bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neuronal activity in the premotor cortex of monkeys reflects both cue salience and motivation for action generation and inhibition
Authors: Giamundo Margherita , Giarrocco Franco , Brunamonti Emiliano , Fabbrini Francesco , Pani Pierpaolo , Ferraina Stefano
Published: October 2019

Animals adopt different strategies, promoting certain actions and withholding inconvenient ones, to achieve their goals. The motivation to obtain them is the main drive that determines the behavioural performance. While much work has focused on understanding how motor cortices control actions, their role on motivated behaviours remains unclear. We recorded from dorsal premotor cortex (PMd) of monkeys performing a modified version of the stop-signal task, in which the motivation to perform/withhold an action was manipulated by presenting cues that informed on the probability to obtain different amounts of reward in relation to the motor outcome. According to the motivational context, animals performance adapted to maximize reward. Neuronal activity displayed a cue salience related modulation at trial start and, while the behavioural response approached, reflected more the motivation to start/cancel the action. These findings reveal multiple representations of motivation-related signals in PMd, highlighting its involvement in the control of finalized actions.

SIGNIFICATIVE STATEMENT

The motivation to obtain rewards drives how animals act over their environment. To explore the involvement of motor cortices in motivated behaviours, we recorded high-resolution neuronal activity in the premotor cortex of monkeys performing a task that manipulated the motivation to generate/withhold a movement through different cued reward probabilities. Our results show the presence of neuronal signals dynamically reflecting a cue related activity, in the time immediately following its presentation, and a motivation related activity in performing (or cancelling) a motor program, while the behavioural response approached. The encoding of multiple reward-related signals in motor regions, leads to consider an important role of premotor areas in the reward circuitry.
Astrocyte redox dysregulation causes prefrontal hypoactivity: sulforaphane treats non-ictal pathophysiology in ALDH7A1-mediated epilepsy
Authors: Faust Travis E. , Xin Wendy , Lee Brian , Agarwal Amit , Saha Sneha , Palen Trexy , Cash-Padgett Tyler , Wood Daniel , Bonci Antonello , Fahey Jed W. , Jaaro-Peled Hanna , Bergles Dwight E. , Sawa Akira
Published: October 2019

Mutations in the astrocyte-enriched enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase 7a1 (ALDH7A1) cause a neonatal epilepsy accompanied by treatment-resistant, inter-ictal neuropsychiatric symptoms. Nevertheless, the mechanistic impact of ALDH7A1 dysfunction in the brain remains elusive. We generated ALDH7A1 knockout mice and report that constitutive global ALDH7A1 depletion increases chemoconvulsant sensitivity and altered mood-associated behaviors. However, contrary to our expectation, astrocyte-specific ALDH7A1 depletion only affects mood-associated behaviors. Accordingly, in astrocyte-specific ALDH7A1 knockout mice, we show enhanced redox-sensitive microdomain Ca2+signaling in astrocytes and both elevated synaptic inhibitory tone and increased dendritic spine density in prelimbic pyramidal neurons. Sulforaphane (SFN), an indirect antioxidant and dietary supplement, has been explored as a possible treatment to ameliorate neuropsychiatric manifestations in autism and schizophrenia, at least at the clinical levels, but its mechanism in the brain is unclear. Here we show that SFN rescues both the physiological and behavioral changes by targeting astrocytic redox imbalance in ALDH7A1 knockout mice, implicating astrocyte redox changes in creating cortical excitatory-inhibitory imbalance and mood alteration.
Chi.Bio: An open-source automated experimental platform for biological science research
Authors: Steel Harrison , Habgood Robert , Kelly Ciarán , Papachristodoulou Antonis
Published: October 2019

The precise characterisation and manipulation of in vivo biological systems is critical to their study.1 However, in many experimental frameworks this is made challenging by non-static environments during cell growth,2, 3 as well as variability introduced by manual sampling and measurement protocols.4 To address these challenges we present Chi.Bio, a parallelised open-source platform that offers a new experimental paradigm in which all measurement and control actions can be applied to a bulk culture in situ. In addition to continuous-culturing capabilities (turbidostat functionality, heating, stirring) it incorporates tunable light outputs of varying wavelengths and spectrometry. We demonstrate its application to studies of cell growth and biofilm formation, automated in silico control of optogenetic systems, and readout of multiple orthogonal fluorescent proteins. By combining capabilities from many laboratory tools into a single low-cost platform, Chi.Bio facilitates novel studies in synthetic, systems, and evolutionary biology, and broadens access to cutting-edge research capabilities.
Cryo-EM Structures of the XPF-ERCC1 Endonuclease Reveal an Auto-Inhibited Conformation and the Basis for Activation
Authors: Jones Morgan , Beuron Fabienne , Borg Aaron , Nans Andrea , Earl Christopher , Briggs David C. , Bowles Maureen , Morris Edward P. , Linch Mark , McDonald Neil Q.
Published: October 2019

