bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Host obesity impacts genetic variation in influenza A viral populations
Authors: Knoll Marissa , Honce Rebekah , Meliopoulos Victoria , Schultz-Cherry Stacey , Ghedin Elodie , Gresham David
Published: July 2023

Obesity is a chronic health condition characterized by excess adiposity leading to a systemic increase in inflammation and dysregulation of metabolic hormones and immune cell populations. Obesity is well established as a risk factor for many noncommunicable diseases; however, its consequences for infectious disease are poorly understood. Influenza A virus (IAV) is a highly infectious pathogen responsible for seasonal and pandemic influenza. Host risk factors, including compromised immunity and pre-existing health conditions, can contribute to increased infection susceptibility and disease severity. During viral replication in a host, the negative sense single stranded RNA genome of IAV accumulates genetic diversity that may have important consequences for viral evolution and transmission. Here, we investigated the impact of host obesity on IAV genetic variation using a diet induced obesity ferret model. We infected obese and lean male ferrets with the A/Hong Kong/1073/1999 (H9N2) IAV strain. Using a co-caging study design, we investigated the maintenance, generation, and transmission of intrahost IAV genetic variation by sequencing viral genomic RNA obtained from nasal wash samples over multiple days of infection. We found evidence for an enhanced role of positive selection acting onde novomutations in obese hosts that led to nonsynonymous changes that rose to high frequency. In addition, we identified numerous cases of recurrent low-frequency mutations throughout the genome that were specific to obese hosts. Despite these obese-specific variants, overall viral genetic diversity did not differ significantly between obese and lean hosts. This is likely due to the high supply rate ofde novovariation and common evolutionary adaptations to the ferret host regardless of obesity status, which we show are mediated by variation in the hemagglutinin (HA) and polymerase genes (PB2 and PB1). As with single nucleotide variants, we identified a class of defective viral genomes (DVGs) that were found uniquely in either obese or lean hosts, but overall DVG diversity and dynamics did not differ between the two groups. Our study provides the first insight into the consequences of host obesity on viral genetic diversity and adaptation, suggesting that host factors associated with obesity alter the selective environment experienced by a viral population, thereby impacting the spectrum of genetic variation.
Evolution of Evolvability In Rapidly Adapting Populations
Authors: Ferrare James T. , Good Benjamin H.
Published: July 2023

Mutations can alter the short-term fitness of an organism, as well as the rates and benefits of future mutations. While numerous examples of these evolvability modifiers have been observed in rapidly adapting microbial populations, existing theory struggles to predict when they will be favored by natural selection. Here, we develop a mathematical framework for predicting the fates of genetic variants that modify the rates and benefits of future mutations in linked genomic regions. We derive analytical expressions showing how the fixation probabilities of these variants depend on the size of the population and the diversity of competing mutations. We find that competition between linked mutations can dramatically enhance selection for modifiers that increase the benefits of future mutations, even when they impose a strong direct cost on fitness. However, we also find that modest direct benefits can be sufficient to drive evolutionary dead-ends to fixation. Our results suggest that subtle differences in evolvability could play an important role in shaping the long-term success of genetic variants in rapidly evolving microbial populations.
A dual Purkinje cell rate and synchrony code sculpts reach kinematics
Authors: Nashef Abdulraheem , Spindle Michael S. , Calame Dylan J. , Person Abigail L.
Published: July 2023

Cerebellar Purkinje cells (PCs) encode movement kinematics in their population firing rates. Firing rate suppression is hypothesized to disinhibit neurons in the cerebellar nuclei, promoting adaptive movement adjustments. Debates persist, however, about whether a second disinhibitory mechanism, PC simple spike synchrony, is a relevant population code. We addressed this question by relating PC rate and synchrony patterns recorded with high density probes, to mouse reach kinematics. We discovered behavioral correlates of PC synchrony that align with a known causal relationship between activity in cerebellar output. Reach deceleration was positively correlated with both Purkinje firing rate decreases and synchrony, consistent with both mechanisms disinhibiting target neurons, which are known to adjust reach velocity. Direct tests of the contribution of each coding scheme to nuclear firing using dynamic clamp, combining physiological rate and synchrony patterns ex vivo, confirmed that physiological levels of PC simple spike synchrony are highly facilitatory for nuclear firing. These findings suggest that PC firing rate and synchrony collaborate to exert fine control of movement.
Gene expression variation underlying tissue-specific responses to copper stress inDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Everman Elizabeth R , Macdonald Stuart J
Published: July 2023

