bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel mouse model of focal limbic seizures that reproduces behavioral impairment associated with cortical slow wave activity
Authors: Sieu Lim-Anna , Singla Shobhit , Sharafeldin Abdelrahman , Chandrasekaran Ganesh , Valcarce-Aspegren Marcus , Niknahad Ava , Fu Ivory , Doilicho Natnael , Gummadavelli Abhijeet , McCafferty Cian , Crouse Richard , Perrenoud Quentin , Picciotto Marina , Cardin Jessica , Blumenfeld Hal
Published: May 2021

Patients with focal temporal lobe seizures often experience loss of consciousness. In humans, this loss of consciousness has been shown to be positively correlated with EEG neocortical slow waves, similar to those seen in non-REM sleep. Previous work in rat models of temporal lobe seizures suggests that decreased activity of subcortical arousal systems cause depressed cortical function during seizures. However, these studies were performed under light anesthesia, making it impossible to correlate behavior, and therefore consciousness, to electrophysiologic data. Further, the genetic and molecular toolkits allowing for precise study of the underlying neural circuitry are much more developed in mice than in rats. Here, we describe an awake-behaving, head-fixed mouse model of temporal lobe seizures with both spared and impaired behavior reflecting level of consciousness. Water-restricted mice were head-fixed on a running wheel and trained to associate an auditory stimulus to the delivery of a drop of water from a dispenser. To investigate the effect of seizures on behavior, seizures were electrically induced by stimulating either the left or right hippocampus via a chronically-implanted electrode, while mice were performing the task. Behavior was measured by monitoring lick responses to the auditory stimulus and running speed on the wheel. Further, local field potentials (LFP) signals were simultaneously recorded from hippocampus and orbitofrontal cortex (OFC). Induced focal seizures were 5-30s in duration, and repeatable for several weeks (n=20 animals). Behavioral responses showed a decrease in lick rate to auditory stimulus, and decreased running speed during seizures (p<0.01, n=20 animals). Interestingly, licking response to sound could vary from being impaired to normal during seizures. We found that behavioral impairment is correlated with large amplitude cortical slow-wave activity in frontal cortex, as seen in patients with temporal lobe seizures. These results suggest that induced focal limbic seizures in the mouse can impair consciousness and that the impaired consciousness is correlated with depressed cortical function resembling slow wave sleep. This novel mouse model has similar characteristics with previously studied rat models and human temporal lobe seizures. By leveraging the genetic and molecular techniques available in the mouse, this model can be used to further uncover fundamental mechanisms for loss of consciousness in focal seizures.
Dual-color optical activation and suppression of neurons with high temporal precision
Authors: Mermet-Joret Noëmie , Moreno Andrea , Zbela Agnieszka , Nazari Milad , Ellendersen Bárður Eyjólfsson , Comaposada-Baro Raquel , Krauth Nathalie , von Philipsborn Anne , Sørensen Andreas Toft , Piriz Joaquin , Lin John Y. , Nabavi Sadegh
Published: May 2021

A well-known phenomenon in the optogenetic toolbox is that all light-gated ion channels, including red-shifted channelrhodopsins (ChRs), are activated by blue light, whereas blue-shifted ChRs are minimally responsive to longer wave-lengths. Here, we took advantage of this feature to create a system which allows high-frequency activation of neurons with pulses of red light, while permitting the suppression of action potentials with millisecond precision by blue light. We achieved this by pairing an ultrafast red-shifted ChR with a blue light-sensitive anion channel of appropriately matching kinetics. This required screening several anion-selective ChRs, followed by a model-based mutagenesis strategy to optimize their kinetics and light spectra. Slice electrophysiology in the hippocampus as well as behavioral inspection of vibrissa movement demonstrate a minimal excitation from blue light. Of significant potential value, in contrast to existing tools, the system we introduce here allows high frequency optogenetic excitation of neurons with red light, while blue light suppression of action potentials is confined within the duration of the light pulse.
The tunicate metabolite 2-(3,5-diiodo-4-methoxyphenyl)ethan-1-amine targets ion channels of vertebrate sensory neurons
Authors: Paguigan Noemi D. , Yan Yannan , Karthikeyan Manju , Chase Kevin , Carter Jackson , Leavitt Lee S. , Lim Albebson L. , Lin Zhenjian , Memon Tosifa , Christensen Sean B. , Bentzen Bo H. , Schmitt Nicole , Reilly Christopher A. , Teichert Russell W. , Olivera Baldomero M. , Raghuraman Shrinivasan , Schmidt Eric W.
Published: May 2021