The structure-specific endonuclease XPF-ERCC1 participates in multiple DNA damage repair pathways including nucleotide excision repair (NER) and inter-strand crosslink repair (ICLR). How XPF-ERCC1 is catalytically activated by DNA junction substrates is not currently understood. We report cryo-electron microscopy structures of both DNA-free and DNA-bound human XPF-ERCC1. DNA-free XPF-ERCC1 adopts an auto-inhibited conformation in which the XPF helical domain masks ERCC1 DNA-binding elements and restricts access to the XPF catalytic site. Binding of a model DNA junction separates the XPF helical and ERCC1 (HhH)2 domains, promoting activation. Using these structural data, we propose a model for a 5’-NER incision complex involving XPF-ERCC1-XPA and a DNA junction substrate. Structure-function data suggest xeroderma pigmentosum patient mutations often compromise the structural integrity of XPF-ERCC1. Fanconi anaemia patient mutations often display substantial in-vitro activity but are resistant to activation by ICLR recruitment factor SLX4. Our data provide insights into XPF-ERCC1 architecture and catalytic activation.
Testing gene-environment interactions for rare and/or common variants in sequencing association studies
Authors: Zhao Zihan , Zhang Jianjun , Sha Qiuying , Hao Han
Published: October 2019

The risk of many complex diseases is determined by a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors. Advanced next generation sequencing technology makes identification of gene-environment (GE) interactions for both common and rare variants possible. However, most existing methods focus on testing the main effects of common and/or rare genetic variants. There are limited methods developed to test the effects of GE interactions for rare variants only or rare and common variants simultaneously. In this study, we develop novel approaches to test the effects of GE interactions of rare and/or common risk, and/or protective variants in sequencing association studies. We propose two approaches: 1) testing the effects of an optimally weighted combination of GE interactions for rare variants (TOW-GE); 2) testing the effects of a weighted combination of GE interactions for both rare and common variants (variable weight TOW-GE, VW-TOW-GE). Extensive simulation studies based on the Genetic Analysis Workshop 17 data show that the type I error rates of the proposed methods are well controlled. Compared to the existing interaction sequence kernel association test (ISKAT), TOW-GE is more powerful when there are GE interactions’ effects for rare risk and/or protective variants; VW-TOW-GE is more powerful when there are GE interactions’ effects for both rare and common risk and protective variants. Both TOW-GE and VW-TOW-GE are robust to the directions of effects of causal GE interactions. We demonstrate the applications of TOW-GE and VW-TOW-GE using an imputed data from the COPDGene Study.
SpikeInterface, a unified framework for spike sorting
Authors: Buccino Alessio P. , Hurwitz Cole L. , Garcia Samuel , Magland Jeremy , Siegle Joshua H. , Hurwitz Roger , Hennig Matthias H.
Published: October 2019

Much development has been directed towards improving the performance and automation of spike sorting. This continuous development, while essential, has contributed to an over-saturation of new, incompatible tools that hinders rigorous benchmarking and complicates reproducible analysis. To address these limitations, we developed SpikeInterface, a Python framework designed to unify preexisting spike sorting technologies into a single codebase and to facilitate straightforward comparison and adoption of different approaches. With a few lines of code, researchers can reproducibly run, compare, and benchmark most modern spike sorting algorithms; pre-process, post-process, and visualize extracellular datasets; validate, curate, and export sorting outputs; and more. In this paper, we provide an overview of SpikeInterface and, with applications to real and simulated datasets, demonstrate how it can be utilized to reduce the burden of manual curation and to more comprehensively benchmark automated spike sorters.
MYPT1 O-GlcNAc modification controls the sensitivity of fibroblasts to sphingosine-1-phosphate mediated cellular contraction
Authors: Pedowitz Nichole J. , Batt Anna R. , Darabedian Narek , Pratt Matthew R.
Published: October 2019

