bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Human Nickel Microbiome and its relationship to Allergy and Overweight in Women
Authors: Lusi E.A. , Santino I. , Petrucca A. , Zollo V. , Magri F. , O’Shea D , Tammaro A.
Published: February 2019

Introduction

Nickel exposure usually presents as Allergic Contact Dermatitis. However, Nickel not only causes dermatitis, but an excess of dietary Nickel is reported to be responsible for overweight, metabolic disorders and imbalance of gut microflora.

Objective

The aim of study is to expand a preliminary reported evidence of the presence of Nickel-resistant bacteria isolated in human microbiome and further evaluate their association with nickel allergy and overweight in females, the gender mostly affected by Nickel exposure.

Materials and Methods

We collected stool samples from 11 lean female with a nickel allergy (BMI <25) and 17 overweight nickel allergic subjects (BMI >25). 11 subjects not allergic to nickel served as control group. Stool cultures were supplemented with increasing concentrations of nickel sulphate (NiSO4⋅6H2O) from 0.1mM up to 50 mM, in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions(culturomics-approach Lusi, 2017). Stool cultures not supplemented with nickel were used as controls. Identification of Nickel resistant bacteria was made by MALDI-TOF technology.

Results

In control subjects, 5 mM NiSO4 was the cut off for microbial growth. Conversely, gut bacteria continued to grow at concentration higher than 5 mM in allergic subjects. In particular, Nickel resistant bacteria able to tolerate 32 mM of NiSO4 was detected in 10% of lean allergic and 29% of overweight allergic females. Gut microbes able to grow in at extremely high NiSO4 concentration (50mM) could only be detected in overweight patients with a severe nickel allergy. At increasing NiSO4 concentration, allergic females, especially those with increased BMI, showed a progressive decrease ofEnterobacteriaceaealong with an increased presence ofLactobacillaceae,BacillaceaeandClostridiaceaecompared to control subjects. Major changes in microbial composition were noted at 50 mM of NiSO4 in overweight allergic females.

Conclusion

Overweight females with a nickel allergy harbor gut microbes highly resistant to nickel and the role of these bacterial strains must be further elucidated.
Accelerating Dissociative Events in Molecular Dynamics Simulations by Selective Potential Scaling
Authors: Deb Indrajit , Frank Aaron T.
Published: February 2019

Molecular dynamics (or MD) simulations can be a powerful tool for modeling complex dissociative processes such as ligand unbinding. However, many biologically relevant dissociative processes occur on timescales that far exceed the timescales of typical MD simulations. Here, we implement and apply an enhanced sampling method in which specific energy terms in the potential energy function are selectively “scaled” to accelerate dissociative events during simulations. Using ligand unbinding as an example of a complex dissociative process, we selectively scaled-up ligand-water interactions in an attempt to increase the rate of ligand unbinding. By applying our selectively scaled MD (or ssMD) approach to three cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2)-inhibitor complexes, we were able to significantly accelerate ligand unbinding thereby allowing, in some cases, unbinding events to occur within as little as 2 ns. Moreover, we found that we could make realistic estimates of the unbinding as well as the binding free energies (∆Gsim) of the three inhibitors from our ssMD simulation data. To accomplish this, we employed a previously described Kramers’-based rate extrapolation (KRE) method and a newly described free energy extrapolation (FEE) method. Because our ssMD approach is general, it should find utility as an easy-to-deploy, enhanced sampling method for modeling other dissociative processes.
Real-time computation of the TMS-induced electric field in a realistic head model
Authors: Stenroos Matti , Koponen Lari
Published: February 2019

Background

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is often targeted using a model of TMS-induced electric field (E). In such navigated TMS, the E-field models have been based on spherical approximation of the head. Such models omit the effects of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) on the E-field, leading to potentially large errors in the computed field. So far, realistic models have been too slow for interactive TMS navigation.

Objective

We present computational methods that enable real-time solving of the E-field in a realistic head model that contains the CSF.

Methods

Using reciprocity and Geselowitz integral equation, we separate the computations to coil-dependent and -independent parts. For the coil-dependent part of Geselowitz integrals, we present a fast numerical quadrature. Further, we present a moment-matching approach for optimizing dipole-based coil models. We verify the new methods using simulations in a realistic head model that contains the brain, CSF, skull, and scalp.

Results

The new quadrature introduces a relative error of 1.1%. The total error of the quadrature and coil model was 1.43% and 1.15% for coils with 38 and 76 dipoles, respectively. The difference between our head model and a simpler realistic model that omits the CSF was 29%. Using a standard PC and a 38-dipole coil, our solver computed the E-field in 84 coil positions per second in 20000 points on the cortex.

