bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lysosomal enzyme tripeptidyl peptidase 1 plays a role in degradation of beta amyloid fibrils
Authors: Cruz Dana , El-Banna Mukarram , Majumdar Amitabha , Sleat David E. , Muldowney Michelle , Lobel Peter , Maxfield Frederick R.
Published: May 2019

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid plaques surrounded by microglia. In cell culture, microglia internalize fibrillar β-amyloid but do not degrade it efficiently. Unactivated microglia have a relatively high lysosomal pH, which impairs the activity of lysosomal proteases. Previous studies showed that activation of microglia with macrophage colony stimulating factor decreases lysosomal pH and enhances fibrillar β-amyloid degradation. We investigated the role of the lysosomal protease tripeptidyl peptidase 1 (TPP1) in cell culture and in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease. Increased levels of TPP1 in unactivated microglia enhanced fibrillar β-amyloid degradation. Conversely, reduction of TPP1 led to decreased fibrillar β-amyloid degradation in activated microglia, macrophages, and other cells that degrade fibrillar β-amyloid efficiently. Reduction of TPP1 in an AD model mouse using a gene-targeted hypomorphic Tpp1 allele increased plaque burden. These results suggest that decreased TPP1 potentiates AD pathogenesis and that strategies to increase TPP1 activity may have therapeutic value.

Highlights

*In microglia, TPP1 is important for the degradation of fibrillar β-amyloid.

*Increased TPP1 in microglia results in enhanced fibrillar β-amyloid degradation.

*In an AD mouse model, reduction of TPP1 led to increased amyloid plaque deposition.
A Hox code defines spinocerebellar neuron subtype regionalisation
Authors: Coughlan Eamon , Garside Victoria , Wong Siew Fen Lisa , Liang Huazheng , Kraus Dominik , Karmakar Kajari , Maheshwari Upasana , Rijli Filippo M. , Bourne James , McGlinn Edwina
Published: May 2019

Coordinated body movement requires the integration of many sensory inputs. This includes proprioception, the sense of relative body position and force associated with movement. Proprioceptive information is relayed to the cerebellum via spinocerebellar neurons, located in the spinal cord within a number of major neuronal columns or as various scattered cell populations. Despite the importance of proprioception to fluid movement, a molecular understanding of spinocerebellar relay interneurons is only beginning to be explored, with limited knowledge of molecular heterogeneity within and between columns. Using fluorescent reporter knock-in mice, neuronal tracing andin situhybridisation, we identify widespread expression ofHoxcluster genes, including both protein-coding genes and microRNAs, within spinocerebellar neurons. We reveal a “Hoxcode” based on axial level and individual spinocerebellar column, which, at cervico-thoracic levels, is essential for subtype regionalisation. Specifically, we show that Hoxc9 function is required in most, but not all, cells of the major thoracic spinocerebellar column, Clarke’s column, revealing heterogeneity reliant on Hox signatures.
Fast, Accurate Polarization and Polarity Imaging with Polarized Structured Illumination
Authors: Zhanghao Karl , Liu Wenhui , Li Meiqi , Chen Xingye , Shan Chunyan , Wang Haoqian , Xi Peng , Dai Qionghai
Published: May 2019

The orientation and wobbling behavior of the fluorescent dipoles are of great significance in revealing the structure and state of cells. Due to the poor optical sectioning capability of wide-field microscopy, the polarization modulation signals are susceptible to the neighboring fluorophores. The missing cone of wide field optical transfer function induces vast out-of-focus background, resulting in biased polarization orientation and decrease polarization factor. Here, we apply polarized structured illumination to achieve polarization modulation imaging with optical sectioning, and simultaneously measure the lipid polarity with two-color ratiometric imaging. Our results demonstrate a significant increase in measurement accuracy of not only the dipole orientations but also the wobbling behavior of the ensemble dipole. Compared to the conventional confocal polarization imaging, our method obtains an order-of-magnitude faster imaging speed, capturing the fast dynamics of subcellular structures in live cells.
PITX1 protein interacts with ZCCHC10 to regulate hTERT mRNA transcription
Authors: Ohira Takahito , Kojima Hirotada , Kuroda Yuko , Inaoka Daigo , Osaki Mitsuhiko , Wanibuchi Hideki , Okada Futoshi , Oshimura Mitsuo , Kugoh Hiroyuki
Published: May 2019