Many intracellular proteins can be modified by N-acetylglucosamine, a posttranslational modification known as O-GlcNAc. Because this modification is found on serine and threonine side-chains, O-GlcNAc has the potential to dynamically regulate cellular signaling pathways through interplay with phosphorylation. Here, we discover and characterize one such example. First, we find that O-GlcNAc levels control the sensitivity of fibroblasts to actin contraction induced by the signaling lipid sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P). In follow-up mechanistic investigations, we show that this O-GlcNAc dependence lies in the signaling pathway through the S1PR2 receptor and subsequent activation of the Rho and Rho kinase. This pathway typically culminates in the phosphorylation of myosin light chain (MLC), resulting in myosin activation and cellular contraction. We discovered that O-GlcNAc modification of the phosphatase subunit MYPT1 inhibits this pathway by blocking MYPT1 phosphorylation, maintaining its activity and causing the dephosphorylation of MLC. Therefore, MYTP1 O-GlcNAc levels function to regulate the sensitivity of cells to S1P-mediated cellular contraction. Finally, we demonstrate that O-GlcNAc levels alter the sensitivity of primary human dermal fibroblasts in a collagen matrix model of wound healing. Our findings have important implications for the role of O-GlcNAc in fibroblast motility and differentiation, particularly in diabetic wound healing, where increased levels of the modification may inhibit S1P-mediated healing phenotypes in fibroblasts.
Chemogenetic inhibition in the dorsal striatum reveals regional specificity of direct and indirect pathway control of action sequencing
Authors: Garr Eric , Delamater Andrew R.
Published: October 2019

Animals engage in intricate action sequences that are constructed during instrumental learning. There is broad consensus that the basal ganglia play a crucial role in the formation and fluid performance of action sequences. To investigate the role of the basal ganglia direct and indirect pathways in action sequencing, we virally expressed Cre-dependent Gi-DREADDs in either the dorsomedial (DMS) or dorsolateral (DLS) striatum during and/or after action sequence learning in D1 and D2 Cre rats. Action sequence performance in D1 Cre rats was slowed down early in training when DREADDs were activated in the DMS, but sped up when activated in the DLS. Acquisition of the reinforced sequence was hindered when DREADDs were activated in the DLS of D2 Cre rats. Outcome devaluation tests conducted after training revealed that the goal-directed control of action sequence rates was immune to chemogenetic inhibition—rats suppressed the rate of sequence performance when rewards were devalued. Sequence initiation latencies were generally sensitive to outcome devaluation, except in the case where DREADD activation was removed in D2 Cre rats that previously experienced DREADD activation in the DMS during training. Sequence completion latencies were generally not sensitive to outcome devaluation, except in the case where D1 Cre rats experienced DREADD activation in the DMS during training and test. Collectively, these results suggest that the indirect pathway originating from the DLS is part of a circuit involved in the effective reinforcement of action sequences, while the direct and indirect pathways originating from the DMS contribute to the goal-directed control of sequence completion and initiation, respectively.
Boost in Test-Retest Reliability in Resting State fMRI with Predictive Modeling
Authors: Taxali Aman , Angstadt Mike , Rutherford Saige , Sripada Chandra
Published: October 2019

Recent studies found low test-retest reliability in fMRI, raising serious concerns among researchers, but these studies mostly focused on reliability of individual fMRI features (e.g., individual connections in resting state connectivity maps). Meanwhile, neuroimaging researchers increasingly employ multivariate predictive models that aggregate information across a large number of features to predict outcomes of interest, but the test-retest reliability of predicted outcomes of these models has not previously been systematically studied. Here we apply ten predictive modeling methods to resting state connectivity maps from the Human Connectome Project dataset to predict 61 outcome variables. Compared to mean reliability of individual resting state connections, we find mean reliability of the predicted outcomes of predictive models is substantially higher for all ten modeling methods assessed. Moreover, improvement was consistently observed across all scanning and processing choices (i.e., scan lengths, censoring thresholds, volume-versus surface-based processing). For the most reliable methods, reliability of predicted outcomes was mostly, though not exclusively, in the “good” range (above 0.60).

Finally, we identified three mechanisms that help to explain why predicted outcomes of predictive models have higher reliability than individual imaging features. We conclude that researchers can potentially achieve higher test-retest reliability by making greater use of predictive models.
Consistency and variability of cocrystals containing positional isomers: the self-assembly evolution mechanism of supramolecular synthons of cresol–piperazine
Authors: Wang Na , Huang Xin , Chen Lihang , Yang Jinyue , Li Xin , Ma Jiayuan , Bao Ying , Li Fei , Yin Qiuxiang , Hao Hongxun
Published: October 2019

The disposition of functional groups can induce variations in the nature and type of interactions and hence affect the molecular recognition and self-assembly mechanism in cocrystals. To better understand the formation of cocrystals on a molecular level, the effects of disposition of functional groups on the formation of cocrystals were systematically and comprehensively investigated using cresol isomers (o-,m-,p-cresol) as model compounds. Consistency and variability in these cocrystals containing positional isomers were found and analyzed. The structures, molecular recognition and self-assembly mechanism of supramolecular synthons in solution and in their corresponding cocrystals were verified by a combined experimental and theoretical calculation approach. It was found that the heterosynthons (heterotrimer or heterodimer) combined with O—H...N hydrogen bonding played a significant role. Hirshfeld surface analysis and computed interaction energy values were used to determine the hierarchical ordering of the weak interactions. The quantitative analyses of charge transfers and molecular electrostatic potential were also applied to reveal and verify the reasons for consistency and variability. Finally, the molecular recognition, self-assembly and evolution process of the supramolecular synthons in solution were investigated. The results confirm that the supramolecular synthon structures formed initially in solution would be carried over to the final cocrystals, and the supramolecular synthon structures are the precursors of cocrystals and the information memory of the cocrystallization process, which is evidence for classical nucleation theory.
Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of 2-aminopyridinium hydrogen phthalate
Authors: Siva V. , Suresh M. , Athimoolam S. , Asath Bahadur S.
Published: October 2019