Conclusion

The presented methods enable real-time solving of the TMS-induced E-field in a realistic head model that contains the CSF. The new methodology allows more accurate targeting and precise adjustment of intensity during experimental or clinical TMS mapping.
Machine Learning Methods to Identify Genetic Correlates of Radiation-Associated Contralateral Breast Cancer in the WECARE Study
Authors: Lee Sangkyu , Liang Xiaolin , Woods Meghan , Reiner Anne S. , Thomas Duncan , Concannon Patrick , Bernstein Leslie , Lynch Charles F. , Boice John D. , Deasy Joseph O. , Bernstein Jonine L. , Oh Jung Hun
Published: February 2019

The purpose of this study is to identify germline single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that optimally predict radiation-associated contralateral breast cancer (RCBC) and to provide new biological insights into the carcinogenic process. Fifty-two women with contralateral breast cancer and 153 women with unilateral breast cancer were identified within the Women’s Environmental Cancer and Radiation Epidemiology (WECARE) Study who were at increased risk of RCBC because they were ≤ 40 years of age at first diagnosis of breast cancer and received a scatter radiation dose > 1 Gy to the contralateral breast. A previously reported algorithm, preconditioned random forest regression, was applied to predict the risk of developing RCBC. The resulting model produced an area under the curve of 0.62 (p=0.04) on hold-out validation data. The biological analysis identified the cyclic AMP-mediated signaling and Ephrin-A as significant biological correlates, which were previously shown to influence cell survival after radiation in an ATM-dependent manner. The key connected genes and proteins that are identified in this analysis were previously identified as relevant to breast cancer, radiation response, or both. In summary, machine learning/bioinformatics methods applied to genome-wide genotyping data have great potential to reveal plausible biological correlates associated with the risk of RCBC.
First results from the XMCD facility at the Energy-Dispersive EXAFS beamline of the Indus-2 synchrotron source
Authors: Patra N. , Sachan U. G. P. S. , SundarRajan S. , Malhotra Sanjay , Harad Vijay , Agarwal Ankur , Divedi Ashutosh , Jha S. N. , Bhattacharyya D.
Published: February 2019

Setting up of the X-ray Magnetic Circular Dichroism (XMCD) measurement facility with hard X-rays at the Energy-Dispersive EXAFS beamline (BL-08) at the Indus-2 synchrotron source is reported. This includes the design and development of a water-cooled electromagnet having a highest magnetic field of 2 T in a good field volume of 125 mm3 and having a 10 mm hole throughout for passage of the synchrotron beam. This also includes the development of an (X–Z–θ) motion stage for the heavy electromagnet for aligning its axis and the beam hole along the synchrotron beam direction. Along with the above developments, also reported is the first XMCD signal measured on a thick Gd film in the above set-up which shows good agreement with the reported results. This is the first facility to carry out XMCD measurement with hard X-rays in India.
The structure of the anti-aging agent J147 used for treating Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Clarkson Guy J. , Farrán M. Ángeles , Claramunt Rosa M. , Alkorta Ibon , Elguero José
Published: February 2019

The molecular structure of the anti-aging agent J147 [systematic name: (E)-N-(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-2,2,2-trifluoro-N′-(3-methoxybenzylidene)acetohydrazide], C18H17F3N2O2, has been determined at 150 K. The crystal structure corresponds to the minimum-energy conformation in the gas phase calculated by density functional theory (DFT). 15 other conformations have been calculated and compared with the minimum, denoted 1111. NMR spectroscopic data have been obtained and compared with those from Gauge Independent Atomic Orbital (GIAO) calculations. DFT calculations allow the reduction of the 16 possible rotamers to the four most stable (i.e.
1111, 1112, 1121 and 1222); in addition, the calculated barriers connecting these minima are low enough to permit their interconversion. Comparison of the NMR spectroscopic results, both experimental and calculated, point to the 1121 isomer being present in chloroform solution.
Characterizing modulated structures with first-principles calculations: a unified superspace scheme of ordering in mullite
Authors: Klar Paul Benjamin , Etxebarria Iñigo , Madariaga Gotzon
Published: February 2019