Telomerase is a ribonucleoprotein ribonucleic enzyme that is essential for cellular immortalization via elongation of telomere repeat sequences at the end of chromosomes. Human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), the catalytic subunit of telomerase holoenzyme, is a key regulator of telomerase activity. Telomerase activity, which has been detected in the majority of cancer cells, is accompanied by hTERT expression, resulting in continuous cell division that is a crucial factor for malignant transformation. Thus, hTERT is an attractive target for cancer-specific treatments. We previously reported that pared-like homeodomain 1 (PITX1) is a negative regulator of hTERT through direct binding to the hTERT promoter. However, the mechanism by which the function of PITX1 contributes to transcriptional silencing of the hTERT gene remains to be clarified. Here, we show that PITX1 and zinc finger CCHC-type containing 10 (ZCCHC10) proteins cooperate to facilitate the transcriptional regulation of the hTERT gene by functional studies via FLAG pull-down assay. Co-expression of PITX1 and ZCCHC10 resulted in inhibition of hTERT transcription, in melanoma cell lines, whereas mutate-deletion of homeodomain in PITX1 that interact with ZCCHC10 did not induce similar phenotypes. In addition, ZCCHC10 expression levels showed marked decrease in the majority of melanoma cell lines and tissues. Taken together, these results suggest that ZCCHC10-PITX1 complex is a new functional unit that suppresses hTERT transcription, and plays a crucial role in cancer development through regulation of telomerase activity.
Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus infection in HIV patients: potential role of HIV-associated extracellular vesicles
Authors: Chen Lechuang , Feng Zhimin , Yuan Guoxiang , Reinthal Benjamin , Ye Fengchun , Jin Ge
Published: May 2019

Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is the causal agent for Kaposi sarcoma (KS), the most common malignancy in people living with HIV/AIDS. The oral cavity is a major route for KSHV infection and transmission. However, how KSHV breaches the oral epithelial barrier for spreading to the body is not clear. Here we show that extracellular vesicles (EVs) purified from saliva of HIV-positive individuals and secreted by HIV-1-infected T cells promote KSHV infectivity in both monolayer and 3-dimensional models of immortalized and primary human oral epithelial cells, establishing the latency of the virus. The HIV trans-activation response (TAR) element RNA in HIV-associated EVs contributes to the infectivity of KSHV through the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Cetuximab, a monoclonal neutralizing antibody to EGFR, blocks HIV-associated EV-enhanced KSHV infection. Our findings reveal that saliva containing HIV-associated EVs is a risk factor for enhancement of KSHV infection and that inhibition of EGFR serves as a novel strategy for controlling KSHV infection and transmission in the oral cavity.

Author summary

Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is a causal agent for Kaposi sarcoma (KS), the most common malignancy in HIV/AIDS patients. Oral transmission through saliva is considered the most common route for spreading of the virus among HIV/AIDS patients. However, the role of HIV-specific components in co-transfection of KSHV is unclear. We demonstrate that extracellular vesicles (EV) purified from saliva of HIV patients and secreted by HIV-infected T cells promote KSHV infectivity in immortalized and primary oral epithelial cells. HIV-associated EVs promote KSHV infection depends on the HIV trans-activation element (TAR) RNA and EGFR of oral epithelial cells, both can be targeted for reducing KSHV infection. These results reveal that HIV-EVs is a risk factor for KSHV co-infection in the HIV-infected population.
Research on TIG welding gap corrosion resistance of X52/825 metallurgical clad pipein H2S/CO2 environment
Authors: Zhang Naiyan , Zeng Dezhi
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Bimetallic composite pipe consists of a corrosion resistance alloy (CRA) layer for corrosion resistance and carbon steel for mechanical properties, which shows a promising prospect of gathering pipeline with its effective-cost and reliable corrosion resistance. However, the corrosion resistance of composite pipe is determined by the quality of its welding gap. This paper aims to investigate the TIG welding gap corrosion resistance of X52/825 metallurgical clad pipe in H2S/CO2 environment.

Design/methodology/approach

Corrosion tests of X52/825 welding gap were performed in a stimulated gas field solution containing both 1 MPa CO2 and 1.5 MPa H2S at 70°C for 720 h in a self-designed high temperature and high pressure autoclave. The anti-stress corrosion cracking (SCC) performance of X52/825 clad pipe ring root welding gap was investigated in both NACE A solution and the stimulant gas field solution by four point bending testing and constant load test. Then the experiments were rerun in XX high sour gas well. In addition, the alloy diffusion and microstructure characteristics of TIG welding gap were analyzed through scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy technologies.

Findings

The results reveal that the root welding gap is almost not corroded in the stimulant gas field solution, and no micro-cracks were observed by electron microscope. Anti-SCC test results show the root welding gap does not break, indicating a good resistance to environmental-cracking in H2S/CO2 environment. The transition layer can be obviously observed in the root welding zone, and the alloy content of transition layer is diluted. However, the transition layer does not penetrate into the inner of CRA layer, which illustrates its good anti-corrosion performance. Therefore, TIG welding technology can be well used in the welding process of composite pipe.