Copper is one of a handful of biologically necessary heavy metals that is also a common environmental pollutant. Under normal conditions, copper ions are required for many key physiological processes. However, in excess, copper quickly results in cell and tissue damage that can range in severity from temporary injury to permanent neurological damage. Because of its biological relevance, and because many conserved copper-responsive genes also respond to other non-essential heavy metal pollutants, copper resistance inDrosophila melanogasteris a useful model system with which to investigate the genetic control of the response to heavy metal stress. Because heavy metal toxicity has the potential to differently impact specific tissues, we genetically characterized the control of the gene expression response to copper stress in a tissue- specific manner in this study. We assessed the copper stress response in head and gut tissue of 96 inbred strains from theDrosophilaSynthetic Population Resource (DSPR) using a combination of differential expression analysis and expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) mapping. Differential expression analysis revealed clear patterns of tissue-specific expression, primarily driven by a more pronounced gene expression response in gut tissue. eQTL mapping of gene expression under control and copper conditions as well as for the change in gene expression following copper exposure (copper response eQTL) revealed hundreds of genes with tissue- specific localcis-eQTL and many distanttrans-eQTL. eQTL associated withMtnA,Mdr49,Mdr50, andSod3exhibited genotype by environment effects on gene expression under copper stress, illuminating several tissue- and treatment-specific patterns of gene expression control. Together, our data build a nuanced description of the roles and interactions between allelic and expression variation in copper-responsive genes, provide valuable insight into the genomic architecture of susceptibility to metal toxicity, and highlight many candidate genes for future functional characterization.
PEXEL is a proteolytic maturation site for both exported and non-exportedPlasmodiumproteins
Authors: Fierro Manuel A , Muheljic Ajla , Sha Jihui , Wohlschlegel James A , Beck Josh R
Published: July 2023

Obligate intracellular malaria parasites dramatically remodel their erythrocyte host through effector protein export to create a niche for survival. Most exported proteins contain a pentamericPlasmodiumexportelement (PEXEL)/Host Targeting Motif that is cleaved in the parasite ER by the aspartic protease Plasmepsin V (PMV). This processing event exposes a mature N-terminus required for translocation into the host cell and is not known to occur in non-exported proteins. Here we report that the non-exported parasitophorous vacuole protein UIS2 contains abona fidePEXEL motif that is processed in theP. falciparumblood-stage. While the N-termini of exported proteins containing the PEXEL and immediately downstream ∼10 residues is sufficient to mediate translocation into the RBC, the equivalent UIS2 N-terminus does not promote export of a reporter. Curiously, the UIS2 PEXEL contains an unusual aspartic acid at the fourth position which constitutes the extreme N-terminal residue following PEXEL cleavage (P1’, RILτDE). Using a series of chimeric reporter fusions, we show that Asp at P1’ is permissive for PMV processing but abrogates export. Moreover, mutation of this single UIS2 residue to alanine enables export, reinforcing that the mature N-terminus mediates export, not PEXEL processingper se. Prompted by this observation, we further show that PEXEL sequences in the N-termini of other non-exported rhoptry proteins are also processed, suggesting that PMV may be a more general secretory maturase than previously appreciated, similar to orthologs in related apicomplexans. Our findings provide new insight into the unique N-terminal constraints that mark proteins for export.

Importance

Host erythrocyte remodeling by malaria parasite exported effector proteins is critical to parasite survival and disease pathogenesis. In the deadliest malaria parasitePlasmodium falciparum, most exported proteins undergo proteolytic maturation via recognition of the pentamericPlasmodiumexportelement (PEXEL)/Host Targeting motif by the aspartic protease Plasmepsin V (PMV) which exposes a mature N-terminus that is conducive for export into the erythrocyte host cell. While PEXEL processing is considered a unique mark of exported proteins, we demonstrate PEXEL motifs are present and processed in non-exported proteins. Importantly, we show that specific residues at the variable fourth position of the PEXEL motif inhibit export despite being permissive for processing by PMV, reinforcing that features of the mature N-terminus, and not PEXEL cleavage, identify cargo for export cargo. This opens the door to further inquiry into the nature and evolution of the PEXEL motif.
Agrobacterium-mediated Genetic Transformation and Plant Regeneration from Cotyledons in Philippine Eggplant (Solanum melongenaL.) Acc. ‘PH 11424’
Authors: Sagarbarria Mark Gabriel S. , Caraan John Albert M. , Lipio Patrick G. , Oloc-oloc Ian Bien M. , Watanabe Kazuo N. , Hautea Desiree M.
Published: July 2023

