bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Slippery when wet: cross-species transmission of divergent coronaviruses in bony and jawless fish and the evolutionary history of theCoronaviridae
Authors: Miller Allison K. , Mifsud Jonathon C.O. , Costa Vincenzo A. , Grimwood Rebecca M. , Kitson Jane , Baker Cindy , Brosnahan Cara L. , Pande Anjali , Holmes Edward C. , Gemmell Neil J. , Geoghegan Jemma L.
Published: March 2021

TheNidoviralescomprise a genetically diverse group of positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus families that infect a range of invertebrate and vertebrate hosts. Recent metagenomic studies have identified nido-like virus sequences, particularly those related to theCoronaviridae, in a range of aquatic hosts including fish, amphibians and reptiles. We sought to identify additional members of theCoronaviridaein both bony and jawless fish through a combination of total RNA sequencing (meta-transcriptomics) and data mining of published RNA sequencing data, and from this reveal more of the long-term patterns and processes of coronavirus evolution. Accordingly, we identified a number of divergent viruses that fell within theLetovirinaesubfamily of theCoronaviridae, including those in a jawless fish – the pouched lamprey. By mining fish transcriptome data we identified additional virus transcripts matching these viruses in bony fish from both marine and freshwater environments. These new viruses retained sequence conservation in the RNA-dependant RNA polymerase across theCoronaviridae, but formed a distinct and diverse phylogenetic group. Although there are broad-scale topological similarities between the phylogenies of the major groups of coronaviruses and their vertebrate hosts, the evolutionary relationships of viruses within theLetovirinaedoes not mirror that of their hosts. For example, the coronavirus found in the pouched lamprey fell within the phylogenetic diversity of bony fish letoviruses, indicative of past host switching events. Hence, despite possessing a phylogenetic history that likely spans the entire history of the vertebrates, coronavirus evolution has been characterised by relatively frequent cross-species transmission, particularly in hosts that reside in aquatic habitats.
Accurate and efficient time-domain classification with adaptive spiking recurrent neural networks
Authors: Yin Bojian , Corradi Federico , Bohté Sander M.
Published: March 2021

Inspired by more detailed modeling of biological neurons, Spiking neural networks (SNNs) have been investigated both as more biologically plausible and potentially more powerful models of neural computation, and also with the aim of extracting biological neurons’ energy efficiency; the performance of such networks however has remained lacking compared to classical artificial neural networks (ANNs). Here, we demonstrate how a novel surrogate gradient combined with recurrent networks of tunable and adaptive spiking neurons yields state-of-the-art for SNNs on challenging benchmarks in the time-domain, like speech and gesture recognition. This also exceeds the performance of standard classical recurrent neural networks (RNNs) and approaches that of the best modern ANNs. As these SNNs exhibit sparse spiking, we show that they theoretically are one to three orders of magnitude more computationally efficient compared to RNNs with comparable performance. Together, this positions SNNs as an attractive solution for AI hardware implementations.
Novelty-related engagement of VTA and anterior hippocampus propagate changes in cortical network plasticity at different scales
Authors: Cowan Emily T. , Fain Matthew , O’Shea Ian , Ellman Lauren M. , Murty Vishnu P.
Published: March 2021

The detection of novelty indicates changes in the environment and the need to update existing representations. In response to novelty, interactions across the ventral tegmental area (VTA)-hippocampal circuit support experience-dependent plasticity in the hippocampus. While theories have broadly suggested plasticity-related changes are also instantiated in the cortex, research has also shown evidence for functional heterogeneity in cortical networks. It therefore remains unclear how the hippocampal-VTA circuit engages cortical networks, and whether novelty targets specific cortical regions or diffuse, large-scale cortical networks. To adjudicate the role of the VTA and hippocampus in cortical network plasticity, we used human functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to compare resting state functional coupling before and following exposure to novel scene images. Functional coupling between right anterior hippocampus and VTA was enhanced following novelty exposure. However, we also found evidence for a double dissociation, with anterior hippocampus and VTA showing distinct patterns of post-novelty functional coupling enhancements, targeting task-relevant regions versus large-scale networks, respectively. Further, significant correlations between these networks and the novelty-related plasticity in the anterior hippocampal-VTA functional network suggest the central hippocampal-VTA network may facilitate the interactions with the cortex. These findings support an extended model of novelty-induced plasticity, in which novelty elicits plasticity-related changes in both local and global cortical networks.