Marine tunicates produce defensive amino-acid derived metabolites, including 2-(3,5-diiodo-4-methoxyphenyl)ethan-1-amine (DIMTA), but their mechanisms of action are rarely known. Using an assay-guided approach, we found that out of the many different sensory cells in the mouse dorsal root ganglion (DRG), DIMTA selectively affected low-threshold cold thermosensors. Whole-cell electrophysiology experiments using DRG cells, channels expressed inXenopusoocytes and human cell lines revealed that DIMTA blocks several potassium channels, reducing the magnitude of the afterhyperpolarization and increasing the baseline [Ca2+]i of low-threshold cold thermosensors. When injected into mice, DIMTA increased the threshold of cold sensation by >3 oC. DIMTA may thus serve as a lead in the further design of compounds that inhibit problems in the cold-sensory system, such as cold allodynia and other neuropathic pain conditions.
An optimized protocol for assay for transposase-accessible chromatin by sequencing (ATAC-seq) library preparation from adultDrosophila melanogasterneurons
Authors: Merrill Collin B. , Pabon Miguel A. , Montgomery Austin B. , Rodan Aylin R. , Rothenfluh Adrian
Published: May 2021

Assay for transposase-accessible chromatin by sequencing (ATAC-seq) is rapidly becoming the assay of choice to investigate chromatin-mediated gene regulation, largely because of low input requirements, a fast workflow, and the ability to interrogate the entire genome in an unbiased manner. Many studies using ATAC-seq use mammalian or human-derived tissues, and established protocols work well in these systems. However, ATAC-seq is not yet widely used inDrosophila. Vinegar flies present several advantages over mammalian systems that make them an excellent model for ATAC-seq studies, including abundant genetic tools that allow straightforward targeting, transgene expression, and genetic manipulation, and are not available in mammalian models. Because current ATAC-seq protocols are not optimized to use flies, we developed an optimized workflow that accounts for several complicating factors present inDrosophila. We examined parameters affecting nuclei isolation, including input size, freezing time, washing, and possible confounds from retinal pigments. Then, we optimized the enzymatic steps of library construction to account for the smallerDrosophilagenome size. Finally, we used our optimized protocol to generate ATAC-seq libraries that meet ENCODE quality metrics. Our optimized protocol enables extensive ATAC-seq experiments inDrosophila, thereby leveraging the advantages of this powerful model system to understand chromatin-mediated gene regulation.
Simple mechanisms of plant reproductive benefits yield different dynamics in pollination and seed dispersal mutualisms
Authors: Hale Kayla R. S. , Maes Daniel P. , Valdovinos Fernanda S.
Published: May 2021

Pollination and seed dispersal mutualisms are critical for biodiversity and ecosystem services yet face mounting threats from anthropogenic perturbations that cause their populations to decline. Characterizing the dynamics of these mutualisms when populations are at low density is important to anticipate consequences of these perturbations. We developed simple population dynamic models detailed enough to distinguish different mechanisms by which plant populations benefit from animal pollination or seed dispersal. We modeled benefits as functions of foraging rate by animals on plant rewards and specified whether they affected plant seed set, germination, or negative density dependence during recruitment. We found that pollination and seed dispersal mutualisms are stable at high density but exhibit different dynamics at low density, depending on plant carrying capacity, animal foraging efficiency, and whether populations are obligate upon their partners for persistence. Under certain conditions, all mutualisms experience destabilizing thresholds in which one population declines because its partner is too rare. Plants additionally experience Allee effects when obligate upon pollinators. Finally, pollination mutualisms can exhibit bistable coexistence at low or high density when plants are facultative upon pollinators. Insights from our models can inform conservation efforts, as mutualist populations continue to decline globally.
Varying degrees of homostructurality in a series of cocrystals of antimalarial drug 11-azaartemisinin with salicylic acids
Authors: Roy Monalisa , Li Keyao , Nisar Madiha , Wong Lawrence W.-Y. , Sung Herman H.-Y. , Haynes Richard K. , Williams Ian D.
Published: May 2021