Eggplant (Solanum melongenaL.) is one of the most important vegetables grown and consumed in the Philippines; hence, continuous breeding programs are vital to maintain the supply of this economically important crop. This study demonstrates the first successfulAgrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation and plant regeneration of a Philippine eggplant cultivar, ‘PH 11424’ also known as ‘Mistisa’. Cotyledons from two-week old seedlings were used as explants, which were transformed with disarmedAgrobacterium tumefaciensstrain LBA4404 harboring a binary vector for CRISPR/Cas9 expression and hygromycin phosphotransferase (HPT), an antibiotic selection marker. Growth of shoot primordia from the agro-infected explants was observed during selective culture with 7.5 ppm hygromycin, which indicated an initial transformation success. The putatively transformed shoot primordia were then transferred to an elongation medium. The elongated and hygromycin-resistant shoots were allowed to develop roots in hormone-free medium supplemented with hygromycin, and subsequently acclimatized under greenhouse conditions. The entire process took at least 5 – 6 months. Of the total 585 agro-infected explants, the regeneration efficiency of rooted shoots was 5.1%. Successful transformation was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification ofCas9. Acclimatized plants tested positive for the transgene. The transgenic eggplants successfully reached maturity, flowered, and set seed. These results demonstrate a workingAgrobacterium-mediated transformation and plant regeneration protocols using cotyledons as explants in a Philippine eggplant genotype. These biotechnology tools are critical for the successful application of genetic engineering (GE) and new breeding techniques (NBTs) in eggplant crop improvement.
Whole genome mutational analysis for tumor-informed ctDNA based MRD surveillance, treatment monitoring and biological characterization of urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Nordentoft Iver , Lindskrog Sia Viborg , Birkenkamp-Demtröder Karin , Gonzalez Santiago , Kuzman Maja , Levatic Jurica , Glavas Dunja , Ptashkin Ryan , Smadbeck James , Afterman Danielle , Lauterman Tomer , Cohen Yarin , Donenhirsh Zohar , Tavassoly Iman , Alon Ury , Frydendahl Boll Johansen Amanda , Rasmussen Mads Heilskov , Andersen Claus Lindbjerg , Polak Paz , Zviran Asaf , Oklander Boris , Agerbæk Mads , Jensen Jørgen Bjerggaard , Dyrskjøt Lars
Published: July 2023

Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) can be used for sensitive detection of minimal residual disease (MRD). However, the probability of detecting ctDNA at low tumor burden is limited by the number of mutations analyzed and available plasma volume. Here we applied a tumor-informed whole genome sequencing (WGS) approach for ctDNA-based MRD detection (91% sensitivity, 92% specificity) and treatment response evaluation in 916 longitudinally collected plasma samples from 112 patients with localized muscle-invasive bladder cancer. We show that WGS-based ctDNA detection is prognostic of patient outcomes with a median lead time of 131 days over radiographic imaging. We performed genomic characterization of post-treatment plasma samples with a high ctDNA level and observed acquisition of the platinum therapy-associated mutational signatures and copy number variations not present in the primary tumors. Our results support the use of WGS for ultra-sensitive ctDNA detection and highlight the additional possibility for plasma-based tracking of tumor evolution.

Statement of significance

Our study supports the clinical potential of using a WGS-based strategy for sensitive ctDNA detection in patients with MIBC. Thus, WGS-based ctDNA detection constitutes a promising option for clinical use due to low requirements for plasma input and the ease of performing WGS, eliminating the need for personalized assay design.
Inflammation and Oxidative Stress Markers in Type 2 Diabetes Patients with Advanced Carotid Atherosclerosis
Authors: Ménégaut Louise , Laubriet Aline , Crespy Valentin , Leuleu Damien , Pilot Thomas , Dongen Kevin Van , Barros Jean-Paul Pais de , Gautier Thomas , Petit Jean-Michel , Thomas Charles , Nguyen Maxime , Steinmetz Eric , Masson David
Published: July 2023

Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major global health issue and a significant risk factor for atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis in T2DM patients has been associated with inflammation, insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and oxidative stress. Identifying molecular features of atherosclerotic plaques in T2DM patients could provide valuable insights into the pathogenesis of the disease

Aim

The MASCADI (Arachidonic Acid Metabolism in Carotid Stenosis Plaque in Diabetic Patients) study aimed to investigate the increase of 2-arachidonoyl-lysophatidylcholine (2-AA– LPC) in carotid plaques from T2DM and control patients and to explore its association with plaque vulnerability as well as with blood and intra-plaque biomarkers altered during diabetes.

Results

In a population of elderly, polymedicated patients with advanced stage of atherosclerosis, we found that T2DM patients had higher systemic inflammation markers, such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and IL-1β, higher levels of oxysterols, increased triglyceride levels, and decreased HDL levels as compared to control patients. Furthermore, 2-AA-LPC was significantly enriched in plaques from diabetic patients, suggesting its potential role in diabetic atherosclerosis. Interestingly, 2-AA-LPC was not associated with systemic markers related to diabetes, such as hsCRP, triglycerides, or HDL cholesterol. However, it was significantly correlated with the levels of inflammatory markers within the plaques such as lysophospholipids and 25-hydroxycholesterol, strengthening the link between local inflammation, arachidonic acid metabolism and diabetes.

