersection group. Consequently, the study shows that fragmentation of the needs of consumers exists within and between countries.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the concept of global citizenship, helping managers of global brands improve their marketing strategy decisions by implementing strategies that are standardized or adapted to specific hybrid segments of consumers that transcend national borders. This study used a statistical method to measure the degree of belonging to each segment.
How do organizational routines paradoxically affect organizational innovation?
Authors: Lin Haifen , Qu Tingchen , Hu Yanfang
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to address how organizational routines paradoxically affect the process of organizational innovation based on a new construct of routines or to investigate the coexistence of both hindering and promoting effects from routines and their differentiated affecting paths.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts an interpretive and exploratory case study on the business model innovation of Yimu Technology Company Limited (Yimu Tech) from product standardization to customization. Considering that this innovation reflects a successful down-up rather than traditional up-down innovation, this paper focuses on it to explore how the most micro routines affect the whole process of innovation. Almost two years were spent in collecting data from Yimu Tech and in following the innovation through approaches of semi-structured interviews, archival data and observation; the data were analyzed through a five-step process before a framework showing the paradoxical effects was finally set up.

Findings

This research specifies the construct of organizational routines and promotes a five-dimensional concept covering the organizational, collective and individual levels of an organization. It confirms the interaction between the performative and ostensive aspects of routines, by showing that the ostensive aspect may not only guide tasks performing but also allow multiple changes, and the performative aspect may affect the ostensive aspect through the down-up or up-down path. Also, it finds that routines may paradoxically affect all three phases of innovation, with a strong up-down hindering effect but a weak down-up promoting effect in the preparation phase, a strong down-up promoting effect but a weak hindering effect in the emergence phase and both significant effects in the consolidation phase.

Research limitations/implications

This research is constrained by several limitations. The set up framework of routines and their paradoxical effects on innovation need a further confirmation in more contexts or organizations; more elements should be considered in exploring the evolution of routines and their effects on innovations; little attention has been paid to the relationship between these two types of effects, conflicting with each other, joining together or working independently.

Originality/value

The findings offered some valuable insights for further research on organizational routines and organizational innovation and hold important implications for management practices. This research enriched the two-aspect view of routines by constructing a five-dimensional framework; further research studies on routine dynamics by showing the interaction between the performative and ostensive aspects can contribute to the study on effects of organizational routines on innovations by showing how routines promote and hinder innovation simultaneously throughout the whole process. It reminds managers of the strong power from the microlevel of an organization in innovation.
The role of high performance human resource practices as an antecedent to organizational innovation: an empirical investigation
Authors: Noopur  , Dhar Rajib Lochan
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Among the various human resource practices (HRPs), high performance human resource practice (HPHRP) is gaining substantial importance both from academia as well as industry. Although HPHRP and its work related outcomes have been studied in the previous literature, none have tried to unveil the mediating and moderating factors which strengthen the relationship of HPHRP and organizational innovation (OI). The purpose of this paper is to observe the effect of HPHRP on OI in Indian information technology-information technology enabled services (IT-ITES) sector, where employee competency (EC) is proposed as a mediator and climate for innovation (CI) as a moderator.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology used for data collection was through survey questionnaires. For a good model fit and empirical validation of the proposed model confirmatory factor analysis was done and SPSS macro, PROCESS was used for further analysis.

Findings

Results showed that HPHRP has an influence on OI wherein ECs mediate the relationship between HPHRP and OI, additionally CI positively mitigates the interaction between HPHRP and ECs.

Originality/value

The present study is the first of its kind which has empirically examined the mediation/moderation interactions between HPHRPs, ECs, CI and OI in Indian IT-ITES sector. The present research has also responded to the calls of previous research by identifying as to how HRPs create a context for innovative performances.
The SERIES model: development of a practitioner focused emergency response evaluation system
Authors: Holdsworth David , Zagorecki Adam
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Effective Emergency Response Management (ERM) system evaluation is vital to the process of continual improvement within emergency response organizations. The purpose of this paper is to investigate if an entire ERM system can be captured and encoded within a standardized framework.

Design/methodology/approach

Employing an exploratory approach the authors apply a mixed methods case study design and inductive reasoning to analyse documentary evidence provided during the inquest into the London Bombings 2005. The authors use content analysis to investigate the nature of ERM system data availability and apply principals of Network Theory to iteratively develop a framework within which data can be encoded.