Significance Statement

Novelty detection is critical for adaptive behavior, signaling the need to update existing representations. By engaging the bi-directional hippocampal-VTA circuit, novelty has been shown to induce plasticity-related changes in the hippocampus. However, it remains an open question how novelty targets such plasticity-related changes in cortical networks. We show that anterior hippocampus and VTA target cortical networks at different spatial scales, with respective enhancements in post-novelty functional coupling with a task-relevant cortical region and a large-scale memory network. The results presented here support an extended model of novelty-related plasticity, in which engaging the anterior hippocampal-VTA circuit through novelty exposure propagates cortical plasticity through hippocampal and VTA functional pathways at distinct scales, targeting specific or diffuse cortical networks.
Influence of individual characteristics, training design and environmental factors on training transfer: a study using hierarchical regression
Authors: Kodwani Amitabh Deo , Prashar Sanjeev
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore and provide empirical evidence for the combined effects of individual characteristics, training design factors as well as environmental factors (as pre-training factors) on training transfer.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data were collected from 235 managerial-level full-time employees in two phases with a temporal gap of two months. Both procedural and statistical measures were used to minimize the common method variance problem. Hierarchical regression analysis was conducted to analyze the data.

Findings

The results of this study clearly point out that all four predictor variables (voluntary participation, prior training information, training needs identification and training evaluation) positively and significantly influence training transfer.

Research limitations/implications

The study contributes to the training transfer literature in three ways. One, the authors have shown the positive influence of pre-training factors (together as well as independently) on training transfer. The study is grounded in a strong theoretical framework, thus fulfilling the previous gap. This study brings more clarity to those variables (such as voluntary training) which are having contradicting views in the extant literature.

Practical implications

The study has significant findings for the organizations operating in the current business scenario in their endeavor to enhance learning transfer, which is very low and a major cause of concern for every organization. If management is aware of the success factors of training transfer, they can ensure a better training transfer.

Originality/value

The training transfer literature showcases two significant gaps; first of all, it lacks in using appropriate motivational theories, and second, there is variability in the results. This paper bridges both the gaps and attempts to advance our understanding of training transfer grounded in the theoretical framework by focusing on the role of individual, motivational and situational factors of training transfer to understand better which predictor variables can improve training transfer.
Up-fuse transforming plastic waste into innovative products: the case study of a sustainable Egyptian start-up
Authors: Abdelnaeim Shrouk Mahmoud , El-Bassiouny Noha M. , Paul Pallab
Published: March 2021

Learning outcomes

Understand the implementation phase of sustainable start-ups. Identifying the 4 Ps of sustainable start-ups. Understand the different types of challenges faced by Up-Fuse regarding their target customers and their value proposition. Highlighting the important strategic decisions that sustainable start-ups have to consider in their business cycle. Analyzing the differences between the market conditions globally and in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Case overview/synopsis

Sustainable entrepreneurship is the type of entrepreneurship that is market-oriented and creative while at the same time putting the environment, society and economy into consideration. Sustainable entrepreneurs offer value through their goods and services that are beneficial or at least do not harm the environment or the society. The case provides background information and facts about doing business in the MENA region and Egypt specifically. Afterward, the case study emphasizes the challenges that are faced by sustainable entrepreneurs in Egypt through analyzing the case of a sustainable Egyptian start-up. The case study is on Up-Fuse, one of the sustainable start-ups in Egypt that produce backpacks, shoulder and waist bags, laptop sleeves, cases and pouches. This case study aims at describing the different challenges and strategic decisions that sustainable start-ups go through in Egypt.

Complexity academic level

This case targets undergraduate management students, marketing students, master of business administration students, entrepreneurship students and entrepreneurs. This case can be taught in courses with marketing, entrepreneurship and sustainability focus.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 3: Entrepreneurship.
Internal workforce, symbolism and licensed products: 17th Asian Games
Authors: Lee Hyun-Woo , Hussain Umer , Park Shawn Saeyeul , Shin Sunyun , Shim Woo Taek
Published: March 2021

Learning outcomes

The questions raised in the case study could escort a classroom or online discussion for understanding licensed product consumption motives among the internal workforce.

Case overview/synopsis

Despite the Asiad (an abbreviation of Asian Games) being organized in the most populous continent, its financial profitability is minimal compared with the summer Olympic Games and other major sporting events. Thereby, Asiad board members are seeking to understand how they can target the right segment via licensed products. This will ultimately increase licensed product sales. On July 1, 2017, a board meeting was held in which the licensing product manager, Young Lee, proposed to target the internal workforce via licensed products based on 17th Asiad’s data and previous literature. Lee analyzed the attributes of licensed products sold at 17th Asiad and its psychological connection with the internal workforce. Hence, the purpose of this case study was to decipher the internal workforce feasibility as the right segment to target via licensed products for Asiad's management. The case study’s primary data was collected via IB worldwide (now Galaxia SM CO, Ltd), one of the leading sport marketing organizations in South Korea. The IB worldwide (now Galaxia SM CO, Ltd) signed an exclusive product license agreement with the Incheon Asian Games Organizing Committee jointly and individually with the Olympic Council of Asia to produce licensed products (e.g. Mascot dolls). This realistic case study should be understood through the lens of symbolic interactionism. Finally, this study is important to consider because the internal workforce licensed products consumption has gained little attention in sports marketing literature.