Conclusion

Our study is in line with a key role for inflammation in the pathogenesis of diabetic atherosclerosis and highlights the involvement of 2-AA-LPC. Further research is needed to better understand the local processes involved in the alteration of plaque composition in T2DM and to identify potential therapeutic targets.
Understanding golf tourists' memorable tourism experiences emphasizing the double mediating effects and moderating effects: the case of East Asia
Authors: Jeong Yunduk
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Although much of the research has examined the positive relationship between memorable tourism experiences (MTEs) and tourist satisfaction, little research has attempted to analyze the double mediating effects of cognitive and affective responses and the moderating effects of tourism motivation on the relationship. To address these gaps, this study developed a theoretical framework including MTEs, cognitive response, affective response, tourism motivation and tourist satisfaction with golf tourism using a stimulus-organism-response (SOR) theory.

Design/methodology/approach

The author collected data from domestic and international tourists that attended amateur golf tournaments for non-commercial purposes as amateur athletes in Jeju and Gunsan, South Korea, in 2022. Construct validity of the measurement scale was verified by confirmatory factor analysis, factor loadings, average variance extracted and construct reliability. The reliability of the measurement scale was verified by Cronbach's analysis. The current study utilizes structural equation modeling with maximum likelihood estimation to analyze the positive relationships and double mediating effects. Jamovi statistical software was also used to conduct a moderation analysis.

Findings

The findings displayed the significant impacts of MTEs on cognitive response, affective response, and tourist satisfaction, and the positive impacts of cognitive response and affective response on tourist satisfaction. Moreover, cognitive and affective responses were found to partially mediate the aforementioned relationships and golf tourism motivation moderated the aforementioned paths.

Originality/value

The current study shows that there is a double mediating role of the cognitive and affective responses and moderating role of tourism motivation on the relationship between MTEs and tourist satisfaction and explores golf tourists who participate in an amateur golf tournament for non-commercial purposes as amateur athletes, which has largely been ignored in golf tourism research.
Entrepreneurship education reveals antecedents of intention: what really matters?
Authors: Tsaknis Panagiotis A. , Sahinidis Alexandros G. , Kavagia Chrysa A.
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to determine if the changes that occur in entrepreneurial intention, following entrepreneurship education are related to changes in the factors of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB).

Design/methodology/approach

This research was conducted based on a questionnaire and used a pre-test-post-test group design. A questionnaire was filled out at the start of a university-level entrepreneurship course, and a follow-up was obtained at the conclusion of a semester-long course. Both questionnaires were fully completed by a total of 191 business students from a central Business School based in Athens with a class population of 400.

Findings

The results of this study indicated that the positive change in entrepreneurial intention after the entrepreneurship course, is caused by the positive change in perceived behavioral control.

Research limitations/implications

One limitation of this study is that it assesses entrepreneurial intention and entrepreneurial behavior which may or may not materialize. Also, the findings of this study should be evaluated across different ethnic groups, before making more conclusive generalizations. Further research on the sample’s characteristics, including gender, age, past career history, and parent’s line of work, would be adding value in similar studies. Furthermore, we indicated the antecedents of the changes in entrepreneurial intention that occurred from entrepreneurship education examining only the changes of the factors of TPB, without taking into consideration additional factors.

Practical implications

The results of this study can help employees, organizations, students, and managers to develop abilities that will aid them in navigating the uncertain future. Also, our findings can help corporate management, policymakers, governments, professors, and institutions to design entrepreneurship programs that can promote entrepreneurship in more effective ways.

Originality/value

MEMORE macro reveals a new approach between the combinations of entrepreneurship education, entrepreneurial intention, and the factors of the TPB. With these combinations we can examine if the impact of entrepreneurship education on entrepreneurial intention is caused by the impact of entrepreneurship education on the factors of the TPB.
Why common job demands are challenging for individuals with mental illness: the interaction of personal vulnerability factors and ableist norms
Authors: Hennekam Sophie , Descubes Irena
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Drawing on the job demands-resources (JD-R) model, this study aims to examine which job demands individuals with diagnosed mental illness perceive to be most challenging as they navigate the workplace, why this is the case and which resources individuals tend to mobilize to meet these demands.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors draw on 257 qualitative surveys filled out by individuals with mental illness in various parts of the world.

Findings

The findings show that job demands that are common in today's workplace such as a high workload and a stressful environment are considered challenging by individuals with mental illness. Further, the authors show that this is the result of the ideal worker norm consisting of the need to be a steady performer that is confident, resilient and social with which the performer cannot comply on the one hand and the particularities of this population, such as performers' self-perceived low self-esteem, sensitivity to stress, fluctuating symptoms and difficulties with the social aspects of organizational life on the other hand.