The X-ray structures of three new 1:1 pharmaceutical cocrystals of 11-azaartemisinin (11-Aza; systematic name: 1,5,9-trimethyl-14,15,16-trioxa-11-azatetracyclo[10.3.1.04,13.08,13]hexadecan-10-one, C15H23NO4) with bromo-substituted salicylic acids [namely, 5-bromo- (5-BrSalA, C7H5BrO3), 4-bromo- (4-BrSalA, C7H5BrO3) and 3,5-dibromosalicylic acid (3,5-Br2SalA, C7H4Br2O3)] are reported. All the structures are related to the parent 11-Aza:SalA cocrystal (monoclinic P21) reported previously. The 5-BrSalA analogue is isostructural with the parent, with lattice expansion along the c axis. The 4-BrSalA and 3,5-Br2SalA cocrystals retain the highly preserved 21 stacks of the molecular pairs, but these pack with a varying degree of slippage with respect to neighbouring stacks, altering the close contacts between them, and represent two potential alternative homostructural arrangements for the parent compound. Structure redeterminations of the bromosalicylic acids 5-BrSalA, 4-BrSalA and 3,5-Br2SalA at 100 K show that the packing efficiency of the cocrystals need not be higher than the parent coformers, based on specific-volume calculations, attributable to the strong O—H...O=C hydrogen bonds of 2.54 Å in the cocrystals.
Perceived stress among mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder in Egypt
Authors: El-Monshed Ahmed Hashem , Amr Mostafa
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families especially their mothers face numerous and pervasive challenges. Difficulties to access quality care, financial burden, issues of adulthood and their child’s behaviors may produce significant stressors to mothers. This study aims to assess perceived stress among mothers of children with ASD in Egypt.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Mansoura University Hospital, Egypt on 94 mothers of children with ASD using a structured questionnaire of the socio-demographic and clinical features of the studied mothers and their children and the perceived stress scale (PSS).

Findings

The mean total PSS score of mothers was 31.97 ± 12.39 and the level of autism had a statistically significant relation with stress perceived by the studied mothers.

Research limitations/implications

The findings in this study were based on caregivers’ self-reporting. As such, inaccurate reporting might have biased the findings. The main limitations of this study include non-participation and dropout. During data collection, some mothers declined to participate in the study. Also, the current study was conducted in one hospital. This represents a loss of valuable information and may weaken the generalizability of the current study findings. Another limitation is the use of a convenience sample in the study. With the use of convenience sampling, there is an increased risk of bias, as study participants may not accurately reflect the characteristics of the total population.

Practical implications

Caregivers’ education programs through media and press should be developed for mothers of children with ASD to help those who experience levels of stress by presenting knowledge about ASD and treatment and training on adaptive coping methods and teaching communication and problem-solving. Recognizing levels of stress and parent counseling may be a useful strategy. Regular periodic meetings should be conducted between mothers and hospital personnel to promote proper communication. One key policy implication, this paper can derive from this study is the need for cooperation between the Ministry of Health, social welfare and other relevant governmental and non-governmental organizations to provide support for families of individuals with ASD such as financial aids. It is also recommended that future study would benefit a larger sample to enhance external validity. As well, future qualitative research is recommended to more fully understand the lived experience of mothers of children with ASD.

Originality/value

This study provides evidence that mothers of children with ASD experienced high perceived stress. Caregivers’ education programs through media and press should be developed in Egypt for mothers of children with ASD.
Effects of innovation modes and network partners on innovation performance of young firms
Authors: Li Haiyan
Published: May 2021

Purpose

While the importance of “science and technology-based innovation” (STI) and “doing, using and interacting-based innovation” (DUI) innovation modes in firm innovation performance has been well-established, little is known about how they affect the innovation performance of young firms. The author examines the most effective innovation mode and boundary conditions for the innovation performance of developing companies.

Design/methodology/approach

The author tests the two modes of innovation using data from 159 young firms in China.

Findings

The author’s analysis indicates that a higher level of DUI innovation mode is more relevant to the innovation performance of newly established enterprises. Moreover, the effectiveness of the innovation mode is bound by the networks in which the company operates and interacts. The effectiveness of STI and DUI innovation modes is enhanced when there are high levels of innovation and business network interconnectedness from the technology network partner.

Research limitations/implications

These findings have important implications on innovation research as they highlight the joint effects of innovation modes and quality of network ties on young firms seeking to improve their innovation performance.

Practical implications

STI and DUI innovation modes represent different forms of innovation activities that may affect the knowledge and resources of young firms used to improve innovation performance. Knowing this can help young firms to choose effective innovation mode.

Originality/value

This study makes three contributions. The first is to pay specific attention to the neglected topic of the influence of STI and DUI innovation modes on innovation performance of young firms. Understanding that the two innovation modes offer different methods of gaining knowledge and resources can help young firms choose an effective innovation mode for their business; Second, the author examines the boundary conditions of the effectiveness of innovation modes. Specially, the author examines the moderating role of external networks, which can help clarify conflicting results in this regard. 10;The third contribution is to investigate the importance of network relationships for innovation activities moving beyond the extent of network relationships to instead consider the ability of those relationships to expose a firm to innovative techniques and methods.
Review of maximum power point tracking algorithms of PV system
Authors: Elbarbary Zakaria Mohamed Salem , Alranini Mohamed Abdullrahman
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Silicon photovoltaics technology has drawbacks of high cost and power conversion efficiency. In order to extract the maximum output power of the module, maximum power point (MPP) is used by implying the nonlinear behavior of I-V characteristics. Different techniques are used regarding maximum power point tracking (MPPT). The paper aims to review the techniques of MPPT used in PV systems and review the comparison between Perturb and Observe (P&O) method and incremental conductance (IC) method that are used to track the maximum power and gives a comparative review of all those techniques.