Originality/value

This paper may provide theoretical reference for manufacturing and application of clad pipe.
German farmers’ acceptance of subsidized insurance associated with reduced direct payments
Authors: Möllmann Johannes , Michels Marius , Musshoff Oliver
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The outstanding reform of the Common Agriculture Policy allows for changes regarding its most criticized component, the direct payment scheme. The purpose of this paper is to investigate farmers’ acceptance of subsidized whole farm income insurance (WFI) and single-crop, multi-peril revenue insurance (RI) that are associated with a reduction of direct payments.

Design/methodology/approach

By applying a generalized multinomial logit model on data of a discrete choice experiment, German farmers’ preferences, expressed as their willingness to pay (WTP), for WFI and RI are revealed.

Findings

The results show a positive WTP for WFI and RI. The average farmer has a higher WTP for WFI than for RI. By increasing the coverage level, the negative influence of a reduction of direct payments on WTP for insurance can be compensated. Individual risk attitude and assessed importance of direct payments for the farm business show a statistically significant influence on the WTP.

Practical implications

The results suggest that, even if direct payments were abolished in order to subsidize WFI or RI, German farmers’ WTP for both insurance products would remain positive. However, to finally assess whether subsidizing insurance is the right means of providing public support, it is necessary to assess whether farmers’ WTP meets the costs for such an insurance scheme.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study investigating German farmers’ WTP for WFI and RI using an experimental approach by explicitly considering the partial to complete replacement of direct payments by subsidized insurance.
Factorial surveys reveal social desirability bias over self-reported organic fruit consumption
Authors: Cerri Jacopo , Testa Francesco , Rizzi Francesco , Frey Marco
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Surveys measuring consumers’ preferences for sustainable food might suffer from socially desirable responding. Social desirability stems in part from social norms about sustainable lifestyles, when respondents need approval from others and when privacy is not guaranteed during survey completion. While various studies showed this phenomenon through laboratory experiments and by comparing different modes of survey administration, no research adopted factorial survey experiments (FSEs) to measure which factors are perceived by consumers as critical for socially desirable answering. The purpose of this paper is to fill this gap, at least for young consumers in a case study with organic fruit.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 143 under-30 respondents were involved in an FSE. Each respondent evaluated six hypothetical scenarios (n=858) describing a consumer surveyed about his/her preferences for organic fruit. Respondents indicated whether they believed participants would have answered honestly or not to the survey described in each scenario. Generalized linear mixed models were used to model how scenario attributes were perceived to influence honest answering.

Findings

Respondents believe that people are more prone to bias their answers the more they seek approval from others. Moreover, the presence of acquaintances during survey completion is another critical driver of survey misreporting.

Originality/value

This study, by using a novel robust quasi-experimental approach, confirms that social desirability could lead consumers to misreport their preferences when surveyed about an organic fruit. This confirms that well-designed surveys, adopting proper remedies for social desirability should be adopted even for those food products, like fruit, which are usually deemed to be less subjected to misreporting. It also introduces FSEs as a flexible tool for collecting insights from consumers about potential antecedents of their behavior.
Household food waste reduction: Italian consumers’ analysis for improving food management
Authors: Pellegrini Giustina , Sillani Sandro , Gregori Mario , Spada Alessia
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Every year 1.3bn tonnes of food are lost or wasted in production, manufacture, distribution and at household level. Consumers are the biggest contributors to the total volume of food waste generated over the world. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the factors affecting consumer’s food waste behavior at household level, providing more insights to existing literature, basing on a hypothesized model.

Design/methodology/approach

Data collection was carried from May 2016 to March 2017, by means of a face-to-face structured questionnaire distributed among 580 Italian consumers, with seven constructs. Data analysis included two main steps: exploratory factor analysis and structural equation model (SEM) implemented by means of STATA 14.

Findings

Results show that price consciousness, environmental concern and time management influence the attitude that in turn affect the behavior toward food waste minimization. These findings provide basic guidelines for developing policies and campaigns aimed to decrease food waste.

Research limitations/implications

This study point out the importance of the food waste behavioral determinants analysis at household level in Italy. Therefore, the research will include other constructs and further studies can be conducted in European countries to produce spatial SEM.

Practical implications

Waste prevention approaches should concentrate interests on avoiding losses, and releasing of information, best practices and education of consumers as well as strengthening the donation to social services.

Social implications

The present findings may be used by decision makers, municipality, stakeholders, involved in food waste reduction policies. Moreover, social marketing campaigns can advantage by these results, in order to avoid food-related habits in consumers’ everyday lives not respecting the issues of the food waste. In addition, this study is addressed to academics and scholars that are already working on the role of consumer’s behavior and its implication on food waste reduction.