Findings

The authors find that complex ERM system data can be captured and stored within a standardized framework. The authors present a conceptual framework and multi-stage mixed methods process, the Standardized Emergency Response Incident Evaluation System (SERIES) model, to support data collection, storage and interpretation. The findings demonstrate that ERM system evaluation can benefit from the adoption of a standardized mixed-methods approach employing data transformation and triangulation. The authors also demonstrate the potential of the proposed standardized model, by integrating qualitative and quantitative data, to support interpretation and reporting through the use of appropriate data visualization.

Originality/value

The SERIES model provides a practical tool and procedural guidelines to capture and share vital ERM system data and information across all emergency services. It also presents an opportunity to develop a large comprehensive multi-incident dataset to support academic inquiry and partnership between academics and practitioners.
Utilitarian or entertainment? Value obtained from mobile phones by users in low socioeconomic strata in emerging markets
Authors: Maity Moutusy
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This research empirically investigates the differential roles of utility and entertainment on the value obtained from the use of mobile phones by users belonging to low-income groups in emerging markets.

Design/methodology/approach

This research reports the findings from an investigation that obtains data through a survey of mobile phone users from urban and rural areas across five emerging markets. Structural equation modeling is used to analyze the data obtained.

Findings

Study findings demonstrate that users obtain utility, social as well as entertainment value from mobile phones.

Research limitations/implications

This investigation uses the capability approach for conceptualizing the capabilities obtained from mobile phones by users from lower socioeconomic strata, a theoretical lens that is particularly suited for explaining behavior that may represent well-being of the user group.

Practical implications

Managers may explore whether the platform of entertainment is a suitable vehicle for offering additional services. This study’s findings also suggest that creating value for customers should be a primary concern in emerging markets, similar to that in developed markets.

Originality/value

This research is among a few that report investigations into the differential roles of utility and entertainment on the value obtained from mobile phones. This study also presents differences in terms of: urban versus rural, younger versus older and male versus female subgroups. This research presents a large-scale multicountry empirical study investigating mobile phone use by users from lower socioeconomic groups in emerging markets.
The impact of corporate governance on intellectual capitals efficiency in Iran
Authors: Lari Dashtbayaz Mahmoud , Salehi Mahdi , Mirzaei Alieyh , Nazaridavaji Hamideh
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of corporate governance on intellectual capital (IC) in companies listed on the Tehran stock exchange.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the board features (size, independence and CEO duality) and the characteristics of the audit committee (financial expertise, independence and size) are considered to measure the factors of corporate governance. The IC is also divided into communicative, human, structural and value-added IC. Research data are gathered using a sample of 132 companies during 2013-2016. Research hypotheses are analyzed using panel data and logistic regression models.

Findings

The findings indicate that while the board’s independence, financial expertise and the size of the audit committee are negatively related to the communicative capital, the relationship between audit committee independence and communicative capital is positive and significant. Further, the authors observe that there is a positive relationship between board independence and human capital, a negative and significant link between audit committee size and human capital. By the way, the results reveal that audit committee independence and audit committee size have, respectively positive and negative impact on structural capital.

Originality/value

The results of the current study may give more insight into the relationship between corporate governance and managerial capital in developing nations.
IT-based product innovation strategies for small firms
Authors: Ko Wai Wai (Joyce) , Chen Cheng-Hao Steve , Liu Gordon , Nguyen Bang , Takeda Sachiko
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This study connects the theoretical concepts of strategic orientation and information technology (IT)-based product innovation strategy to suggest that several key factors can help small firms to develop IT-based product innovation strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

With data from 245 useable questionnaires (response rate 25.18%) from UK-based small firms in the high-tech industry, the research model was tested and validated.

Findings

Findings show that information technology support for core competencies mediates the relationship between strategic orientation and IT-enabled product innovation (ITEPI). Specifically, by distinguishing the different types of strategic orientation and information technology support for core competencies, the study finds that IT support for market access competency (ITMA) mediates the market orientation–ITEPI relationship, while IT support for functionality-related competency (ITFR) mediates the technology orientation–ITEPI relationship. Academic implications arising from the findings are discussed and managerial propositions provided.

