bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single-cell profiling of the human primary motor cortex in ALS and FTLD
Authors: Pineda S. Sebastian , Lee Hyeseung , Fitzwalter Brent E. , Mohammadi Shahin , Pregent Luc J. , Gardashli Mahammad E. , Mantero Julio , Engelberg-Cook Erica , DeJesus-Hernandez Mariely , van Blitterswijk Marka , Pottier Cyril , Rademakers Rosa , Oskarsson Bjorn , Shah Jaimin S. , Petersen Ronald C. , Graff-Radford Neill R. , Boeve Bradley F. , Knopman David S. , Josephs Keith A. , DeTure Michael , Murray Melissa E. , Dickson Dennis W. , Heiman Myriam , Belzil Veronique V. , Kellis Manolis
Published: July 2021

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) are two devastating and fatal neurodegenerative conditions. While distinct, they share many clinical, genetic, and pathological characteristics1, and both show selective vulnerability of layer 5b extratelencephalic-projecting cortical populations, including Betz cells in ALS2,3and von Economo neurons (VENs) in FTLD4,5. Here, we report the first high resolution single-cell atlas of the human primary motor cortex (MCX) and its transcriptional alterations in ALS and FTLD across ~380,000 nuclei from 64 individuals, including 17 control samples and 47 sporadic andC9orf72-associated ALS and FTLD patient samples. We identify 46 transcriptionally distinct cellular subtypes including two Betz-cell subtypes, and we observe a previously unappreciated molecular similarity between Betz cells and VENs of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and frontal insula. Many of the dysregulated genes and pathways are shared across excitatory neurons, including stress response, ribosome function, oxidative phosphorylation, synaptic vesicle cycle, endoplasmic reticulum protein processing, and autophagy. Betz cells andSCN4B+ long-range projecting L3/L5 cells are the most transcriptionally affected in both ALS and FTLD. Lastly, we find that the VEN/Betz cell-enriched transcription factor, POU3F1, has altered subcellular localization, co-localizes with TDP-43 aggregates, and may represent a cell type-specific vulnerability factor in the Betz cells of ALS and FTLD patient tissues.
Clostridium difficile Toxin B activates the NLRP3 inflammasome in human macrophages, demonstrating a novel regulatory mechanism for the Pyrin inflammasome
Authors: Mangan Matthew S.J. , Gorki Friederike , Krause Karoline , Heinz Alexander , Ebert Thomas , Jahn Dieter , Hiller Karsten , Hornung Veit , Mauer Marcus , Schmidt Florian I. , Gerhard Ralf , Latz Eicke
Published: July 2021

Pyrin is a cytosolic immune sensor that forms an inflammasome when bacterial virulence factors inhibit RhoA, triggering the release of inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β. Gain of function mutations in the MEFV gene encoding Pyrin cause auto-inflammatory disorders, such as familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) and Pyrin associated auto-inflammation with Neutrophilic Dermatosis (PAAND). To precisely define the role of Pyrin in detecting pathogen virulence factors in relevant human immune cells, we investigated how the Pyrin inflammasome response was initiated and regulated in monocyte-derived macrophages (hMDM) compared to human monocytes. Unlike monocytes and murine macrophages, we determined that hMDM failed to activate Pyrin in response to known Pyrin activators Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) toxins A or B (TcdA or TcdB). In contrast, TcdB activated the NLRP3 inflammasome in hMDM. Notably, we ascertained that the Pyrin inflammasome response could be re-enabled in hMDM by prolonged priming with either LPS or type I or II interferons, and required an increase in Pyrin expression. These data demonstrate an unexpected redundancy in detecting these toxins by inflammasome sensors.
Crossmodal metaperception: Visual and tactile confidence share a common scale
Authors: Klever Lena , Mosebach Marie , Fiehler Katja , Mamassian Pascal , Billino Jutta
Published: July 2021

