bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Membrane-associated α-tubulin is less acetylated in postmortem prefrontal cortex from depressed subjects relative to controls: cytoskeletal dynamics, HDAC6 and depression
Authors: Singh Harinder , Chmura Justyna , Bhaumik Runa , Pandey Ghanshyam N. , Rasenick Mark M.
Published: January 2020

Cytoskeletal proteins and post-translational modifications play a role in mood disorders. Post-translational modifications of tubulin also alter microtubule dynamics. Furthermore, tubulin interacts closely with Gαs, the G-protein responsible for activation of adenylyl cyclase. Postmortem tissue derived from depressed suicide brain showed increased Gαsin lipid-raft domains compared to normal subjects. Gαs, when ensconced in lipid-rafts, couples less effectively with adenylyl cyclase to produce cAMP and this is reversed by antidepressant treatment. A recentin-vitrostudy demonstrated that tubulin anchors Gαsto lipid-rafts and that increased tubulin acetylation (due to HDAC-6 inhibition) and antidepressant treatment decreased the proportion of Gαscomplexed with tubulin. This suggested that deacetylated-tubulin might be more prevalent in depression. This study, examined tubulin acetylation in whole tissue homogenate, plasma-membrane and lipid-raft membrane domains in tissue from normal control (NC) subjects, depressed suicides and depressed non-suicides. While tissue homogenate showed no changes in 〈-tubulin/tubulin acetylation between control, depressed suicides and depressed non-suicides, plasma-membrane associated tubulin showed significant decreases in acetylation in depressed suicides and depressed non-suicides compared to controls. No change was seen in expression of the enzymes responsible for tubulin acetylation or deacetylation. These data suggest that during depression, membrane localized tubulin maintains a lower acetylation state, permitting increased sequestration of Gαsin lipid-raft domains, where it is less likely to couple to adenylyl cyclase for cAMP production. Thus, membrane tubulin may play a role in mood disorders which could be exploited for diagnosis and treatment.

Significance Statement

There is little understanding about the molecular mechanisms involved in the development of depression and in severe cases, suicide. Evidence for the role of microtubule modifications in progression of depressive disorders is emerging. These postmortem data provide strong evidence for membrane tubulin modification leading to reduced efficacy of the G protein, Gsα, in depression. This study reveals a direct link between decreased tubulin acetylation in human depression and the increased localization of Gαsin lipid-raft domains responsible for attenuated cAMP signaling. The evidence presented here suggest a novel diagnostic and therapeutic locus for depression.
Hierarchical transcriptional regulation of quorum-sensing genes inVibrio harveyi
Authors: Chaparian Ryan R. , Ball Alyssa , van Kessel Julia C.
Published: January 2020

In vibrios, quorum sensing controls hundreds of genes that are required for cell density-specific behaviors including bioluminescence, biofilm formation, competence, secretion, and swarming motility. The central transcription factor in the quorum-sensing pathway is LuxR/HapR, which directly regulates ∼100 genes in the >400-gene regulon ofVibrio harveyi. Among these directly controlled genes are 15 transcription factors, which we predicted would comprise the second tier in the hierarchy of the quorum-sensing regulon. We confirmed that LuxR binds to the promoters of these genesin vitroand quantified the extent of LuxR activation or repression of transcript levels. RNA-seq indicates that most of these transcriptional regulators control only a few genes, with the exception of MetJ, which is a global regulator. The genes regulated by these transcription factors are predicted to be involved in methionine and thiamine biosynthesis, membrane stability, RNA processing, c-di-GMP degradation, sugar transport, and other cellular processes. These data support a hierarchical model in which LuxR directly regulates 15 transcription factors that drive the second level of the gene expression cascade to influence cell density-dependent metabolic states and behaviors inV. harveyi.

Importance

Quorum sensing is important for survival of bacteria in nature and influences the actions of bacterial groups. In the relatively few studied examples of quorum sensing-controlled genes, these genes are associated with competition or cooperation in complex microbial communities and/or virulence in a host. However, quorum sensing in vibrios controls the expression of hundreds of genes, and their functions are mostly unknown or uncharacterized. In this study, we identify the regulators of the second-tier of gene expression in the quorum-sensing system of the aquatic pathogenVibrio harveyi.Our identification of regulatory networks and metabolic pathways controlled by quorum sensing can be extended and compared to otherVibriospecies to understand the physiology, ecology, and pathogenesis of these organisms.
The defining genomic and predicted metabolic features of the Acetobacterium genus
Authors: Ross Daniel E. , Marshall Christopher W. , Gulliver Djuna , May Harold D. , Norman R. Sean
Published: January 2020