Originality/value

Food waste in Italy has been analyzed by several authors, yet not involving national samples, using different methodologies and aiming at analyze different aspects. The present study aims at analyzing main determinants affecting food waste behavior at household level: providing more insights to existing literature.
What is the role of social media in several overtones of CSR communication? The case of the wine industry in the Southern Italian regions
Authors: Galati Antonino , Sakka Georgia , Crescimanno Maria , Tulone Antonio , Fiore Mariantonietta
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand whether the companies most involved in communicating their responsible behaviour externally are those most active on the social media (SM) platform, with a philanthropic purpose rather than strictly aimed at economic aspects.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors, first, assess firms’ efforts on the SM platform using the model proposed by Chung et al. (2014), and, second, the authors analyze the content of messages in order to verify what dimensions of the corporate social responsibility (CSR) they contain. A multivariate modelling has been performed in order to verify whether the wineries that take most care to communicate their responsible behaviour are those that are more involved in the management of Social Network. The wineries’ effort in SM platform was analyzed using the model proposed by Chung et al. (2014), which consider three dimensions named intensity, richness and responsiveness. In order to verify the relationship between the SM effort and their engagement in CSR initiatives, the Probit model has been utilized taking into consideration four CSR dimension (Green CSR, Ethical CSR, Community CSR and Cultural CSR).

Findings

The findings show that wineries most involved in corporate social responsibility initiatives and in the active communication of these initiatives on SM platforms are those that are most active on SM and in particular those that interact most with their web users, triggering in them some reactions that lead to the sharing of content and, therefore, having a significant impact on the dissemination of information through SM.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitations of this study are related to the limited sample size, the time period considered.

Practical implications

This study provides insight and hints into wine entrepreneurs interested in improving the effectiveness of their CSR communication via SM showing the importance of the interactive dimension of SM, in order to reduce scepticism and gain greater credibility on the market.

Originality/value

This study uses four dimensions of the companies’ SM efforts’ built on the basis of a number of variables that are more explicative of the SM engagement.
Sensory motivations within children’s concrete operations stage
Authors: Royo Vela Marcelo , Ortegon-Cortazar Leonardo
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to provide empirical evidence of the relationship between specific sensory motivations (i.e. flavor) and the development of preference for food, beverages or brands by preteen consumers; and second, to compare the three age groups within the concrete operations stage toward the hypothesis contrast that states that the higher the cognitive development, the more recognized and recalled a brand will be.

Design/methodology/approach

The research techniques implemented were observation (exploratory phase) and personal survey using a paper and pencil questionnaire. The food products and beverages, brands, jingles and isotypes used were based on a convenience sample of 131 lunch boxes. A sample of 682 preteens aged 6–11 in the concrete operation stage obtained by convenience and snowball sampling participated.

Findings

When choosing one product or brand over the other, the results highlight flavor as compared with other more secondary sensory motivations, and there are clear differences between the younger and older age groups. In respect of advertising recall and brand recognition, the older age group shows higher frequencies of correct jingle-brand and isotype-brand association.

Originality/value

Despite product and brand consumption in the child segment relevance further motivational research is needed to identify the factors that influence preferences. The results obtained show that there are preferences and motives for product consumption that can be attributed to the functioning of the senses by the preteen consumer as well as differences within the concrete operations stage.
An effective method of verifying poles polarities in switched reluctance motors
Authors: Han Shouyi , Liu Chuang , Sun Xiaodong , Diao Kaikai
Published: May 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to propose an effective method to verify poles polarities of switched reluctance motors (SRMs). Different from the ways of detection poles polarities by permanent magnet in SRMs, the difference of self-inductance between different winding connections is used to verify the pole polarity.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the winding connections with the forward and reverse series are proposed. The magnetic circuit models are established to analyze the flux linkage of different winding connections. Then, according to the difference of inductance characteristics, including the self-inductance and the mutual inductance affected by the adjacent poles, it is theoretically feasible to verify the polarity of each pole. Finally, the proposed method is verified by the simulation and experiment on a six-phase SRM.

Findings

First, compared to the reverse series, the forward series can produce larger self-inductance when one phase is excited at the same current excitation, which can be used to verify the poles polarities of one phase with different winding connection. Second, the mutual inductance can be used to distinguish the winding connections. Third, the difference of the maximum self-inductance of the winding, which is composed of two adjacent windings, can be used to verify the polarities of the adjacent poles.

Originality/value

This paper proposes an effective method to verify poles polarities of SRMs.
Framing stress and associated behaviours at work
Authors: Hampton Paul , Chinyio Ezekiel A. , Riva Silvia
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand more precisely the culture and interpersonal behaviours associated with stress.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was conducted using a qualitative approach through an ethnographic methodology in relation to three companies. The greater part of the data collection period was structured into observations that ranged between 2 and 4 hr per day, 1–3 days per week, for a period of six months. A total of ten sites were explored; and on each site, the observations involved activities by 5–20 people.