Design/methodology/approach

A study of MPPT techniques for photovoltaic (PV) systems is presented. Matlab Simulink is used to find the MPP using P&O simulation along with IC simulation at a steady temperature and irradiance.

Findings

MATLAB simulations are used to implement the P&O method and IC method, which includes a PV cell connected to an MPPT-controlled boost converter. The simulation results demonstrate the accuracy of the PV model as well as the functional value of the algorithms, which has improved tracking efficiency and dynamic characteristics. P&O solution gave 94% performance when configured. P&O controller has a better time response process. As compared to the P&O method of tracking, the incremental conductance response rate was significantly slower.

Originality/value

In PV systems, MPPT techniques are used to optimize the PV array output power by continuously tracking the MPP under a variety of operating conditions, including cell temperature and irradiation level.
The effects of mental budgeting and pain of payment on the financial decision making of socially excluded people
Authors: Chun Sungyong , Johnson Devon S.
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Consumers who experience social exclusion often prefer high-risk financial products over low-risk financial products. The aim of this study is to examine how this effect can be attenuated by applying the theories of mental budgeting and pain of payment. The authors’ aim in pursuing this research is to improve the effectiveness of financial professionals and others in educating consumers on healthy financial practices. Understanding how social exclusion experiences influence financial decision-making is essential for continued progress in consumer financial education.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors examine the effect of consumers experiencing social exclusion on preference for high-risk financial products using an experimental design involving the manipulation of social exclusion/inclusion experiences. Data were collected from 148 consumers of mutual fund investment services via Amazon Mechanical Turk.

Findings

The study found that consumers experiencing social exclusion are more likely to make high risk investments. It also found that this effect is moderated by consumers' level of mental budgeting such that at high levels of mental budgeting the effect of social exclusion on investment choice is attenuated. The study further finds that the moderating effect of mental budgeting is mediated by pain of payment.

Social implications

The findings of this study suggest that policymakers can reduce unduly risky personal investment behavior by triggering mental budgeting thoughts using methods such as advertising and explicit mention of transaction fees.

Originality/value

The present study builds on existing research demonstrating the adverse behavioral consequences of social exclusion but refines our understanding by demonstrating the attenuating effect of mental budgeting and the mediating effect of pain of payment on high risk financial purchases.
Vulnerability assessment of rural social-ecological system to climate change: a case study of Yunnan Province, China
Authors: He Yueyue , Zhou Changchun , Ahmed Tanveer
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to quantitatively measure the vulnerability level of the whole rural social-ecological system in Yunnan Province and to analyze the spatial differences of the vulnerability in different regions.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the “exposure-sensitivity-adaptability” vulnerability assessment framework, this paper establishes the index system of rural social-ecological system vulnerability to climate change. Combined with the questionnaire survey and meteorological data, the entropy method was used to measure and analyze the vulnerability level and influencing factors of the overall rural social-ecological system in Yunnan Province. At the same time, the vulnerability level of social-ecological system in Yunnan Province is divided into five levels, and the spatial differences of vulnerability level of 16 states (cities) in Yunnan Province are analyzed.

Findings

The results show that: the social-ecological system has high exposure to climate change (0.809), strong sensitivity (0.729), moderate adaptability (0.297) and overall system vulnerability is at a medium level (0.373). Yunnan Province is divided into five levels of social-ecological system vulnerable areas. The areas of extreme, severe, moderate, mild and slight vulnerability account for 21.45%, 24.65%, 36.82%, 13.18% and 3.90% of the whole province, respectively. The geographical division and vulnerability division of Yunnan Province are basically consistent in space.