Acetogens are anaerobic bacteria capable of fixing CO2or CO to produce acetyl-CoA and ultimately acetate using the Wood-Ljungdahl pathway (WLP). This autotrophic metabolism plays a major role in the global carbon cycle.Acetobacterium woodii, which is a member of theEubacteriaceaefamily and type strain of theAcetobacteriumgenus, has been critical for understanding the biochemistry and energy conservation in acetogens. Other members of theAcetobacteriumgenus have been isolated from a variety of environments or have had genomes recovered from metagenome data, but no systematic investigation has been done into the unique and varying metabolisms of the genus. Using the 4 sequenced isolates and 5 metagenome-assembled genomes available, we sequenced the genomes of an additional 4 isolates (A. fimetarium, A. malicum, A. paludosum,andA. tundrae) and conducted a comparative genome analysis of 13 differentAcetobacteriumgenomes to obtain better phylogenomic resolution and understand the metabolic diversity of theAcetobacteriumgenus. Our findings suggest that outside of the reductive acetyl-CoA (Wood-Ljungdahl) pathway, theAcetobacteriumgenus is more phylogenetically and metabolically diverse than expected, with metabolism of fructose, lactate, and H2:CO2constant across the genus, and ethanol, methanol, caffeate, and 2,3-butanediol varying across the genus. While the gene arrangement and predicted proteins of the methyl (Cluster II) and carbonyl (Cluster III) branches of the Wood Ljungdahl pathway are highly conserved across all sequencedAcetobacteriumgenomes, Cluster 1, encoding the formate dehydrogenase, is not. Furthermore, the accessory WLP components, including the Rnf cluster and electron bifurcating hydrogenase, were also well conserved, though all but four strains encode for two Rnf clusters. Additionally, comparative genomics revealed clade-specific potential functional capabilities, such as amino acid transport and metabolism in the psychrophilic group, and biofilm formation in theA. wieringaeclade, which may afford these groups an advantage in low-temperature growth or attachment to solid surfaces, respectively. Overall, the data presented herein provides a framework for examining the ecology and evolution of theAcetobacteriumgenus and highlights the potential of these species as a source of fuels and chemicals from CO2-feedstocks.
Effects of methionine supplementing on intestine, liver and uterus morphology, and on positivity and expression of calbindin-D28k and TRPV6 calcium carriers in laying quails in thermoneutral conditions and under thermal stress
Authors: de Moraes Lanuza Ribeiro , Delicato Maria Eduarda Araújo , da Silva Cruz André , da Silva Hugo Thyares Fonseca Nascimento Per , de Vasconcelos Alves Clara Virgínia Batista , Campos Danila Barreiro , Saraiva Edilson Paes , da Costa Fernando Perazzo , Guerra Ricardo Romão
Published: January 2020

The aim of this study was to provide support for the performance, localization and expression of the epithelial calcium transporter channels, calbindin-D28k (Calb) and TRPV6, and of the morphology of the digestive and reproductive system of laying quails under heat stress, and with methionine supplementation. Therefore, the present study characterized the positivity (immunohistochemistry) and expression (real-time PCR) of calcium channels (Calb and TRPV6) in the kidneys, intestine and uterus of 504 laying quails that were submitted to different methionine supplementation (100, 110 and 120%) and temperatures (20, 24, 28 and 32°C). The animals under thermal stress had lower villus height, villus:crypt ratio, and goblet cell index in the duodenum and jejunum, fewer secondary and tertiary uterine folds, smaller hepatic steatosis, and increased number of distal convoluted renal tubules (CT) positive to Calb (protein), and increased positivity in proximal CTs. The deleterious effects of heat stress were minimized with methionine supplementation for the following variables: duodenal crypts, number of goblet cells of the jejunum, number of uterine folds, decreased Calb positivity in intestines and kidney, increased positivity of Calb in the uterus and increased TRPV6 gene expression in the kidney. Calcium transporters were altered due to less need for calcium absorption and reabsorption due to more calcium available with the supplementation, increasing egg production and quality. Methionine supplementation further increased intestinal villus absorption area and height, increased steatosis, decreased Calb positivity in the intestine and kidney, increased uterine positivity and Calb expression, and increased TRPV6 expression in the uterus under thermoneutrality. This is the first study that describes the gene and protein expression of calcium transporters in the intestine, kidney and uterus of laying quails, and concludes that the use of methionine supplementation is justifiable in order to partially reverse the deleterious effects of thermal stress on the production.
Mechanisms associated with pyrethroid resistance in populations ofAedes aegypti(Diptera: Culicidae) from the Caribbean coast of Colombia
Authors: Pareja-Loaiza Paula X. , Varon Liliana Santacoloma , Vega Gabriela Rey , Gómez-Camargo Doris , Maestre-Serrano Ronald , Lenhart Audrey
Published: January 2020

