bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Translation-associated mutational U-pressure in the first ORF of SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses
Authors: Victorovich Khrustalev Vladislav , Rajanish Giri , Aleksandrovna Khrustaleva Tatyana , Krishna Kapuganti Shivani , Nicolaevich Stojarov Aleksander , Vitoldovich Poboinev Victor
Published: May 2020

Within four months of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2, more than 250 nucleotide mutations have been detected in the ORF1 of the virus isolated from different parts of the globe. These observations open up an obvious question about the rate and direction of mutational pressure for further vaccine and therapeutics designing. In this study, we did a comparative analysis of ORF1a and ORF1b by using the first isolate (Wuhan strain) as the parent sequence. We observed that most of the nucleotide mutations are C to U transitions. The rate of synonymous C to U transitions is significantly higher than the rate of nonsynonymous ones, indicating negative selection on amino acid substitutions. Further, trends in nucleotide usage bias have been investigated in 49 coronaviruses species. A strong bias in nucleotide usage in fourfold degenerated sites towards uracil residues is seen in ORF1 of all the studied coronaviruses. A more substantial mutational U pressure is observed in ORF1a than in ORF1b owing to the translation of ORF1ab via programmed ribosomal frameshifting. Unlike other nucleotide mutations, mutational U pressure caused by cytosine deamination, mostly occurring in the RNA-plus strand, cannot be corrected by the proof-reading machinery of coronaviruses. The knowledge generated on the direction of mutational pressure during translation of viral RNA-plus strands has implications for vaccine and nucleoside analogue development for treating covid-19 and other coronavirus infections.
A first perturbome ofPseudomonas aeruginosa: Identification of core genes related to multiple perturbations by a machine learning approach
Authors: Mora Jose Arturo Molina , Montero-Manso Pablo , Batán Raquel García , Sánchez Rebeca Campos , Fernández Jose Vilar , Santamaría Fernando García
Published: May 2020

Tolerance to stress conditions is vital for organismal survival, including bacteria under specific environmental conditions, antibiotics, and other perturbations. Some studies have described common modulation and shared genes during stress response to different types of disturbances (termed as perturbome), leading to the idea of central control at the molecular level. We implemented a robust machine learning approach to identify and describe genes associated with multiple perturbations or perturbome in aPseudomonas aeruginosaPAO1 model.

Using microarray datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), we evaluated six approaches to rank and select genes: using two methodologies, data single partition (SP method) or multiple partitions (MP method) for training and testing datasets, we evaluated three classification algorithms (SVM Support Vector Machine, KNN K-Nearest neighbor and RF Random Forest). Gene expression patterns and topological features at the systems level were included to describe the perturbome elements.

We were able to select and describe 46 core response genes associated with multiple perturbations inP. aeruginosaPAO1 and it can be considered a first report of theP. aeruginosaperturbome. Molecular annotations, patterns in expression levels, and topological features in molecular networks revealed biological functions of biosynthesis, binding, and metabolism, many of them related to DNA damage repair and aerobic respiration in the context of tolerance to stress. We also discuss different issues related to implemented and assessed algorithms, including data partitioning, classification approaches, and metrics. Altogether, this work offers a different and robust framework to select genes using a machine learning approach.
Test Agreement Between Roche Cobas 6800 and Cepheid GeneXpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2 Assays at High Cycle Threshold Ranges
Authors: Broder Kari , Babiker Ahmed , Myers Charles , White Terri , Jones Heather , Cardella John , Burd Eileen M. , Hill Charles E. , Kraft Colleen S.
Published: May 2020

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has changed the face of the globe and upended the daily lives of billions. In an effort to bring mass-testing to as many as possible, multiple diagnostic tests including molecular, antigen detection and serological assays have been rapidly developed. However, there is very little information on positive test agreement across modalities, especially for lower viral loads. Thirty-five nasopharyngeal samples that had cycle threshold (Ct) values greater than 30.0 from the Roche cobas 6800 assay were run on the Cepheid GeneXpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2 assay. Ct values ranged from 30.1 to 37.9 (mean 36.7 ± 1.9) on the Roche cobas 6800 assay and 24.6 to 42.4 (mean 32.8±4.1) on the Cepheid assay. There was a bias of 0.33 ± 3.21, (mean difference −1.59, 95% limits of agreement −5.97, 6.63) signifying close agreement between the 2 instruments with a high standard deviation. The close test agreement between the cobas 6800 and GeneXpert at high Ct values allows for utilization of both assays interchangeable in accordance with testing algorithms.
Proteomic profiling of peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from patients with tuberculosis and diabetes copathogenesis -A pilot study
Authors: Kundu Jyoti , Bakshi Shikha , Joshi Himanshu , Bhadada Sanjay K , Verma Indu , Sharma Sadhna
Published: May 2020

Background

Diabetes is an important risk factor for developing tuberculosis. This association leads to exacerbation of tuberculosis symptoms and delayed treatment of both the diseases. Molecular mechanism and biomarkers/drug targets related to copathogenesis of tuberculosis and diabetes, however, still remains to be poorly understood. In this study, proteomics based 2D-MALDI/MS approach was employed to identify host signature proteins which are altered during copathogenesis of tuberculosis and diabetes.