The benefit of computational methods applying density functional theory for the description and understanding of modulated crystal structures is investigated. A method is presented which allows one to establish, improve and test superspace models including displacive and occupational modulation functions from first-principles calculations on commensurate structures. The total energies of different configurations allow one to distinguish stable and less stable structure models. The study is based on a series of geometrically optimized superstructures of mullite (Al4+2xSi2−2xO10−x) derived from the superspace groupPbam(α0½)0ss. Despite the disordered and structurally complex nature of mullite, the calculations on ordered superstructures are very useful for determining the ideal Al/Si ordering in mullite, extracting atomic modulation functions as well as understanding the SiO2–Al2O3phase diagram. The results are compared with experimentally established models which confirm the validity and utility of the presented method.
Crystal structure of 3-methoxy-4-[2-(thiazol-2-yl)diazen-1-yl]aniline monohydrate
Authors: Phiromphu Nutchanikan , Chainok Kittipong , Songsasen Apisit , Duangthongyou Tanwawan
Published: February 2019

In the title hydrated azo dye, C10H10N4OS·H2O, the benzene and thiazole, are nearly coplanar, with a dihedral angle between their mean planes of 4.69 (17)°. The aromatic rings on the –N=N– moiety exhibit a trans configuration. The crystal structure features many types of intermolecular interactions involving all the functional groups – strong hydrogen bonds (N...H and O...H), weak hydrogen bonds (C—H...O and C—H...N), C—H...π and π–π interactions – resulting in the formation of a three-dimensional framework.
Additive manufacturing – digitally changing the global business landscape
Authors: Öberg Christina
Published: February 2019

Purpose

Additive manufacturing, that is, layer-based manufacturing technologies, is thought to change supply chain operations from global to local, while also affecting design processes and product structures. As this transformation happens, a power struggle among various actors relating themselves to additive manufacturing has emerged. The purpose of this paper is to discuss and explain the development of additive manufacturing from a power dependence point of view.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on data collected from a number of seminars hosting a total of 620 industry experts representing 102 companies in the area, and reflecting every step of the supply chain.

Findings

The paper points out how measures to deal and create power imbalances occur also related to indirect parties, and how the disruptive character of the supply chain leads to exercised power.

Originality/value

The power struggle provides new insights into how an emerging technology is realised and the effect of protectionism on such attempts. Specifically related to additive manufacturing, the paper illustrates the business side from various actors’ point of view, which adds to technological perspectives on additive manufacturing, as well as studies viewing the supply chain from a bird’s-eye perspective.
US hotel industry revenue: an ARDL bounds testing approach
Authors: Chen Han , Chen Rui , Bernard Shaniel , Rahman Imran
Published: February 2019

Purpose

This study aims to develop a parsimonious model to estimate US aggregate hotel industry revenue using domestic trips, consumer confidence index, international inbound trips, personal consumption expenditure and number of hotel rooms as predictor variables. Additionally, the study applied the model in six sub-segments of the hotel industry – luxury, upper upscale, upscale, upper midscale, midscale and economy.

Design/methodology/approach

Using monthly aggregate data from the past 22 years, the study adopted the auto-regressive distribute lags (ARDL) approach in developing the estimation model. Unit root analysis and cointegration test were further utilized. The model showed significant utility in accurately estimating aggregate hotel industry and sub-segment revenue.

Findings

All predictor variables except number of rooms showed significant positive influences on aggregate hotel industry revenue. Substantial variations were noted regarding estimating sub-segment revenue. Consumer confidence index positively affected all sub-segment revenues, except for upper upscale hotels. Inbound trips by international tourists and personal consumption expenditure positively influenced revenue for all sub-segments but economy hotels. Domestic trips by US residents added significant explanatory power to only upper upscale, upscale and economy hotel revenue. Number of hotel rooms only had significant negative effect on luxury and upper upscale hotel sub-segment revenues.

Practical implications

Hotel operators can make marketing and operating decisions regarding pricing, inventory allocation and strategic management based on the revenue estimation models specific to their segments.

Originality/value

It is the first study that adopted the ARDL bound approach and analyzed the predictive capacity of macroeconomic variables on aggregate hotel industry and sub-segment revenue.
Transformational leadership and restaurant employees customer-oriented behaviours
Authors: Mostafa Ahmed Mohammed Sayed
Published: February 2019

Purpose

This study aims to propose and test a sequential mediation model in which transformational leadership engenders organizational social capital (OSC), which, in turn, enhances customer-oriented behaviours through work engagement.

Design methodology approach

The study’s model was tested using a sample of 229 floor staff from 23 casual dining restaurants in the UK. Multiple source data were used where transformational leadership, OSC and work engagement were rated by employees, while employees’ customer-oriented behaviours were rated by supervisors.