Originality/value

This study offers a fresh theoretical angle from which to understand the factors that contribute to ITEPI. More specifically, we argue that strategic orientation reflects managers' focus to pursue certain activities, and that ITEPI serves as organizational activity. Further, this study also extends relevant research in the field of strategy, IT and innovation. It provides a more nuanced picture of how strategic orientation affects ITEPI.
Consumer response to state-of-origin labels: the moderating role of residency
Authors: Jung Jae Min , Jones Joseph , Haugtvedt Curtis P. , Banerjee Somnath
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Despite the large number of studies on country of origin, little is known about the effects of state-level product origin information on consumer attitudes and purchase intentions. Likewise, little is known about when the state-of-origin (SOO) information enhances, has no effect or has a negative effect on consumer attitudes and purchase intentions. Primarily drawing on the country-of-origin literature, this study aims to examine the influence of SOO label information and the moderating role of state residency.

Design/methodology/approach

To test five hypotheses, the authors conducted a survey (Study 1) and an experiment (Study 2). The analyses included content analysis, regression and ANOVA.

Findings

The findings show that for certain products, moderate-to-strong product–state associations exist. However, when the associations are weak, consumers show bias for products made in their (vs other) states. The findings also show that when consumers evaluate their state products, normative (vs cognitive) reasons drive their attitudes, but that when they assess products from states other than their state of residency, cognitive (vs normative) reasons drive attitudes. Additionally, economic sustainability seems a powerful motivator for buying products made in their state of residency.

Practical implications

Companies should take advantage of positive biases for their products in the states in which they produce products. However, when companies market their products outside their states of production, in some cases, they should consider deemphasizing SOO information unless there is a strong product–state association present among consumers outside of the state.

Originality/value

This paper adds value by providing new insights for designing product origin labeling programs. Suggestions for future research and marketing strategies for practitioners who want to use SOO as a branding strategy are offered.
External diffusion of B2B e-procurement and firm financial performance: role of information transparency and supply chain coordination
Authors: Kumar Nripendra , Ganguly Kunal K.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the process through which external diffusion of business-to-business (B2B) e-procurement impacts firm performance. The research model has been developed to empirically examine the role of information transparency and supply chain coordination in improving the firm financial performance by external diffusion of e-procurement.

Design/methodology/approach

The survey is conducted in India with a target population of purchasing professionals working on the B2B e-procurement platform. The measurement model was first tested by using confirmatory factor analysis for reliability and validity, then structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the hypotheses of the research model using AMOS 22. The phantom model approach has been used for testing multiple mediators.

Findings

The result of the study highlights the importance of information transparency and supply chain coordination in enhancing the firm financial performance by external diffusion of e-procurement. The results establish the role of information transparency in enhancing firm performance by improving supply chain coordination. The results also indicate that supply chain coordination mediates the relationship between external diffusion of e-procurement and firm financial performance.

Originality/value

This is the first study that has focused on the external diffusion of e-procurement and its impact on firm performance. Also, this study attempted to understand the process through which external diffusion of e-procurement impacts the firm financial performance.
The role of social media in e-recruitment process: empirical evidence from developing countries in social network theory
Authors: Rahman Mushfiqur , Aydin Erhan , Haffar Mohamed , Nwagbara Uzoechi
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This study aims at demonstrating how social media shape the recruitment and selection processes of individuals in developing countries. It further explores the impacts of social media on business productivity, cost efficiency, widening of search, less employee turnover and competitive advantage mediated by adopting e-recruitment processes. This research adopts social network theory to discuss the findings and highlight the new mechanisms that legitimise business manipulation in e-recruitment process by exploring the usage of social media.

Design/methodology/approach

Secondary data based on literature review is triangulated with 37 semi-structured qualitative interviews with managerial and non-managerial members of staff.

Findings

The findings show that e-recruitment has immense advantages to businesses. However, the authors also consider the dark side of social media and e-recruitment process by considering social network theory as a manipulation tool in organisations of developing countries.

Originality/value

Having adopted the social network theory, this research highlights the new mechanisms that legitimise business manipulation in e-recruitment process. Thus, it demonstrates technological advancements that reshape the dynamics of social networks and recruitment processes.
Compliance with IFRS 15 mandatory disclosures: an exploratory study in telecom and construction sectors
Authors: Boujelben Saoussen , Kobbi-Fakhfakh Sameh
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the degree of compliance of a sample of European Union (EU) listed groups with the International Financial Reporting Standard 15 (IFRS 15) mandatory disclosures in two specific sectors, namely, telecommunication and construction.

Design/methodology/approach

To carry out this research, the authors selected 22 annual reports for the year 2018. The authors created and completed a datasheet based on a close review of the IFRS 15 disclosure requirements. A content analysis of the selected annual reports was then performed.