Aedes aegyptiis the main vector of dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses, which are of great public health importance in Colombia.Aedescontrol strategies in Colombia rely heavily on the use of organophosphate and pyrethroid insecticides, providing constant selection pressure and the emergence of resistant populations. In recent years, insecticide use has increased due to the increased incidence of dengue and recent introductions of chikungunya and Zika. In the present study, pyrethroid resistance was studied across six populations ofA. aegyptifrom the Caribbean coast of Colombia. Susceptibility to λ-cyhalothrin, deltamethrin, and permethrin was assessed, and resistance intensity was determined. Activity levels of enzymes associated with resistance were measured, and the frequencies of threekdralleles (V1016I, F1534C, V410L) were calculated. Results showed variations in pyrethroid susceptibility acrossA. aegyptipopulations and altered enzyme activity levels were detected. Thekdralleles were detected in all populations, with high variations in frequencies: V1016I (frequency ranging from 0.15–0.70), F1534C (range 0.94–1.00), and V410L (range 0.05–0.72). In assays of phenotyped individuals, associations were observed between the presence of V1016I, F1534C, and V410L alleles and resistance to the evaluated pyrethroids, as well as between the VI1016/CC1534/VL410tri-locus genotype and λ-cyhalothrin and permethrin resistance. The results of the present study contribute to the knowledge of the mechanisms underlying the resistance to key pyrethroids used to controlA. aegyptialong the Caribbean coast of Colombia.
Transient amplitude modulation of alpha-band oscillations by short-time intermittent closed-loop tACS
Authors: Zarubin G. , Gundlach C. , Nikulin V. , Villringer A. , Bogdan M.
Published: January 2020

Non-invasive brain stimulation techniques such as transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) have recently become extensively utilized due to their potential to modulate ongoing neuronal oscillatory activity and consequently to induce cortical plasticity relevant for various cognitive functions. However, the neurophysiological basis for stimulation effects as well as their inter-individual differences are not yet understood. In the present study we used a closed-loop EEG transcranial alternating current stimulation protocol (EEG-tACS) to examine the modulation of alpha oscillations generated in occipito-parietal areas. In particular, we investigated the effects of a repeated short-time intermittent stimulation protocol (1 s in every trial) applied over the visual cortex (Cz and Oz) and adjusted according to the phase and frequency of visual alpha oscillations on the amplitude of these oscillations. Based on previous findings, we expected higher increases in alpha amplitudes for tACS applied in-phase with ongoing oscillations as compared to an application in anti-phase and this modulation to be present in low-alpha amplitude states of the visual system (eyes opened) but not high (eyes closed).

Contrary to our expectations, we found a transient suppression of alpha power in inter-individually derived spatially specific parieto-occipital components obtained via the estimation of spatial filters by using the common spatial patterns approach. The amplitude modulation was independent of the phase relationship between tACS signal and alpha oscillations, and the state of the visual system manipulated via closed- and open-eye conditions. It was also absent in conventionally analyzed single-channel and multi-channel data from an average parieto-occipital region.

The fact that the tACS modulation of oscillations was phase-independent suggests that mechanisms driving the effects of tACS may not be explained by entrainment alone, but rather require neuroplastic changes or transient disruption of neural oscillations. Our study also supports the notion that the response to tACS is subject specific, where the modulatory effects are shaped by the interplay between the stimulation and different alpha generators. This favors stimulation protocols as well as analysis regimes exploiting inter-individual differences, such as spatial filters to reveal otherwise hidden stimulation effects and, thereby, comprehensively induce and study the effects and underlying mechanisms of tACS.
Most small cerebral cortical veins demonstrate significant flow pulsatility: a human phase contrast MRI study at 7T
Authors: Driver Ian D , Traat Maarika , Fasano Fabrizio , Wise Richard G
Published: January 2020