Complexity Academic Level

The case can be taught in marketing research and consumer behavior courses.

Subject code

CSS 8: Marketing.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.
Assessing the effectiveness of vocational training programs in Pakistan: an experimental study
Authors: Chamadia Sumaira , Mubarik Muhammad Shujaat
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The major objective of this study is to examine the efficacy of the technical and vocational training courses imparted to generate employment or enhance the productivity of participants.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted in the province of Sindh, Pakistan by adopting a quasi-experimental approach. The experiment was conducted on 105 individuals—with the age group of 20–25—distributed between the treatment group and the control group. The data collected through the experiment were analyzed by applying a paired-sample t-test, independent sample t-test and one-way between-group analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Findings

The findings of this study show statistically significant higher monthly earnings of Rs14, 223 after the training intervention program. Findings also exhibit a significant difference in monthly earnings between the control and the treatment groups.

Practical implications

The findings of the study can provide useful input to policymakers while devising the policies regarding technical education and vocational training (TVET) and to the international donors in assessing the impact of the training initiatives.

Originality/value

This study presents experimental-driven evidence on the role of technical education and vocational training in improving the labor market outcomes.
Identifying and measuring the impact of cultural events on hotels’ performance
Authors: Piga Claudio , Melis Giuseppe
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Focusing on two beer festivals held in Nottingham, England, this study aims to evaluate their indirect impact on the performance of city hotels. This study builds on theoretical insights from the revenue management literature to shed empirical light on the potentially beneficial effects of events on the hotels’ performance. This study investigates the impact of the differential support offered by the destination management organisation (DMO) over two years.

Design/methodology/approach

Using online prices posted in advance of the events on an online travel agent, the authors assess hotel performance for each day of the events relative to the same day of the week in a week with no event. A similar comparison is made to assess the impact across two different years. In both cases, an ordinary least squares methodology was used.

Findings

Both events appear not to have had a strong impact on hotel prices and occupancy in 2016, i.e. when the DMO’s promotional effort was more proactive. Instead, in 2017, one event registered higher hotel prices and occupancy both relative to the year before and to the “business as usual” week.

Practical implications

The study identifies the existence of an indirect positive economic impact of the events on the hospitality sector.

Originality/value

The investigation adopts a more naturalistic experimental design to collect the data, which allows the authors to control for both the impact on prices and occupancy at the level of the single hotel. The evidence is therefore micro-founded. Moreover, results shed light on the role played by the DMO.
Digitalization in the cultural industry: evidence from Italian museums
Authors: Raimo Nicola , De Turi Ivano , Ricciardelli Alessandra , Vitolla Filippo
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This study aims to analyse the level of digitalization in the cultural industry. More in detail, it aims to examine the determinants and effects of the digitalization level of museum organizations and the role played by the COVID-19 pandemic in the adoption of digital technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to answer the research questions, this study uses the multiple case study methodology. In particular, three different museum organizations operating in the Apulian context were examined.

Findings

The findings show that the adoption of digital technologies derives from the desire to attract more visitors, reduce costs, improve the visitor experience and adapt to competitors. On the contrary, they show that the lack of funding represents a drag on the adoption of digital tools. In relation to the effects, the findings show financial advantages connected to an increase in revenues and a reduction in costs and non-financial benefits connected to an improvement of the intangibles. Finally, the results show that the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of digital technologies.

Originality/value

This work enriches the current literature through the analysis of the drivers and effects of digitalization in the museum industry and through the focus on COVID-19. Furthermore, to the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that examines the level of digitalization of museum organizations in the Apulian context.
Housing market heterogeneity and cluster formation: evidence from Poland
Authors: Tomal Mateusz
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This study aims to identify clusters amongst the county housing markets in Poland, taking into account the criteria of size and quality of the housing stock, as well as price level. In addition, this work is intended to detect the socio-economic factors driving the cluster formation.

Design/methodology/approach

To group the studied housing markets into homogeneous clusters, this analysis uses a proprietary algorithm based on taxonomic and k-means++ methods. In turn, the generalised ordered logit (gologit) model was used to explore factors influencing the cluster formation.