Findings

The results showed the pivotal importance of interpersonal relationships in coping with the uncertainty of working conditions, the coordination of teamwork and managing responsibilities and power interactions. It was found that the impact of stress is multifaceted, affecting the physical status, interpersonal relationships, work performance and emotional well-being of construction workers. The workers who were studied emphasised five sources of support that help moderate work-related stress: additional tools such as communication systems and software, a facilitated access to professional help (e.g. psychological services), organisational changes in leadership, provision of resources for the well-being of personnel (e.g. job training) and better teamwork.

Practical implications

The study underlines the importance of dedicated services for stress management and specific training-related abilities devoted to reinforcing positive person–organisation dynamics. In particular, the abilities should relate to managing the impact of stress in terms of physique, interpersonal relationships, work performance and emotional well-being.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies to adopt a psychological perspective for understanding construction scenarios and phenomena and was conducted by a qualified psychologist.
The contribution of board of directors’ roles to ambidextrous innovation
Authors: Ben Rejeb Wajdi , Berraies Sarra , Talbi Dorra
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the link between board of directors’ roles namely strategy, service and control roles and ambidextrous innovation. This study also aims to determine whether the independence and gender diversity of boards have mediating effects in this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

On the basis of a quantitative approach, the authors conducted a survey on all Tunisian-listed firms. A partial least square method was used to analyze the quantitative data. The authors also conducted semi-structured interviews with a sample of boards’ members of the surveyed firms followed by a thematic analysis of the discourses to discuss the results.

Findings

Results revealed that ambidextrous innovation is negatively linked to board’s control role. The outcomes of this research show also that ambidextrous innovation is positively associated with board’s service role and that the gender diversity moderates positively this link. Findings do not indicate a significant relationship between board’s strategy role and ambidextrous innovation but show evidence that the relationship is negatively moderated by independent directors, while positively moderated by gender diversity.

Originality/value

This research sheds light on the effects of Boards’ roles on ambidextrous innovation and the moderating effect of board’s gender diversity and independence as well. This paper addresses the gap in the literature as this thematic has not been studied, offering key insights with regard to corporate governance of companies looking to achieve ambidextrous innovation.
Exploring millennial psychological contract expectations across talent segments
Authors: Pant Jyoti Joshi , Venkateswaran Vijaya
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify talent segments within the millennial generation based on performance and intention to stay and differentiate them in terms of their expectations. Based on results, the paper proposes a customized approach to talent management.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a mixed methodology, including 11 exploratory focus group discussions, followed by a survey involving 1,065 employees from nine information technology and business process management companies.

Findings

The paper creates a framework of talent segments (performing loyals, performing movers, developing loyals and developing movers) that have different values for the organization. Significant differences are observed in their PC expectations from the manager, PC expectations related to career growth and development and PC expectations related to job and work environment.

Research limitations/implications

Researchers faced constraints in obtaining actual performance data from the organizations; therefore, a self-perception report of performance was used.

Practical implications

Organizations’ talent-management strategy must acknowledge and understand the differences in PC expectations of talent segments and offer tailored TM programs for maximum impact.

Social implications

The paper challenges the old assumption of a uniform psychological contract (PC) that has guided the talent management strategy. Every talent segment has value and must be viewed on continuum rather than a binary construct of “Talent or no talent.”

Originality/value

This is one of the few studies which explores how the perception of PC expectations differs between talent segments. It contributes to literature on talent segments, PC and the millennial generation.
Co-workers’ perceptions of and reactions to employee’s involuntary demotion
Authors: Hennekam Sophie , Ananthram Subramaniam , McKenna Steve
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how individuals perceive and react to the involuntary demotion of a co-worker in their organisation.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors draw on 46 semi-structured in-depth interviews (23 dyads) with co-workers of demoted individuals.

Findings

The findings suggest that an individual’s observation of the demotion of a co-worker has three stages: their perception of fairness, their emotional reaction and their behavioural reaction. The perception of fairness concerned issues of distributive, procedural, interpersonal and informational justice. The emotional responses identified were feelings of disappointment/disillusion, uncertainty, vulnerability and anger. Finally, the behavioural reactions triggered by their emotional responses included expressions of voice, loyalty, exit and adaptation.

Originality/value

Perceptions of (in)justice perpetrated on others stimulate emotional and behavioural responses, which impacts organisational functioning. Managers should therefore pay attention to the way a demotion is perceived, not only by those directly concerned, but also by co-workers as observers.
Human capital routines and sustainability trade-offs
Authors: Longoni Annachiara , Pagell Mark , Shevchenko Anton , Klassen Robert
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Sustainable operations management is characterized by environmental, social and operational goals. The implementation of routines to protect and direct the effective use of human capital is proposed to potentially improve all three dimensions. However, functional managers with overlapping responsibilities at the plant-level might implement human capital routines based on their individual functional schemas. The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether functional managers have conflicting perceptions of human capital routines, due to narrow perceptions benefiting their own functional domain, and thus generate trade-offs.