Methods

Comparative proteome of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy controls, tuberculosis and diabetes patients in comparison to comorbid diabetes and tuberculosis patients was analyzed. Gel based proteomics approach followed by in gel trypsin digestion and peptide identification by mass spectrometry was used for signature protein identification.

Results

Total of 18 protein spots with differential expression in TBDM patients in comparison to other groups were identified. These include Vimentin, tubulin beta chain protein, superoxide dismutase, Actin related protein 2/3 complex subunit 2, PDZ LIM domain protein, Rho-GDP dissociation inhibitor, Ras related protein Rab, dCTPpyrophosphatase 1, Transcription initiation factor TFIID subunit 12, coffilin 1, three isoforms of Peptidylprolylcis-trans isomerase A, three isoforms of Protein S100A9, Protein S100A8 and SH3 domain containing protein. These proteins belonged to four functional categories i.e. structural, cell cycle/growth regulation, signaling and intermediary metabolism.

Conclusion

Proteins identified to be differentially expressed in TBDM patient can act as potent biomarkers and as predictors for copathogenesis of tuberculosis and diabetes.
Phylogenetic analysis of HIV-1 archived DNA in blood and gut-associated lymphoid tissue in patients receiving antiretroviral therapy: a study from Provir/Latitude45 project
Authors: Recordon-Pinson Patricia , Tumiotto Camille , Bellecave Pantxika , Salin Franck , Thebault Patricia , Gosselin Annie , Ancuta Petronela , Soares Marcelo , Routy Jean-Pierre , Fleury Hervé
Published: May 2020

One of the approaches to cure HIV is the use of therapeutic vaccination. We have launched the Provir/Latitude 45 study to identify conserved CTL epitopes in archived HIV-1 DNA according to the HLA class I alleles in aviremic patients under antiretroviral therapy (ART). A HIV-1 polypeptidic therapeutic vaccine based on viral sequence data obtained from circulating blood was proposed; here, our aim was to compare the proviral DNA in blood and gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) at two different levels : nucleotide sequences and potential CTL epitopes. The reverse transcriptase was sequenced in both compartments using next generation sequencing (NGS) in samples from nine individuals, two of which had also single genome sequencing (SGS) performed; phylogenetic trees were established and compared; CTL epitopes were also identified according to their potential affinity for the HLA alleles. The proviral sequences of both compartments intra-patient exhibited a very low genetic divergence while it was possible to differentiate the sequences inter-patients; SGS analysis of two couples of samples confirmed that there was not a compartmentalization of the sequences intra-patient.When we simulated the CTL epitopes which can be presented by the corresponding HLA alleles in both compartments, no significant difference was observed. We conclude that the proviral DNA sequences in blood and GALT are similar and that the epitope analysis in blood can be considered as relevant to that observed in the GALT, a hard-to-reach major compartment, and can therefore be used for therapeutic vaccine approaches.
Myosin-X and talin modulate integrin activity at filopodia tips
Authors: Miihkinen Mitro , Grönloh Max L.B. , Vihinen Helena , Jokitalo Eija , Goult Benjamin T. , Ivaska Johanna , Jacquemet Guillaume
Published: May 2020

Filopodia assemble unique integrin-adhesion complexes to sense the extracellular matrix. However, the mechanisms of integrin localization and regulation in filopodia are poorly defined. Here, we observed that active integrins accumulate at the tip of myosin-X(MYO10)-positive filopodia while inactive integrins are uniformly distributed. RNAi depletion of 10 integrin activity modulators identified talin as the principal integrin activator in filopodia. Deletion of the MYO10-FERM domain, or mutation of the β1-integrin-binding residues within, revealed MYO10 as facilitating integrin activation but not transport in filopodia. However, MYO10-FERM alone could not activate integrins, potentially due to dual binding to both a- and β-integrin tails. As swapping MYO10-FERM with talin-FERM enabled integrin activation in filopodia, our data indicate that an integrin-binding FERM domain coupled to a myosin motor is a core requirement for integrin activation in filopodia. Therefore, we propose a two-step integrin activation model in filopodia: receptor tethering by MYO10 followed by talin-mediated integrin activation.
PI31 expression prevents neuronal degeneration in a mouse Parkinson Disease model
Authors: Minis Adi , Steller Hermann
Published: May 2020