Originality/value

Comprehensive evaluation of the vulnerability of the social-ecological system of Yunnan Province to climate change is the scientific basis for the country to formulate countermeasures against climate change, and it is also the need to improve the adaptability of the social and economic system of the fragile area, reduce the vulnerability and realize the sustainable development of national social economy. The research results can provide a basis for decision-making of climate adaptation in Yunnan and other regions and provide methods and indicators for the assessment of social-ecological system vulnerability under the background of climate change.
Entrepreneurship? Let us do it later: procrastination in the intention–behavior gap of student entrepreneurship
Authors: Harima Aki , Gießelmann Jessica , Göttsch Vibeka , Schlichting Lina
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This study aims to explore the intention–behavior gap of student entrepreneurs who develop entrepreneurial intention in a venture creation course and decide to continue working on the business idea after completing the course. While many students decide to work on business concepts, they often struggle with taking further steps when the course ends. This suggests that the development of entrepreneurial intention in the course does not directly lead to entrepreneurial actions after the course. Hence, this paper examines the sources for the intention–action gap and behavioral responses of student entrepreneurs.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applied a systematic inductive qualitative research method to examine how student entrepreneurs encounter challenges after the entrepreneurship program and how they respond to them. The authors selected a venture development course at a German public university as their research context.

Findings

The findings revealed that students encountered substantial challenges after the program, which invoked their procrastinating behaviors. Based on the findings, this study developed a process model of the intention–behavior gap in student entrepreneurship. The process model provides a roadmap to follow the main findings, which consist of three main parts: (1) the antecedents of the intention–behavior gap; (2) behavioral responses of student entrepreneurs and (3) the outcomes of procrastination.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to the emerging student entrepreneurship literature by identifying obstacles for students who intend to continue developing a venture after attending venture creation courses, as well as elaborating on possible student responses to these barriers and their subsequent impact on their nascent ventures. Furthermore, the findings contribute to developing the understanding of the intention–behavior gap in entrepreneurship education at higher education institutions by highlighting challenges for students that emerge in the transition phase from course participants to autonomous entrepreneurial actors.

Originality/value

Scholars have generally emphasized the vital role of entrepreneurship education in developing the entrepreneurial intentions of students as prospective entrepreneurs. However, researchers have only rarely examined how these intentions are translated into actions. Furthermore, the existing research on students' intention–behavior gap is limited to quantitative studies that demonstrate the existence of the gap empirically or apply theoretically derived moderators to their analysis. Consequently, the literature calls for more qualitative, explorative research approaches to understand what happens to students' entrepreneurial intentions once their entrepreneurship program is over.
Digital learning orientation and innovative behavior in the higher education sector: effects of organizational learning culture and readiness for change
Authors: Aboobaker Nimitha , KA Zakkariya
Published: May 2021

Purpose

In the emergent context of the digital transformation of learning processes, this study aims to examine the influence of students' digital learning orientation on their innovative behavior, mediated through readiness for change. Furthermore, we investigate how organizational learning culture moderates the aforementioned mediated relationship. From an educational sector stakeholders' perspective, elaborations are made on how the constructs will aid in facilitating and nurturing the sustainable development of educational organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

The respondents for this descriptive study were drawn from a student sample, who had taken up postgraduate courses in science and technology streams, in a prominent university in India. Self-reporting questionnaires were administered among the respondents, who were selected through random sampling. Measurement model analysis was done using IBM AMOS 21.0, and path analytic procedures using PROCESS 3.0 macro were used to test the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

The results revealed that digital learning orientation had a significant indirect effect on innovative work behavior, through readiness for change. Also, the conditional indirect effects of digital learning orientation on innovative work behavior, mediated through readiness for change, were influenced by organizational learning culture as the moderator, specifically when the levels of the moderator were low. At optimal levels of an organizational learning culture, digital learning orientation had a significant influence on innovative behavior, through higher readiness for change. However, beyond a certain threshold, organizational learning culture does not have a significant influence on predicting outcomes.

Originality/value

This study is pioneering in conceptualizing and testing a theoretical model linking digital learning orientation, organizational learning culture, readiness for change and innovative behavior. The study is relevant especially in the context of today's students being referred to as “digital natives,” and it, thus, becomes imperative to understand how the same can be translated into work outcomes. Educators are suggested to facilitate an organizational learning culture that is conducive to nurturing positive outcomes among digital native students. Efforts should be oriented toward undertaking teaching pedagogies that will include more of digital gadgets and technologies, enabling higher experiential learning.
Analysis of lean implementation barriers in Indian ceramic industries: modeling through an interpretive ranking process
Authors: Bhadu Jagdish , Singh Dharmendra , Bhamu Jaiprakash
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify and prioritize the lean implementation (LI) barriers in the context of labor intensive Indian ceramic industries through a statistically reliable and validated model.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, LI barriers are identified through a comprehensive review of relevant literature and discussions held with academicians/practitioners. Identified barriers, thereafter, are evaluated with Cronbach's alpha values using a statistical tool. The interpretive ranking process (IRP) methodology is applied for ranking of the barriers with reference to the measurable performance indicators.

