bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phosphorylation-Dependent Assembly of a 14-3-3 Mediated Signaling Complex During Red Blood Cell Invasion byPlasmodium falciparumMerozoites
Authors: More Kunal R. , Kaur Inderjeet , Gianetto Quentin Giai , Invergo Brandon M. , Chaze Thibault , Jain Ravi , Huon Christéle , Gutenbrunner Petra , Weisser Hendrik , Matondo Mariette , Choudhary Jyoti S. , Langsley Gordon , Singh Shailja , Chitnis Chetan E.
Published: January 2020

Red blood cell (RBC) invasion byPlasmodiummerozoites requires multiple steps that are regulated by signaling pathways. Exposure ofP. falciparummerozoites to the physiological signal of low K+, as found in blood plasma, leads to a rise in cytosolic Ca2+, which mediates microneme secretion, motility, and invasion. We have used global phosphoproteomic analysis of merozoites to identify signaling pathways that are activated during invasion. Using quantitative phosphoproteomics we found 394 protein phosphorylation site changes in merozoites subjected to different ionic environments (high K+/ low K+) out of which 143 were Ca2+-dependent. These included a number of signaling proteins such as catalytic and regulatory subunits of protein kinase A (PfPKAc and PfPKAr) and calcium-dependent protein kinase 1 (PfCDPK1). Proteins of the 14-3-3 family interact with phosphorylated target proteins to assemble signaling complexes. Here, using co-immunoprecipitation and gel filtration chromatography, we demonstrate that Pf14-3-3I binds phosphorylated PfPKAr and PfCDPK1 to mediate the assembly of a multi-protein complex inP. falciparummerozoites. A phospho-peptide, P1, based on the Ca2+dependent phosphosites of PKAr, binds Pf14-3-3I and disrupts assembly of the Pf14-3-3I-mediated multi-protein complex. Disruption of the multi-protein complex with P1 inhibits microneme secretion and RBC invasion. This study thus identifies a novel signaling complex that plays a key role in merozoite invasion of RBCs. Disruption of this signaling complex could serve as a novel approach to inhibit blood stage growth of malaria parasites.

Importance

Invasion of red blood cells (RBCs) byPlasmodium falciparummerozoites is a complex process that is regulated by intricate signaling pathways. Here, we have used phosphoproteomic profiling to identify the key proteins involved in signaling events during invasion. We found changes in the phosphorylation of various merozoite proteins including multiple kinases previously implicated in the process of invasion. We also found that a phosphorylation dependent multi-protein complex including signaling kinases assembles during the process of invasion. Disruption of this multi-protein complex impairs merozoite invasion of RBCs providing a novel approach for the development of inhibitors to block the growth of blood stage malaria parasites.
NetMix: A network-structured mixture model for reduced-bias estimation of altered subnetworks
Authors: Reyna Matthew A. , Chitra Uthsav , Elyanow Rebecca , Raphael Benjamin J.
Published: January 2020

A classic problem in computational biology is the identification ofaltered subnetworks:subnetworks of an interaction network that contain genes/proteins that are differentially expressed, highly mutated, or otherwise aberrant compared to other genes/proteins. Numerous methods have been developed to solve this problem under various assumptions, but the statistical properties of these methods are often unknown. For example, some widely-used methods are reported to output very large subnetworks that are difficult to interpret biologically. In this work, we formulate the identification of altered subnetworks as the problem of estimating the parameters of a class of probability distributions which we call the Altered Subset Distribution (ASD). We derive a connection between a popular method, jActiveModules, and the maximum likelihood estimator (MLE) of the ASD. We show that the MLE isstatistically biased, explaining the large subnetworks output by jActiveModules. We introduce NetMix, an algorithm that uses Gaussian mixture models to obtain less biased estimates of the parameters of the ASD. We demonstrate that NetMix outperforms existing methods in identifying altered subnetworks on both simulated and real data, including the identification of differentially expressed genes from both microarray and RNA-seq experiments and the identification of cancer driver genes in somatic mutation data.

Availability

NetMix is available online athttps://github.com/raphael-group/netmix.

Contact

braphael@princeton.edu
BREM-SC: A Bayesian Random Effects Mixture Model for Joint Clustering Single Cell Multi-omics Data
Authors: Wang Xinjun , Sun Zhe , Zhang Yanfu , Xu Zhongli , Huang Heng , Duerr Richard H. , Chen Kong , Ding Ying , Chen Wei
Published: January 2020