Originality/value

The study points to the unique challenges of individuals with mental illness in the workplace and highlights the role human resource management (HRM) can play in providing support to allow this population to meet the demands of one's job more easily and thrive at work.
Rushing for security: a document analysis on the sources and effects of time pressure on organizational cybersecurity
Authors: Chowdhury Noman H. , Adam Marc T.P. , Teubner Timm
Published: July 2023

Purpose

A growing body of research has identified time pressure as a key driver of cybersecurity (CS) risks and vulnerabilities. To strengthen CS, organizations use CS documents (e.g. best practices, guidelines and policies) intended to strengthen CS. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of how specifically time pressure is addressed by CS documents.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a systematic search for CS documents followed by a content analysis of the identified documents. First, the authors carried out a systematic Web search and identified 92 formal and informal CS documents (e.g. security policies, procedures, guidelines, manuals and best practices). Second, they systematically analyzed the resulting documents (n = 92), using a structured approach of data familiarization and low-/high-level coding for the identification and interpretation of themes. Based on this analysis, the authors formulated a conceptual framework that captures the sources and effects of time pressure along the themes of industry, operations and users.

Findings

The authors developed a conceptual framework that outlines the role of time pressure for the CS industry, threats and operations. This provides a shared frame of reference for researchers and practitioners to understand the antecedents and consequences of time pressure in the organizational CS context.

Research limitations/implications

While the analyzed documents acknowledge time pressure as an important factor for CS, the documents provide limited information on how to respond to these concerns. Future research could, hence, consult with CS experts and policymakers to inform the development of effective guidelines and policies on how to address time pressure in the identified areas. A dedicated analysis within each area will allow to investigate the corresponding aspects of time pressure in-depth along with a consideration for targeted guidelines and policies. Last, note that a differentiation between CS document types (e.g. formal vs informal and global vs regional) was beyond the scope of this paper and may be investigated by future work.

Originality/value

This study makes three main contributions to the CS literature. First, this study broadens the understanding of the role of time pressure in CS to consider the organizational perspective along the themes of industry, threats and operations. Second, this study provides the first comprehensive assessment of how organizations address time pressure through CS documents, and how this compares to existing research in academic literature. Third, by developing a conceptual framework, this study provides a shared frame of reference for researchers and practitioners to further develop CS documents that consider time pressure’s role in secure behavior.
Entrepreneurial ecosystem, gig economy practices and Women's entrepreneurship: the case of Lebanon
Authors: Mouazen Ali Mohamad , Hernández-Lara Ana Beatriz
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The negative consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and the current economic situation, especially in certain countries, have compelled organizations to shrink their hierarchies, reduce working hours, freeze hiring, and rely on gig workers to perform tasks. While these circumstances may be seen as a threat, certain vulnerable labor groups, such as women, seized the opportunity to develop entrepreneurial skills and launch their own firms. Others addressed smart platforms to engage in gig economy activities. This research investigates the aspects that drive women to be entrepreneurs, exploring the relationships between the entrepreneurial ecosystem, the gig economy, and women's entrepreneurship in a developing country.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 300 female entrepreneurs in Lebanon through questionnaires that measured the indicators and variables of the proposed model, which was tested applying partial least square.

Findings

The results show a positive influence of the entrepreneurial ecosystem and gig economy on women's entrepreneurship, stronger in the case of entrepreneurial ecosystem elements and almost similar for opportunity and necessity entrepreneurship.

Originality/value

This research achieves empirical evidence on the relationship between the entrepreneurial ecosystem, the gig economy, and women's entrepreneurship in the case of a developing country. The originality of this paper lies in its empirical and gendered approach, considering together the effects of entrepreneurial ecosystem factors and gig economy practices on women's entrepreneurship, especially relevant in a regional context like Lebanon, where digital economy may constitute an opportunity for economically vulnerable groups.
An analysis of controlled foreign company (CFC) rules of Mauritius; a comparative study with the UK and US
Authors: Beebeejaun Ambareen
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Numerous policies are established in Mauritius to attract foreign direct investment, but at the same time, severe concerns were raised concerning the erosion of Mauritian tax base, which is witnessed by the decrease in the percentage of tax revenue to gross domestic product in recent years. To avoid these issues, in 2019, the Mauritian legislator has domesticated the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) BEPS 2013 Action 3 on controlled foreign company (CFC) in its income tax legislation. As such, the purpose of this study is to critically assess the implications of CFC rules of Mauritius to reduce tax avoidance in the light of international tax competition.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the research objective, this study will adopt a black letter approach by analysing the rules and regulations of various jurisdiction as well as international standards on CFCs and other tax avoidance legal provisions. A comparative analysis will be conducted between Mauritian laws on CFCs and the corresponding legislation of the UK and the USA, which are selected to assess the developed world’s position on strict CFC rules.