Findings

The results of generalized multilevel structural equation modeling provided support for the proposed model and revealed that OSC and work engagement sequentially mediate the link between transformational leadership and customer-oriented behaviours.

Originality value

The study addresses calls for research on the link between leadership and customer-oriented behaviours and the potential mechanisms through which this relationship may take place.
Co-creation of value using hotel interactive technologies: examining intentions and conversion
Authors: Morosan Cristian , DeFranco Agnes
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to validate a conceptual model that examined consumers’ intentions to use hotel interactive technologies (HINT) and their conversion behaviors in hotels. The model was built on consumers’ participation in consumer–firm interactions, their level of innovativeness and their perceived benefit of using interactive technologies as antecedents of intentions and conversion.

Design/methodology/approach

The conceptual model was built upon the service-dominant (S-D) logic, technology adoption, social psychology and marketing theory. Using structural equation modeling, the model was validated using a nationwide sample of 841 consumers who have stayed in hotels that offered interactive technologies.

Findings

Consumers’ information system habit and hedonic motivations influenced their participation in consumer–firm interactions when using HINT. In turn, participation and innovativeness influenced conversion behavior, while innovativeness and perceived benefit of using interactive technologies influenced intentions to use such technologies.

Research limitations/implications

This study extends the S-D logic, technology adoption, social psychology and marketing literature by validating a model that blends system perceptions, consumer characteristics and information system-related behaviors to explicate intentions and conversion. Thus, this study illustrates the modeling/evaluation of such blended models.

Practical implications

The study provides hoteliers a layout of the factors influencing consumers’ intentions to use interactive technologies and conversion. It also explains how participation in consumer–firm interactions and perceived benefit have contrasting roles in influencing consumers’ intentions and conversion behavior.

Originality/value

This study examined two distinct concepts that reflect the value co-created in hotel settings due to technology-based consumer–firm interactions: consumers’ intentions to use interactive technologies and their actual conversion behavior. The study also recognized the pivotal role of participation in influencing conversion and emphasized the contrasting roles of participation and perceived benefit in influencing longer-term (i.e. intentions) and short-term (i.e. conversion) behavior.
Scoping irresponsible behaviour in hospitality and tourism: widening the perspective of CSR
Authors: Volgger Michael , Huang Songshan Sam
Published: February 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to broaden the understanding of social responsibility in hospitality and tourism by positioning it in the wider context of responsibilities for deviant behaviour. The paper presents a critical literature review that scopes responsible and irresponsible behaviour of different stakeholders in hospitality and tourism and tackles some of the often-unquestioned assumptions of CSR, including who should be held accountable for ensuring responsibility (“the onus of responsibility”).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper follows the methods and structure of a critical, concept-driven literature review. The literature review is inclusive in terms of its source material and covers different research traditions and study fields.

Findings

The paper helps to overcome two unquestioned assumptions of CSR, i.e. that tourism responsibility is located best at the self-regulating business level and that responsible behaviour is preferred as a focus which oftentimes overshadows the issue of irresponsible behaviour. CSR is positioned as one approach amongst many to govern and tackle deviant tourism behaviour. Moreover, CSR’s blind spot on irresponsibility is removed.

Originality/value

The paper is the first one to integrate the literature of CSR in hospitality and tourism with the literature on deviant tourism behaviour and on corporate social irresponsibility and can thereby cross-fertilise and broaden the three perspectives. The paper contributes to the literature by substantially widening the perspective of CSR in hospitality and tourism, thus opening new avenues of research.
The curvilinear effect of task conflict on idea generation
Authors: Chen Xingwen , Liu Jun , Yuan Yiwei , Cui Xun
Published: February 2019

Purpose

Previous research has yielded inconsistent findings of the effects that task conflict has on creative outcomes, with some research finding a negative relationship but others holding a positive or even no significant relationship. Drawing on the too-much-of-a-good-thing effect approach, this paper aims to investigate the curvilinear relations between task conflict and creative idea generation as well as the mediating role of task reflexivity and the moderating role of task complexity.

Design/methodology/approach

Two studies were carried out to test the proposed relationship. In Study 1, multisource and lagged data collected from 533 employees and 140 corresponding supervisors were used to test the curvilinear relationship between task conflict and creative idea generation as well as the moderating effect of task complexity. In Study 2, the authors extended the findings by exploring the mediating effect of task reflexivity using a matched sample of 350 employees and 99 corresponding supervisors.

Findings

Task conflict had an inverted U-shaped relationship with creative idea generation, and task reflexivity partially mediated this relationship. Besides, this association was moderated by task complexity such that the curvilinear relationship was more pronounced for tasks with lower complexity.