Droplet-based single cell transcriptome sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology, largely represented by the 10X Genomics Chromium system, is able to measure the gene expression from tens of thousands of single cells simultaneously. More recently, coupled with the cutting-edge Cellular Indexing of Transcriptomes and Epitopes by Sequencing (CITE-seq), the droplet-based system has allowed for immunophenotyping of single cells based on cell surface expression of specific proteins together with simultaneous transcriptome profiling in the same cell. Despite the rapid advances in technologies, novel statistical methods and computational tools for analyzing multi-modal CITE-Seq data are lacking. In this study, we developed BREM-SC, a novel Bayesian Random Effects Mixture model that jointly clusters paired single cell transcriptomic and proteomic data. Through simulation studies and analysis of public and in-house real data sets, we successfully demonstrated the validity and advantages of this method in fully utilizing both types of data to accurately identify cell clusters. In addition, as a probabilistic model-based approach, BREM-SC is able to quantify the clustering uncertainty for each single cell. This new method will greatly facilitate researchers to jointly study transcriptome and surface proteins at the single cell level to make new biological discoveries, particularly in the area of immunology.
Cross-Cancer Evaluation of Polygenic Risk Scores for 17 Cancer Types in Two Large Cohorts
Authors: Graff Rebecca E. , Cavazos Taylor B. , Thai Khanh K. , Kachuri Linda , Rashkin Sara R. , Hoffman Joshua D. , Alexeeff Stacey E. , Blatchins Maruta , Meyers Travis J. , Leong Lancelote , Tai Caroline G. , Emami Nima C. , Corley Douglas A. , Kushi Lawrence H. , Ziv Elad , Van Den Eeden Stephen K. , Jorgenson Eric , Hoffmann Thomas J. , Habel Laurel A. , Witte John S. , Sakoda Lori C.
Published: January 2020

Genetic factors that influence etiologic mechanisms shared across cancers could affect the risk of multiple cancer types. We investigated polygenic risk score (PRS)-specific pleiotropy across 17 cancers in two large population-based cohorts. The study population included European ancestry individuals from the Genetic Epidemiology Research on Adult Health and Aging cohort (16,012 cases, 50,552 controls) and the UK Biobank (48,969 cases, 359,802 controls). We selected known independent risk variants from published GWAS to construct a PRS for each cancer type. Within cohorts, each PRS was evaluated in multivariable logistic regression models with respect to the cancer for which it was developed and each other cancer type. Results were then meta-analyzed across cohorts. In the UK Biobank, each PRS was additionally evaluated relative to 20 cancer risk factors or biomarkers. All PRS replicated associations with their corresponding cancers (p<0.05). Eleven cross-cancer associations – ten positive and one inverse – were found after correction for multiple testing (p<0.05/17=0.0029). Two cancer pairs showed bidirectional associations; the melanoma PRS was positively associated with oral cavity/pharyngeal cancer and vice versa, whereas the lung cancer PRS was positively associated with oral cavity/pharyngeal cancer, and the oral cavity/pharyngeal cancer PRS was inversely associated with lung cancer. We identified 65 associations between a cancer PRS and non-cancer phenotype. In this study examining cross-cancer PRS associations in two cohorts unselected for phenotype, we validated known and uncovered novel patterns of pleiotropy. Our results have the potential to inform investigations of risk prediction, shared etiology, and precision cancer prevention strategies.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

By examining cross-cancer polygenic risk score associations, we validated known and uncovered novel patterns of pleiotropy. Our results may inform investigations of risk prediction, shared etiology, and precision prevention strategies.
Dual Proteome-scale Networks Reveal Cell-specific Remodeling of the Human Interactome
Authors: Huttlin Edward L. , Bruckner Raphael J. , Navarrete-Perea Jose , Cannon Joe R. , Baltier Kurt , Gebreab Fana , Gygi Melanie P. , Thornock Alexandra , Zarraga Gabriela , Tam Stanley , Szpyt John , Panov Alexandra , Parzen Hannah , Fu Sipei , Golbazi Arvene , Maenpaa Eila , Stricker Keegan , Thakurta Sanjukta Guha , Rad Ramin , Pan Joshua , Nusinow David P. , Paulo Joao A. , Schweppe Devin K. , Vaites Laura Pontano , Harper J. Wade , Gygi Steven P.
Published: January 2020

Thousands of interactions assemble proteins into modules that impart spatial and functional organization to the cellular proteome. Through affinity-purification mass spectrometry, we have created two proteome-scale, cell-line-specific interaction networks. The first, BioPlex 3.0, results from affinity purification of 10,128 human proteins – half the proteome – in 293T cells and includes 118,162 interactions among 14,586 proteins; the second results from 5,522 immunoprecipitations in HCT116 cells. These networks model the interactome at unprecedented scale, encoding protein function, localization, and complex membership. Their comparison validates thousands of interactions and reveals extensive customization of each network. While shared interactions reside in core complexes and involve essential proteins, cell-specific interactions bridge conserved complexes, likely ‘rewiring’ each cell’s interactome. Interactions are gained and lost in tandem among proteins of shared function as the proteome remodels to produce each cell’s phenotype. Viewable interactively online through BioPlexExplorer, these networks define principles of proteome organization and enable unknown protein characterization.
Anisotropic mineralized collagen scaffolds accelerate osteogenic response in a glycosaminoglycan-dependent fashion
Authors: Dewey Marley J. , Nosatov Andrey V. , Subedi Kiran , Harley Brendan
Published: January 2020