Phase contrast MRI has been used to investigate flow pulsatility in cerebral arteries, larger cerebral veins and the cerebrospinal fluid. Such measurements of intracranial pulsatility and compliance are beginning to inform understanding of the pathophysiology of conditions including normal pressure hydrocephalus, multiple sclerosis and dementias. We demonstrate the presence of flow pulsatility in small cerebral cortical veins, for the first time using phase contrast MRI at 7 Tesla, with the aim of improving our understanding of the haemodynamics of this little-studied vascular compartment. An automated method for establishing where venous flow is pulsatile is introduced, revealing significant pulsatility in 116 out of 146 veins, across 8 healthy participants, assessed in parietal and frontal regions. Distributions of pulsatility index and pulse waveform delay were characterized, indicating a small, but statistically significant (p<0.05), delay of 59±41 ms in cortical veins with respect to the superior sagittal sinus, but no differences between veins draining different arterial supply territories. Measurements of pulsatility in smaller cortical veins, a hitherto unstudied compartment closer to the capillary bed, could lead to a better understanding of intracranial compliance and cerebrovascular (patho)physiology.
Moral norm is the key
Authors: Liu Matthew Tingchi , Liu Yongdan , Mo Ziying
Published: January 2020

Purpose

This research extends the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and aims to study the underlying factors that influence Chinese consumers' purchase intentions towards green products. The conceptual model encompasses four elements (subjective norms, perceived behaviour control, moral norms and attitude) and one consumer response (purchase intention).

Design/methodology/approach

The current research employs a questionnaire survey and two experiments. In Study 1, the hypotheses were tested using structural equation modelling with 485 consumers in China. Study 2 employed a single-factor, two-condition (morally engaged vs control), between-subject design.

Findings

The findings reveal that the morally extended TPB framework is more applicable in predicting Chinese consumers' green purchase intentions than the original TPB model. Attitude plays the most significant role in predicting purchase intentions, and moral norms prove to be a mediator of the relationship between the original construct of subjective norms and purchase intentions. The findings further revealed that moral norms comprise the underlying mechanism of the relationship between subjective norms and attitude.

Originality/value

This study therefore expands the TPB theory by including moral norms. Moreover, it contributes to the literature by clarifying the direct, indirect and total effects of each TPB element on the purchase intentions towards green products. Finally, managerial implications are given.
Customer loyalty in Sabah full service restaurant
Authors: Ing Phang Grace , Zheng Lin Ng , Xu Ming , Thurasamy Ramayah
Published: January 2020

Purpose

Loyal customers are committed to repeat patronage, make business referrals and provide publicity for the business. However, rising customer expectations and price consciousness, advancement of technology, lack of product differentiation and consumer choices have posted more challenges for customer retention. The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships between transaction specific characteristics (i.e. food quality, service quality, atmosphere, convenience and price perception), customer satisfaction and customer loyalty (behavioral and attitudinal loyalties) in the context of Sabah full-service restaurant. The mediating effect of customer satisfaction and moderating effect of customer innovativeness were also tested.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 225 valid questionnaires was collected via purposive sampling method and analyzed using Smart-PLS software 3.0.

Findings

All transaction specific characteristics have positive influences on customer satisfaction with price perception as the strongest predictor. Satisfaction had stronger effect on behavioral loyalty as compared to attitudinal loyalty. The mediating effects of customer satisfaction were only found in some of the relationships. None of the moderating effects of customer innovativeness was significant.

Originality/value

Utilizing the value-percept theory and transaction specific model which combine the evaluations of service and product elements of the full-service restaurant, this study contributed to the better understanding of the relationships between transaction specific characteristics, customer satisfaction and customer loyalty. The examination of both attitudinal and behavioral loyalties provided valuable insights to practitioners and researchers in understanding full-service restaurant consumers’ repatronage intention, intention to spread positive words-of-mouth (WoM) and commitment.
Political stability, political rights and earnings management: some international evidence
Authors: Lemma Tesfaye Taddese , Lulseged Ayalew , Mlilo Mthokozisi , Negash Minga
Published: January 2020

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impact of political stability and political rights on firm-level earnings (both accrual-based and real) management.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors develop models that link political stability, political rights, and the interplay between the two and earnings (both accrual-based and real) management. The authors analyze 63,872 firm-year observations of publicly listed, non-financial, firms drawn from 39 countries, for the period 1995 to 2016.

Findings

The authors find that political stability (political rights) attenuates (accentuates) accrual-based earnings management; political rights (political stability) accentuates (have no effect on) real earnings management; and the association between political rights and real earnings management is more pronounced in countries with better political stability.

Practical implications

The findings imply that users of financial statements should take cognizance of a country’s ambient political environment in assessing the potential for earnings management by firms.

Originality/value

No prior research examined the role of political forces in shaping firm-level earnings management behavior in a cross-country setting.
Rural finance, scale management and rural industrial integration
Authors: Tian Xiujuan , Wu Manhua , Ma Lin , Wang Ning
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate the effect of rural finance on industrial integration of rural primary, secondary and tertiary industries.