Age-related neurodegenerative diseases pose a major unmet health need since no effective treatment strategies are currently available. These disorders are defined by the accumulation of abnormal protein aggregates that impair synaptic function and cause progressive neuronal degeneration. Therefore, stimulating protein clearance mechanisms may be neuro-protective. The proteasome regulator PI31 promotes local protein degradation at synapses by mediating fast proteasome transport in neurites, and loss of PI31 function causes neuronal degeneration. Here we show that transgenic expression of PI31 in a mouse Parkinson’s Disease model preserves neuronal function and greatly extends animal health and lifespan. These results indicate that targeting the PI31-pathway may have therapeutic value for treating neurodegenerative disorders.
Selectomic and Evolvability Analyses of the Highly Pathogenic Betacoronaviruses SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV, and MERS-CoV
Authors: May Meghan , Rostama Bahman , Relich Ryan F.
Published: May 2020

SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19, is widespread in several countries around the world following its late-2019 emergence in the human population. Rapid development of molecular diagnostic tests and subunit vaccines have been prioritized, and as such evaluating the SARS-CoV-2 genomic plasticity and evolutionary dynamics is an urgent need. We determined the SARS-CoV-2 selectome by calculating rates of pervasive and episodic diversifying selection for every amino acid coding position in the SARS-CoV-2 genome. To provide context for evolutionary dynamics of a highly pathogenic betacoronavirus following a zoonotic spillover into human hosts, we also determined the selectomes of SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, and performed evolvability calculations for SARS-CoV-2 based on SARS-CoV. These analyses identify the amino acid sites within each coding sequence that have been subjected to pervasive diversifying selection or episodic diversifying selection, and report significantly evolvable sites in the ORF1a polyprotein, the spike protein, and the membrane protein of SARS-CoV-2. These findings provide a comprehensive view of zoonotic, highly pathogenic betacoronavirus evolutionary dynamics that can be directly applied to diagnostic assay and vaccine design for SARS-CoV-2.
Interhemispheric callosal projections enforce response fidelity and frequency tuning in auditory cortex
Authors: Slater Bernard J. , Isaacson Jeffry S.
Published: May 2020

Sensory cortical areas receive glutamatergic callosal projections that link information processing between brain hemispheres. However, the role of interhemispheric projections in sensory processing is unclear. Here we use single unit recordings and optogenetic manipulations in awake mice to probe how callosal inputs modulate spontaneous and tone-evoked activity in primary auditory cortex (A1). Although activation of callosal fibers increased firing of some pyramidal cells, the majority of responsive cells were suppressed. In contrast, callosal stimulation consistently increased fast spiking (FS) cell activity and brain slice recordings indicated that parvalbumin (PV)-expressing cells receive stronger callosal input than pyramidal cells or other interneuron subtypes.In vivosilencing of the contralateral cortex revealed that callosal inputs linearly modulate tone-evoked pyramidal cell activity via both multiplicative and subtractive operations. These results suggest that callosal input regulates both the salience and tuning sharpness of tone responses in A1 via PV cell-mediated feedforward inhibition.
Tuba1a is uniquely important for axon guidance through midline commissural structures
Authors: Buscaglia Georgia , Aiken Jayne , Hoff Katelyn J. , Northington Kyle R. , Bates Emily A.
Published: May 2020

Developing neurons undergo dramatic morphological changes to appropriately migrate and extend axons to make synaptic connections. The microtubule cytoskeleton, made of α/β-tubulin dimers, drives neurite outgrowth, promotes neuronal growth cone responses, and facilitates intracellular transport of critical cargoes during neurodevelopment.TUBA1Aconstitutes the majority of α-tubulin in the developing brain and mutations toTUBA1Ain humans cause severe brain malformations accompanied by varying neurological defects, collectively termed tubulinopathies. Studies ofTUBA1Afunctionin vivohave been limited by the presence of multiple genes encoding highly similar tubulin proteins, which prevents TUBA1A-specific antibody generation and makes genetic manipulation challenging. Here we present a novel tagging method for studying and manipulatingTUBA1Ain cells without impairing tubulin function. Using this tool, we show that aTUBA1Aloss-of-function mutationTUBA1AN102D(TUBA1AND), reduced the amount of TUBA1A protein and prevented incorporation of TUBA1A into microtubule polymers. Reduced Tuba1a α-tubulin in heterozygousTuba1aND/+mice significantly impacted axon extension and impaired formation of forebrain commissures. Neurons with reduced Tuba1a caused byTuba1aNDhad altered microtubule dynamics and slower neuron outgrowth compared to controls. Neurons deficient in Tuba1a failed to localize microtubule associated protein-1b (Map1b) to the developing growth cone, likely impacting reception of developmental guidance cues. Overall, we show that reduced Tuba1a is sufficient to support neuronal migration, but not axon guidance, and provide mechanistic insight as to howTUBA1Atunes microtubule function to support neurodevelopment.
LaTe1.82(1): modulated crystal structure and chemical bonding of a chalcogen-deficient rare earth metal polytelluride
Authors: Poddig Hagen , Finzel Kati , Doert Thomas
Published: May 2020