Findings

The study identified highly relevant barriers of Indian ceramic industries. Further, these barriers were compared with performance measures through a cross-interaction matrix developed in the IRP model. The model highlights the analysis of dominance relationship of different barriers. Moreover, the result shows that top management commitment and leadership is at the top of the model, followed by lack of training opportunity and skills, and resistance to change and adopt innovations indicating their strongest driving power in LI.

Practical implications

This model may enable the firms to understand the LI barriers and come up with sensible implementation program. Further, the correlation results among the barriers will provide insights in mitigating the hurdles of lean manufacturing (LM) implementation in the industries.

Originality/value

This study empirically develops a model through the IRP for the barriers in LM implementation. From the reported literature, it appears that the application of IRP is very rare in ceramic industries in India. The analysis and prioritization of LI barriers may help practitioners to plan strategies to implement lean in a selected domain.
Health-seeking behaviours of immigrants, asylum seekers and refugees in Europe: a systematic review of peer-reviewed articles
Authors: Ahmadinia Hamed , Eriksson-Backa Kristina , Nikou Shahrokh
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Immigrants, asylum seekers and refugees living in Europe face a number of challenges in accessing or using health information and healthcare services available in their host countries. To resolve these issues and deliver the necessary services, providers must take a comprehensive approach to better understand the types of health information and healthcare services that these individuals need, seek and use. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to develop that comprehensive approach.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, a systematic literature review of peer-reviewed publications was performed, with 3.013 articles collected from various databases. A total of 57 qualifying papers on studies conducted in Europe were included in the review after applying the predefined inclusion and exclusion requirements, screening processes and eliminating duplicates. The information seeking and communication model (ISCM) was used in the analysis.

Findings

The findings revealed that while many health information and healthcare services are accessible in Europe for immigrants, asylum seekers and refugees, many of these individuals are unaware of their existence or how to access them. While our findings do not specify what health-related information these groups need, use or seek, they do suggest the importance and value of providing mental health, sexual health and HIV, as well as pregnancy and childbirth information and services. Furthermore, according to our results, health information services should be fact-based, easy to understand and raise awareness about healthcare structure and services available in Europe for this vulnerable population.

Practical implications

This study has a range of practical implications, including (1) highlighting the need for mental health and behavioural health services and (2) stressing the value of addressing cultural context and religious values while investigating (health) information seeking of people with foreign background.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies to systematically review and examine the behaviour of immigrants, asylum seekers and refugees in relation to health information and healthcare services in the European context.
The impacts of day trading activity on market quality: evidence from the policy change on the Taiwan stock market
Authors: Yang Tun-Ya , Huang Si-Yuan , Tsai Wei-Che , Weng Pei-Shih
Published: May 2021

This paper aims to investigate the impact of day trading on market quality on the Taiwan stock market with the implementation of a unique policy change. This paper examines 396 listed stocks from June 2015 to October 2016, a period when the stock market in Taiwan officially approved selected stocks for day trading for all investors. Within the sample period, the empirical findings show that day trading increases the bid–ask spread, price depth and stock volatility, indicating that day trading activities not only cause higher transaction costs and trading risk but also raise the market’s ability to absorb price impact. This paper considers two-stage regression and tests the exogenous shock because of further relaxation for day trading to deal with the possible endogenous problem and the main findings remain consistent. Since early 2014, the Taiwan stock market has been experiencing a distinct growth in trading volume after unwinding the day trading; however, the results show that the impacts of stock day trading on market quality are not all positive.
Self-help group (SHG) production methods: insights from the union territory of Puducherry community
Authors: T. Siddhartha , T. Nambirajan , C. Ganeshkumar
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the production methods and potential of self-help groups (SHGs) for linking to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) in the Union Territory of Puducherry region.

Design/methodology/approach

The variables for the research work were identified through a literature review relating to SHGs production methods and 251 primary data were collected through the random sample using the survey method. The statistical software of IBM-SPSS was used to analyze the data using the statistical methods of descriptive statistics like frequency analysis simple mean and inferential statistics such as chi-square, correspondence analysis, correlation and ANOVA test.

Findings

The majority of SHGs consisting of 49.8% are willing to pay an amount up to Rs. 5,000 if training is provided through MSME organizations, a higher number of SHGs have indicated that they are very much interested in ancillary production activities, 35.5% of SHGs are using no machines and ANOVA test result shows that there is a significant difference between numbers of years of functioning with respect to production activity.

Research limitations/implications

The authors have selected the Union Territory of Puducherry was taken as the sample region of the study due to its high rural poverty levels of 16.9%.