Design/methodology/approach

A combination of matched survey and archival data from 198 manufacturing plants is used to explore the degree to which functional managers have conflicting perceptions of human capital routines and the effects of these perceptions on sustainability outcomes.

Findings

The results indicate that on average functional managers have conflicting perceptions that generate trade-offs between sustainability dimensions. However, when functional managers had a shared perception better outcomes on all sustainability dimensions are shown. Thus, human capital routines can be a powerful tool for sustainability only if senior management can promote a shared schema across functional managers.

Originality/value

Differently than most previous studies assuming shared sustainability goals within an organization, this study considers a multiplicity of functional actors with potentially varying perceptions about sustainability goals and links these to organizational routine implementation and outcomes. Additionally, the dynamic and subjective nature of organizational routines, such as human capital routines, is proposed to explain contradictory impacts in a multi-objective setting such as sustainable operations management.
Integrating theories to predict clothing purchase on SNS
Authors: Pujadas-Hostench Jordi , Palau-Saumell Ramon , Forgas-Coll Santiago , Matute Jorge
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to design and test a conceptual model integrating uses and gratifications (UGT), self-image congruity (SIC), and theory of planned behavior (TPB) theories to identify the drivers that lead users to develop intentions to purchase clothing products through social networking sites (SNS).

Design/methodology/approach

Using an online questionnaire, data were collected from customers of clothing products who visit the SNS of their preferred clothing brands (n=1,003). Empirical results, using partial least squares regressions, were used to test the conceptual model.

Findings

The results supported the model and showed, as the main result, that purchase intention through the use of SNS is positively affected by intentions to use SNS and SNS use. SNS use is influenced by intentions to use SNS and by UGT. Intentions to use SNS are positively affected by UGT, attitude and perceived behavioral control (PBC). Attitude is positively influenced by UGT, SIC, PBC and subjective norm.

Social implications

These findings reveal that the critical elements in achieving purchase intentions in users through SNS include obtaining their participation by managing the SNS according to users’ self-image and offering useful gratifications.

Originality/value

This paper integrates theories of SIC, UGT and the TPB in a context of technology post-adoption to understand users’ purchase intentions through SNS. By establishing this novel theoretical integration approach, this paper furthers insight into purchase intentions through SNS.
Beyond words and rhetoric – small voluntary organisations and effective refugee integration in the communities
Authors: Hack-Polay Dieu , Igwe Paul Agu
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Integration is a complex, contested and multidimensional concept. This paper aims to examine the impact of small voluntary agencies (SVA) in the integration of refugees into social, economic and citizenship structures in the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is rooted in in-depth interviews with 20 participants and a case study (ethnography research) that focuses on a refugee-assisting organisation in Southeast England.

Findings

The findings reveal cases of exemplary leadership in actions and social solidarity exhibited by SVA through innovative actions aimed at helping individuals and communities which may be particularly disadvantaged. It revealed the mixed embeddedness that these agencies create that enable refugees to pursue a new life, employment and citizenship.

Research limitations/implications

One of the limitations of the study is the focus on one case study. However, this provided an opportunity to conduct in-depth interviews and examination of the research objectives.

Practical implications

With the ever-decreasing government revenues, there is evidence of the tremendous achievement of the voluntary sector in many endeavours in the community. This provides an opportunity for a more strategic partnership between public and private actors.

Social implications

The activities of the SVA are the catalyst to refugees’ integration as policies that enable regaining self-esteem, seeking employment or starting a business.

Originality/value

This study provides the opportunity to explore the relatively under-research and under-publicized role of SVA in the migrants and refugee literature.
Carbonation of concrete containing mussel (Perna viridis) shell ash
Authors: Hussin Muhamad Hasif , Othman Nor Hazurina , Wan Ibrahim Mohd. Haziman
Published: May 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the use of calcined mussel shell (CMS) ash–cement mix in concrete that is found to increase the concrete resistance against carbonation.

Design/methodology/approach

The deposited ash from the calcination of the mussel shells at 1000°C was used to replace the ordinary Portland cement at 5 and 7 per cent of the cement weight. The test results from the control concrete specimens were compared to the test results from the experimental concrete specimens to analyse the effects due to the said replacements. Carbonation was carried out naturally in the environment where the concentration of the carbon dioxide gas was at 0.03 per cent, the relative humidity of 65 per cent and the temperature of 27°C for a maximum period of 120 days. Measurement of carbonation depth was taken in accordance to the BS EN 13295: 2004. The carbonation resistance of the concrete was assessed based on the degree of compliance with the common design life requirement of 50 years. The filler effect from the CMS was verified using the capillary absorption test (ASTM C1585: 2013) and the electron microscope.