Perceptual decisions are typically accompanied by a subjective sense of (un)certainty. There is robust evidence that observers have access to a reliable estimate of their own uncertainty and can judge the validity of their perceptual decisions. However, there is still a debate to what extent these meta-perceptual judgements underly a common mechanism that can monitor perceptual decisions across different sensory modalities. It has been suggested that perceptual confidence can be evaluated on an abstract scale that is not only task-independent but also modality-independent. We aimed to scrutinize these findings by measuring visual contrast and tactile vibration discrimination thresholds in a confidence forced-choice task. A total of 56 participants took part in our study. We determined thresholds for trials in which perceptual decisions were chosen as confident and for those that were declined as confident. Confidence comparisons were made between perceptual decisions either within the visual and tactile modality, respectively, or across both modalities. Furthermore, we assessed executive functions to explore a possible link between cognitive control and meta-perceptual capacities. We found that perceptual performance was a good predictor of confidence judgments and that the threshold modulation was similarly pronounced in both modalities. Most importantly, participants compared their perceptual confidence across visual and tactile decisions with the same precision as within the same modality. Cognitive control capacities were not related to meta-perceptual performance. In conclusion, our findings corroborate that perceptual uncertainty can be accessed on an abstract scale, allowing for confidence comparisons across sensory modalities.
ZFP451-mediated SUMOylation of SATB2 drives embryonic stem cell differentiation
Authors: Antonio Urrutia Gustavo , Ramachandran Haribaskar , Cauchy Pierre , Boo Kyungjin , Ramamoorthy Senthilkumar , Boller Soeren , Dogan Esen , Clapes Thomas , Trompouki Eirini , Torres-Padilla Maria-Elena , Palvimo Jorma J. , Pichler Andrea , Grosschedl Rudolf
Published: July 2021

The establishment of cell fates involves alterations of transcription factor repertoires and repurposing of transcription factors by post-translational modifications. In embryonic stem cells (ESCs), the chromatin organizers SATB2 and SATB1 balance pluripotency and differentiation by activating and repressing pluripotency genes, respectively. Here, we show that conditional Satb2 gene inactivation weakens ESC pluripotency, and we identify SUMO2 modification of SATB2 by the E3 ligase ZFP451 as a potential driver of ESC differentiation. Mutations of two SUMO-acceptor lysines of Satb2 (Satb2K →R) or knockout of Zfp451 impair the ability of ESCs to silence pluripotency genes and activate differentiation-associated genes in response to retinoic acid (RA) treatment. Notably, the forced expression of a SUMO2-SATB2 fusion protein in either Satb2K →R or Zfp451−/− ESCs rescues, in part, their impaired differentiation potential and enhances the down-regulation of Nanog. The differentiation defect of Satb2K →R ESCs correlates with altered higher-order chromatin interactions relative to Satb2wt ESCs. Upon RA treatment of Satb2wt ESCs, SATB2 interacts with ZFP451 and the LSD1/CoREST complex and gains binding at differentiation genes, which is not observed in RA-treated Satb2K →R cells. Thus, SATB2 SUMOylation may contribute to the rewiring of transcriptional networks and the chromatin interactome of ESCs in the transition of pluripotency to differentiation.
Towards high spatial resolution tissue-equivalent dosimetry for microbeam radiation therapy using organic semiconductors
Authors: Posar Jessie A. , Large Matthew , Alnaghy Saree , Paino Jason R. , Butler Duncan J. , Griffith Matthew J. , Hood Sean , Lerch Michael L. F. , Rosenfeld Anatoly , Sellin Paul J. , Guatelli Susanna , Petasecca Marco
Published: July 2021

Spatially fractionated ultra-high-dose-rate beams used during microbeam radiation therapy (MRT) have been shown to increase the differential response between normal and tumour tissue. Quality assurance of MRT requires a dosimeter that possesses tissue equivalence, high radiation tolerance and spatial resolution. This is currently an unsolved challenge. This work explored the use of a 500 nm thick organic semiconductor for MRT dosimetry on the Imaging and Medical Beamline at the Australian Synchrotron. Three beam filters were used to irradiate the device with peak energies of 48, 76 and 88 keV with respective dose rates of 3668, 500 and 209 Gy s−1. The response of the device stabilized to 30% efficiency after an irradiation dose of 30 kGy, with a 0.5% variation at doses of 35 kGy and higher. The calibration factor after pre-irradiation was determined to be 1.02 ± 0.005 µGy per count across all three X-ray energy spectra, demonstrating the unique advantage of using tissue-equivalent materials for dosimetry. The percentage depth dose curve was within ±5% of the PTW microDiamond detector. The broad beam was fractionated into 50 microbeams (50 µm FHWM and 400 µm centre-to-centre distance). For each beam filter, the FWHMs of all 50 microbeams were measured to be 51 ± 1.4, 53 ± 1.4 and 69 ± 1.9 µm, for the highest to lowest dose rate, respectively. The variation in response suggested the photodetector possessed dose-rate dependence. However, its ability to reconstruct the microbeam profile was affected by the presence of additional dose peaks adjacent to the one generated by the X-ray microbeam. Geant4 simulations proved that the additional peaks were due to optical photons generated in the barrier film coupled to the sensitive volume. The simulations also confirmed that the amplitude of the additional peak in comparison with the microbeam decreased for spectra with lower peak energies, as observed in the experimental data. The material packaging can be optimized during fabrication by solution processing onto a flexible substrate with a non-fluorescent barrier film. With these improvements, organic photodetectors show promising prospects as a cost-effective high spatial resolution tissue-equivalent flexible dosimeter for synchrotron radiation fields.
Usefulness of current autism diagnostic or screening assessment tools in adults with intellectual disability (ID): systematic review of literature
Authors: Shatananda Solomon , Oyedokun Abimbola , Odiyoor Mahesh , Jaydeokar Sujeet , Shahzad Saman
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to identify and ascertain if there were any validated tools for diagnosing or screening autism spectrum disorder in adults with ID. The estimated prevalence of intellectual disability (ID) in the general population is about 10.37/1,000 population (Maulik et al., 2011). In total, 1 out of 4 individuals with ID suffers from an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (Sappok et al., 2010). Early diagnosis and support for ASD is key to having a good quality of life. The diagnosis of ASD in people with an ID presents its own challenges and it is likely under-identification of ASD amongst adults with ID by about 20% to 30% (Emerson and Baines, 2010).