Aminopyridine and phthalic acid are well known synthons for supramolecular architectures for the synthesis of new materials for optical applications. The 2-aminopyridinium hydrogen phthalate title salt, C5H7N2
+·C8H5O4
−, crystallizes in the non-centrosymmetric space group P21. The nitrogen atom of the –NH2 group in the cation deviates from the fitted pyridine plane by 0.035 (7) Å. The plane of the pyridinium ring and phenyl ring of the anion are oriented at an angle of 80.5 (3)° to each other in the asymmetric unit. The anion features a strong intramolecular O—H...O hydrogen bond, forming a self-associated S(7) ring motif. The crystal packing is dominated by intermolecular N—H...O hydrogen bonds leading to the formation of 21 helices, with a C(11) chain motif. They propagate along the b axis and enclose R
2
2(8) ring motifs. The helices are linked by C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming layers parallel to the ab plane. Hirshfeld surface analysis and two-dimensional fingerprint plots were used to investigate and quantify the intermolecular interactions in the crystal.
Distributing flood shelters for disaster risk reduction
Authors: Islam Shafiqul , Chu Cordia , Liew Leong , Smart James C.R.
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to inspect disaster risk reduction (DRR) challenges from a political economy (PE) perspective and to explore how PE determinants facilitate or hinder effective DRR in Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative case study, using semi-structured in-depth interviews, official documents and literature review has been conducted to explore the current process and practices of DRR in Bangladesh. The specific focus is on the distribution of public spending on flood shelters implemented by the Department of Disaster Management.

Findings

The study revealed a number of findings, including that the interest and incentives of influencing decision makers matter; formal and informal institutions have influence; and the values and ideas of dominating stakeholders’ impact on decisions regarding public spending of DRR in Bangladesh. These PE factors often hinder efficiency by leading to overlapping efforts and inefficient use of scarce resources. DRR planners and practitioners need to take steps to mitigate potential risks from PE processes in the allocations of DRR funding by implementing improved distribution arrangements.

Originality/value

Despite many successes in dealing with disasters, Bangladesh faces several challenges, including better governance of funds. DRR challenges can be considered as a problem of PE, which concerns the distribution of resources, and includes how powerful decision makers affect economic choices. Prior research examining the challenges in DRR-related funding distribution from a PE perspective is limited. Therefore, this study attempts to fill this gap in the literature by focusing on the situation in Bangladesh from this perspective. The authors elaborate how PE determinants can function as both barrier and opportunities on the ground in DRR-related fund distribution and in the selection of project locations and beneficiaries.
Shopping online? The role of imagination and gender
Authors: Mann Manveer K. , Liu-Thompkins Yuping
Published: October 2019

Purpose

This study aims to examine gender differences in the impact of imagining product use on purchase decisions. The authors argue that while imagination can enhance purchase intention for female consumers, it can be detrimental to male consumers. This study explores the conditions under which imagination can be turned into a positive device for male consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

Three experimental studies were conducted. The first two studies illustrate the differential effects of imagination on males vs females. Given the negative effect found among males, the third study focused exclusively on male consumers to identify conditions under which the negative impact of imagination on these consumers can be alleviated.

Findings

Studies 1 and 2 show that while an imagination tactic has positive or no effect on female consumers, a generic imagination request lowers male consumers’ purchase intention. Focusing on potential ways of alleviating this negative effect, Study 3 shows that for males without prior brand ownership experience, imagining product use in a less-typical context can increase purchase intention.

Research limitations/implications

The results provide evidence that gender impacts the effectiveness of imagination in improving product evaluation. Furthermore, the context of imagination and previous brand experience can be used together to determine how male consumers respond to imagination.

Practical implications

The study’s findings warn against the blind use of imagination tactics. Instead, retailers need to customize imagination tactics based on gender, previous brand experience and product usage context.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the first papers to examine the impact of gender on the influence of imagination on product evaluation.
Perceptions of higher agricultural education toward sustainable agricultural development
Authors: Ortega-Dela Cruz Ruth
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the purposes and current outcomes of Bachelor of Agricultural Science degree program in Austria. It identifies the ability of higher agricultural education (HAE) curriculum to meet its purpose by way of validating its current outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used survey research design to purposively sample faculty members and graduating students under the bachelor degree program of Agricultural Science at BOKU University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna. In addition to a self-administered questionnaire, key informant interviews were also conducted to validate the data gathered.