Practical implications

The research study endeavors to study the various production methods and preferences of SHGs and it will be of immense utility to the government, banks, microfinance organizations and other policymakers.

Originality/value

Existing literature reviews are conducted on various problems in service and manufacturing sectors, it is essential to conduct empirical research on an inclusive sector like SHG production activities and preferences in emerging economies like India.
Evaluation of a lattice structure for a motor holder
Authors: Joffre Chloé
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The aim of this research paper is to design a motor holder in order to minimize the weight of the motor and to reduce its vibrations causing noise pollution.

Design/methodology/approach

To meet the requirements of the purpose the use of cellular lattice structures is ideal. Lattice structures ensure both low mass and high strength. Moreover, their absorption properties are relatively interesting concerning the attenuation of vibrations.

Findings

The result of this paper shows that lattice structure can answer to the need of different fields such as aeronautics in the design of lightweight structures which are strong with a low mass. Indeed, the weight of the final structure of the holder is 0.92 g and its safety factor is 5.1 which met the requirements.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of the research paper were the RAM capacity of the computer.

Social implications

To minimize the weight of the holder in a patroller or a plane is to reduce the consumption of fuel. Moreover one of the reasons of optimizing the vibrations is to reduce noise pollution.

Originality/value

This paper is directed to students, designers who want to know more about the use of lattice structure and more precisely honeycomb sandwich structure.
Knowledge utilisation in Chinese medium-sized manufacturing firms – an exploration under the backcloth of quality improvement
Authors: Wang Chengbo , Li Xiaomei , Su Hong , Tian Ying
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to report findings of up-to-date insights to fill the knowledge gap of lack of theoretical and practical understandings of how knowledge is used in medium-sized enterprises (MEs) for ensuring their performance excellence, healthy survival and growth, particularly using the contextual background of quality improvement as the standing point to concretise the research content and research participants’ mind-set for data collection.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical data were attained by conducting first a multiple-case study and thereafter a structured interview. Insights were obtained through analysing the collected data and triangulating the findings with the contention from the extant literature where available.

Findings

A set of approaches for effective quality improvement knowledge (QIK) utilisation in MEs have been identified and attested, as well as prioritised for a clear guidance on their application by practical businesses.

Originality/value

As a pioneering study on the particularly focussed issue, namely, a current knowledge gap – QIK utilisation in MEs, theoretically the research contributes to the enrichment of the current KM and QI literature with a primary focus on knowledge utilisation in MEs. Practically its findings provide insightful guidance to practice on the approaches of QIK utilisation.
Innovation speed and quality in higher education institutions: the role of knowledge management enablers and knowledge sharing process
Authors: Iqbal Amjad
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Higher education institutions, particularly in developing countries, are striving for superior innovation performance to cope with the challenges of contemporary educational environment. Drawing on the knowledge management capability model and knowledge-based view of firms, this study aims to determine the impact of knowledge management enablers, namely, top management knowledge value, knowledge-oriented culture and knowledge-based rewards, on innovation speed and quality and assessing the mediating role of knowledge sharing process.

Design/methodology/approach

Data are collected from 234 academics of higher education institutions in Pakistan and analyzed through the partial least squares structural equation modeling technique.

Findings

The results indicate that top management knowledge value and knowledge-based rewards have a positive effect on innovation speed and quality. Although knowledge-oriented culture also contributes to innovation quality, it does not influence the innovation speed. Moreover, the knowledge sharing process mediates the effect of all these knowledge management enablers on innovation speed and quality.

Practical implications

This study underscores the importance of three key knowledge management enablers in higher education institutions. The findings of this study suggest that signaling knowledge value from the top management, fostering knowledge-oriented culture and enacting a knowledge-based reward system are critical in facilitating knowledge sharing process and enhancing innovation speed and quality in higher education institutions.

Originality/value

This is among one of the earlier studies that investigates the influence of top management knowledge value, knowledge-oriented culture and knowledge-based rewards on innovation speed and quality, particularly in higher education institutions, and determines the mediating role of the knowledge sharing process.
Transactive memory systems mediation role in the relationship between motivation and internal knowledge transfers in a military environment
Authors: Sáiz-Pardo Manuel , Haro Domínguez Maria Carmen , Molina Luis M.
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The relationship between motivation at work and internal knowledge transfers (IKTs) is an important topic in the knowledge management literature, but evidence on the topic is contradictory. This study aims to analyze the mediating role of transactive memory systems (TMSs) in this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were obtained from 208 military knowledge workers (analysts) from a large European army.