Findings

A hasty implementation of CFC rules leads to various complexities like interpretation issues and diminishing the competitiveness of the country to multinationals. In this respect, there is the risk of a trade-off between tax collected and foreign direct investment in the country. Consequently, the research recommends that Mauritius reforms its CFC legislation by extending the scope of tax exemptions for intra-group financing income, for the first year of CFC’s operation with the possibility of offsetting foreign taxes and for the Mauritius Revenue Authority to establish detailed guidelines on the determination of CFC income and its attribution for tax purposes in Mauritius.

Originality/value

Existing literature has to a great extent focused on the role of CFC rules as a tax avoidance measure and on the divergence or convergence between domestic CFC legislation against the OECD recommendations (Dourado, 2015; Xu, 2018; Beebeejaun et al., 2023). However, limited literature is available on the evaluation of the purpose of CFC rules enacted by a developing country being Mauritius in the context of the global competitive market, to which this research aims at filling the gap.
Improving service quality through customer feedback – the case of NPS in IBM’s training services
Authors: Ziegler Alexander , Peisl Thomas , Raeside Robert
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The paper extends the discussion on the merit of using a net promoter score (NPS) to enhance the service design of organisations and to facilitate quality monitoring and improvement. NPS is a basic measure to assess the likelihood of a customer recommending an organisation to somebody else. This paper aims to show that this metric can be effective in monitoring and improving the quality of workplace training.

Design/methodology/approach

Investigating the merit of using NPS to improve organisational training involved a longitudinal study of training provided by IBM. Data is analysed using panel regression and partial correlation methods. Workplace training delivery is the unit of analysis in which an NPS and conventional customer satisfaction score evaluations were conducted at the end of the delivery. The efficacy of these measures to improve quality are compared and insights derived from analysing NPS are investigated.

Findings

The findings indicate that, although NPS is not necessarily related to the results or success of a business, from a corporate perspective it can provide a solid basis from which to make business decisions that benefit a company. The authors found that NPS was associated with improved satisfaction with training, although significant regional variations were observed. Building on the data, a service business model is proposed advocating NPS as a tool for continuous improvement.

Practical implications

The contribution to practice includes a clearer understanding of NPS as a quality and service improvement indicator and also as a driver for a service business design. In addition, it is indicated that enterprises operating in multiple regions should consider regional variations in NPS.

Originality/value

By analysis of IBM’s training data, the authors gain an understanding of an industry in which quality and the use of NPS has not been extensively studied. The data also offers a rich dimension in the examination of the factors that should be considered to effectively implement an NPS service improvement plan.
Events image from the host-city residents’ perceptions: impacts on the overall city image and visit recommend intention
Authors: Lobo Cecília , Costa Rui Augusto , Chim-Miki Adriana Fumi
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse the effects of events image from host communities’ perspective on the city’s overall image and the intention to recommend the events and the city as a tourism destination.

Design/methodology/approach

The research used a bivariate data analysis based on Spearman’s correlation and regression analysis to determine useful variables to predict the intention to recommend the city as a tourism destination. Data collection was face-to-face and online with a non-probabilistic sample of Viseu city residents, the second largest city in the central region of Portugal.

Findings

The findings had implications for researchers, governments and stakeholders. From the resident’s point of view, there is a high correlation between the overall city image and the intention to recommend it as a tourism destination. Event image and the intention to recommend the event participation affect the overall city image. Results point out the resident as natural promoters of events and their city if the local events have an appeal that generates their participation. Conclusions indicated that cities need to re-thinking tourism from the citizen’s perspective as staycation is a grown option.

Originality/value

Event image by host-city residents’ perceptions is an underdevelopment theme in the literature, although residents’ participation is essential to the success of most events. Local events can promote tourist citizenship and reinforce the positioning of tourism destinations, associating them with an image of desirable places to visit and live.
Exploring technostress in disruptive teaching practices
Authors: Willermark Sara , Högberg Karin , Nilsson Pernilla
Published: July 2023

Purpose

In this study, the authors explore teachers' experiences of work during the pandemic using the analytic lens of technostress. More specifically, the authors investigate how the sudden transition to distance education induces technostress among teachers in relation to their teaching practice.

Design/methodology/approach

The data gathering method constitutes a questionnaire that explores how teachers' work situation was affected by shifting to distance education. 286 Swedish teachers answered the open-ended questionnaire.