Findings

The results obtained revealed that Polish county housing markets can be classified into three or four homogeneous clusters in terms of the size and quality of the housing stock and price level. Furthermore, the results of the estimation of the gologit models indicated that population density, number of business entities and the level of crime mainly determine the membership of a given housing market in a given cluster.

Originality/value

In contrast to previous studies, this is the first to examine the existence of homogeneous clusters amongst the county housing markets in Poland, taking into account the criteria of size and quality of the housing stock, as well as price level simultaneously. Moreover, this work is the first to identify the driving forces behind the formation of clusters amongst the surveyed housing markets.
“We couldn’t talk to her”: a qualitative exploration of the experiences of UK midwives when navigating women’s care without language
Authors: Bridle Laura , Bassett Sam , Silverio Sergio A.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Women with little-to-no English continue to have poor birth outcomes and low service user satisfaction. When language support services are used it enhances the relationship between the midwife and the woman, improves outcomes and ensures safer practice. However, this study has shown a reluctance to use professional interpreter services by midwives. This study aims to understand the experiences of midwives using language support services.

Design/methodology/approach

A maximum variation purposive sampling strategy was used to recruit midwives (N = 12) to a qualitative, semi-structured interview study. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings

Four themes were generated from the data analysis with a central organising concept of “Navigating Care Without Language”. These themes were: “Continuity as Key”, “Facilitating Tools”, “Networks of Support” and “Innovative Planning”. Each of these themes had between three and four sub-themes. It was found midwives are keen to support women with language barriers. However, support can be difficult due to the unavailability of equipment and resources; lack of continuity (of interpreter and midwife); inability to plan for the acute care of women who require interpreter services; and the system not being accessible enough to women who require language support services, thus causing them to fall through the net.

Originality/value

Continuity of carer appears to be a protective factor due to the flexibility, relationship and continuum of support. This study will aid the development of education for undergraduate, post-graduate and practising midwives. It will also inform policymakers working to improve the service offered to women who speak little-to-no English.
Assessing the key enablers for Industry 4.0 adoption using MICMAC analysis: a case study
Authors: Krishnan Srijit , Gupta Sumit , Kaliyan Mathiyazhagan , Kumar Vikas , Garza-Reyes Jose Arturo
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The aim of this research is to assess the key enablers of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) in the context of the Indian automobile industry. It is done to apprehend their comparative effect on executing I4.0 concepts and technology in manufacturing industries, in a developing country context. The progression to I4.0 grants the opportunity for manufacturers to harness the benefits of this industry generation.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature related to I4.0 has been reviewed for the identification of key enablers of I4.0. The enablers were further verified by academic professionals. Additionally, key executive insights had been revealed by using interpretive structural modelling (ISM) model for the vital enablers unique to the Indian scenario. The authors have also applied MICMAC analysis to group the enablers of I4.0.

Findings

The analysis of this study’s data from respondents using ISM provided us with seven levels of enabler framework. This study adds to the existing literature on I4.0 enablers and findings highlight the specificities of the territories in India context. The results show that top management is the major enabler to I4.0 implementation. Infact, it occupies the 7th layer of the ISM framework. Subsequently, government policies enable substantial support to develop smart factories in India.

Practical implications

The findings of this work provide implementers of I4.0 in the automobile industry in the form of a robust framework. This framework can be followed by the automobile sector in enhancing their competency in the competitive market and ultimately provide a positive outcome for the Indian economic development led by these businesses. Furthermore, this work will guide decision-makers in enabling strategic integration of I4.0, opening doors for the development of new business opportunities as well.

Originality/value

The study proposes a framework for Indian automobile industries. The automobile sector was chosen for this study as it covers a large percentage of the market share of the manufacturing industry in India. The existing literature does not address the broader picture of I4.0 and most papers do not provide validation of the data collected. This study thus addresses this research gap.
Teaching sustainability as complex systems approach: a sustainable development goals workshop
Authors: Weber Jana M. , Lindenmeyer Constantin P. , Liò Pietro , Lapkin Alexei A.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Approaches to solving sustainability problems require a specific problem-solving mode, encompassing the complexity, fuzziness and interdisciplinary nature of the problem. This paper aims to promote a complex systems’ view of addressing sustainability problems, in particular through the tool of network science, and provides an outline of an interdisciplinary training workshop.

Design/methodology/approach

The topic of the workshop is the analysis of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a political action plan. The authors are interested in the synergies and trade-offs between the goals, which are investigated through the structure of the underlying network. The authors use a teaching approach aligned with sustainable education and transformative learning.