Design/methodology/approach

Studies were selected based on the following criteria: studies that reported either screening or diagnostic tools for ASD, participants had an ID i.e. a mean IQ of <70, adults i.e. participants were >18 years of age at the time of entry to the study and articles reported either sensitivity, specificity or area under the curve. Relevant studies that were published up to January 2020 were identified from EMBASE, PsychINFO, CINAHL and PubMed. In total, 75 papers were identified of which 15 papers met the criteria.

Findings

The screening or diagnostic tools currently in use is dependant on the degree of ID. A number of the tools had good psychometric properties and utility when used in people with specific degrees of ID or when used in combination with another screening or diagnostic tool. The authors could not identify a diagnostic tool that could be used across all levels of severity of ID unless used in combination. Hence, concluded that there is a need for a diagnostic tool with good psychometric properties for the assessment of ASD in adults with all degree of ID within a reasonable time period without the need for an additional tool to be used in conjunction.

Originality/value

Currently, the “gold standard” for diagnosing ASD is a lengthy and time-consuming process carried out by trained multi-disciplinary team members who assess historical, behavioural and parent/carer report to arrive at a diagnosis. There are a number of tools that have been developed to aid diagnosis. However, it is important to identify the tools that can optimise the procedures and are also time-efficient.
To share or not to share? A moderated mediation model of the relationship between perceived overqualification and knowledge sharing
Authors: Zhao Lijing , Zhao Shuming , Zeng Hao , Bai Jingyi
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Drawing on identity theory and the symbolic interactionism perspective of identity theory, this study aims to construct a moderated mediation framework to test the effects of perceived overqualification (POQ) on knowledge sharing (KS) through professional identity threat (PIT) and the moderating role of coworkers' help-seeking behavior (CHSB).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a quantitative multistudy research design with a combination of a scenario experiment (Study 1) and a two-wave field study among 220 supervisor-subordinate dyads at a power company in China. Using analysis of variance, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and bootstrapping method, the authors validated the research hypothesis.

Findings

In the scenario experiment study (study 1), the authors find that POQ is positively related to PIT and that CHSB negatively moderates the positive impact of POQ on PIT. The field study (study 2) replicated the above findings and found that PIT mediates the negative effect of POQ on KS. In addition, CHSB negatively moderates the mediating role of PIT between POQ and KS.

Originality/value

First, the current study extended the nomological network of POQ research by examining its influence on employees' KS. Second, this study empirically investigated the mediating role of PIT, which provided a new explanatory mechanism for the influence of POQ. Finally, this study demonstrates the moderating role of CHSB—a situational factor that has been ignored in previous studies.
Measuring resilience: by whom and for whom? A case study of people-centred resilience indicators in New Zealand
Authors: Le Dé Loïc , Wairama Karl , Sath Monynna , Petera Anthony
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Resilience has become a priority of most agendas for disaster risk reduction at different scales leading to an increase demand for measurement of resilience. However, resilience is mostly defined, assessed and measured by outsider experts rather than by those primarily concerned – local people. This article presents the development of people-centred indicators of resilience in New Zealand. It details both the process and outcomes of these indicators.

Design/methodology/approach

The study draws from participatory methods to develop a six-step tool kit for people-centred indicators of resilience. The people-centred indicators were implemented with four communities in New Zealand in 2019 and 2020.

Findings

The paper highlights that people are capable at defining and assessing their own resilience. The indicators enabled people identify and measure areas of low resilience and foster dialogue between locals and practitioners to strengthen it.

Research limitations/implications

People-centred indicators also have limitations and pose challenges. Their development requires strong facilitation skills; it limitedly enables comparison across communities and implies downward accountability.

Practical implications

The findings should stimulate discussions about who should measure resilience and for whom such measurement is it for. It provides a tool kit that can be used by practitioners and policy makers to measure and strengthen community resilience.