Findings

The results demonstrate how technostress creators, technostress strains and teachers' coping strategies are expressed in teaching practice during an extreme case of digitalization.

Originality/value

The authors contribute to the work on technostress by suggesting the theoretical concept of “technorest” to shed light on alternative effects of the digitalization of work practice. Furthermore, the authors give examples of technorest creators which the authors term “techno-shields” and “techno-security”. The results could be interesting to enhance the understanding of the digitalization of work practices and cultivate a more favorable work situation.
Turnover intentions of non-family employees in family firms – the influence of leader mindfulness, LMX quality and affective commitment
Authors: Razzak Mohammad Rezaur , Alam Mirza Mohammad Didarul , Al Riyami Said , Al Kharusi Sami
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Leveraging the mindfulness theory and the social exchange theory, this study examines the influence of perceived leader mindfulness (PLM) on turnover intentions (TOI) of non-family employees (NFEs) working in family firms. The study investigates whether the above relationship is mediated by employee perceptions of leader–member exchange quality (LMX quality) and their affective commitment (AC).

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual framework is proposed that hypothesizes inverse relationship between PLM and TOI, which is posited to be mediated by both LMX quality and AC. The hypotheses are tested through survey data collected from 254 NFEs working in various family-owned businesses in Malaysia. The data analyzed through partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

The results indicate that PLM has a positive influence on both LMX quality and AC. Moreover, PLM has a strong negative affect on TOI. In terms of results of mediation analysis, it appears that two mediation hypotheses out of four are significant, that is mediating effect of AC between PLM and TOI and LMX quality between PLM and AC. However, the mediating role of LMX quality between PLM and TOI and the sequential mediation hypotheses were both non-significant.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of the study imply is that to ensure retention of qualified and talented NFEs, mindfulness of family firm leaders plays a significant role in ensuring lower TOI. Furthermore, such a goal is better achieved by ensuring that such employees are supported through leadership that leads to their development of better LMX quality and AC towards the organization. The study however is limited, as other potential exogenous variables that may influence TOI were not considered.

Practical implications

Losing employees that join a firm and acquire valuable skills and experience is a significant concern for family firms that are known for discriminating between employees related to the owners and outsiders. This study presents evidence for owners and managers of family firms that by focusing on mindful behavior and working towards developing better LMX quality and AC of NFEs, the organization can reduce TOI of such employees.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the under-researched and fragmented literature on relationships between PLM among NFEs and TOI of such individuals working in family firms. Moreover, this appears to be the first study that investigates mediating roles of and LMX quality and AC among NFEs in the above relationship.
Can online travel agencies contribute to the recovery of the tourism activity after a health crisis?
Authors: Polo Peña Ana Isabel , Andrews Hazel , Morales Fernández Victor
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Online travel agencies (OTAs) have an important role to play in reactivating tourism activity following a health crisis by providing information about the health conditions of tourist destinations. Once developed, it is necessary to analyze the effectiveness of the information provided and ascertain whether the provision of such information effects the understanding of the value of using OTAs and, in turn, the intention to do so.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper, based on an empirical case study conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, examines whether following a health crisis, the quality of information provided by OTAs on the health conditions of tourist destinations and the perceived value of their offer generate a greater OTA services reuse intention, and signals, therefore, a return to travel.

Findings

The results show the quality of the information positively influences the perceived value, but not the OTA services reuse intention. Rather, the perceived value positively influences the OTA services reuse intention.

Practical implications

Overall, it can be suggested that providing quality health information for a destination is a necessary strategy because it contributes to increasing the perceived value of OTAs. To incentivize the intention for repeated use of OTA services, it is necessary to consider the perceived value that influences the intention to make repeat OTA reservations.

Originality/value

This research offers a novel perspective about the OTAs’ contribution to the recovery of the activity of the tourism industry after a health crisis. This contributes to achieving a more resilient sector in the face of future health crises.
Looking for integrated elderly care in practice
Authors: Juutinen Anna-Mari
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The goal of integrated, multidisciplinary and person-centered care is on the welfare policy agenda in many countries, but how about integrated service delivery in action? This paper describes a three-year service journey of an elderly person from home to a nursing home through home care, specialized hospital and inpatient care. The aim of this viewpoint paper is to consider how customer orientation and integration are realized when an older lady living an active life becomes seriously ill and loses the ability to conduct daily functions.

Design/methodology/approach

The service path will be described from the perspective of a relative.

Findings

The paper raises questions related to governance as well as multidisciplinary and customer orientation in integrated care.