Findings

Methodologies from network science are experienced as valuable tools to familiarise students with complexity and to handle the proposed case study.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first work which uses network terminology and approaches to teach sustainability problems. This work highlights the potential of network science in sustainability education and contributes to accessible material.
Making distribution operations lean: the management system approach in a case
Authors: Ayough Ashkan , Rafiei Reza , Shabbak Ashkan
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a distribution management system that determines the path toward lean distribution through teamwork. This system introduces a set of lean distribution initiatives regarding the structural and strategic facets of organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

Through studying the case, which is one of the largest distribution companies in the Middle East, the deployment process of the developed system is examined through chartering focus, deployment and operational teams. These teams held several rounds of panel discussions to formulate the strategic, tactical and technical plans required for making distribution operations lean.

Findings

It is found that the strategic focus of the case should not only be restricted to distribution initiatives but also the company can achieve a suitable competitive position by focusing on leadership and integral architecture of information, distribution and transportation channels. The first semi-year cycle of implementing the lean distribution system in the case targeted a 2.5% reduction in the ratio of distribution cost to sales by planning for the cross-docking adoption. It also aimed at a 10% increase in the market share for the prioritized market by a 20% reduction in lost sales owing to improper implementation of the processes.

Originality/value

The developed lean distribution management system is novel in the way it includes the strategy, structure and capabilities of an organization. Deploying this system causes a meaningful connection between lean distribution principles and operational initiatives.
The impact of social visibility of VIP services on satisfaction
Authors: Cao Zhongpeng
Published: March 2021

Purpose

From the perspective of customer segmentation, most scholars show more interest in the very important person (VIP) customer’s service experience and satisfaction; however, the way in which ordinary customers view VIP services has received less attention. Based on fairness heuristic theory and social comparison theory, this study aims to examine the impact of the social visibility of VIP services on ordinary customers’ satisfaction and explored the underlying mechanisms and boundary conditions of this effect.

Design/methodology/approach

Two experiments were conducted, Study 1 verified the main effect and mediating effect, Study 2 tested the moderating effect.

Findings

The results show that the social visibility of VIP services decreases ordinary customers’ satisfaction and perceived fairness mediates this effect. The deservingness of VIP status moderates the connection between social visibility and perceived fairness.

Research limitations/implications

This research changes the objects of VIP services research and focuses on ordinary customers as its main group and expands the scope of social comparisons among customers.

Practical implications

The findings expand the scope and perspective of research on VIP services and provide guidance to service providers to reduce ordinary customers’ feelings of unfairness so as to improve customer satisfaction.

Originality/value

This study explores the effect of the social visibility of VIP services on ordinary customer satisfaction from the perspective of perceived fairness, as well as the underlying mechanism and boundary conditions of the effect.
Developing organisational citizenship behaviour for the environment: the contingency role of environmental management practices
Authors: Aslam Haris , Azeem Muhammad Umer , Bajwa Sami Ullah , Ramish Asher , Saeed Amer
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Drawing on the “substitute for leadership” theory, this study investigates the mediating role of employee attitude between supervisory support and employee’s organisational citizenship behaviour for the environment. It also explicates the role of environmental management practices, as substitute for supervisory support in this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Time-lagged data (n = 235) were collected from middle- and upper-level management employees working in manufacturing and service sector organisations in Pakistan. Hypotheses were tested using structural equation modelling and regression analysis.

Findings

The findings reveal that supervisory support enhances employee attitudes towards pro-environmental behaviour, which in turn increases employees’ tendency to involve in organisational citizenship behaviour for the environment. However, the formal environmental management practices of the organisation serve as a substitute for the supervisory support because, if such formal practices are followed, the role of supervisory support becomes less significant.

Originality/value

This study is the maiden attempt to apply the “substitute for leadership” theory to the study of organisation citizenship behaviour for the environment. Moreover, it adds to the largely overlooked dimension of the research area concerning the inter-relationships between employees’, supervisory and organisational level antecedents of organisational citizenship behaviour for the environment.
Gen Y consumers' brand loyalty: a brand romance perspective
Authors: Rathnayake Dilan Tharindu
Published: March 2021

Purpose

As Generation Y is considered to be a lucrative segment for emerging devices, this study investigates the effect of emotional brand attachment, from the brand romance perspective, on brand loyalty of Generation Y smartphone users. Furthermore, this study examines gender differences in the same relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a cross-sectional survey method and data was collected from 300 respondents. Data was analyzed using the structural equation modelling (SEM) approach and multi-group analysis was performed to examine gender differences in the model.

Findings

Results revealed that all three aspects of brand romance (pleasure, arousal and dominance) have a positive impact on smartphone brand loyalty. It further denotes that the relationship between brand romance and brand loyalty differs from males to females.