Regeneration of critically-sized craniofacial bone defects requires a template to promote cell activity and bone remodeling. However, induced regeneration becomes more challenging with increasing defect size. Methods of repair using allografts and autografts have inconsistent results, attributed to age-related regenerative capabilities of bone. We are developing a mineralized collagen scaffold to promote craniomaxillofacial bone regeneration as an alternative to repair. Here, we hypothesize modifying the pore anisotropy and glycosaminoglycan content of the scaffold will improve cell migration, viability, and subsequent bone formation. Using anisotropic and isotropic scaffold variants, we test the role of pore orientation on human mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) activity. We subsequently explore the role of glycosaminoglycan content, notably chondroitin-6-sulfate, chondroitin-4-sulfate, and heparin sulfate on mineralization. We find that while short term MSC migration and activity was not affected by pore orientation, increased bone mineral synthesis was observed in anisotropic scaffolds. Further, while scaffold glycosaminoglycan content did not impact cell viability, heparin sulfate and chondroitin-6-sulfate containing variants increased mineral formation at the late stage ofin vitroculture, respectively. Overall, these findings show scaffold microstructural and proteoglycan modifications represent a powerful tool to improve MSC osteogenic activity.
Multi-faceted deregulation of gene expression and protein synthesis with age
Authors: Anisimova Aleksandra S. , Meerson Mark B. , Gerashchenko Maxim V. , Kulakovskiy Ivan V. , Dmitriev Sergey E. , Gladyshev Vadim N.
Published: January 2020

Protein synthesis represents a major metabolic activity of the cell. However, how it is affected by aging and how this in turn impacts cell function remains largely unexplored. To address this question, herein we characterized age-related changes in both the transcriptome and translatome of mouse tissues over the entire lifespan. Expression of the majority of differentially expressed genes followed a U-shaped curve with the turning point around 3-months-old. We showed that transcriptome changes govern changes in the translatome and are associated with altered expression of genes involved in inflammation, extracellular matrix and lipid metabolism. We also identified genes that may serve as candidate biomarkers of aging. At the translational level, we uncovered sustained down-regulation of a set of 5’ terminal oligopyrimidine (5’TOP) transcripts encoding protein synthesis and ribosome biogenesis machinery and regulated by the mTOR pathway. For many of them, ribosome occupancy dropped 3-fold or even more. Moreover, with age, ribosome coverage gradually decreased in the vicinity of start codons and increased near stop codons, revealing complex age-related changes in the translation process. Taken together, our results reveal systematic and multi-dimensional deregulation in protein synthesis, showing how this major cellular process declines with age.
Cerebello-Thalamic Spike Transfer via Temporal Coding and Cortical Adaptation
Authors: Schäfer Carmen B. , Gao Zhenyu , De Zeeuw Chris I. , Hoebeek Freek E.
Published: January 2020

Orchestrating the ensemble of muscle contractions necessary for coordinated movements requires the interaction of cerebellar, thalamic and cerebral structures, but the mechanisms underlying the integration of information remain largely unknown. Here we investigated how excitatory inputs from cerebellar nuclei (CN) and primary motor cortex layer VI (M1 L6) neurons may regulate together the activity of neurons in the mouse ventrolateral (VL) thalamus. Using dual-optogenetic stimulation and whole-cell recordingsin vitrowe were able to specifically activate the CN and M1 pathways and study their differential impact. We found that VL spiking probability is effectively determined by a pause in CN stimuli, whereas VL membrane potential can be modulated subthreshold by M1 L6 input. Upon mild depolarization of the VL membrane potential, repetitive CN stimulation evokes at best single action potential firing, whereas more negative membrane potentials increase VL spiking probability. Moreover, whereas high-frequency cerebellar activity attenuates thalamic spiking, pauses in cerebellar activity re-activate thalamic spiking. In contrast, facilitating inputs from cerebral cortex modulate thalamo-cortical spike transfer via fluctuations in the membrane potential. The fine-tuning by cerebellar and cerebral activity allows the motor thalamus to operate as a low-pass filter for cerebellar activity, generating sparse but precisely timed outputs for the cerebral cortex.
DNA damage and macrophage infiltration in the ovaries of the long-lived GH deficient Ames Dwarf and the short-lived bGH transgenic mice
Authors: Saccon Tatiana , Rovani Monique Tomazele , Garcia Driele Neske , Pradiee Jorgea , Mondadori Rafael Gianella , Cruz Luis Augusto Xavier , Barros Carlos Castilho , Fang Yimin , McFadden Samuel , Bartke Andrzej , Masternak Michal M , Schneider Augusto
Published: January 2020

Objective

The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of growth hormone (GH) in DNA damage, macrophage infiltration and the granulosa cells number of primordial and primary follicles.