Originality/value

The paper discusses a real-life experience of an elderly care journey from active senior life to a nursing home in Finland. When making visible an elderly care journey, this gives real-life information about the challenges and the needs for development. Better practical understanding helps to remove inter-organizational barriers toward more integrated and patient safe care.
Granite powder as partial replacement of cement in M30 grade concrete mix using IS 10262:2019
Authors: Merugu Sweety Poornima Rau , Y.M. Manjunath
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study aims at designing consistent and durable concrete by making use of waste materials. An investigation has been carried out to evaluate the performance of conventional and optimal concrete (including 5% GP) at high temperatures for different exposure times.

Design/methodology/approach

An experimental work is carried out to compare the conventional and optimal concrete with respect to weight loss, mechanical strength characteristics (compressive, tensile and flexural) after exposed to 100, 200 and 300 °C with 1, 2 and 3 h duration of exposure followed by cooling in furnace for 24 h and then air cooling.

Findings

The workability of granite powder modified concrete decreases as percentage of replacement increases. Compressive, tensile and flexural strengths all increased at 100 °C when compared to strength characteristics at normal temperature, regardless of the exposure conditions, and there was no weight loss noticed. For 200 and 300 °C, the strengths were decreased compared to normal temperature and an elevated temperature of 100 °C, as weight loss of concrete specimens are observed to be decreased at these temperatures. So, the optimum elevated temperature can be concluded as 100 °C.

Originality/value

Incorporating pozzolanic binder (granite powder) as cement replacement subjecting to elevated temperatures in an electric furnace is the research gap in this area. Many of the works were carried out replacing GP for fine aggregate at normal temperatures and not at elevated temperatures.
Internet of things and aviation: a bibliometric and visualization analysis
Authors: Burak Mehmet Fatih , Küsbeci Polathan
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Considering both the current opportunities of the Internet of things (IoT) and aviation, as well as the potential opportunities they may offer for the future, it is understood that they are among the important issues that need to be examined in the literature. This study aims to provide an idea by conducting bibliometric and visualization analyses of the current trends and development opportunities of IoT and aviation.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, descriptive and bibliometric analyses within the framework of co-author, co-citation, bibliographic coupling, and keyword co-occurrence analysis were carried out for publications found to be published between 2007 and 2023 in the Web of Science (WoS) database related to IoT and aviation. VOSviewer (ver. 1.6.18) program and the Biblioshiny application were used to create bibliometric networks and provide visualization.

Findings

As a result of some descriptive and visualization analyses, the current trend of publications on IoT and aviation and future publication opportunities has been revealed. It has been understood that the subject of IoT and aviation is one of the subjects whose number of publications has increased in recent years and has not yet fully matured in terms of the number of publications and has the potential to make new publications.

Originality/value

In this study, bibliometric analysis of IoT and aviation, which could not be found examined before in the literature, and the creation of existing bibliometric networks by visualizing were carried out.
Information privacy culture in Croatian libraries
Authors: Katulić Anita
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The research aims to establish the predictors of the acceptance of technical and organizational measures for the protection of personal data to ensure information privacy in Croatian libraries, starting from the constructs of the APCO Macro Model.

Design/methodology/approach

Two data collection methods were used: the online survey questionnaire method and the analysis of the websites of independent libraries in the Republic of Croatia.

Findings

The results show that the acceptance of measures for personal data protection by a library manager is mostly influenced by perceived knowledge, while culture and trust have a positive correlation of moderate strength. Awareness has a low positive correlation, and privacy experience is not statistically related to the acceptance of measures. There is no statistically significant difference in the acceptance of measures for the protection of personal data concerning age and work experience in the profession. There is a statistically significant correlation between compliance with the principle of transparency and the size of the library.

Originality/value

The study is valuable as it examined the characteristics of the culture of information privacy in libraries and determined the existence and impact of factors that influence ensuring the information privacy of users in Croatian libraries.
IDENTITARIAN MOVEMENTS IN THE TOURISTIC CITY: The Marketing of Hate in Verona
Authors: Demirsu Ipek
Published: July 2023

Verona is known as the touristic city of Romeo and Juliet, but its position as a strategic node in the rising identitarian movement goes unnoticed to the thousands of tourists visiting the city every day. This article articulates the historical centre of Verona as a public space in which far‐right and populist right groups seek to construct an exclusionary territorial identity that draws on white supremacy, northern pride and Catholic fundamentalism, which manifest themselves in practices of bordering and territorialization. I argue that the city's perfectly preserved heritage and its assumed authenticity are not only utilized to construct the ideal protagonists of city life, but also that such territorial themes of defending the ‘native homeland’ and its traditions are marketed to the outside world by constructing a ‘model’ city for a growing transnational movement. In this study, which is based on ethnographic fieldwork, archival research and in‐depth interviews, I investigate the mechanisms through which certain historical centres are showcased to build an identitarian network through everyday practices of boundary‐drawing and the marketing of a territorial anti‐modernist nostalgia.