Design/methodology/approach

Using household-level data collected by Third National Agricultural Census and the provincial-level data collected from Wind database, the authors estimated the impacts of rural finance on rural industrial integration using Logit and Probit regression models. Further, the authors examined how the effect of rural finance varies with the age and education of householders, and with household and provincial characteristics by investigating the moderating effect.

Findings

The findings show that rural finance has a significant and positive effect on promoting farmers’ participation in new agricultural management organizations. This effect is more obvious in families whose householders are 40–50 years old, or families that have more educated members. This is because the middle-aged or educated people are more willing to accept and take part in industrial integration. The results further indicate that rural finance has a greater effect on industrial integration in provinces with a high degree of marketization, and in provinces with the high output value of industries and services in agricultural intermediate input.

Originality/value

The authors investigated the impact of rural finance on rural industrial integration empirically, and this topic is rarely covered before. The findings of this study also enrich the literature on financial development and economic growth as well as provide policy suggestions on how to promote rural industrial integration.
The role of administration and faculty in developing character education within public and private universities in Kuwait
Authors: Alazmi Meznah Saad , Alazmi Ayeshah Ahmed
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of administration and faculty members in developing character education within public and private universities in Kuwait. It further aims to explore the value of character education in effecting the quality experience of higher education.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers employed a quantitative research paradigm, using a questionnaire survey method to collect data from faculty members at major public and private Kuwaiti universities. They used Statistical Package for the Social Sciences to analyze a total of 298 questionnaires.

Findings

The findings revealed that universities do indeed play a “strong” role in student character education. However, within public universities, it is the faculty themselves who form the key ingredient in the process rather than the administrative body, which is perceived to have a “Medium” effect. Conversely, at private universities, the administration and faculty both merited a “strong” role in developing character education.

Practical implications

The study will provide leaders with several recommendations to improve the integrated development of universities through fostering character education.

Originality/value

While K-12 education has received significant attention regarding the moral and character development of students over the last few decades, this study, extends this research significantly into higher education; focusing upon character development at university and comparing its implementation at both public and private institutions.
Deterministic investigation of the contact behavior of nominally curved rough surfaces
Authors: Zhang Yali , Zhang Xiaogang , Jin Zhongmin
Published: January 2020

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the contact behavior of nominal curved surfaces with random roughness.

Design/methodology/approach

A deterministic model was applied to investigate the contact behavior. Numerical calculations were conducted on Gaussian and fractal profiles under a range of loading conditions. The deformation behavior is characterized in terms of three regimes including the elastic, elastoplastic and plastic regimes.

Findings

A linear relationship was observed between the real contact areas and normal loads, which is mainly governed by the plastic deformation. Surface roughness changes contact behavior by influence the transition of deformation regimes. Rougher surfaces generally demonstrate higher saturated plastic ratios.

Originality/value

The contact behavior of nominally curved surfaces with random roughness is understood in terms of the evolution of real contact areas and plastic ratios.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-05-2019-0190.
Laser interference patterned ta-C-coated dry forming tools
Authors: Jähnig Theresa , Lasagni Andrés F.
Published: January 2020

Purpose

This study aims to introduce a strategy that permits well-defined contact areas in forming tools for improving both wear and friction properties by a selective laser treatment of a hydrogen-free diamond-like carbon layer (DLC), for substituting lubrication in forming processes. The need of lubricant substitution in forming processes is given because, besides the positive technological aspects, lubrication leads to numerous negative economic and ecological effects such as lubricant appliance and removal costs as well as its disposal.

Design/methodology/approach

Hydrogen-free DLCs with an sp³-ratio of 60-70 per cent are deposited on steel surfaces and subsequently micro-structured using direct laser interference patterning (DLIP). To find the optimal structure parameters for reducing friction and wear, line-like and cross-like patterns with three different structure sizes were fabricated onto the DLC layer. Tribological measurements are performed with a ball-on-disk tribometer on the differently DLIP-structured surfaces and compared to polished steel and unstructured DLC reference surfaces.

Findings

A reduction of the coefficient of friction, from 0.18 to 0.11, is observed for the laser-structured DLC surfaces, reaching values comparable to lubricated and polished steel surfaces, with a friction coefficient of 0.10.