Findings

Experimental concrete specimens containing 5 and 7 per cent of the CMS ash demonstrated better carbonation resistance compared to the control concrete specimens with a minimum attainable design life of 56 years which can reach a maximum of 62 years. Capillary absorption test results indicated that the concrete pores have been effected by the said filler effect and visual observation from the electron microscope confirmed, solidifying the statement.

Originality/value

The CMS ash is proven to contribute to the concrete’s resistance against carbonation. Also, the CMS ash is synthesized from waste materials which have contributed to the application of the green material in the concrete technology.
Seeing or believing? Cross-listing and the earnings response
Authors: Bhattacharyay Madhurima , Jiao Feng
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify and examine two contrasting mechanisms of information asymmetry for cross-listed firms with respect to the information environment and its impact on earnings response.

Design/methodology/approach

The study empirically assesses two mechanisms of information asymmetry (“seeing” and/or “believing”) by looking at abnormal returns and volume reactions to international firms’ earnings announcements pre- and post-listing in the USA from 1990 to 2012.

Findings

The authors’ findings indicate that investors “seeing” more (media and analyst coverage) decrease the earnings response; however, “believing” more or gaining more credibility has the opposite effects. Based on the results, both mechanisms of information asymmetry can take effect simultaneously.

Research limitations/implications

The study sheds light on the multi-dimensional impact of the improved information environment that non-US firms face when they list their securities on US exchanges.

Originality/value

This study identifies and reconciles these two mechanisms of information asymmetry (visibility and credibility) under one setting and estimates the magnitude of each effect empirically.
Lease vs buy: clarifying the impact of tax and borrowing rates
Authors: Musumeci Jim , O’Brien Thomas
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to survey the lease vs buy coverage in leading managerial finance textbooks and to clarify the impact of tax rates and borrowing rates.

Design/methodology/approach

The survey uses “plain vanilla” lease vs buy scenarios to critique and clarify particular issues in the textbook presentations.

Findings

The survey finds: a lone text shows that there can be a gain from leasing if the lessee’s tax rate is higher than the lessor’s, which challenges the “conventional wisdom” maintained in all the other texts; some textbook examples attribute an overall benefit to leasing to the tax rate difference, but the benefit is actually due to a borrowing rate difference, and borrowing rate differences may be a more important source of leasing benefits than tax rate differences.

Originality/value

The survey provides insights that are not well known and should be useful to instructors and practitioners.
On their own terms
Authors: Kocevar-Weidinger Elizabeth , Cox Emily , Lenker Mark , Pashkova-Balkenhol Tatiana , Kinman Virginia
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate how first-year students conduct everyday life research and how, if possible, their everyday research skills can inform information literacy instruction in higher education. Very few studies in information literacy emphasize existing knowledge that students bring with them to college; instead, the emphasis tends to fall on deficits in students’ academic research skills. Strengths-based approaches or asset-based approaches as found in the literature of psychology and education provide a basis for exploring this direction in information literacy education.

Design/methodology/approach

The research used a phenomenographic methodology, interviewing 40 first-year students from two large universities, a medium-sized university and a community college.

Findings

The qualitative study suggests that first-year students are capable of using information purposefully to learn or research interests that have sparked their curiosities. They are also capable of reflecting on the ways that their investigations fulfilled their purposes, resulted in unexpected outcomes or made them consider their issue in a new light. These existing capacities provide promising starting points for strengths-based approaches to information literacy instruction.

Practical implications

Dialogue with students about prior research experiences enables teaching librarians to plan engaging, authentic information literacy curriculum that acknowledges existing strengths.

Originality/value

This study provides a valuable contribution to empirical evidence of student research skills prior to entering higher education and suggests connections between those skills and the ACRL Information Literacy Framework. In addition, the study provides a case for strengths-based education, activating students’ prior knowledge to learn and create new knowledge. Authors have presented at Library Instruction West, July 2018.
Vaginal progesterone is associated with decreased group B streptococcus colonisation at term: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ma'ayeh M , Rood KM , Walker HC , Oliver EA , Gee SE , Iams JD
Published: May 2019

Objective

To investigate whether women using intravaginal progesterone suppositories for preterm birth prevention during pregnancy will have lower rates of group B streptococcus (GBS) colonisation at term, compared with women receiving intramuscular 17‐alpha‐hydroxyprogesterone caproate.

Design

This was a retrospective observational cohort study of women who were prescribed a progestogen during their pregnancy for preterm birth prevention, and who delivered at term.

Setting

A tertiary referral hospital in central Ohio.

Population

Patients who were prescribed a progestogen during their pregnancy for preterm birth prevention between 2004 and 2017 were included in the study. Patients who delivered at <37 weeks of pregnancy, switched progestogen type during the pregnancy, or had a pessary or cerclage placed were excluded.