Methods

For these experiments six groups of female mice were used. Four groups consisted of Ames dwarf (Prop-1df, df/df, n=12) and their normal littermates (N/df, n=12) mice, between sixteen and eighteen month-old, receiving GH (n=6 for df/df, and n=6 for N/df mice) or saline injections (n=6 for df/df, and n=6 for N/df mice). The other two groups consisted of ten to twelve-month-old bGH (n=6) and normal mice (N, n=6). Immunofluorescence for DNA damage (anti-γH2AX) and macrophage counting (anti-CD68) were performed. Granulosa cells of primordial and primary follicles were counted.

Results

Female df/df mice had lower γH2AX foci intensity in in both oocytes and granulosa cells of primordial and primary follicles (p<0.05), indicating less DNA double strand breaks (DSBs). In addition, GH treatment increased DSBs in both df/df and N/df mice. Inversely, bGH mice had higher quantity of DSBs in both oocytes and granulosa cells of primordial and primary follicles (p<0.05). Df/df mice showed ovarian tissue with less macrophage infiltration than N/df mice (p<0.05) and GH treatment increased macrophage infiltration (p<0.05). On the other hand, bGH mice had ovarian tissue with more macrophage infiltration compared to normal mice (p<0.05). Df/df mice had less granulosa cells on primordial and primary follicles than N/df mice (p<0.05). GH treatment did not affect the granulosa cells number (p>0.05). However, bGH mice had an increased number of granulosa cells on primordial and primary follicles compared to normal mice (p<0.05).

Conclusion

The current study points to the role of the GH/IGF-I axis in maintenance of oocyte DNA integrity and macrophage ovarian infiltration in mice.
Distortion correction of diffusion weighted MRI without reverse phase-encoding scans or field-maps
Authors: Schilling Kurt G , Blaber Justin , Hansen Colin , Cai Leon , Rogers Baxter , Anderson Adam W , Smith Seth , Kanakaraj Praitayini , Rex Tonia , Resnick Susan M. , Shafer Andrea T. , Cutting Laurie , Woodward Neil , Zald David , Landman Bennett A
Published: January 2020

Diffusion magnetic resonance images may suffer from geometric distortions due to susceptibility induced off resonance fields, which cause geometric mismatch with anatomical images and ultimately affect subsequent quantification of microstructural or connectivity indices. State-of-the art diffusion distortion correction methods typically require data acquired with reverse phase encoding directions, resulting in varying magnitudes and orientations of distortion, which allow estimation of an undistorted volume. Alternatively, additional field maps acquisitions can be used along with sequence information to determine warping fields. However, not all imaging protocols include these additional scans and cannot take advantage of state-of-the art distortion correction. To avoid additional acquisitions, structural MRI (undistorted scans) can be used as registration targets for intensity driven correction. In this study, we aim to (1) enable susceptibility distortion correction with historical and/or limited diffusion datasets that do not include specific sequences for distortion correction and (2) avoid the computationally intensive registration procedure typically required for distortion correction using structural scans. To achieve these aims, we use deep learning (3D U-nets) to synthesize an undistorted b0 image that matches geometry of structural T1w images and intensity contrasts from diffusion images. Importantly, the training dataset is heterogenous, consisting of varying acquisitions of both structural and diffusion. We apply our approach to a withheld test set and show that distortions are successfully corrected after processing. We quantitatively evaluate the proposed distortion correction and intensity-based registration against state-of-the-art distortion correction (FSL topup). The results illustrate that the proposed pipeline results in b0 images that are geometrically similar to non-distorted structural images, and more closely match state-of-the-art correction with additional acquisitions. In addition, we show generalizability of the proposed approach to datasets that were not in the original training / validation / testing datasets. These datasets included varying populations, contrasts, resolutions, and magnitudes and orientations of distortion and show efficacious distortion correction. The method is available as a Singularity container, source code, and an executable trained model to facilitate evaluation.
Endogenous itaconate is not required for particulate matter-induced NRF2 expression or inflammatory response
Authors: Sun Kaitlyn A. , Li Yan , Meliton Angelo Y. , Woods Parker S. , Kimmig Lucas M. , Hamanaka Robert B. , Mutlu Gökhan M.
Published: January 2020

Particulate matter (PM) air pollution causing significant cardiopulmonary mortality via macrophage-driven lung inflammation; however, the mechanisms are not completely understood. RNA-sequencing demonstratedAcod1(Aconitate decarboxylase 1) as one of the top genes induced by PM in macrophages.Acod1encodes a mitochondrial enzyme that produces itaconate, which has been shown to exert anti-inflammatory effects via NRF2 after LPS. Here, we demonstrate that PM induces Acod1 and itaconate, which reduced mitochondrial respiration via complex II inhibition. UsingAcod1-/-macrophages, we found that Acod1/endogenous itaconate was not required for PM-induced inflammation or NRF2 activation. In contrast to endogenous itaconate, exogenous cell permeable form of itaconate (4-octyl itaconate (OI)) attenuated the PM-induced inflammation and activated NRF2 but NRF2 was not required for the anti-inflammatory effects of OI. We conclude that the effects of itaconate production on inflammation are stimulus-dependent, and that there are important differences between endogenous and exogenously-applied itaconate.
Is financial education an effective means to improve financial literacy? Evidence from rural China
Authors: ZHang Huanhuan , Xiong Xueping
Published: January 2020