Findings

The results show that the sampled groups do not fully comply with the IFRS 15 mandatory disclosures and the degree of compliance differs between the two investigated sectors.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study explores, for the first-time, the degree of compliance with the IFRS 15 mandatory disclosures, by focusing on a cross-country sample of EU listed groups.
Issues and challenges in implementing sharing economy in tourism: a triangulation study
Authors: Mondal Sanjana , Samaddar Kaushik
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The paper aims to analyse the issues and challenges in implementing and adopting the sharing economy concept in tourism. More specifically, the paper intends to identify critical factors for seeking possible pathways for achieving sustainable development of the Indian tourism industry.

Design/methodology/approach

This research work has adopted the triangulation approach involving a twofold study concerning the perspectives of both service providers and customers. To cull deeper insight, an inductive content analysis was carried out to identify the critical factors influencing sharing economy in tourism and establish them as key research areas for further study.

Findings

The study identified seven critical influencing factors, namely, affordability, consciousness, cultural involvement, status quo biasness, socio-environmental responsiveness, regulatory supervision and technological drivers concerning sharing economy in tourism.

Research limitations/implications

This study will expand the existing literature by exploring the critical factors relevant to the practice of sharing economy in the tourism industry. It will aid both marketers and policymakers to bridge the gap between what sharing economy concept demands, what consumers perceive and how service providers practise in reality. The present study limits its scope to qualitative analysis and geographical boundary within India. Further research with empirical study may be extended in future, with the research agendas presented in this paper.

Originality/value

The novelty of the study lies in the identification of both intrinsic and extrinsic factors affecting the implementation of sharing economy in tourism. To delve deeper into the ground reality, this qualitative study corroborates the perspectives of both the demand and supply side, which is a unique effort by itself.
“Drawing out” understandings through arts-based inquiry in teacher education
Authors: Hannigan Shelley Margaret , Raphael Jo
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This paper explains a collaborative self-study research project that included an evolving arts-based inquiry (ABI) approach. The combined experiences of a visual artist/art educator and a drama educator, informed the design and use of ABI strategies to investigate practices of Australian teacher educator-researchers. These strategies are shared along with results from interviews that reveal the dynamics and value of this particular model of ABI within a larger research project.

Design/methodology/approach

ABI was included in the methodology of collaborative self-study. It involved listening to participants’ arts-based and written responses then basing the next provocations on these outcomes. This gave ownership to the group members and reinforced the community of practice foci.

Findings

ABI challenged academic identities and practices. It allowed for more enjoyment in the workplace, for reflection and reflective practice to develop. It provided opportunities for shifting perspectives and perceiving teaching practice differently, inspiring more creativity in teaching. It also improved relationships with co-workers and held the group together.

Research limitations/implications

The authors share this research to recommend others a way to collaborate within group research projects.

Practical implications

The authors found it vital to have a co-ABI facilitator from within the group to collaborate with, in order to develop the most appropriate ABI provocations within an emerging research project.

Social implications

This model of research can generate honest and in-depth insights for participants (members of a community of practice) as to how and why they do the work (practices) they do.

Originality/value

The study’s use of ABI offers an original perspective in the use of this methodology.
Pricing and scholarship optimization at waypoint adventure
Authors: Marcus Benjamin
Published: July 2020

Theoretical basis

This case can be used to develop students’ understanding of optimization and the development of a linear programing (LP) model and solution. The instructor’s manual provides one possible solution based on the LP tools available in excel.

Research methodology

This case is based on real events at waypoint adventure and is derived from the authors’ experience consulting with this organization as they sought to improve pricing and scholarship management.

Case overview/synopsis

A young non-profit organization serving the disabled community in Boston sought growth but lacked clarity and consistency in their program pricing and scholarship structures. The case analysis centers on revising program prices to achieve specific cost and revenue requirements and determining a scholarship policy that will maximize participation in their outdoor adventure programing for the upcoming year. This case allows the exploration of optimization with an atypical objective, as the organization seeks to maximize participant engagement rather than profit.

Complexity academic level

The target audience includes upper-level undergraduate and MBA or early graduate-level students studying the optimization techniques of operations management, revenue and pricing management or marketing. The case would also be useful for discussing the challenges faced by non-profits and the non-traditional objectives that can arise for these organizations.
Government at risk: between distributed risks and threats and effective policy-responses
Authors: Visvizi Anna , Lytras Miltiadis D.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contextualise and examine critically the collection of the papers dealing with the broad and multi-faceted question of risk, threats and challenges governments are exposed to in the 21st century. To this end, the concept of ‘distributed risks and threats’ is introduced to account of challenges spread across the context, in which governments are embedded.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper offers a critical insight into the content of the issue.