Findings

The Bachelor of Agricultural Science degree program in Austria aims to develop the student scientific understanding of theoretical and practical aspects of agriculture. The program also gears toward developing their lifelong learning skills. Analysis of the difference reveals congruence in the perceptions of agricultural education professionals and students regarding the intended and expected learning outcomes of the HAE curriculum. The findings affirm how the purposes and outcomes of HAE curriculum have been met successfully and their implications to BS Agriculture curriculum in the University of the Philippines. The findings are grounded on the firm foundations of Austrian higher education system from their strategic curriculum planning, design, and implementation to evaluation where all stages are done in consultation with the various stakeholders. Truly a community of dedicated members of the academic and administrative staff is a powerful tool toward curricular advancement in HAE institutions.

Practical implications

The subject of this study, in particular BOKU University, provides a concrete example that not only the University of the Philippines Los Baños but all the other agricultural universities around the world could learn from.

Social implications

This study serves as a springboard for the development of new and innovative models of curriculum and instruction in the Philippines and other agricultural developing countries in the world.

Originality/value

This is an original study that provides discussion on the link between a developed country as a possible model and a developing country in terms of HAE. It helps the HAE institutions realize the ways on how their educational aspirations will turn into reality when it comes to fulfilling their role in supplying a well-trained and productive workforce for the agricultural economy toward sustainable agriculture development in one’s own country.
The effect of mergers and acquisitions on customer–company relationships
Authors: Alvarez-González Paula , Otero-Neira Carmen
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore employees’ perceptions about customers’ reactions to mergers and acquisitions (M&A). In particular, the aim is to explore how M&A in the banking sector affects the relationship between customers and the financial entity in a real-life context.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a case analysis methodology, this paper investigates the most important cases of M&A that occurred between 54 retail banks and saving banks in the Spanish market between 2009 and 2014. To do so, 36 face-to-face exploratory interviews were conducted amongst a sample of employees selected through a purposive sampling technique.

Findings

The perceptions of the employees about the impact of the M&A on customer relationship development suggest that financial M&A negatively affect prices, the location and closeness of the branches, and the routines of the financial activity, and positively affect products and services offered after the M&A.

Research limitations/implications

Given that the objective is to explore perceptions rather than test them, despite being insightful, the results of this study should be generalised with caution.

Originality/value

This paper explores customer responses and attitudes towards financial M&A from the point of view of marketing. This paper considers the effect that M&A changes generate on consumer satisfaction and bank−client long-term relationships.
Can managing employee diversity be a pathway to creativity for tour companies?
Authors: Trong Tuan Luu
Published: October 2019

Purpose

When effectively synergized, uniqueness from employee diversity can be conducive to original ideas and solutions in the tourism services. The purpose of this study is to unfold how and when diversity-oriented human resource (HR) practices impact creativity among employees working in tour companies.

Design/methodology/approach

Participants in this research project comprised employees and their direct managers working in tour companies in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Findings

The results provided evidence for the positive influence of diversity-oriented HR practices on employee creativity through the mediation channel of knowledge sharing. Diversity climate fortified the effects of diversity-oriented HR practices on knowledge sharing among employees. Besides, the findings lent support for the moderating role of group diversity regarding age, expertise, openness and extroversion in the current research model.

Originality/value

This study advances both diversity management and organizational research streams and marks the convergence between them.
Energy saving potential of tubular light pipe system with different colors on internal surfaces
Authors: Salam Azad Abdus , Salman Mohd , Kaushik S.C. , Rakshit Dibakar
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Lighting in building sectors (consumes the highest energy in commercial buildings and the second highest in residential buildings in India) has very much potential for energy conservation in buildings. With the use of daylighting system, energy consumption in lighting can be lowered up to 30 to 40 per cent.

Design/methodology/approach

An experimental effort has been made in this paper to explore the internal wall coloring effect on the performance of tubular light pipe. Trace-pro software has been used and validated. With the help of this software, light pipe has been designed and simulated in a ray tracing mode. Assessment of four globally used prediction models has also been conducted to compare the performances in different seasons for light pipes in the composite climate of New Delhi.

Findings

It has been conducted based on three statistical indicators as mean bias error, root mean square error and R2. Using regression, an empirical model for average internal illuminance has been developed as a function of light reflectance value (LRV) and solar altitude angle. Trace-pro results confirmed that maximum internal illuminance can be obtained with wall surfaces coated with high LRV color. Finally, by using of a single light pipe system for a test room with the artificial lighting system and applying continuous dimming control, the amount of electrical energy has been saved up to 38.5 per cent per year.