Purpose

Using survey data from Shandong, Henan and Guizhou provinces of China, the purpose of this paper is to accurately measure the impact of rural residents’ financial education on financial literacy.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper chooses one province from the Eastern, Central and Western Regions of China, namely, Shandong, Henan and Guizhou, respectively, and 1,565 samples are obtained through a questionnaire survey. First, the paper constructs a financial literacy assessment framework and, then, scores the financial literacy of the respondents. Second, using ordinary least squares, feasible generalized least squares method and forward search method, the paper estimates the impact factors of financial literacy level. To avoid sample selection errors and endogeneity problems, the authors divide the respondents into treatment group (participated in financial education) and control group (non-participating in financial education) and, then, adopt propensity score matching (PSM) to analyze the impact of rural residents’ financial education on financial literacy.

Findings

The results show that education level and risk level have significant impact on rural residents’ participation in financial education, and some unobservable abilities and qualities also affect their participation. Therefore, the process of rural residents’ participation in financial education exists, which gives rise to self-selection and endogeneity problems; financial education is promoting rural residents’ financial literacy, but the effect of promotion becomes smaller after taking into account sample self-selection and endogenous problems. Rural residents of female, higher age, single, higher education level, higher parental education level, agricultural type, higher family annual per capita income and lower risk level show stronger effects on their financial literacy level, if they participate in financial education.

Research limitations/implications

The survey sample was drawn from three provinces randomly but the site selection was not random. The implication is in rural China, financial education has positive effect on residents’ financial literacy level but considering the sample self- selection and endogenous nature, its impact becomes smaller.

Practical implications

The government should encourage rural residents to participate fully in financial education activities, especially those with a low educational level, low risk preference and mainly engaged in agricultural production.

Originality/value

The effect of financial education on financial literacy has not reached a consistent conclusion, and there is fewer quantitative discussion about this issue. The originality of this paper is based on the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development evaluation index system; this paper constructs the evaluation index system of rural residents’ financial literacy in China and uses the PSM method to accurately measure the effect of financial education on financial literacy.
Determinants of smallholder farmers’ access to microfinance credits
Authors: Ouattara N’Banan , Xueping Xiong , BI Trazié Bertrand Athanase Youan , Traoré Lacina , Ahiakpa J.K. , Olounlade Odountan Ambaliou
Published: January 2020

Purpose

Several years after the regularization of microfinance activity in Côte d’Ivoire, smallholder farmers’ access to microfinance credits still remains marginal. The purpose of this paper is to identify and analyze key determinants of access to microfinance credit in Sassandra-Marahoué District.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 150 smallholder farmers were randomly sampled using an interview guide and semi-structured questionnaires. Univariate statistics and Probit binary modeling were employed for data analyses.

Findings

Results revealed that socio-economic/demographic characteristics of smallholder farmers and credit requirements imposed by microfinance institutions (MFIs) are key determinants of smallholder farmers’ access to microfinance credits in the district.

Research limitations/implications

Although, the authors shed light on the determinants of microfinance credit access for smallholder farmers in this district, the study focused on a single source of financial credit. Future research will need to explore the determinants of credit demand and the choice between different sources of rural credits in Côte d’Ivoire.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that MFIs seldom take into account smallholder farmers who are not engaged in off-farm income-generating activities and savings account; and those with low level of education. Sensitization programs on the importance of savings mobilization and credit policy by MFIs will potentially increase smallholder’s knowledge on credit access requirements and thereby increased access.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study investigating determinants of smallholder farmers’ access to microfinance credits in Côte d’Ivoire specifically in the Sassandra-Marahoué District. The results of this study will serve as a guide for MFIs for improving smallholder farmers’ access to credit.
Critical success factors for large building construction projects
Authors: Mathar Hasan , Assaf Sadi , Hassanain Mohammad A. , Abdallah Abdullatif , Sayed Ahmed M.Z.
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The literature revealed a limited number of studies on critical success factors (CSFs) in Saudi Arabia. These studies were either outdated, covered limited factors or focused on very specific issues of a project. In response to this knowledge gap, the purpose of this paper is to identify and assess the factors which affect the success of construction projects in Saudi Arabia.

Design/methodology/approach

In all, 91 CSFs were identified from the literature, and grouped under eight categories according to categorization schemes adopted by earlier studies and common characteristics shared by the factors. A questionnaire survey was adopted since it permits the collection of large volumes of data in a short period. In total, 61 responses from industry experts were used to compute the significance index for each factor and rank the most CSFs.

Findings

Contractors viewed the three most significant CSFs as “competency and capability of the contractors’ key personnel in different disciplines,” “adequacy of labor resources and their skills” and “the impact of the project on the public.” Consultants viewed the three most significant CSFs as “competency and capability of the consultants’ key personnel in different disciplines,” “clear communication channels between the owner/PM and the designer” and “PM competency, authority and involvement.”