Crystals of the rare earth metal polytelluride LaTe1.82(1), namely, lanthanum telluride (1/1.8), have been grown by molten alkali halide flux reactions and vapour-assisted crystallization with iodine. The two-dimensionally incommensurately modulated crystal structure has been investigated by X-ray diffraction experiments. In contrast to the tetragonal average structure with unit-cell dimensions ofa= 4.4996 (5) andc= 9.179 (1) Å at 296 (1) K, which was solved and refined in the space groupP4/nmm(No. 129), the satellite reflections are not compatible with a tetragonal symmetry but enforce a symmetry reduction. Possible space groups have been derived by group–subgroup relationships and by consideration of previous reports on similar rare earth metal polychalcogenide structures. Two structural models in the orthorhombic superspace group,i.e.Pmmn(α,β,1 \over 2)000(−α,β,1 \over 2)000 (No. 59.2.51.39) andPm21n(α,β,1 \over 2)000(−α,β,1 \over 2)000 (No. 31.2.51.35), with modulation wave vectorsq1 = αa* + βb* + 1 \over 2c* andq2= −αa* + βb* + 1 \over 2c* [α = 0.272 (1) and β = 0.314 (1)], have been established and evaluated against each other. The modulation describes the distribution of defects in the planar [Te] layer, coupled to a displacive modulation due to the formation of different Te anions. The bonding situation in the planar [Te] layer and the different Te anion species have been investigated by density functional theory (DFT) methods and an electron localizability indicator (ELI-D)-based bonding analysis on three different approximants. The temperature-dependent electrical resistance revealed a semiconducting behaviour with an estimated band gap of 0.17 eV.
A new monoclinic structure type for ternary gallide MgCoGa2
Authors: Pavlyuk Nazar , Dmytriv Grygoriy , Pavlyuk Volodymyr , Rozdzynska-Kielbik Beata , Nitek Wojciech , Lasocha Wieslaw , Chumak Ihor , Ehrenberg Helmut
Published: May 2020

The crystal structure of MgCoGa2 (magnesium cobalt digallide) was solved by direct methods and refined in two space groups as P21/c (standard choice) and P21/n (non-standard choice). The refined lattice parameters for the standard choice are a = 5.1505 (2), b = 7.2571 (2), c = 8.0264 (3) Å and β = 125.571 (3)°, and for the non-standard choice are a = 5.1505 (2), b = 7.2571 (2), c = 6.5464 (2) Å and β = 94.217 (3)°. All parameters for MgCoGa2 refined to R
1 = 0.027 and wR
2 = 0.042 using 594 reflections. The crystal structure peculiarities of this compound are discussed. Particular attention has been given to relationships with other similar structures, such as YPd2Si and Fe3C. Crystallographic analysis, together with linear muffin-tin orbital electronic structure calculations, reveals the presence of three-dimensional polyatomic nets with partial covalent bonding between the Ga atoms.
Resilience as a coping strategy for reducing auditor turnover intentions
Authors: Smith Kenneth J. , Emerson David J. , Boster Charles R. , Everly, Jr George S.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the potential counteracting influence of individual resilience levels on the tendency of role stressors, stress arousal and burnout to reduce job satisfaction and increase turnover intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

This study surveys 332 auditors from the offices of nine public accounting firms. The structural equations modeling procedures examine an expanded role stress model to assess the nature and extent of the role that resilience plays in reducing stress, burnout, job dissatisfaction and turnover intentions.

Findings

Resilience has a significant direct negative association with stress arousal and burnout, a significant indirect positive association with job satisfaction and a significant indirect negative association with turnover intentions.

Research limitations/implications

As a cross-sectional study that incorporates self-report instruments, no definitive statements can be made about causality. However, the results extend the extant knowledge related of the role of resilience as a coping mechanism within the role stress paradigm in auditor work settings.

Practical implications

This study’s findings suggest the potential value of resilience training programs at public accounting firms to reduce staff burnout. In turn, reduced burnout has an increased likelihood ceteris paribus of increasing job satisfaction and reducing auditor turnover intentions.