Originality/value

After going through the literature, it has been identified that there has been no paper published which explores the effect of colors of the internal walls on the performance of the light pipe. Along with this, the comparison between existing empirical performance models and find out which model gives the best result in different seasons has been carried out for New Delhi, India.
Cities and tourism, a love and hate story; towards a conceptual framework for urban overtourism management
Authors: Bouchon Frederic , Rauscher Marion
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Overtourism is a term that has emerged in media over the past few years. Issues of carrying capacity that were limited to tourism sites have recently spread to places with no tourism background. The development of new technologies and network hospitality (NH) has enabled a blurring of roles. Residents and tourists are more than often using the same infrastructure and spaces creating tensions. This reinforces issues related to ownership and citizenship within a new context. However, there is only a limited number of studies linked to urban overtourism, and a categorisation of cities is necessary to apprehend the phenomenon. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the current narratives of overtourism in cities and their impact on selected stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual paper uses a qualitative approach to investigate the case of several cities bearing signs of overtourism. It uses data from public and private sources (statistics, press, city marketing, etc.) from six cities of various size in Europe in which the media reported overtourism syndrome. The data were analysed through a thematic analysis, enabling a categorisation and a typology of urban overtourism.

Findings

Findings show that overtourism is a notion constructed from various aspects, including recently added supply sources such as NH and low-cost carriers. The urban morphology and branding strategy play a major role in the sentiment of overtourism.

Research limitations/implications

The study indicates the need for further research considering the urban destination in a holistic manner, rather than approaching it at the tourist site scale. A further quantitative research could test the model of urban overtourism taxonomy.

Originality/value

The developed urban overtourism typology and framework of analysis. The argument of using the urban morphology understanding and technology to address urban destination overtourism.
Well-being at work from a multilevel perspective: what is the role of personality traits?
Authors: Parent-Lamarche Annick , Marchand Alain
Published: October 2019

Purpose

It is of great importance for organizations to identify what can influence employees’ well-being. The theoretical model that the authors propose combines psychological and social determinants of stress at work. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the contribution of work organization conditions, personality traits and their interaction to well-being in a sample of Canadian workers and companies.

Design/methodology/approach

Multilevel regression analyses were performed on a sample of 1,957 workers employed in 63 Quebec firms. Work organization conditions included (skill utilization, decision authority, psychological demands, physical demands, job insecurity, irregular schedule, number of working hours, social support from colleagues and supervisors, job promotion, and recognition) and personality traits included (self-esteem, locus of control and Big Five).

Findings

Work organization conditions (psychological demands, number of hours worked and job insecurity) and personality (self-esteem, locus of control, extraversion, neuroticism and conscientiousness) were significantly associated with well-being. The results of the analysis show that none of the personality traits included in this study interacts with work organization conditions to explain workers’ level of well-being.

Originality/value

This study provides support for the implementation of human resource management (HRM) practices in order to diminish the presence of stressful working conditions as well as for the eventual development of training programs designed to raise personality traits.
A proposal of Android Programming Learning Assistant System with implementation of basic application learning
Authors: Syaifudin Yan Watequlis , Funabiki Nobuo , Kuribayashi Minoru , Kao Wen-Chung
Published: October 2019

Purpose

With rapid increase of Android devices and application systems, there is a strong demand for Android application programmers. A lot of schools are offering Android programming courses to meet this demand. However, Android programming can be different from the conventional one because it needs interactive functions through interfaces with users, which makes the study more difficult. This paper aims to propose an Android Programming Learning Assistance System, namely, APLAS, to assist the Java-based Android programming study and education.

Design/methodology/approach

By adopting the test-driven development method, APLAS is designed to achieve independent learning without the presence of teachers. Using JUnit and Robolectric, the answers from the students are automatically marked in APLAS. To cover extensive materials in Android programming, APLAS offers four stages where each stage involves several topics.

Findings

To evaluate the effectiveness of APLAS, we implemented the Unit Converter assignment that covers the first two topics, namely, Basic user interface in the first stage and basic activity in the second stage. Through solving the assignment, it is expected to learn basic application development. Forty novice students of an IT department in Indonesia were asked to solve both topics separately.

Originality/value

The results show that APLAS is useful and helpful for the self-study of Android programming, as they could complete codes with good execution performances.
Turning responsible purchasing and supply into supply chain responsiveness
Authors: Yang Jie , Xie Hongming , Yu Guangsheng , Liu Mingyu
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether responsible purchasing (relational commitment and supplier evaluation) and responsible supply (supplier firm information sharing and supplier performance) affect the two factors of supply chain responsiveness including process efficiency and customer knowledge management capability, which, in turn, affect other three factors of supply chain responsiveness, such as dyadic quality performance, innovation capability and buyer‒supplier relationship improvement.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used questionnaire survey and statistical analytical methods. Employing path analysis, this study tested hypothesized relationships using data collected from manufacturers.