Originality/value

Although a significant number of studies have investigated CSFs for construction projects, these studies do not provide an extensive list of CSFs, and none have studied CSFs in large-scale construction projects in Saudi Arabia from the viewpoint of two key stakeholders. This study attempts to address this knowledge gap.
How information acceptance model predicts customer loyalty?
Authors: Park Tiwa
Published: January 2020

Purpose

This study aims to explore the influence of electronic word of mouth (eWOM) in social media on customer loyalty by using the information acceptance model (IACM). For this purpose, this study identified the relationship of attitude towards information, information credibility, information quality and information with information usefulness. Later, the relation of information usefulness and information adoption was examined. According to the IACM, this information adoption and attitude towards information can affect behavioural outcomes of customer, and the authors used customer loyalty as a behavioural outcome.

Design/methodology/approach

This study collected the data from students enrolled in different universities of Thailand. More specifically, those students were considered appropriate for study who were active Facebook users. Therefore, a questionnaire was posted in 83 different Facebook groups of university students, from which 771 students responded properly. SPSS and AMOS 24 were used to conduct data reliability, descriptive and correlation analysis, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and structural equation modelling (SEM).

Findings

The study found that credibility, quality, usefulness and adoption of information, need of information and attitude towards information are the key factors of eWOM in social media that influence consumers’ loyalty.

Practical implications

This study will be helpful for marketing managers in studying patterns of customer loyalty because many studies have previously examined purchase behaviour or purchase intention only. Moreover, it will provide framework to marketers for understanding the influence of eWOM information in social media on customer loyalty.

Originality/value

This study is to explore the effect of credibility, quality, usefulness and adoption of information, need of information and attitude towards information on consumers’ loyalty.
Factors affecting awareness of preparedness after moderate earthquakes
Authors: Moon Ji-Won , Hwang Ha , Chung Ji-Bum
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how experiencing moderate earthquakes influences risk perception and preparedness.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was conducted on a nationally representative sample of Korean adults after the moderate earthquake in Pohang in 2017. Statistical analyses were conducted to identify the determinants of willingness to pay (WTP) for seismic retrofitting and earthquake insurance.

Findings

The results show that risk perception, housing ownership, earthquake experience and income level significantly influenced WTP for seismic retrofitting and earthquake insurance. The results also indicate that a greater number of damage-free earthquake experiences reduced the WTP that could be explained by normalcy bias. Finally, people who believed that the Pohang earthquake might be an example of induced seismicity (i.e. triggered by the geothermal power plant) tended to have a lower WTP for seismic retrofitting.

Originality/value

This study offers valuable findings on public attitudes about enhancing earthquake preparedness policies in moderate earthquake zones, regions that few studies have examined despite their high vulnerability due to a lack of preparedness.
Wayfinding during a wildfire evacuation
Authors: Brachman Micah L. , Church Richard , Adams Benjamin , Bassett Danielle
Published: January 2020

Purpose

Emergency evacuation plans are often developed under the assumption that evacuees will use wayfinding strategies such as taking the shortest distance route to their nearest exit. The purpose of this paper is to analyze empirical data from a wildfire evacuation analyzed to determine whether evacuees took a shortest distance route to their nearest exit and to identify any alternate wayfinding strategies that they may have used.

Design/methodology/approach

The wildfire evacuation analysis presented in this paper is the outcome of a natural experiment. A post-fire online survey was conducted, which included an interactive map interface that allowed evacuees to identify the route that they took. The survey results were integrated with several additional data sets using a GIS. Network analysis was used to compare the routes selected by evacuees to their shortest distance routes, and statistical hypothesis testing was employed to identify the wayfinding strategies that may have been used.

Findings

The network analysis revealed that 31 percent of evacuees took a shortest distance route to their nearest exit. Hypothesis testing showed that evacuees selected routes that had significantly longer distances and travel times than the shortest distance routes, and indicated that factors such as the downhill slope percentage of routes and the elevation of exits may have impacted the wayfinding process.

Research limitations/implications

This research is best regarded as a spatiotemporal snapshot of wayfinding behavior during a single wildfire evacuation, but could inspire additional research to establish more generalizable results.

Practical implications

This research may help emergency managers develop more effective wildfire evacuation plans.

Originality/value

This research presents an analysis of an original data set that contributes to the broader body of scientific knowledge on wayfinding and spatial behavior during emergency evacuations.
Do spouses influence each other's stated son preference?
Authors: Robitaille Marie-Claire , Chatterjee Ishita
Published: January 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to understand the motivations behind married men preferring sons and to quantify the association between a couple’s stated son preferences. Son preference is an endemic problem in India. With half a million female foetuses aborted each year, the root causes of son preference in India have been widely studied. Little is known, however, on how couples mutually decide on their desired child sex-ratio.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data from the third National Family and Health Survey, the authors apply three-stage least square and optimal general method of moment methods to demonstrate association. Robustness checks are performed on plausibly exogenous instrumental variables and selection issues in the marriage market.