Originality/value

Most resilience indicators is outsider-driven and limitedly involves local people. This study uses a radically different approach placing people at the centre of resilience measurement.
The organizational framing effect on consumer evaluations of corporate donations
Authors: Septianto Felix , Northey Gavin , Weaven Scott
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This paperaims to investigate a novel expectation by examining how framing a company as its constituent members (members frame) versus an organization (organization frame) can influence consumer evaluations of a product or service from this company.

Design/methodology/approach

Four studies were conducted examining the effectiveness of an organization (vs members) frame in a between-subjects experimental design (a pilot study, Studies 1a, 1b and 2). Study 2 also tested the moderating role of donation strategies (amount-focused vs frequency-focused).

Findings

Results show a members (vs organization) frame leads to a higher purchase likelihood of a product from a company engaging in corporate donations. Further, this framing effect is mediated by increased levels of consumers’ perceptions about how committed the company is to the cause and the emotion of moral elevation in response to the company’s corporate donations. Moreover, this effect is moderated when the company uses a frequency-based (vs amount-based) donation strategy.

Research limitations/implications

This research contributes to the literature on message framing by demonstrating how the same information about a company may lead to differential effects on consumer evaluations, depending on whether the company is framed as its constituent members versus an organization.

Practical implications

This paper presents significant managerial implications for small companies, in which the owner is the company, about how they can effectively communicate corporate donations to the consumers.

Originality/value

This research provides a novel perspective on how the same information about a company may lead to differential effects on consumer evaluations, particularly in the context of corporate donations.
Cross-cultural training: a study of European expatriates in New Zealand
Authors: Tahir Rizwan
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the cross-cultural training (CCT) provided to European expatriate executives in New Zealand, and consequently add to the knowledge for human resource management in the Australasian region.

Design/methodology/approach

The present qualitative research study is based on open-ended and in-depth interviews with 30 European expatriate executives who had been residing in New Zealand for the past year or more.

Findings

The results indicate that at least some CCT was provided to all interviewees; however, the training content seemed to be strongly centered around professional work, with little focus on the culture of the host country. Moreover, there was no follow-up to the pre-departure CCT and very few expatriates in the sample received any training in New Zealand. Similarly, the family is considered a fundamental factor for the success of expatriates; however, in the sample, neither spouses nor children received any training before or after their arrival in New Zealand.

Research limitations/implications

The research is limited by the sample small size. The study’s inconclusive highlights the need for further research to explore the influences of local residents, colleagues and neighbors on expatriates’ adjustment. Similarly, further studies are also required to ascertain the effectiveness of CCT in helping support expatriates’ performance and adjustment in New Zealand.

Practical implications

The present study suggests that opportunities do exist for multinational companies (MNCs) to better prepare their expatriates for assignments by integrating more effectively issues related to cultural awareness into their CCT. Specifically, experimental CCT methods that emphasize the host country’s culture are most valuable. The CCT technique should be tailored to the cultural distance between the host nation and expatriates’ country of origin and to the nature of their assignment.

Originality/value

Given the existence of many MNCs in New Zealand, it is surprising that the issue of CCT in this context has received little research attention. The current study endeavors to address this gap. This paper hopes that the findings may also be useful for consultants and human resource managers in MNCs who are involved in preparing expatriates for foreign assignments in Australasia, especially New Zealand.
Is it ok to be connected outside the office? The impact on well-being at work and the mediating role of the work and family relationship
Authors: Carvalho Vânia Sofia , Correia Inês , Chambel Maria José
Published: July 2021

Purpose

To analyze the relationship between technology-assisted supplemental work (TASW) and well-being in the workplace – burnout and engagement. Furthermore, this study aims to test the relationship between TASW and burnout, mediated by work-to-family conflict (WFC) and the relationship between TASW and engagement mediated by work-to-family enrichment (WFE).

Design/methodology/approach

The data was collected from a service company operating in Portugal. A total of 338 responses from a services company in Portugal were analyzed. Two statistical programs were used for the data analysis: IBM statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS 25.0) and SPSS analysis of moment structures (AMOS 25.0).

Findings

The results highlight the positive relationship between TASW and engagement and the relationship between TASW and burnout, which only exists when WFC is present. Moreover, the relationship between TASW and engagement is stronger through WFE.

Originality/value

Using the conservation of resources theory as a framework, the results contribute to the literature by shedding further light upon the positive effects of TASW on employees’ well-being and the work and family relationship.
Strategic orientation of the firm towards its stakeholders and inclination towards sustainability – the conceptual framework
Authors: Obel Borge , Gurkov Igor
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address issues related to better identification of strategic orientation of the firm and the impact of strategic orientation on sustainable development of the firm.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents an overview of the existing literature on strategic orientation of the firm, reexamines the major findings and fills the discovered gaps in theoretical constructs and models by new models.