Originality/value

Using DLIP, it was possible to show how this method can reduce friction on DLC-coated specimens. The observed characteristics are relevant to improve the tribological performance of forming processes, without usage of lubrication.
Effect of angular speed of cam on oil film variation in the line contact thermal EHL of a cam-tappet pair
Authors: Tang Hongwei , Wang Jing , Sun Nannan , Zhu Jianrong
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The influence of the cam angular speed on the pressure, film thickness and temperature profiles at some selected angular positions together with the oil characteristics are investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

A high-order polynomial cam is used, and thermal elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) calculations are carried out by the multi-grid method and line-line scanning technique.

Findings

It is found that the film thickness decreases with a decrease in angular speed. The depth of the dimple that occurred in the reverse motion is also reduced because of the recession in the “temperature–viscosity wedge” effect.

Originality/value

It is revealed that the reduction in the cam angular speed makes the classical big surface dimple evolve into a small centralized dimple during the opposite sliding motion.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-08-2019-0327
Tribological performance of the graphene synthesized from fruit cover plastic waste and oil palm fiber using a CVD method
Authors: Mat Tahir Noor Ayuma , Abdollah Mohd Fadzli Bin , Tamaldin Noreffendy , Amiruddin Hilmi , Mohamad Zin Mohd Rody Bin , Liza S.
Published: January 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the friction and wear performance of the graphene synthesized from fruit cover plastic waste and oil palm fiber (OPF).

Design/methodology/approach

The graphene was synthesized by using a chemical vapor deposition method, where a copper sheet was used as the substrate. The dry sliding test was performed by using a micro ball-on-disc tribometer at various sliding speeds and applied loads.

Findings

The results show that both as-grown graphenes decrease the coefficient of friction significantly. Likewise, the wear rate is also lower at higher sliding speed and applied load. For this study, OPF is proposed as the best solid carbon source for synthesizing the graphene.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this study is opening a new perspective on the potentials of producing graphene from solid waste materials and its effect on the tribological performance.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-11-2019-0486
Show me your expertise before teaming up
Authors: Ren Ruqin , Yan Bei , Jian Lian
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how communication practices influence individuals’ team assembly and performance in open innovation contests.

Design/methodology/approach

This study analyzed behavioral trace data of 4,651 teams and 19,317 participants from a leading open innovation platform, Kaggle. The analyses applied weighted least squares regression and weighted mediation analysis.

Findings

Sharing online profiles positively relates to a person’s performance and likelihood of becoming a leader in open innovation teams. Team assembly effectiveness (one’s ability to team up with high-performing teammates) mediates the relationship between online profile sharing and performance. Moreover, sharing personal websites has a stronger positive effect on performance and likelihood of becoming a team leader, compared to sharing links to professional social networking sites (e.g. LinkedIn).

Research limitations/implications

As team collaboration becomes increasingly common in open innovation, participants’ sharing of their online profiles becomes an important variable predicting their success. This study extends prior research on virtual team collaboration by highlighting the role of communication practices that occur in the team pre-assembly stage, as an antecedent of team assembly. It also addresses a long-standing debate about the credibility of information online by showing that a narrative-based online profile format (e.g. a personal website) can be more powerful than a standardized format (e.g. LinkedIn).

Practical implications

Open innovation organizers should encourage online profile sharing among participants to facilitate effective team assembly in order to improve innovation outcomes.

Originality/value

The current study highlights the importance of team assembly in open innovation, especially the role of sharing online profiles in this process. It connects two areas of research that are previously distant, one on team assembly and one on online profile sharing. It also adds new empirical evidence to the discussion about online information credibility.
Predicting school innovation
Authors: Schwabsky Nitza , Erdogan Ufuk , Tschannen-Moran Megan
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of collective teacher efficacy, academic press and faculty trust, all of which are components of academic optimism (AO), in predicting school innovation. In addition, the authors explored the extent to which faculty trust mediates the association between collective teacher efficacy and academic press with school innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

In all, 1,009 teachers from 79 schools in Northern Israel completed anonymous questionnaires about AO and innovation. Aggregation, descriptive statistics, bivariate correlation analyses and mediation analysis were performed to analyze the data.

Findings

Results showed that the components of AO, i.e., collective teacher efficacy, academic press and trust, were positively correlated to school innovation, and that trust mediated the relationship between collective teacher efficacy and school innovation. The study results confirmed that AO holds a significant predictive value in school innovation and highlights the importance of trust in supporting innovation.

Practical implications

As school leaders are challenged to foster innovative new practices in their schools, the findings suggest that they will need to know how to cultivate collective teacher efficacy, academic press and faculty trust.