Findings

The authors show that their spouse's son preference is by far the most significant factor associated with a person's own stated son preference. The association between spouse's stated son preference is observed only for couples being married for three to five years. It is postulated that this is the critical period when sex-selective abortion decisions are being made.

Originality/value

The focus of existing empirical studies is nearly always on the mother's son preference only. The hypothesis is that spouses mutually influence each other’s preferences and models estimating determinants of son preference should include preferences of both spouses. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first attempt to understand the motivations of married men towards preferring sons and quantify the association between spouse's stated son preference and respondent's stated son preference.
When do abusive leaders experience guilt?
Authors: Shum Cass , Ausar Kweisi , Tu Min-Hsuan
Published: January 2020

Purpose

Drawing from the appraisal theory, this paper aims to examine the conditions under which abusive leaders experience guilt and suggests that guilt motivates leaders to help followers.

Design/methodology/approach

A scenario study with a sample of 285 hospitality supervisors was used to test the theoretical model. Path analyses were conducted to test the three-way-moderated mediation model.

Findings

Results show a three-way interaction among enacted abuse, managerial abuse and agreeableness on the guilt: leaders are more likely to experience guilt over their enacted abusive supervision when they do not perceive their direct manager as abusive and when they are agreeable. Moreover, guilt mediates the relationship between enacted abuse and a leader’s intention to help their followers.

Research limitations/implications

This study shows that abusive supervisors pay an emotional cost for their enacted abuse (in terms of guilt).

Practical implications

Hospitality organization should assign non-abusive mentors to leaders, especially agreeable ones, to detect and reduce abusive supervision.

Originality/value

First, this study addressed the lack of research on the effect of abusive supervision on the abusers by studying the conditions under which abusive leaders experience guilt. Second, this study shows that because of guilt, abusive leaders have a higher intention to help their followers. It explains why abusive leaders can be helpful.
The spatiality of men who go missing on a night out
Authors: Newiss Geoff , Greatbatch Ian
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to quantify the risk of fatality for men who are reported missing following a night out. Additionally, the paper aimed to develop search heuristics to inform the development of search strategies, through an examination of the key geographical points involved in these cases.

Design/methodology/approach

Cases were identified, and data collected, from online media sources supplemented with a request to UK police forces and a search of the UK Missing Persons Unit database. In total, 96 cases which occurred over a five-and-a-half-year period in the UK were included. The study compares the profile of fatalities that result from disappearances occurring in different types of geographical area. Location data were georeferenced allowing Euclidean distances between geographical locations to be generated.

Findings

In total, 60 per cent of disappearances lasting longer than 48 h resulted in fatality, rising to almost all cases after three days missing. In 89 per cent of cases bodies are recovered from water; 11 per cent on land after the individual died from a fall, hypothermia or a drugs overdose.

Practical implications

Search strategies can be informed by a consideration of the type of area the person was socialising (high night-time economy through to rural areas) and the geography of subsequent sightings.

Originality/value

In focusing on the specific circumstances of a disappearance rather than an individual’s personal characteristics, the paper offers an innovative approach to understanding risk (i.e. what is the likelihood of a particular outcome occurring) and the development of heuristics for search strategies in missing person cases.
Personal resources and knowledge workers’ job engagement
Authors: Toth Ilona , Heinänen Sanna , Nisula Anna-Maija
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of personal resources on knowledge workers’ job engagement in the contemporary economy. Work itself and work environments are currently undergoing fundamental changes. As such, the focus of engagement research is shifting to an interest in personal resources and the psychological capital of knowledge workers.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes a theoretical model based on a modern interpretation of the conservation of resources theory concerning the relationship between personal resources (self-efficacy, organization-based self-esteem and satisfaction with life) in relation to the three dimensions of job engagement (physical, emotional and cognitive). The proposed model is tested with structural equation modelling (LISREL).

Findings

The results from the analysis of data collected from Finnish university graduates (N = 103) show that the three dimensions of job engagement are strongly influenced by organization-based self-esteem and satisfaction with life but, surprisingly, not by self-efficacy.

Practical implications

Through understanding the impact of personal resources on knowledge workers’ job engagement, organizations can enhance their human relations management practices and develop better support mechanisms for their knowledge workers.

Originality/value

This paper provides empirical evidence for the influence of personal resources on knowledge workers’ job engagement. There is a lack of empirical studies on knowledge workers’ job engagement in the contemporary economy. The changing nature of the way work is being carried out in the contemporary economy raises the importance of personal resources as a key resource for knowledge workers’ job engagement.
Corporate social responsibility reporting of international oil companies in Nigeria
Authors: Odera Odhiambo , James Kieran , Scott Albert , Gow Jeff
Published: January 2020

Purpose

This study aims to identify factors influencing corporate social responsibility reporting (CSRR) practices of international oil companies (IOCs) in Nigeria. It aims at distinguishing CSRR levels by examining both the quantity and quality of reporting.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper analyses annual reports through content analysis. CSRR extent and type are measured by the number of sentences. CSRR are further classified into three subcategories according to whether they are negative, neutral or positive reports and then their proportions compared through descriptive analysis.