Originality/value

This study’s findings suggest that resilience training for public accounting staff to reduce burnout may provide the organizational and personal benefits associated with enhancing job satisfaction and decreasing turnover intentions.
Contextual complexity in business relationships within the input-output model – evidence of misbehaviour in grocery stores in Poland
Authors: Smyczek Sławomir , Festa Giuseppe , Rossi Matteo , Mazzoleni Alberto
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The emerging disintegrative processes of transitional economies are influencing companies’ business models in terms of consumer behaviour, especially food markets, which offer usual, common and traditional consumer products. Beyond investigating potential consumer misbehaviour, a further aim of this study is the building of a theoretical-descriptive model for consumer misbehaviour in food markets, which could influence the contextual complexity in business relationships, as well as the management of raw materials, services acquisition and final product sales. The research applies the “input-output” model (Ferrero, 1968) to some specific marketing theories, adopting an interdisciplinary approach for understanding the relationships between consumer behaviour and a company’s business model.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is both qualitative and quantitative in nature. In the first phase, the research was conducted among representatives of grocery stores using an exploratory approach; thus, an in-depth interview method was used. In the second phase, direct research among consumers was conducted using an online survey. After the verification of correctness, validity and reliability, a final 1,200-questionnaire dataset was analysed

Findings

The most common consumer misbehaviour in food markets concerns the theft of foodstuff or the adoption of bad behaviour towards grocery stores employees. Market and store representatives have highlighted a large scale of pathological consumer misbehaviour, mostly due to psychological conditions at the individual (habits, lifestyle or personality) and collective (family or other social groups) levels. According to previous studies, consumer misbehaviour in food markets seems to be substantially affected by three factors: motivation, capacity and opportunity. These factors strongly impact the input-output model through which the company interacts with the context.

Originality/value

The three-factor model reveals advantages and applications, allowing for a simple explanation of consumer misbehaviour in food markets and stores. It can contribute to scientific theory development (especially theories related to consumer behaviour, customer relationship management, partnership marketing and supply chain management) and generate support for understanding complex relations among consumers, food producers, factories and food stores. In this direction, the management of knowledge about consumers and their behaviour is indispensable.
Expert commissions and norms of responsible behaviour in cyberspace: a review of the activities of the GCSC
Authors: Eggenschwiler Jacqueline
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Against the background of two decades of debates about responsible behaviour in cyberspace, this paper aims to examine the contributions of non-state actors to processes of cybersecurity norm-making. Specifically, it intends to dissect and critically appraise the work of the Global Commission on the Stability of Cyberspace (GCSC), a multistakeholder consortium composed of 28 regionally-diverse scholars, CEOs and (former) policymakers. Inaugurated at the margins of the 2017 Munich Security Conference, the GCSC has been fairly active with regard to developing proposals for norms and policies to enhance international security and stability and guiding responsible conduct in the virtual realm.

Design/methodology/approach

With a view to engaging in a differentiated analysis of the Commission’s activities, this paper asks: How do non-state actors such as the GCSC contribute to processes of cybersecurity norm-making, i.e. what are their roles and responsibilities, and how effective is their engagement? Since the end of the Cold War, non- state actors have become an issue of great interest to scholars of International Relations and International Law. However, in the context of cybersecurity, their normative engagement has not been scrutinised extensively. This paper seeks to address this gap.

Findings

Based on a review of secondary literature and case materials, this paper finds that, within a relatively short period of time, the GCSC has managed to exert discernible discursive and political influence over discussions on responsible behaviour in cyberspace and deserves recognition as a shaper of transnational cybersecurity governance. However, while fairly successful across the dimensions of output and outcome, the Commission has struggled to effect far-reaching systemic change (impact).

Originality/value

In light of significant contestation and fleeting governmental appetite for enacting red lines in the virtual realm, this paper seeks to critically appraise the contributions of non-state actors to processes of cybersecurity norm-making. The motivation to do so stems from two sources: empirical observations that non-state protagonists have become more involved in issues concerning responsible conduct in cyberspace, and realisations that, so far, academic research has offered little examination of their ideational engagement. Exploring the case of the GCSC, this paper argues that non-state actors have to be taken seriously as normative change agents in cybersecurity governance-related contexts.
Measurement and convergence of carbon productivity across Shanghai’s manufacturing sectors
Authors: Xu Runong , Wu Yuming , Huang Yao
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Increasing carbon productivity is an effective way to reduce carbon emissions, while boosting economic prosperity. For appropriate formulating and enforcement of energy saving and carbon emissions reduction policies in various sectors, it is of great significance to investigate the evolution characteristics and convergence modes of carbon productivity across the manufacturing sectors.

Design/methodology/approach

Using slack-based measure directional distance function (SBM-DDF) and global Malmquist–Luenberger (GML) productivity index, this paper measures the carbon productivities of 29 manufacturing subsectors in Shanghai, China, from 2001 to 2016 under the total factor framework. Furthermore, based on the convergence theories, it empirically examines the convergence of carbon productivity across these manufacturing sectors.