Methods

Baseline characteristics were compared using Mann–Whitney U‐test or Chi‐square test as appropriate. The association between type of progestogen and GBS colonisation was assessed using bivariate and multivariable analyses.

Main outcome measures

The primary outcome was GBS colonisation.

Results

In all, 565 patients were included in the study, of whom 173 received intravaginal progesterone, and 392 17‐alpha‐hydroxyprogesterone caproate. Patients receiving intravaginal progesterone were less likely to be colonised with GBS (19.7 versus 28.1%). After adjustments for potential confounders were made in a multivariable logistic regression analysis, receiving intravaginal progesterone suppositories (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.61, 95% CI 0.39–0.95) was associated with reduced GBS colonisation.

Conclusions

Intravaginal progesterone is associated with a decreased prevalence of rectovaginal GBS colonisation at term.

Tweetable abstract

Vaginal progesterone is associated with a lower incidence of rectovaginal GBS colonisation, compared with 17α‐hydroxyprogesterone caproate.
Efficacy and safety of lixisenatide as add‐on therapy to basal insulin in older adults with type 2 diabetes in the GetGoal‐O Study
Authors: Dailey George E. , Dex Terry A. , Roberts Michelle , Liu Minzhi , Meneilly Graydon S.
Published: May 2019

Background

This study compared the efficacy and safety of lixisenatide with placebo as add‐on therapy to basal insulin (BI) in adults aged ≥70 years with type 2 diabetes (T2D), with or without moderate renal insufficiency.

Methods

This post hoc analysis evaluated data from non‐frail patients with T2D inadequately controlled on BI with or without oral antidiabetic drugs (n = 108), randomized to once‐daily lixisenatide 20 μg or placebo for 24 weeks (GetGoal‐O Study). The primary endpoint was the change in HbA1c from baseline to Week 24. Secondary endpoints included changes from baseline in fasting plasma glucose, 2‐hour postprandial plasma glucose (PPG), average seven‐point self‐monitored plasma glucose (SMPG), area under the curve for SMPG, daily BI dose, body weight, proportion of patients achieving HbA1c > 0.5%, and composite endpoints. Safety outcomes included the incidence of documented symptomatic hypoglycemia (plasma glucose <60 mg/dL) and gastrointestinal treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs). Outcomes were also analyzed by the occurrence of moderate renal insufficiency.

Results

Compared with placebo, lixisenatide‐treated patients had significantly greater reductions in HbA1c, 2‐hour PPG, average seven‐point SMPG, and body weight. Documented symptomatic hypoglycemia was approximately two‐fold higher in patients treated with placebo than lixisenatide (12.7% vs 5.7%). GI TEAEs occurred more frequently in the lixisenatide‐ than placebo‐treated group (34% vs 9.1%). Moderate renal insufficiency (estimated glomerular filtration rate between ≥30 and <60 mL/min/1.73 m2) did not negatively affect lixisenatide efficacy or safety. A greater proportion of patients treated with lixisenatide than placebo achieved composite endpoints.

Conclusions

Add‐on therapy with lixisenatide in non‐frail patients aged ≥70 years with T2D uncontrolled with BI is effective, safe, and well tolerated and should be considered in this population.
Uniportal video‐assisted thoracic surgery could reduce postoperative thorax drainage for lung cancer patients
Authors: Li Jiagen , Qiu Bin , Scarci Marco , Rocco Gaetano , Gao Shugeng
Published: May 2019

Background

Uniportal video‐assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) has undergone significant development in recent years, yet its usefulness and value in the treatment of lung cancer remains controversial. We investigated the effect of uniportal VATS surgery for reducing postoperative thorax drainage in lung cancer patients.

Methods

The data of primary lung cancer patients who underwent VATS anatomical lung resection at the China National Cancer Center by a single surgeon were retrospectively collected. After propensity score matched analysis, 492 patients (246 uniportal VATS, 246 multiportal VATS) were included in the study. The clinicopathologic and surgery‐related features, including drainage volume, were compared. Student's t and chi‐square tests were used; all tests were two‐sided.

Results

Patients in the two groups had similar demographic and clinicopathological features. Patients who underwent uniportal VATS surgery had significantly lower postoperative thorax drainage (830.0 ± 666.0 mL vs. 1014.5 ± 616.9 mL, P = 0.002) and a comparatively lower rate of unplanned return to the operating room (0 vs. 0.8%; P = 0.156) than multiportal VATS patients. The surgical duration, blood loss, number of lymph nodes dissected, postoperative complications, and length of hospital stay were similar between the groups.

Conclusions

Uniportal VATS could reduce postoperative thorax drainage and the risk of unplanned return to the operating room for lung cancer patients. This study included the largest sample by a single surgeon and our results suggest the potential value of uniportal VATS for the faster recovery of lung cancer patients.