Findings

The key argument that this paper advances is that while the nature of risks, threats and challenges that governments are exposed to today is qualitatively new and their scope unprecedented, a lot of governments’ capacity remains idle, i.e. ready to be deployed to address these risks, threats and challenges.

Research limitations/implications

As a review paper, the points conveyed in this paper sketch and highlight, rather than explore in-depth, the possible and new research avenues that the collection of papers prompts.

Practical implications

This paper highlights that the – developed over the centuries – capacity of the government to act and address risks and threats is incommensurate with the agility of challenges borne in the 21st century.

Originality/value

This paper introduces the concept of ‘distributed risks and threats’ to account of the qualitatively new and hybrid challenges spread across the context, in which governments are embedded. This conceptualization of risks and threats, or challenges, offers a handy way to contextualize the variety of ways in which the government is challenged today.
Corporate social responsibility and consumerism: case examples from Hyatt, Scandic and Walt Disney
Authors: Luiten Sylvie-Cecile
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The concepts of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and their link to the United Nations sustainable development goals (UN SDGs) are increasingly important, however prior research on this topic is limited, especially in the hospitality industry. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to greater knowledge on the subject and determine how other hospitality organizations should move forward the two topics were researched using a framework relating to the triple-bottom-line concept with reference to case studies of three hospitality corporations – Hyatt Hotels Corporation, Scandic Hotels AB and the Walt Disney Company.

Design/methodology/approach

Most large hotel corporations now report their CSR activities on their corporate websites, which is the most accessible format to find information on activities, and so secondary research was conducted to draw on this. Additional secondary research was undertaken from October 2019 – May 2020 using a number of journal databases including Sage Journals, Emerald Journals, the E-library of the UNWTO and Taylor and Francis Academic Journals. Third-party sites were also leveraged including CSR-Hub, The United Nations and Forbes.

Findings

While all three corporations mention their efforts in relation to the sustainable development goals, commitment on what activities contribute to which goals was difficult to discern. Furthermore, while there are some activities that all three contribute to, there are many best practices that could be shared across the industry.

Originality/value

Though the research was limited to secondary sources, the topic is largely unresearched and has the potential to suggest best-practices available more widely across the industry.
Emulsified nano Al2O3 – Jatropha methyl ester blends: application in variable compression ratio engine
Authors: Seela Chiranjeeva Rao , B. Ravi Sankar
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the influence of blends of Jatropha methyl ester (JME) and its nano Al2O3 emulsion on variable compression ratio diesel engine. The oxygen in alumina contributed for the smooth burning and resulted in improved performance and emissions.

Design/Methodology/Approach

The biodiesel (methyl ester) is prepared from the raw Jatropha oil. The B10, B20 and B30 blends of and their nanoemulsions are prepared with the 25, 50, 75 and 100 ppm of nano Al2O3. The prepared JME blends and its nanoemulsions are tested in a variable compression ratio (VCR) diesel engine to evaluate the engine performance and emission characteristics.

Findings

The nanoemulsion B20 + 50 ppm has given maximum brake thermal efficiency (BTE), and with the increased proportion of nanoparticle, the BTE was reduced. Also, the specific fuel consumption is lowest (0.2826 kg/kWh) for B20 + 50 ppm at the compression ratio 16.5 and full load which is 4.10% lower than the diesel and 5.8% lower than the B20 blend. As the load increases, NOx emission increases owing to higher peak temperatures in the combustion chamber. The JME-nano Al2O3 emulsion reduces the HC and CO emission compared with all other fuels.

Originality/Value

Novel nano emulsions are prepared, characterized and tested on VCR engine.
COVID 19: challenges for virologists in the food industry
Authors: Zuber Sophie , Brüssow Harald
Published: July 2020

The COVID‐19 pandemic is not only a challenge for public health and hospitals, but affects many aspects of our societies. This Lilliput minireview deals with problems that the pandemic causes for the food industry, addressing the presence and persistence of SARS‐CoV‐2 in the food environment, methods of virus inactivation and the protection of the food worker and the consumer. So far food has not been implicated in the transmission of the infection, but social disruptions caused by the pandemic could cause problems with food security.
Nested diagnostic classification models for multiple‐choice items
Authors: Liu Ren , Liu Haiyan
Published: July 2020