Findings

The measurement results suggest that the carbon productivities of the manufacturing sectors in Shanghai show an increasing tendency on the whole, and technical efficiency instead of technological change makes a main contribution to the increase. It is found that there is no obvious σ convergence across the manufacturing sectors in Shanghai, but there exist both absolute ß convergence and conditional ß convergence. Moreover, there is heterogeneity in convergence characteristics between the clean sectors and polluting sectors. The findings also show that firm size and industry structure have significant positive impacts on the growth of carbon productivities of the manufacturing sectors, whereas the impacts of capital deepening and energy consumption structure are significantly negative.

Originality/value

This paper measures the carbon productivities of the manufacturing subsectors by applying SBM-DDF and GML index, so as to improve the accuracy. It provides an insight into the convergence of carbon productivity across the manufacturing sectors.
The causality between house prices and stock prices: evidence from seven European countries
Authors: Irandoust Manuchehr
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to examine whether there exists a long-run causal relationship between the prices of households’ two major assets: stocks and houses over the period 1975Q1–2017Q1 for seven major European countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses the bootstrap panel Granger causality approach to determine the causal structure, focusing on cross-sectional dependence, slope heterogeneity and structural breaks.

Findings

The findings show that, in most cases, there is a unidirectional causality running from stock price to house price but the converse is not true. This confirms a strong wealth effect in housing markets. The findings are important for not only households but also policymakers concerned with financial stability and housing prices.

Originality/value

First, the methodology used here devotes full attention to dynamic co-movement between housing and stock markets. Second, this study uses a rather long quarterly data, which implies that the findings could be robust. Third, the study uses real personal disposable income as a control variable to remove the effects of economic growth. Fourth, most of the previous studies do not consider the presence of structural breaks and this makes the result of causality invalid and biased. Fifth, most of the previous studies on housing and stock markets concentrated on the US and non-European countries such as China, Korea and Singapore.
Prioritizing the actions to be undertaken in health and safety at work: case study region of Tiaret
Authors: Kharzi Rabeh , Chaib Rachid , Akni Ahcene
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to clarify how is a project managed and how are its objectives achieved? In this manner, prioritize the points to be treated, the tasks to be performed and the solutions to be applied in a given space of time. From now onward, each stakeholder has its own requirements and expectations. Yet, in the end, you have no choice but to list the priority points. Moreover, note that each company, each service and each team is unique. As well as each individual is equally important.

Design/methodology/approach

Agile approaches, especially the MoSCoW method, were used. This tool is very practical and very simple to implement to set priorities for the actions to be performed. Selecting a tool that is easy to understand and easy to use has the advantage of helping to build consensus around prioritizing requirements, particularly in health and safety at work or even to establish a culture of safety at the workplace. This positive corporate culture is at the heart of sustainable development and the success of occupational health and safety institutions.

Findings

Therefore, with 51,500 work accidents recorded in 2016, it seems essential to know how to adapt and give one’s management style to one’s environment. Its the key to success! To reach these objectives, the progress of the manager is to supervise his collaborators. For this, it is necessary to know how to make choices, make decisions, ideally the right ones. It is much less common to list the features that are unwanted to be integrated. Thinking in this manner makes it possible to approach the project from a different perspective; thus, it makes it possible to obtain a much more targeted list of tasks and requirements compared with a more traditional method, i.e., the results of this work.

Originality/value

Capacity to know how to make choices, make decisions, ideally the right ones, especially in health and safety at work. On the other hand, it is not possible to deal with everything in a project. The manager, with a very simple tool easy to implement, manages to supervise his employees and achieving these goals in the company and obtain a list of tasks and requirements much more targeted compared to a more traditional method.
Prison conditions and standards of health care for women and their children incarcerated in Zimbabwean prisons
Authors: Mhlanga-Gunda Rosemary , Kewley Stephanie , Chivandikwa Nehemiah , Van Hout Marie-Claire
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The Sub-Saharan African (SSA) region remains at the epicentre of the HIV epidemic and disproportionately affecting women, girls and prisoners. Women in prison are a minority group and their special health needs relating to gender sensitivity, reproductive health, their children and HIV/AIDs are frequently neglected. Our study responded to this need, and aimed to investigate the issue.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative study using focus group discussions and key informant interviews explored the perspectives of women in prison, correctional officers, correctional health professionals and non-governmental organisations around prison conditions and standards of health care while incarcerated in a large female prison in Zimbabwe. Narratives were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings

The three key themes that emerged are as follows: “Sanitation and hygiene in the prison”, “Nutrition for women and children” and “Prison-based health services and health care”. Divergence or agreement across perspectives around adequate standards of sanitation, hygiene, quality and adequacy of food, special diets for those with health conditions, access to health care in prison and the continuum of care across incarceration and community are presented.