Originality/value

This study makes a significant contribution by examining emotional attachment and brand loyalty of Generation Y consumers, which has been less investigated. Furthermore, both attitudinal and behavioral brand loyalty has been considered in this study, which has largely been overlooked in similar studies. Examining the gender difference in the above relationship is an additional contribution.
A study into the pros and cons of ISO 18404: viewpoints from leading academics and practitioners
Authors: Antony Jiju , McDermott Olivia , Sony Michael , Cudney Elizabeth A. , Snee Ronald D. , Hoerl Roger W.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to present and summarise the arguments for and against the ISO 18404 standard and the perceived advantages and disadvantages of implementing it.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative interview approach was utilised by interviewing a panel of leading academics and practitioners familiar with Lean Six Sigma.

Findings

The results indicate that Lean Six Sigma professionals have conflicting opinions on ISO 18404. An overwhelming majority of the panel questioned the “quality” of the standard and whether it is “fit for purpose”, while others see the advantages of a common standard in helping continuous improvement deployment.

Research limitations/implications

As the standard has not been widely adopted, there were limited examples on ISO 18404 discussion in the literature. Much of the current literature focuses on the theoretical application of the standard, with sparse practical examples providing case study deployment. Also, the interviews were short and at a high level. There is an opportunity for further study and analysis. It was difficult to find qualified interviewees who were familiar with the standard. A very real constraint when conducting research into ISO 18404 is to obtain a balanced view of the standard from those who have a vested interest in its continuation and evolution, or not.

Originality/value

The paper provides a resource for people to obtain insight into the value or non-value add of a standard in Lean Six Sigma and the appropriate details of such a standard. These results can form the basis of a case for the implementation of the standard for those organisations currently trying to decide whether to implement it or not.
Tourism education in France and sustainable development goal 4 (quality education)
Authors: Seraphin Hugues , Bah Mamadou , Fyall Alan , Gowreesunkar Vanessa G.B.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This study aims to focus on the phenomenon of “over-education” characterized by a discrepancy between education provided and the needs of the economy vis-à-vis employment. The study considers this issue with reference to tourism and courses taught in the field. Specifically, the phenomenon of over-education is investigated with reference to university graduates in tourism and their employability in the sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The research design draws from secondary data derived from a review of the literature on tourism and education.

Findings

The findings point to a need to consider aspects of tourism (field of study and discipline) in destination management. This is to avoid discrepancy at macro and micro levels and at a discipline and industry level. This strategy would also help to ensure synergy between tourism education and the needs of the tourism industry as advocated by the Helix model.

Originality/value

By focussing on over-education, this study shows that Sustainable development goal (SDG) 4, which relates to quality education, may be addressed. The outcome of the study also leads to the conclusion that SDG 4 should be based on not only access to education and school enrolment rates at all levels, particularly for girls, but also the relationship between education and actual employment.
Sustainable development goals and the hotel sector: case examples and implications
Authors: Bacari Chaarani , Séraphin Hugues , Gowreesunkar Vanessa G.B.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This study offers insights on the sustainable development goals (SDGs) initiatives of five international hotels, namely, Ibis Getafe, NH Hotels, Occidental Hotels and Resorts, Mariposa Hotel and the Zanzibar Collection. The objective is to show how hoteliers around the world engage in sustainable action. The paper mainly focuses on the Zanzibar Collection, where one of the co-authors served as a hotel general manager.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on case studies and the narratives that are based on one of the co-authors’ life experiences. Data is derived from a number of case studies which are analysed in an exploratory and descriptive way.

Findings

The findings show that the hotel sector is committed to the SDG, but there are variations in the ways hotels address the SDGs. Based on the findings, it would seem that the hotels studied cover most of the SDGs, as they are seen contributing in the three main spheres of sustainability, namely, the economy, society and the environment.

Originality/value

The five hotels profiled are engaged in responsible action that is sustainable and reduces the ecological impact. These actions have a positive impact on guests, staff and hoteliers. The findings may serve as guidance to hotels which have not yet committed to implementing the SDG goals.
The type of substrate does not influence the intraspecific population structure of shrub‐tree species in the Brazilian savanna
Authors: Rodrigues Pinto José Roberto , Reis R. dos Santos Tassiana , Moser Pamela
Published: March 2021