Originality/value

This is the first study to examine the role of the components of AO in predicting innovation. By using a robust sample, the authors were able to examine the proposed school-level model with respect to the factors that affect school innovation. Originality also lies in the organizational approach to educational innovation in relation to faculty’s beliefs and behaviors.
Perseverance of effort and consistency of interest for entrepreneurial career success
Authors: Salisu Isyaku , Hashim Norashidah , Mashi Munir Shehu , Aliyu Hamza Galadanchi
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of grit (consistency of interest and perseverance of effort) on entrepreneurial career success (career satisfaction, perceived career achievement and perceived financial attainment) through the role of resilience.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was cross-sectional, and the data were collected using questionnaires from 111 entrepreneurs in Nigeria who have been in business for over five years and were selected using purposive sampling technique. The study used Smart-PLS to assess the measurement and structural model.

Findings

The perseverance of effort was related to all the aspects of career success as well as resilience. But consistency of interest was positively related to only perceived financial attainment. It also predicted resilience. Resilience was also related to all the facets of career success. All three mediation hypotheses were supported.

Research limitations/implications

The study delivered fascinating understandings into the structures of grit. The Western conceptualisation of grit may not be valid in a collectivist society where consistency is not that very much considered.

Practical implications

The study helps to further validate grit in the entrepreneurship field; the construct is a facilitator of entrepreneurial action and an indispensable source of energy that can revitalise the entrepreneur along the arduous road to success.

Originality/value

The two components of grit can have a dissimilar influence on different outcomes – as prior investigations, although recognising that the two components are conceptually dissimilar, have rarely studied them so empirically.
Fostering ICT use by older workers
Authors: Soja Ewa , Soja Piotr
Published: January 2020

Purpose

Adaptation to the requirements of digital economy is especially difficult for older workers, which is a challenge for today’s organizations due to workforce shrinking and ageing. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to investigate how it is possible to develop older employees’ potential in technology use in the business environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors examined how employees at various age perceive barriers during enterprise system (ES) adoption and use. This exploratory study is based on grounded theory and draws from the opinions of 187 Polish ES practitioners.

Findings

With age, emphasis on employees’ perception of mandatory ICT implementation projects is shifting from technology to people-related considerations. For older employees, job security and workload appear the most critical issues in such projects. Age-diverse collaboration appears necessary to address the problems posed by technology-related and demographic changes.

Research limitations/implications

The findings imply that incorporating multiple stakeholder perspectives and age-related considerations into research on ICT adoption appears essential.

Practical implications

ICT adoption in the business environment can be successfully supported by age-balanced team building, cooperation between younger and older employees, and age-adjusted change management initiatives.

Social implications

Supporting older employees during the implementation of mandatory business software should embrace reducing their negative attitudes to ICT-induced change by minimizing their perception of job insecurity.

Originality/value

Unlike many prior studies, the current research places age in the central role and discusses not only how it is possible to support older employees, but also how to leverage their potential in the process of ICT adoption and use in a mandatory setting.
Smile for the camera! The role of social presence and impression management in perceptions of technology-mediated interviews
Authors: Basch Johannes M. , Melchers Klaus G. , Kegelmann Julia , Lieb Leonie
Published: January 2020

Purpose

Videoconference interviews and asynchronous interviews are increasingly used to select applicants. However, recent research has found that technology-mediated interviews are less accepted by applicants compared to face-to-face (FTF) interviews. The reasons for these differences have not yet been clarified. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to take a closer look at potential reasons that have been suggested in previous research.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study surveyed 154 working individuals who answered questions concerning their perceptions of FTF, videoconference and asynchronous interviews in terms of perceived fairness, social presence and the potential use of impression management (IM) tactics. Furthermore, potential attitudinal and personality correlates were also measured.

Findings

Technology-mediated interviews were perceived as less fair than FTF interviews and this difference was stronger for asynchronous interviews than for videoconference interviews. The perceived social presence and the possible use of IM followed the same pattern. Furthermore, differences in fairness perceptions were mediated by perceived social presence and the possible use of IM tactics. Additionally, affinity for technology and core self-evaluations correlated positively with perceptions of videoconference interviews but not with those of FTF and asynchronous interviews.

Originality/value

This is the first study to compare fairness perceptions of FTF, videoconference and asynchronous interviews and to confirm previous assumptions that potential applicants perceive technology-mediated interviews as less favorable because of impairments in social presence and the potential use of IM.
Increasing rigor and relevance in service research through ethnography
Authors: von Koskull Catharina
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate how traditional ethnography as an established methodology can promote and strengthen both rigor and relevance in qualitative service research.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on ethnographic methodology literature and experience of ethnographic studies in the field.