Findings

In this paper, a new model of strategic orientation is proposed based on the type of relationship of aa firm with its stakeholders who are considered as suppliers of key strategic resources. Relationship between the firm and its particular stakeholder is presented on an input-output like scheme and the variants of the position of the firm towards all its stakeholders serve as foundation for determining strategic orientation types. Next, the authors present orientation of firms of different strategic types towards sustainability.

Research limitations/implications

The paper outlines several novels problems for strategic management and organizational design theory.

Originality/value

The paper provides a novel treatment of strategic orientation and particular strategic types.
Experimental study on the effect of load and rotation speed on dry sliding of silicon nitride
Authors: Wang Zhishuang , Li Songhua , Sun Jian , Wang Junhai , Wang Yonghua , Xia Zhongxian , Wei Chao
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of load and rotation speed on dry sliding of silicon nitride, including a series of tribological behaviors (friction coefficient, wear rate, temperature rise, etc.) and wear mechanism. Through the analysis of the above characteristics, the influence law of load and speed on them and the internal relationship between them are determined, and then the best comprehensive performance parameters of silicon nitride full-ceramic spherical plain bearings in dry sliding are predicted, which can provide guidance for the operation condition of silicon nitride full-ceramic spherical plain bearings in dry sliding.

Design/methodology/approach

The experimental study of different loads and rotation speeds under dry friction conditions was carried out by the using ball-disk sliding test method.

Findings

With the increase of load, the friction coefficient of silicon nitride friction pair and the wear rate of silicon nitride ball decrease continuously. With the increase of rotation speed, the friction coefficient of silicon nitride friction pair first increases and then decreases, and the wear of silicon nitride ball first increases and then decreases. With the increase of load and rotation speed, the wear mechanism eventually changes to adhesive wear.

Originality/value

Because of the low timeliness and inefficiency of bearing experiments, this work adopts a simple ball-disk model to comprehensively explore the influence rules of different conditions, which provides a theoretical basis for the subsequent practical application of silicon nitride full-ceramic spherical plain bearings.
Sustainability of the Palestinian historic village of Battir
Authors: Kudumovic Lana
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to assess the proper built heritage preservation and management as important steps toward sustainability for the case of village Battir. In particular, the historic village core and its surroundings were elaborated. Battir is a Palestinian village located to the south of Jerusalem, famous for landscape terraces traditionally used in their authentic form since the Roman time. Because of its outstanding universal values, Battir was inscribed on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage list (WHL) in 2014.

Design/methodology/approach

To present the potentials of Battir to become a sustainable asset, the results of the Sustainable Plan have been used in this paper. Among the proposed strategies of the Plan methodology for the historic core conservation was emphasized. Referring to the same methodology, key findings about the current state of conservation are elaborated as well as proposals for the village core enhancements.

Findings

As a result of an on-site survey, the Plan outlines several strategies, which are summarized in this paper. Within each strategy, the role and benefits for the inhabitants are evaluated along with the overview of the proposed interventions for the historic tissue preservation.

Originality/value

Challenges of the village's heritage preservation have been elaborated under the comprehensive Sustainable Plan that was initiated, prepared and lead by International Peace and Cooperation Center (IPCC). Here, sustainability refers to the better managing of available natural and cultural resources and features, while at the same time, creating new socio-economic opportunities for inhabitants.
The excessive gaming and gambling during COVID-19
Authors: Daglis Theodoros
Published: July 2021

Purpose

By combining econometrics and multifractal methods, utilizing a financial framework, this paper will examine with objectivity the economic, financial and social impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on society.

Design/methodology/approach

Through Granger causality, the authors test the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on excessive gaming and gambling activities, and through econometrics and multifractal methods, they combine the results to analyze a possible long-run relationship.

Findings

The COVID-19 confirmed cases Granger cause all examined stocks. Based on the co-integration technique, and the multifractal cross-correlation analysis, a long-run relationship exists between all examined stocks and COVID-19.

Originality/value

This is an empirical examination of a very important subject in the field of economics, namely, the consequences of the COVID-19-related events on the behavior of global citizens. It proposes a different and more objective approach (than the interviews and questionnaires) in the examination of this specific subject, through a financial framework, depicting the stock performance of the gaming and online gambling-related companies, and reflecting on the activity of these companies. It combines two different approaches from two different disciplines, namely econometrics and multifractal analysis, to test and describe the causal and the long-run relationship between the phenomena examined, combining the results to an overall and multidimensional view of this occurrence.
Emergency supplies purchase patterns during COVID-19 outbreak in the developing economy: frequency and stockpiling drivers’ assessment
Authors: Rossolov Alexander , Kuzkin Olexiy , Rossolova Halyna
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to assess the roots of stockpiling behaviors and to give a quantitative assessment of shopping frequency changes for emergency supplies during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. In addition, the authors aim to determine the sources that influenced emergency supply purchases during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a polling or survey process implementation to collect the data on shopping patterns and to determine the drivers of stockpiling behaviors for the assessment. The polling was conducted using a snowball technique, and descriptive and regression analyses were used to define the roots of the stockpiling behaviors and the shopping frequency changes.