Practical implications

Understanding prison environmental cultures which shape correctional staff’s understanding and responsiveness to women in prison, environmental health conditions and access to health care are vital to improve conditions and continuum of care in Zimbabwe.

Originality/value

Policy and technical guidance continues to emphasise the need for research in SSA prisons to garner insight into the experiences of women and their children, with a particular emphasis on the prison environment for them, their health outcomes and health-care continuum. This unique study responded to this need.
Strategic human resource management and employees' intention to leave: testing the moderated mediation
Authors: Kundu Subhash C. , Mor Archana , Gahlawat Neha
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between business strategies (i.e. cost reduction, quality enhancement and innovation strategy) and employees' intention to leave (ITL), through the mediating role of high-performance work system (HPWS). It also attempts to study variability in the relationship between business strategies, HPWS and employees' ITL on the basis of nature and ownership forms of the firms.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data based on 573 respondents from 192 organizations operating in India were analysed using structural equation modelling and conditional process modelling.

Findings

This study has revealed that HPWS mediates the relationship between business strategy (specifically innovation and quality-enhancement strategy) and employees' ITL. Findings further indicate that the mediated relationships between quality enhancement and innovation strategy, HPWS and ITL do not vary across nature and ownership forms of the firms.

Practical implications

In context of dynamic business environments in developing countries, the findings provide some important insights in exploring the relevance of strategic human resource management in improving employees' behavioural intentions.

Originality/value

By applying a three dimensional business strategy system (innovation, quality and cost) and by exploring the relevance of several contextual factors, this study attempts to expand the focus of turnover research.
The role of abusive supervision and organizational commitment on employees' information security policy noncompliance intention
Authors: Guan Bowen , Hsu Carol
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the association between abusive supervision and employees' information security policy (ISP) noncompliance intention, building on affective commitment, normative commitment and continuance commitment. The study also examines the moderating effect of perceived certainty and severity of sanctions on the relationship between the three dimensions of organizational commitment and ISP noncompliance intention.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey methodology was used for data collection through a well-designed online questionnaire. Data was analyzed using the structural equation model with Amos v. 22.0 software.

Findings

This study demonstrates that abusive supervision has a significant, negative impact on affective, normative and continuance commitment, and the three dimensions of organizational commitment are negatively associated with employees' ISP noncompliance intention. Results also indicate that the moderating effect of perceived severity of sanctions is significant, and perceived certainty of sanctions plays a positive moderating role in the relationship between affective commitment and employees' ISP noncompliance intention.

Practical implications

Findings of this research are beneficial for organizational management in the relationships between supervisors and employees. These results provide significant evidence that avoiding abusive supervision is important in controlling employees' ISP noncompliance behavior.

Originality/value

This research fills an important gap in examining employees' ISP noncompliance intentions from the perspective of abusive supervision and the impact of affective, normative and continuance commitment on ISP noncompliance. The study is also of great value for information systems research to examine the moderating role of perceived certainty and severity of sanctions.
An analysis of IT software and service exports from India
Authors: Malik Manzoor Hassan , Velan Nirmala
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The aims of the paper are to investigate IT software and service export function for India. First, cointegration tests have been used to investigate the long-run equilibrium relationship of the given variables. Second, long-run coefficients and associated error correction mechanism are estimated.

Design/methodology/approach

Annual time series data on IT software and service exports, human capital, exchange rate, investment in IT, external demand and openness index have been used for the present study during the period 1980–2017. The data are collected from the National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM), Planning Commission of India, University Grants Commission (UGC) of India, real effective exchange rate (REER) database and World Bank development indicators. Auto regressive distributed lag (ARDL) model is used to analyze both short-run and long-run dynamic behaviour of economic variables with appropriate asymptotic inferences.

Findings

Results of the analysis show the stable long-run equilibrium relationship among the given variables. It is found that external demand, exchange rate, human capital and openness index have a substantial long-run impact on the IT software and service exports. We also found that the coefficient of error correction term is negative and significant at 1% of the level of significance, which confirms the existence of stable long-run relationship which means adjustment will take place when there is a short-run deviation to its long-run equilibrium after a shock.

Research limitations/implications

There may be other determinants of software and service exports apart from those considered by the present study. Due to the non-availability of data, the study considers only important determinants that determine the software and service exports in India. The IT exports are an emerging and dynamic field of economic activity and the rate of change is so rapid that the relevance of individual factors may change over time. The study period is also limited to available data.

Practical implications

The paper has implications for achieving sustainability in IT software and service exports growth. It is recommended that policies directed at improving the performance of IT software and service exports should largely consider the long-run behaviour of these variables.