Local environmental conditions influence the occurrence and abundance of populations, and therefore, the contribution of the same species to the ecological structure and processes of communities can vary in different environments. We investigated the influence of the substrate on the intraspecific population structure of four shrub‐tree species from the Brazilian savanna (Aspidosperma tomentosum, Byrsonima pachyphylla, Davilla elliptica, and Ouratea hexasperma) that occur in adjacent areas, but under different environmental conditions: in shallow soils with rocky outcrops and steep relief in Rupestrian Savanna, and in deep soils and flat relief in Typical savanna. We hypothesized that the relief and physical–chemical conditions of the soil in the Rupestrian Savanna limit the establishment and development of species regarding the abundance of individuals and the horizontal and vertical structure of populations. We found that in the Rupestrian Savanna, the soil has higher levels of total cation exchange capacity and phosphorus, while in Typical Savanna, it is associated with higher pH, base saturation, and clay levels. We show that intraspecific variations do not differ between the two environments in number of individuals, average values of trunk diameter, and total plant height. We observed that the same species contributes in different ways to the structuring of communities in both environments. Our hypothesis was rejected because the population structure was not molded by the substrate type. We conclude that the shrub‐tree species seem to find adaptive alternatives to colonize the different types of substrates, for example, establishing in less stressful microhabitats on the rocky environments.
Quality and Cost of Care by Hospital Teaching Status: What Are the Differences?
Authors: SLOAN FRANK A.
Published: March 2021

Policy Points

In two respects, quality of care tends to be higher at major teaching hospitals: process of care and long‐term survival of cancer patients following initial diagnosis. There is also evidence that short‐term (30‐day) mortality is lower on average at such hospitals, although the quality of evidence is somewhat lower.

Quality of care is mulitdimensional. Empirical evidence by teaching status on dimensions other than survival is mixed.

Higher Medicare payments for care provided by major teaching hospitals are partially offset by lower payments to nonhospital providers. Nevertheless, the payment differences between major teaching and nonteaching hospitals for hospital stays, especially for complex cases, potentially increase prices other insurers pay for hospital care.

Context

The relative performance of teaching hospitals has been discussed for decades. For private and public insurers with provider networks, an issue is whether having a major teaching hospital in the network is a “must.” For traditional fee‐for‐service Medicare, there is an issue of adequacy of payment of hospitals with various attributes, including graduate medical education (GME) provision. Much empirical evidence on relative quality and cost has been published. This paper aims to (1) evaluate empirical evidence on relative quality and cost of teaching hospitals and (2) assess what the findings indicate for public and private insurer policy.

Methods

Complementary approaches were used to select studies for review. (1) Relevant studies highly cited in Web of Science were selected. (2) This search led to studies cited by these studies as well as studies that cited these studies. (3) Several literature reviews were helpful in locating pertinent studies. Some policy‐oriented papers were found in Google under topics to which the policy applied. (4) Several papers were added based on suggestions of reviewers.

Findings

Quality of care as measured in process of care studies and in longitudinal studies of long‐term survival of cancer patients tends to be higher at major teaching hospitals. Evidence on survival at 30 days post admission for common conditions and procedures also tends to favor such hospitals. Findings on other dimensions of relative quality are mixed. Hospitals with a substantial commitment to graduate medical education, major teaching hospitals, are about 10% to 20% more costly than nonteaching hospitals. Private insurers pay a differential to major teaching hospitals at this range's lower end. Inclusive of subsidies, Medicare pays major teaching hospitals substantially more than 20% extra, especially for complex surgical procedures.

Conclusions

Based on the evidence on quality, there is reason for patients to be willing to pay more for inclusion of major teaching hospitals in private insurer networks at least for some services. Medicare payment for GME has long been a controversial policy issue. The actual indirect cost of GME is likely to be far less than the amount Medicare is currently paying hospitals.
Why France Spends Less Than the United States on Drugs: A Comparative Study of Drug Pricing and Pricing Regulation
Authors: RAIMOND VÉRONIQUE C. , FELDMAN WILLIAM B. , ROME BENJAMIN N. , KESSELHEIM AARON S.
Published: March 2021

Policy Points

 Spending on prescription drugs is much higher per capita in the United States than in most other industrialized nations, including France.

 Lower prescription drug spending in France is due to different approaches to managing drug prices, volume of prescribing, and global health budgets.

 Linking a drug's price to value both at the launch of the drug and over its lifetime is key to controlling spending. Regulations on prescription volume and global spending complement the interventions on prices.

 If the United States adopted the French approach to regulating drug pricing, Medicare could potentially save billions of dollars annually on prescription drug spending.

Context

Prescription drug spending per capita in the United States is higher than in most other industrialized countries. Policymakers seeking to lower drug spending often suggest benchmarking prices against other countries, including France, which spends half as much as the United States per capita on prescription drugs. Because differences in drug prices may result from how markets are organized in each nation, we sought to directly compare drug prices and pricing regulations between the United States and France.