Findings

It was determined that 88.0% of end-consumers increased their shopping volumes for emergency supplies. An almost twofold increase in the average duration of usage for stockpiled goods (from 11 to 21 days) was also determined. Also revealed was a reduction in shopping frequency from an average of seven (pre-COVID-19 period) to five (first wave of COVID-19 pandemic) days. Such disproportional increases in purchase volumes along with a slight reduction in shopping frequency indicate the strong stockpile patterns that occurred during the pandemic.

Originality/value

The research is based on data from Ukraine, where the number of COVID-19 cases was low. Despite the comparatively low spread of COVID-19 in large cities in Ukraine in relation to other cities globally, people still revealed panic and stockpiling behaviors. The study's quantitative assessment of shopping behaviors reveals the social and economic determinants of the shopping frequency.
How and when team reflexivity influences employee innovative behavior
Authors: Wang Zhining , Cui Tao , Cai Shaohan
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Based on affective events theory, this study explores the cross-level effect of team reflexivity on employee innovative behaviors. Specifically, the authors examine the mediating effects of affective and normative commitment on this relationship, as well as the moderating effects of benevolent leadership.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors surveyed 341 employees and their direct supervisors in 74 work units and utilized multilevel path analysis to test a model of cross-level moderated mediation.

Findings

The study analysis results suggest that team reflexivity significantly contributes to employee innovative behavior. Both affective commitment and normative commitment mediate this relationship. Benevolent leadership not only enhances the relationship between team reflexivity and affective/normative commitment, but also reinforces the linkage of team reflexivity→affective commitment→employee innovative behavior.

Practical implications

The current study suggests that organizations should invest more in promoting team reflexivity and benevolent leadership in workplace. Furthermore, managers need to develop appropriate employees training programs and pay more attention to employees' work and personal lives. They need to make efforts to enhance employees' affective and normative commitment, thereby facilitating their innovative behavior.

Originality/value

This research identifies affective commitment and normative commitment as key mediators that link team reflexivity to employee innovative behavior and reveals the moderating role of benevolent leadership in the process.
Bereavement meanings and the conditions for successful social support service encounters
Authors: Plaud Cécile , Urien Bertrand
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Bereavement is far reaching and has a significant impact on many lives as widow(er)s are faced with countless changes to their everyday routines, their relationships and their consumption patterns. It is in this context that the purpose of this study is to examine the links between the meanings of bereavement for widows and the types and sources of social support sought. This deepens the understanding of the reasons for the success or failure of service encounters and thus contributes to consumer well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative study was carried out to gain more insight into this issue. A total of 24 in-depth interviews were conducted with French widows 59 years of age and older. To fully understand the diversity of bereavement experiences, the authors examined the following factors: life trajectory, life, as the spouse’s/partner’s death, support received and/or solicited and the success or failure of service encounters.

Findings

The findings suggest that bereavement experiences hold different meanings related to the types and sources of the preferred support. The following six classes were identified: dealing with administrative and financial issues, maintaining parental roles, enduring the memories of the circumstances of the spouse’s/partner’s death, reorganizing daily life, facing the loneliness of widowhood and expressing the affects of bereavement. These classes help to identify the conditions for the success or failure of service encounters.

Originality/value

The following two avenues emerge that contribute to the well-being of widows: “loss-oriented” and “restoration-oriented” bereavement classes of meanings. The former is embodied by widows primarily seeking “nurturant support” who expect self-oriented and relationship-focused service behaviour on the part of service providers, and the latter by widows primarily seeking “action-facilitating” support who expect “task-oriented” service behaviour from service providers. These results should allow service providers to be aware of when to prioritize the task, the self and/or the relationship, to provide a successful service encounter for consumers of bereavement services.
Financial services experience and consumption in Nigeria
Authors: Soetan Taiwo O. , Mogaji Emmanuel , Nguyen Nguyen Phong
Published: July 2021

Purpose

To understand the financial services experience and consumption in Nigeria from the perspectives of both the customers and managers. This study aims to explore this under-researched area and contribute towards a transformative financial service in the country.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews with 26 bank customers and seven top bank executives.