Findings

For the extent and quality of CSRR, community was the most reported category. The majority of the total CSRR in the IOCs is positive with little evidence of negative news. None of the IOCs in the sample reported on the environment in their annual reports.

Research limitations/implications

The measurement of CSRR focuses only on annual reports, without consideration of other reporting media such as standalone reports and corporate websites. CSRR are assumed to be voluntary for the companies and they may choose not to report any information in annual reports, as there are no regulations or reporting guidelines in Nigeria to be followed.

Practical implications

The results reveal the absence of environmental reporting in the CSRR of IOCs in Nigeria suggests that they are less concerned with meeting local demands for accountability. The study recommends the need for regulatory intervention on the part of the Nigerian Government.

Social implications

The findings of study indicate that predominant existence of positive CSRR news among all the IOCs suggests there’s an attempt to encourage stakeholders and the public to believe that they are conscious of society and the environment.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this study lies in identifying the factors that have led to diversity and uniqueness in CSRR in IOCs. As such, this study seeks to contribute to the development of understanding multiple factors that could give rise to changing patterns of CSRR.
Self-improved grey wolf optimization for estimating carrier frequency offset in SCM-OFDM systems
Authors: N. Rashmi , Sarvagya Mrinal
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate a proficiency for accomplishing optimal CFO and keep down the error among the received and transmitted signal. Orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) is considered as an attractive modulation scheme that could be adopted in wireless communication systems owing to its reliability in opposition to multipath interruptions under different subchannels. Carrier frequency offset (CFO) establishes inter-carrier interference that devastates the orthogonality between the subcarriers and fluctuates the preferred signal and minimizes the effectual signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). This results in corrupted system performance. For sustaining the subcarriers’ orthogonality, timing errors and CFOs have to be approximated and sufficiently compensated for. Single carrier modulation (SCM) is a major feature for efficient OFDM system.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper introduces a novel superposition coded modulation-orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (SCM-OFDM) system with optimal CFO estimation using advanced optimization algorithm. The effectiveness of SCM-OFDM is validated by correlating the transmitted and received signal. Hence, the primary objective of the current research work is to reduce the error among the transmitted and received signal. The received signal involves CFO, which has to be tuned properly to get the signal as closest as possible with transmitted signal. The optimization or tuning of CFO is done by improved grey wolf optimization (GWO) called GWO with self-adaptiveness (GWO-SA). Further, it carries the performance comparison of proposed model with state-of-the-art models with the analysis on bit error rate (BER) and mean square error (MSE), thus validating the system’s performance.

Findings

From the analysis, BER of the proposed and conventional schemes for CFO at 0.25 was determined, where the adopted scheme at 10th SNR was 99.6 per cent better than maximum likelihood, 99.6 per cent better than least mean square (LMS), 99.3 per cent better than particle swarm optimization (PSO), 75 per cent better than genetic algorithm (GA) and 25 per cent better than GWO algorithms. Moreover, MSE at 1st SNR, the proposed GWO-SA scheme, is 4.62 per cent better than LMS, 60.1 per cent better than PSO, 37.82 better than GA and 67.85 per cent better than GWO algorithms. Hence, it is confirmed that the performance of SCM-OFDM system with GWO-SA-based CFO estimation outperformed the state-of-the-art techniques.

Originality/value

This paper presents a technique for attaining optimal CFO and to minimize the error among the received and transmitted signal. This is the first work that uses GWO-SA for attaining optimal CFO.
Corporate social responsibility of Islamic banks: Malaysian practitioners’ outlook
Authors: Wan Jusoh Wan Noor Hazlina , Ibrahim Uzaimah
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate Malaysian practitioners’ general perspective on corporate social responsibility (CSR) of Islamic banks and their views on having a special CSR framework.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used semi-structured face-to-face interviews, which contained both qualitative and quantitative data. The study also used observation and document review to support the data drawn from the research participants whenever necessary.

Findings

In total, 34 practitioners from all 16 Islamic banks in Malaysia responded to the interview questions designed for this purpose. The results show that the majority of the research participants viewed positively that Islamic banks should have a special CSR framework.

Practical implications

The Islamic concepts of CSR will be of interest not only to academicians but also, especially, to Islamic financial institutions. This paper will also send a strong signal to regulators that they should develop and introduce an Islamic CSR framework to Islamic financial institutions, especially Islamic banks.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the growing debate on CSR among Islamic financial institutions, especially in the Islamic banking industry, by investigating practitioners’ views on having a CSR framework. In addition, to the knowledge of the authors, this is the first research that has involved Chief Executive Officers, Heads of Shari’ah, and Heads of Corporate Communications as research participants to talk about the CSR of Islamic banks.