Originality/value

This paper focuses on originality in the analysis of the relationship among the given variables including IT software and service exports, human capital, exchange rate, investment in IT, external demand and openness index in India. All the work has been done in original by the authors, and the work used has been acknowledged properly.
Using cognitive strategies overcomes cognitive load in online learning environments
Authors: Costley Jamie
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This study aims to look at the relationship between extraneous cognitive load and germane cognitive load and how the use of cognitive learning strategies might moderate the relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

This present study used survey data (n = 440) from randomly selected students taking large online classes in South Korea.

Findings

This research found a negative relationship between extraneous and germane loads. Furthermore, this study found that the use of cognitive strategies moderates this relationship. This shows that the use of cognitive strategies can help overcome unclear instruction and help to produce higher levels of student learning.

Originality/value

Within online learning environments, the degree to which nonessential information contributes to cognitive overload among learners becomes an important area of investigation, along with the ways in which learning strategies can mitigate some of this overload.
Do employees' attributes and capabilities matter the intention to become a supply chain manager? Structural model analysis
Authors: Newaz Md. Shah , Hemmati Mina , Rahman Muhammad Khalilur , Zailani Suhaiza
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This study aims to investigate how the employees' attributes, capabilities, behavioral control and behavioral intentions affect their intention to become a supply chain manager (SCM). The study also investigates how employees' capabilities mediate the relationship between attributes and intention to become SCM.

Design/methodology/approach

The purposive sampling frame is employed to collect the data, and multiple statistical tools and techniques are used for analyzing the data.

Findings

The findings reveal that attributes are the most crucial factor for the capabilities of employees to become successful SCM. Employees' behavioral intention and capabilities have a significant impact on intention, whereas perceived behavioral control has a significant negative impact on it. Also, the result finds that capabilities partially mediate the relationship between attributes and intention to become an SCM.

Research limitations/implications

The study extends the application of employees' intention to become a supply chain manager. The idea collected is based on Malaysia; thus, further study should be extended to assess the impact of employees' attributes, capabilities and behavioral control to become SCM as well as economic performance in other countries.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first empirical analysis on the relationship between employees' attributes, capabilities, behavioral control and intention to become SCM in the context of Malaysia. The findings will help the top management to select the right people as SCM and improve their attributes, capabilities and behavior so that they become an effective SCM.
Performance implications of exploration and exploitation in SMEs: the mediating role of interaction orientation
Authors: Ambroise Laure , Bérard Céline , Prim-Allaz Isabelle
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the complex relationships between knowledge strategies (i.e. exploration and exploitation) and the performance of manufacturing SMEs by testing the mediating role of customer relationship management capabilities, which are defined as a firm’s level of interaction orientation in this study.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a hypothetical deductive approach and using data collected from 793 French manufacturing SMEs, the measurement model and relationships among the constructs were examined with structural equation modelling, using the partial least squares approach.

Findings

The results support the expected mediating role of interaction orientation between exploitation and performance, and stress a competitive mediating role between exploration and performance. Complementary analyses demonstrate that while both exploration and exploitation are effectively antecedents of interaction orientation, which also acts as a lever to performance, they exhibit specific effects on the different dimensions of interaction orientation.

Originality/value

The results specifically highlight that interaction orientation counterbalances the negative impact of exploration on performance. Moreover, the findings underline the key role that customer interaction processes and tools play in making exploration and exploitation singularly effective. This is a real issue, as SMEs broadly tend to adopt opportunistic tools, not necessarily as part of a clearly defined strategic focus.
The effect of atmospheric harmony on re-patronage intention among mall consumers: the mediating role of hedonic value and the moderating role of past experience
Authors: Afaq Zahra , Gulzar Amir , Aziz Shahab
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This study assessed the roles of atmospheric harmony, human crowding and sensation seeking towards hedonic value to determine re-patronage intention amongst mall consumers. Additionally, this study aims to investigate the moderating roles of past experience amidst mall consumers within the context of Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

The study data were collected from 334 mall consumers of Rawalpindi/Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi by using the judgemental sampling technique. Data analysis was performed using SmartPLS 3 via partial least squares structural equation modelling.

Findings

This study revealed that atmospheric harmony and human crowding displayed positive and adverse impacts, respectively, on hedonic value. The sensation seeking tendencies exerted by the consumers displayed no significant impact on hedonic value in light of mall habitat. The hedonic value exhibited a mediating role for the relationships of re-patronage intention with atmospheric harmony and human crowding. Besides, a significant interaction was noted between hedonic value and past experience in light of re-patronage intention.

Originality/value

The proposed model embeds hedonic value as a second higher-order construct, apart from amalgamating environmental and psychological factors of the mall shoppers to determine their re-patronage intentions. The study outcomes posit that mall re-patronage intention is built on several factors that offer mall managers an opportunity to enrich the hedonic consumption experience among mall consumers, aside from ensuring their re-patronage intention.