Findings

In particular, the three ethnographic aspects of fieldwork, prolonged time in the field and sensitivity to language and cultural codes can increase rigor in service research, while the central ethnographic premises of flexibility and reflexivity can contribute to its relevance.

Research limitations/implications

Service researchers are encouraged to consider engaging in ethnographic research and to realize its potential to increase both rigor and relevance in service research endeavors.

Originality/value

Rigor and relevance are central and important research quality criteria, and these are often referred to as being mutually exclusive. This paper suggests how traditional ethnography can promote and strengthen both rigor and relevance in qualitative service research and thereby further advance this research area.
Understanding how hybrid organisations tackle social challenges
Authors: Ann Alexander Anu , Jha Shishir , Pandey Ashish
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how hybrid organisations combine institutional logics to tackle complex social needs.

Design/methodology/approach

A multiple case study design was followed, and cases were selected using a two-staged sampling process. Using qualitative analysis, the mechanisms through which logics are selected, prioritised and get integrated in the strategies and practices of these organisations are illustrated.

Findings

The study contributes to the literature on hybrid organisations and their ability to address social problems in two important ways. First, the paper reveals through the concept of institutional rationality why market-based organisations emerge to address complex social needs in a complex institutional context. Second, the study demonstrates that there is heterogeneity in how logics are blended externally in their strategies and in how logics are integrated internally within the organisation.

Research limitations/implications

All the cases are selected from India; hence the possibility that the findings are valid only for countries with similar institutional and socio-economic contexts cannot be negated.

Practical implications

The policy implication is that if business organisations should embrace social goals substantively, a regulation in the form of CSR is not enough. Instead, there should be institutional provisions to promote such hybrid organisational forms where alternative logics such as community, profession, etc., are part of the core logics of the organisation.

Originality/value

This study connects the strategic choices of organisations with their institutional logics’ configuration in the Indian context.
Level of abstraction in parent–child interactions: the role of activity type and socioeconomic status
Authors: de la Rie Sanneke , van Steensel Roel C.M. , van Gelderen Amos J.S. , Severiens Sabine
Published: January 2020

Background

Various conversational contexts elicit stimulating parent–child interactions to a different degree. Shared reading, a scripted activity, is reported to elicit most abstract speech compared with other activities (e.g., toy play). Parental socioeconomic status (SES) is another key predictor of abstract talk. Shared reading can attenuate differences in abstract speech between SES groups. In the current study, we compared abstraction of parent–child interactions during nonscripted prompting board and shared reading activities. A prompting board is a complex picture around a certain theme, depicting a scenario (i.e., a picture suggesting a sequence of events), and is meant to elicit child speech.

Method

We observed 44 parent–child dyads (87% mothers; child Mage: 63 months) from various socioeconomic backgrounds during prompting board and shared reading discussions and coded interactions for level of abstraction.

Results

Prompting boards were found to elicit both more, and more highly abstract speech (particularly inferencing) than shared reading, and children contributed more often to the conversation. Additionally, most speech on the lowest level of abstraction occurred during prompting boards (e.g., labelling and locating). Shared reading elicited more talk on intermediate levels (e.g., describing aspects of objects and characters and making comparisons to the child's life). Moreover, high‐SES parents and children produced more highly abstract speech and less labelling and locating compared with low‐SES dyads during both activities. Shared reading did not attenuate SES differences in abstract interactions.

Conclusions

Prompting boards seem promising for early intervention; however, future intervention studies are needed.
From horror to ethical responsibility: Carl Gustav Jung and Stephen King encounter the dark half within us, between us and in the world
Authors: Tozzi Chiara
Published: January 2020

This paper explores the experience of horror. The term is usually understood collectively to refer to experiences of terrorism, racism and other conflicts; however, the paper explores the equal horror for the individual of facing deep and painful psychic contents and traumatic experiences. The paper explores the way that both C.G. Jung, through analysis of the psyche, and the author Stephen King, through his horror novels, have accepted and explored the experience of encountering ‘the dark half’ or ‘It’ that is the other within themselves, forming images and symbols capable of linking their personal experience to that of the collective. This encounter is transformed, as far as Jung is concerned by analytical psychology and for King by fiction, through an attitude of active imagination. This led both men to developing an ethical responsibility towards the images of the unconscious, as well as the personal and collective contents of human life. The paper depicts how encountering the ‘dark half’, through Jung and King can provide a Jungian analyst with a special attitude with which to deeply explore and ethically process the experience of horror in different fields, including therapeutic practice, analytical training and in the traumatic and conflictual facing of the other, with which, today as always, the world presents us.