Findings

A conceptual framework, which has emerged from the analysis of the results, revealed three overarching factors that shape these experiences from the perspective of both consumers and managers – service maintenance, service technology and service dynamics.

Practical implications

For sustainable service maintenance, bank executives need to increase the overall level of transparency in their operations, particularly regarding bank charges, to ensure that customers are not subjected to hidden and unnecessary charges. The use of technology in service provision and delivery should play a prominent role. Managers should also provide innovative and user-friendly technology, communicating with customers and raising awareness of the benefits. Customers who are reluctant to adopt the technology should be educated and reassured. Recognising the service dynamics, managers should improve customer services and relationships, effectively manage the mobile money agent relationship and market new and relevant products to their target audience.

Social implications

The understanding of the financial services experience and consumption of citizens and residents in the demonstrate how the appropriate programmes and policies that enhance financial inclusion could be introduced and implemented in the country. It enables financial service managers to improve their services to their customers and policymakers to develop timely, relevant and appropriate policies to address and/or bridge the identified gaps in financial inclusion. The understanding of the financial services experience and consumption of citizens and residents in the demonstrate how the appropriate programmes and policies that enhance financial inclusion could be introduced and implemented in the country.

Originality/value

Through the sampling, this paper reiterates the need for consumer engagement and collaborative customer-provider relationships in redesigning financial services. This aligns with the transformative research agenda, which aims to increase access to financial services, decrease disparity and ensure consumers’ financial well-being.
An extended theory of planned behaviour model to predict intention to use bioplastic
Authors: Gutiérrez Taño Desiderio , Hernández Méndez Janet , Díaz-Armas Ricardo
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Approaches based on social marketing have led to the proposal of systemic interventions to achieve individual behaviour that takes into account the benefits for society as a whole. The use of plastics is having significant negative effects on the environment and so numerous policies such as the use of biodegradable packaging, have been implemented to ensure sustainable production and consumption patterns (Sustainable Development Goal 12). This paper aims to analyse the background factors that explain consumer intention to use bioplastics with the aim of guiding company and government social marketing campaigns designed to encourage such behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

To gather data, a survey was carried out using a sample of 3,612 people obtained via an online panel made up of participants over 18 years of age. The model and its hypotheses were tested by structural equations with the PLS technique using six independent variables obtained from the literature review.

Findings

The results of the variables “attitude towards bioplastics”, “subjective norms” and “activity to reduce plastic use” show a significant influence on intention to use bioplastics. This paper will also discuss the implications for governments and environmental managers to be taken into account when developing social marketing campaigns.

Social implications

Given the importance of perceived social pressure in terms of behaviour regarding the use of recyclable bioplastics, social marketing campaigns may be developed to encourage environmentally-responsible behaviour amongst different social agents such as consumers, businesses, governmental organisations and suppliers.

Originality/value

This study demonstrates the factors that explain intentions to use bioplastics, which until now had been subject to very little research.
Tourism development, entrepreneurship and women's empowerment – Focus on Serbian countryside
Authors: Vukovic Darko B. , Petrovic Marko , Maiti Moinak , Vujko Aleksandra
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The starting premise of this study is that women's empowerment is the goal for self-realization and that the support that comes from local tourism stakeholders represents an adequate base. In many rural areas, women have established self-help groups (SHGs), which facilitate the interaction with a wide range of stakeholders. The objective of this paper is to investigate the effects of SHGs on female entrepreneurship and self-employment in tourism.

Design/methodology/approach

To examine the research question, this study adopted a quantitative research that included a sample of 513 women in a less-advanced rural area in Serbia. For the data analysis, the generalized linear regression model (GLM) was used.

Findings

According to the results, self-employment is the leading goal of women's empowerment.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation in the research and the authors’ suggestion for future research is to increase the sample size of female respondents, so examination of their attitudes and role in the travel business in their local settings might reach higher significance. The second issue that the authors would like to point out is a highly local character of our study, so the future research should involve other rural areas in the country and from abroad (e.g. similar undeveloped countryside with noticeable, active women's role in local entrepreneurship).

Practical implications

The most important practical implications of this paper are twofold: (1) the results of the research have shown that the tourist potential of rural areas can be enhanced through local tourism stakeholders' support; (2) women without professional interest or jobs in rural areas, especially in the areas where the population is traditionally dominated by men (husband/brother/father), have a chance to earn and to be economically more independent. This research can affect future studies to investigate other aspects of empowerment depending on the difference of regions, from one side, and also alternative opportunities for tourism and local development in less-advanced rural areas, from another side.