Findings

The results indicate that intrinsic and identified motivation positively affect IKTs, although fully mediated by the TMS. Introjected motivation, in contrast, has only a slightly significant direct influence and external motivation has no significant effect. As individual motivation is insufficient to speed up knowledge transfer, this paper proposes the solution of implementing a TMS, which generates trust and improves coordination among group members.

Originality/value

This study’s originality stems from both its context and the problem tackled. The context analyzed is the military, a group that has received very little attention in the field of management and business. Individual motivation in job performance has also received little study in a military context and even less research has related individual motivation to IKTs. To supplement the scarcity of existing studies and resolve the possible difficulties identified concerning IKT in the military, this study proposes to analyze the mediating effect of a TMS on the relationship between individual motivation to perform one’s job and IKTs.
Identifying financial patterns of money laundering with social network analysis: a Brazilian case study
Authors: Sousa Lima Rafael , Marques Serrano André Luiz , Onome Imoniana Joshua , Medeiros Cupertino César
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This study aims to understand how forensic accountants can analyse bank transactions suspected of being involved with money laundering crimes in Brazil through social network analysis (SNA).

Design/methodology/approach

The methodological approach taken in this study was exploratory. This study cleaned and debugged bank statements from criminal investigations in Brazil using computational algorithms. Then graphs were designed and matched with money laundering regulations.

Findings

The findings indicated that graph techniques contribute to a range of beneficial information to help identify typical banking transactions (pooling accounts, strawmen, smurfing) used to conceal or disguise the movement of illicit resources, enhancing visual aspects of financial analysis.

Research limitations/implications

Research found limitations in the data sets with reduced identification of originators and beneficiaries, considered low compared to other investigations in Brazil. Furthermore, to preserve restrict information and keep data confidential, data sets used in research were not made available.

Practical implications

Law enforcement agencies and financial intelligence units can apply graph-based technique cited in this research to strengthen anti-money laundering activities. The results, grounded in analytical approaches, may offer a source of data to regulators and academia for future research.

Originality/value

This study created data sets using real-life bank statements from two investigations of competence by the Brazilian Federal Justice, including real-data perspectives in academic research. This study uses SNA, which is a popular approach in several areas of knowledge.
Real-estate valuation and the organization of the city: a document-centred ethnography of Tel Aviv's planning in action
Authors: Ansenberg Uri
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The increasing financialization of urban organization has been well-documented over the last couple of decades. Nevertheless, the planning process has been seen as distinct from the financial. By questioning this assumption and examining where the two spheres interact, this paper argues that the enmeshment of finance and planning produces an overlapping of the two, which refuses any attempt of demarcation.

Design/methodology/approach

By focussing on a specific type of document, the Standard-21, around which a large proportion of the Israeli construction is planned, assembled and committed, this article proposes a view of urban organization which highlights the centrality of real-estate valuation, as a practice of prediction and estimation, in the creation of the urban landscape.

Findings

The rationale of city planning is reframed as a financial process, a representation informed by an ethnographic study of the valuation practice.

Originality/value

The literature on urban financialization is rarely based on ethnographies. Answering the growing calls for an ethnographic perspective, this paper offers a novel account of the city and as a result produces a view of the interplay between finance and planning that was previously unnoticed.
A conceptual framework for wisdom-based decision-making process in audit profession
Authors: Nguyen Hoang To Loan
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Wisdom is considered as crucial in decision-making in both management and auditing practice. This research aims to investigate the concept of wisdom in auditing, thereby empirically exploring the determinants of wisdom in audit decision-making and explaining inter-relations among these determinants.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs grounded theory methodology that is based on in-depth interviews with twenty-seven practicing auditors who are audit partners, managers, seniors and assistants of auditing firms. Guided by the grounded theory, data collection and data analyses were conducted simultaneously to look into the new insights of the research phenomenon. The coding process was constantly compared until the research's theoretical saturation is reached after four rounds. At the end of the research process, the study conducted a survey to confirm the proposed framework as well as examine the inter-relationships between the defined determinants.

Findings

Results suggest developing a conceptual framework to interpret wisdom-based decision-making process in auditing. A wise process of audit decision-making is defined as an integrated exercise of multiple determinants including knowledge assimilation, judgmental ability and ethical orientation. The research also explains and examines the potential interrelationships among these determinants in the audit decision-making process.

Practical implications

Wisdom is a valuable tacit ability for all external auditors. The development of wise decision-making abilities of auditors should be considered an integral part of multiple virtues including knowledge and judgmental and ethical aspects.

Originality/value

The contributions of this study are original and significant because it proposes a new approach to explain for the audit decision-making process and enhances better understandings of the concept of wisdom in auditing practices and its roles in audit decision-making.