Methods

For the six brand‐name drugs with the highest gross expenditures in Medicare Part D in 2017, we compared the price dynamics in France and the United States between 2010 and 2018 and analyzed associations between price changes in each country and key regulatory events. We also comprehensively reviewed US and French laws and regulations related to drug pricing.

Findings

Prices for the six drugs studied were higher in the United States than in France. In 2018, if Medicare had paid French prices for the brand‐name drugs in our cohort, the agency would have saved $5.1 billion. We identified 12 factors that explain why the United States spends more than France on drugs, including variations in unit prices and the volume of prescriptions, driven by use of health technology assessment and value‐based pricing in France.

Conclusions

Key drivers of lower drug spending in France compared to the United States are that the French government regulates drug prices when products are launched and prohibits substantial price increases after launch. The regulation of prescription drugs in France is governed by rules that can inform discussions of US prescription drug policy and potential Medicare price negotiations.
Are forensic scientists too risk averse?
Authors: Mannering Willa M. , Vogelsang Macgregor D. , Busey Thomas A. , Mannering Fred L.
Published: March 2021

Fingerprint examiners maintain decision thresholds that represent the amount of evidence required for an identification or exclusion conclusion. As measured by error rate studies (Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2011;108(19):7733–8), these decision thresholds currently exhibit a preference for preventing erroneous identification errors at the expense of preventing erroneous exclusion errors. The goal of this study is to measure the decision thresholds for both fingerprint examiners and members of the general public, to determine whether examiners are more risk averse than potential jury members. To externally measure these decision thresholds, subjects manipulated decision criteria in a web‐based visualization that reflects the trade‐offs between erroneous identification decisions and erroneous exclusion decisions. Data from fingerprint examiners and the general public were compared to determine whether both groups have similar values as expressed by the placement of the decision criteria. The results of this study show that fingerprint examiners are more risk averse than members of the general public, although they align with error rate studies of fingerprint examiners. Demographic data demonstrate those factors that may contribute to differences in decision criterion placement, both between the two groups and between individuals within a group. The experimental methods provide a rich framework for measuring, interpreting, and responding to the values of society as applied to forensic decision‐making.
COVID‐19: emergence and mutational diversification of SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Brüssow Harald
Published: March 2021

The origin of the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus is not yet defined, but a viral zoonosis from bats – with or without an alternative animal as an intermediate host – is still the most likely hypothesis. The intensive virological and epidemiological research combined with massive sequencing efforts of whole viral genomes allowed an unprecedented analysis of an unfolding pandemic at the level of viral evolution with the documentation of extinction events, prevalence increases and rise to dominance for different viral lineages that provide not only fundamental insights into mechanisms of viral evolution, but influence also public health measures to contain the virus.
Evaluating the strength of spinal and proximal girdle muscles in patients with axial spondyloarthritis: Correlation with activity, disability, and functionality
Authors: Yurdakul Ozan Volkan , Ince Ozlenen Eylul , Bagcier Fatih , Kara Mert , Kultur Esra , Aydin Teoman
Published: March 2021

Aim

To compare the muscle strength of muscle groups in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) patients with the muscle powers of healthy volunteers and to examine the relationship of muscle strengths with disease activity, functionality, and disability.

Method

One hundred males (50 axSpA, 50 healthy) were included in the study. Bath Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Functional Index (BASFI), and Health Assessment Questionnaire‐Disability Index (HAQ‐DI) scores were recorded. The maximum (max) and mean cervical flexion, extension, lateral flexion (CF, CE, CLF), truncal flexion, extension (TF, TE), root joint flexion, extension, abduction, internal and external rotation (SF, SE, SAB, SIR and SER for the shoulder; HF, HE, HAB, HIR and HER for the hip) muscle strengths of the patients in both groups were measured by a handheld dynamometer. Total muscle strength (CT, TT, ST, HT) was found according to the sum of the max and mean values for each region.

Results

All muscle strengths were lower in the axSpA group compared to the healthy volunteers. The symptom duration was found to have a weak‐moderate negative correlation with CT, TT, ST, HT and all individual muscle strengths except for the TE, CF, HIR, and HER. BASDAI and HAQ‐DI had weak‐moderate negative correlations with HIR and HER. BASFI had a weak‐moderate negative correlation with cervical measurements, TE, TF, SF, SER, SIR, and hip measurements.

Conclusion

All muscle strengths were lower in patients compared to healthy volunteers. Strengthening specific muscle groups for the desired goal can be a reasonable strategy. The study is prospectively registered and available at www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04435860).