Originality/value

The study analyzes the tourism potential of the rural areas (which are less advanced and mostly very poor in developing countries, such as Serbia). In this case, there are opportunities to increase employment, social inclusion of women, development of new tourism strategies, implementation of destination marketing, etc. Moreover, it contributes to future research in the field of stakeholders in tourism strategies.
Auditor-client relationship and related party transactions disclosure: the role of family controlling shareholders from a network perspective
Authors: Rahmat Mohd Mohid , Ali Siti Hajar Asmah , Mohd Saleh Norman
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effect of the auditor-client relationship (ACR) on related party transaction (RPT) types of disclosure, either RPT-efficient or RPT-conflict. This study also examines whether family controlling shareholders (FCS) negatively affect the ACR in RPT types of disclosure.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses multivariate regression on 2,203 year-observations of companies listed in Malaysia during the period 2014–2017.

Findings

This study finds weak evidence that auditors can mitigate companies’ RPT type (RPT-efficient and RPT-conflict) disclosure while maintaining a close ACR. However, an interaction between FCS and ACR reduces the RPT-conflict disclosure. Additionally, the Big 4 auditors slightly increase the RPT-conflict disclosure, however, the relationships are inversed if the close ACR involves the FCS. The Big 4 auditors also increase RPT-efficient disclosure although in a close ACR with FCS. Meanwhile, an interaction between non-Big 4 auditors and FCS in close ACR reduces both types of RPT disclosures.

Research limitations/implications

The findings suggest that a close relationship between auditors and clients in firms with significant family control could compromise auditor’s skepticism. The FCS can easily influence the auditors to agree with the ways they treat the RPT disclosure. Therefore, policymakers may have to revisit auditors’ rotation policies in Malaysia, especially those involving FCS.

Originality/value

Trust, familiarity and future fee dependency are significant threats to auditor independence in a close ACR. This study contributes to the literature by examining the effect of a close ACR on RPT types of disclosure from a network theory perspective.
The role of market and product category characteristics in local versus foreign language branding in Latin America
Authors: Farías Pablo , Torres Luis
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This paper explores which market and product category characteristics could influence the use of foreign language brand names (i.e. whether a brand uses a foreign language versus local language brand name) in some of the largest Latin American countries.

Design/methodology/approach

Hypotheses are tested using 880 brands from 39 product categories and nine Latin American markets using a hierarchical logistic regression.

Findings

Results revealed that foreign language brand names are more likely to be used in product categories related to local infrastructure, high-tech and global community. In contrast, local language brand names are more likely to be used in product categories associated to subscriptions. Findings also suggest that Hofstede's national cultural dimensions are significant factors. Finally, the results revealed that foreign language brand names are more likely to be used in markets with a low level of foreign language proficiency.

Originality/value

This paper shows the importance of considering market and product category characteristics and their potential influence on local versus foreign language branding in Latin America – an ignored issue in previous research.
Integrating organisational- and individual-level performance management systems (PMSS): a case study in a large Indonesian public sector organisation
Authors: Harahap Rudy M.
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This study aims to comprehensively examine the integration of organisational- and individual-level performance management systems (PMSs) in the context of public sector organisations (PSOs) of developing countries (DCs), by investigating the elements of PMSs in the studied organisation.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study in a large PSO of a developing country was conducted. The design of the study and the data analysis drew on Ferreira and Otley’s PMSs framework. Data were captured from electronic and printed document archives, online written interviews with participants and face-to-face interviews. The data then were triangulated and analysed thematically.

Findings

The study reveals a recursive relationship between culture and PMSs, and identifies conflicting regulatory requirements and a lack of information technology capacity led to the development of dual, loosely coupled PMSs in the studied organisation.

Research limitations/implications

The findings may not be generalisable beyond a large, PSO in a developing country; the study did not consider the linkages between the integration of organisational- and individual-level PMSs and other PMSs; the study looked at only two notions of culture; and the study asked participants to recall past events, so was retrospective in its design.

Practical implications

The findings illustrate the need for public sector managers and key policymakers to use both formal and informal control systems, together with technical and social integration mechanisms, as well as management accounting (MA) and human resources management (HRM) control approaches, when attempting to integrate organisational- and individual-level PMSs in the PSOs of DCs.

Social implications

Future studies may usefully investigate the integration of organisational- and individual-level PMSs in different contexts, consider culture and contextual factors when investigating the integration of organisational- and individual-level PMSs in different contexts, examine whether national culture also substantially impacts PMSs in other countries and attempt to inform the MA literature by drawing on HRM theory and research on individual-level PMSs. Such studies may help to address the gap between PMS theory and practice and better allow MA researchers to contribute to practice.

Originality/value

The study contributes to management control systems (MCSs) and PMSs literature by extending our understandings in the relationship between accounting and non-accounting controls, the contextual factors that affect PMSs and highlighting the importance of considering cultural context when integrating PMSs in the PSOs of DCs.