Findings

The findings of this study support the theorized links. Responsible purchasing and supply enhance supply chain responsiveness, which is reflected through process efficiency, customer knowledge management capability, dyadic quality performance, innovation capability and buyer‒supplier relationship improvement.

Originality/value

Grounded in the goal interdependence theory, this study investigates the effects of responsible purchasing and supply on supply chain responsiveness in the context of Chinese manufacturers. This study offers managerial implications and theoretical contribution.
I like my app but I wanna try yours: exploring user switching from a learning perspective
Authors: Gu Jie , Wang Xiaolun , Lu Tian
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain the “good-to-good” app switching phenomenon that has not been specifically addressed in the prior switching literature. Drawing on the consumer learning theory, this study explores how external social word of mouth (WOM) and internal satisfaction influence app users’ switching intention through social learning route and analogical learning route. This study also examines the moderating effect of app heterogeneity.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was used to collect data. Two categories of mobile apps with different levels of within-category heterogeneity were targeted in survey questions. A total of 525 valid survey responses were collected.

Findings

Social WOM about a competing app increases users’ switching intention through both social norm influence and social information influence, resulting in a direct effect on switching intention and an indirect effect through the perceived attractiveness of a competing app. Users’ satisfaction with an adopted app positively influences the perceived attractiveness of an unadopted competing app, offering evidence for analogical learning in user switching. Meanwhile, users’ satisfaction imposes a direct negative effect on switching intention. A higher level of within-category heterogeneity strengthens (weakens) the positive effect of social WOM (satisfaction) on users’ perceived attractiveness of a competing app.

Originality/value

This study complements the existing switching literature by disentangling the “good-to-good” switching phenomenon in the mobile app market from the consumer learning perspective. This study extends the understanding of cross-category user switching by considering different levels of product heterogeneity.
Building relationships with the new media in a cyber landscape
Authors: Clair Allison , Mandler Jim
Published: October 2019

Purpose

What industry has not changed in the past quarter century because of The Digital Age? The purpose of this paper is to discuss the effect of the digital age on media.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper takes the design of an author viewpoint.

Findings

The Digital Age has affected practically everything that makes up our professional and personal lives – how we learn, how we inform, how we sustain and, certainly, how we interact.

Originality/value

Even industries that previously had no connection to the digital world cannot function.
From the ground up: young research advisors’ perspectives on relationships between participation and protection
Authors: Hamilton C.J. , Rodgers Abbie , Howard Keeley , Warrington Camille
Published: October 2019

Purpose

This contribution is co-authored by three members of the Young Researchers’ Advisory Panel (YRAP) at the International Centre: Researching child sexual exploitation, violence and trafficking (IC) at the University of Bedfordshire, and supported by an academic researcher (Camille). The purpose of this paper is to reflect the group’s discussions about the relationship between children’s participation and protection, considered within the context of the group’s role and work.

Design/methodology/approach

A collaborative reflection piece co-produced through discussions between young research advisors and academic colleagues.

Findings

This paper shows the young researchers’ perspectives on the relationship between and interdependencies of child protection and child participation.

Originality/value

A unique contribution capturing children and young people’s perspectives on the journal’s theme and other contributions to it.
Positioning strategies of high-tech products: cross-cultural moderating effects of ethnocentrism and cultural openness
Authors: Gammoh Bashar S. , Koh Anthony C. , Okoroafo Sam C.
Published: October 2019

Purpose

This study aims to extend current research efforts by utilizing the institutional theory to propose cross-cultural-based asymmetrical moderating effects of ethnocentrism and cultural openness on the effectiveness of global, foreign and local consumer culture brand positioning strategies of high-tech products.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used an experimental design in the USA (developed country) and India (developing country). Print advertisements across the two countries were used to explore the proposed moderating effects of ethnocentrism and cultural openness on consumer brand evaluations of a high-tech product under the three different consumer culture brand positioning strategies.

Findings

Overall, this study provided empirical evidence in support of the proposed cross-cultural asymmetrical effects. The study findings indicate that consumer ethnocentrism seems to be more important in influencing a subject’s brand evaluations across the positioning strategies in a developed country like the USA, while consumer cultural openness will be more important in influencing a subject’s brand evaluations across the positioning strategies in a developing country like India.