This study proposes and evaluates a diagnostic classification model framework for multiple‐choice items. Models in the proposed framework have a two‐level nested structure which allows for binary scoring (for correctness) and polytomous scoring (for distractors) at the same time. One advantage of these models is that they can provide distractor information while maintaining the statistical properties of the correct response option. We evaluated parameter recovery through a simulation study using Hamiltonian Monte Carlo algorithms in Stan. We also discussed three approaches to implementing the proposed modelling framework for different purposes and testing scenarios. We illustrated those approaches and compared them with a binary model and a traditional nominal model through an operational study.
Functional diversity of cancer‐associated fibroblasts in modulating drug resistance
Authors: Bu Luke , Baba Hideo , Yasuda Tadahito , Uchihara Tomoyuki , Ishimoto Takatsugu
Published: July 2020

The effectiveness of current chemotherapies for cancer is gradually progressing; however achieving a complete cure through chemotherapy is still difficult and has been the main goal in treatment of advanced cancer. Drug resistance is an issue in cancer therapy, therefore increasing numbers of investigations into drug resistance have focused on the characteristics of the cancer cells themselves. The interaction between the tumor microenvironment (TME) and cancer cells is also intimately involved in the development of drug resistance. Cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a predominant component of the TME and affect tumor progression by secreting soluble factors. This review summarizes the most up‐to‐date knowledge of CAFs and drug resistance in cancer, with a focus on factors secreted from CAFs including proteins, cytokines, extracellular vesicles, and metabolites. A perspective on the potential role of anti‐CAF therapies in overcoming CAF‐induced drug resistance is also discussed.
Identifying and prioritizing human behaviors that benefit biodiversity
Authors: Selinske Matthew J. , Garrard Georgia E. , Gregg Emily A. , Kusmanoff Alexander M. , Kidd Lindall R. , Cullen Meghan T. , Cooper Michelle , Geary William L. , Hatty Melissa A. , Hames Fern , Kneebone Sarah , McLeod Emily M. , Ritchie Euan G. , Squires Zoe E. , Thomas Janelle , Willcock Madelaine A. W. , Blair Sera , Bekessy Sarah A.
Published: July 2020

The conservation profession is increasingly seeking effective ways to reduce societal impact on biodiversity, including through targeted behavior change interventions. Multiple conservation behavior change programs exist, but there is also great uncertainty regarding which behaviors are most strategic to target. Behavioral prioritization is a tool that has been used effectively to support behavior change decision‐making in other environmental disciplines and more recently for a small sub‐set of biodiversity behavior change challenges. Here, we use behavioral prioritization to identify individual behaviors that could be modified to achieve biodiversity benefits in the state of Victoria, Australia. We use an adapted nominal group technique method to identify potential biodiversity behaviors and, for each behavior, estimate the corresponding plasticity (or capacity for change) and positive impact on biodiversity outcomes. We elicited 27 behaviors that individuals could undertake to benefit or reduce their negative impact on biodiversity. This list was then used to prioritize 10 behaviors as determined by their likely effect(s) on biodiversity, plasticity, and current prevalence in Victoria. We take a first step in outlining a list of behaviors that can direct Victorian decision‐makers toward increasing positive and reducing negative impacts of society on biodiversity, guide motivated individuals to reduce their own biodiversity footprint, and more broadly, develop a behavior change research agenda for behaviors most likely to benefit biodiversity.
Population Pharmacokinetics of Candesartan in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Kassem Imad , Sanche Steven , Li Jun , Bonnefois Guillaume , Dubé Marie‐Pierre , Rouleau Jean‐Lucien , Tardif Jean‐Claude , White Michel , Turgeon Jacques , Nekka Fahima , de Denus Simon
Published: July 2020

Heart failure (HF) causes pathological changes in multiple organs, thus affecting the pharmacokinetics (PK) of drugs. The aim of this study was to investigate the PK of candesartan in patients with HF while examining significant covariates and their related impact on estimated clearance using a population PK (Pop‐PK) modeling approach. Data from a prospective, multicenter study were used. Modeling and simulations were conducted using Nonlinear Mixed‐Effects Modeling (NONMEM) and R software. A total of 281 white patients were included to develop the Pop‐PK model. The final model developed for apparent oral clearance (CL/F) included weight, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and diabetes, which partly explained its interindividual variability. The mean CL/F value estimated was 7.6 L/h (1.7–22.6 L/h). Simulations revealed that an important decrease in CL/F (> 25%) is obtained with the combination of the factors retained in the final model. Considering these factors, a more individualized approach of candesartan dosing should be investigated in patients with HF.