Originality/value

Despite existing research efforts on the potential benefits of positioning brands using global, foreign or local consumer cultures, there is a lack of empirical evidence regarding the effectiveness of these positioning strategies across different cultures. Theoretically, this research draws on the institutional theory to investigate the asymmetrical cross-cultural moderating effects of ethnocentrism and cultural openness on the effectiveness of the three-consumer culture brand positioning strategies. Managerially, this study provides empirically based suggestions for brand managers attempting to position their brands with different segments of consumers while highlighting the importance of cultural differences between developed and developing markets.
The impact on the governance of the gender quotas legislation: the Italian case
Authors: Paoloni Mauro , Paoloni Paola , Lombardi Rosa
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to create a strong connection among the gender diversity literature in the stream of gender quotas in the international context and the main legislation on gender diversity – the Law 120/2011 “Golfo-Mosca” – in Italy requiring listed companies and companies under the public control to implement policies for increasing board diversity.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts a structured literature review method to propose relevant issues on this topic applying an innovative analytical framework based on the “article focus.” Additionally, an interview to a CEO of an Italian Bank has been done.

Findings

In this step, results seem to underline the prominence of literature analyzing “woman in board of directors” promoting board diversity in the light of good governance. Additionally, this analysis is functional to the proposition of interesting insights from the Golfo-Mosca Law’s analysis in Italy emphasizing primary effects of its application during past seven years.

Originality/value

Findings of this paper are original, as it is the first time that a research connects results from the structured literature review on gender issues and the related Italian law to draft emerging and thrilling issues in the light of transparent and responsible corporate governance system.
Quality initiatives, quality awards and performance; contingency effect
Authors: Upadhyaya Gururaj , Bhat K. Subrahmanya
Published: October 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the contingency effect of winning a specific Indian quality award (QA) on the correlation between interacting quality initiatives (QI) and QA with performance measures (PM) during the continuous improvement (CI) journey of Indian organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

Data collected from a survey were followed by validity and reliability analyzes of the instrument. Hypotheses were tested using Spearman’s correlation test and Fisher’s Z-test.

Findings

Similarities and differences among four Indian QA in terms of PM affected by the interacting QI and QA models during different phases of CI journey were identified.

Practical implications

Preliminary identification of PM that realistically reflected the adoption of QI and QA models during different phases of the CI journey.

Originality/value

This study attempts to fill the gap of scarce holistic studies on the interacting QI and QA as they affect the PM through the CI journey of organizations.
Empiricism, epistemology and modern postmodernism: a critique
Authors: Bowden Bradley G.
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, it seeks to trace the origins of the various strands of postmodernism within German philosophic idealism; traditions of thought which placed emphasis – like postmodernism – on a subjective understanding of evidence and a supposed capacity of human consciousness to continually move beyond the bounds imposed by social convention and being; second, this paper states that postmodernism, rooted as it is in philosophic idealism, is methodologically and conceptually constrained. Its emphasis on consciousness and will marginalize its capacity to make meaningful contributions in areas such as economics, and the wider trends in human history.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is theoretical. It seeks to locate conflicting methodologies – most particularly those relating to postmodernism, positivism and philosophical realism – within the traditions of thought that have emerged since the enlightenment.

Findings

Postmodernism is rooted in philosophical idealism. As such, it places emphasis on consciousness, identity and being. The essential problem with postmodernism, this paper argues, is not this emphasis. These are legitimate areas of inquiry. Rather, the central problem with postmodernist-informed research is found in the limited range of methodological and conceptual tools in its kitbag.

Originality/value

Despite the growing influence of postmodernism in its various shades within academia, few of its proponents and critics trace its philosophic origins. In doing so this paper highlights the strengths and limitations of not only postmodernism but also its polar opposite, positivism.
Development and validation of attitudes measurement scales: fundamental and practical aspects
Authors: Hair Joseph F. , L.D.S. Gabriel Marcelo , da Silva Dirceu , Braga Junior Sergio
Published: October 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to present the fundamental aspects for the development and validation (D&V) of attitudes’ measurement scale, as well as its practical aspects that are not deeply explored in books and manuals. These aspects are the results of a long experience of the authors and arduous learning with errors and mistakes.

Design/methodology/approach

The nature of this paper is methodological and can be very useful for an initial reading on the theme that it rests. This paper presents four D&V stages: literature review or interviews with experts; theoretical or face validation; semantic validation or validation with possible respondents; and statistical validation.

Findings

This is a methodological paper, and its main finding is the usefulness for researchers.

Research limitations/implications

The main implication of this paper is to support researchers on the process of D&V of measurement scales.

Practical implications

Became a step-by-step guide to researchers on the D&V of measurement scales.

Social implications

Support researchers on their data collection and analysis.

Originality/value

This is a practical guide, with tips from seasoned scholars to help researchers on the D&V of measurement scales.