Research limitations/implications

This study was more or less contaminated by common method variance because some variables were derived from the same sources. Also, task conflict might be necessitated to differentiate and more situational variables should be considered to draw a complete picture.

Practical implications

Managers should undertake conflict management according to the levels of task conflict and task complexity. At a lower degree of task conflict, managers might motivate employees to think more about task-related issues; at higher levels of task conflict, managers should act as conflict mediators to reduce the underlying negative effects, especially for simple tasks.

Originality/value

These findings could help us understand the boundary conditions under, and the underlying mechanisms by, which task conflict has an impact on creative idea generation.
Where less is more: institutional voids and business families in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Murithi William , Vershinina Natalia , Rodgers Peter
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to offer a conceptual interpretation of the role business families play in the institutional context of sub-Saharan Africa, characterised by voids within the formal institutional setting. Responding to calls to take a holistic perspective of the institutional environment, we develop a conceptual model, showcasing the emergence of relational familial logics within business families that enable these enterprising organisations to navigate the political, economic and socio-cultural terrain of this institutional context.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors undertake a review of extant literature on institutional theory, institutional voids, family business and business families and examine the relevance of these theoretical constructs in relation to the institutional environment of Sub-Saharan Africa. The authors offer tentative propositions within our conceptualisation, which the authors discuss in an inductive fashion.

Findings

The review underlines the relevance of informal political, economic and socio-cultural institutions within the sub-Saharan context, within which the family as an institution drives business families engagement in institutional entrepreneurship. In doing so, the authors argue business families are best positioned to navigate the existing Sub-Saharan African institutional context. The authors underline the critical relevance of the embeddedness of social relationships that underpin relational familial logic within the sub-Saharan African collectivist socio-cultural system.

Originality/value

By challenging the assumptions that institutional voids are empty spaces devoid of institutions, the authors offer an alternative view that institutional voids are spaces where there exists a misalignment of formal and informal institutions. The authors argue that in such contexts within Sub-Saharan Africa, business families are best placed to harness their embeddedness within extended family and community for entrepreneurial activity. The authors argue that family and business logics may complement each other rather than compete. The discussions and propositions have implications for future research on business families and more inclusive forms of family organisations.
Evaluation of competitiveness of university with remote education
Authors: Bogoviz Aleksei V. , Lobova Svetlana , Ragulina Julia , Alekseev Alexander
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The working hypothesis of this research is that specifics of activities of university that provides remote education does not allow using the same evaluation criteria for assessment of its competitiveness that allow assessing competitiveness of university that provides traditional education. The purpose of this paper is to verify the offered hypothesis, study the modern Russian experience of evaluating the competitiveness of university that provides remote education and develop methodological recommendations for improving this process.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use the existing scientific approaches to determining competitiveness of a company, including university, for complex and comprehensive study of the set problem. The information and analytical basis of this research is formed of methodological materials of the ranking of best universities of Russia for 2017 according to independent analytical agency “RaExpert” and “Announcement of open competition for state support for leading universities of the Russian Federation for the purpose of raising their competitiveness among the leading global scientific and educational centers of the Ministry of Education and Science of the RF.”

Findings

The offered hypothesis was proved. It is concluded that modern Russia uses the same (common) criteria for evaluating competitiveness of universities, regardless of the form of provided educational services. This is incorrect from the scientific and methodological point of view, as the work shows that most criteria are characterized by different applicability as to the university that provides traditional education and the university that provides remote education.

Originality/value

Methodological provision of evaluating the university’s competitiveness that provides remote education is elaborated by the authors by development of additional criteria. It is recommended to assign weight coefficients to all criteria depending on the level of applicability (importance) as to the university that provides remote education.
Formation of remote education as a means of restoration of Russian recessive regions’ economy
Authors: Bogoviz Aleksei V. , Alekseev Alexander , Akopova Elena , Przhedetskaya Natalia , Ragulina Julia
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to substantiate the perspectives of using remote education as a means of restoring Russian recessing regions’ economy and develop framework recommendations for this.

Design/methodology/approach

The set goal is achieved by finding the dependence of the values of indicators of socio-economic development on the level of development of education in Russian regions. The methods of regression and correlation analysis are used for that.

Findings

The findings showed a moderate direct connection between the development of education and socio-economic position of the region if found. Qualitative analysis allowed substantiating large perspectives of using remote education as a means of restoring Russian recessing regions’ economy, which have two manifestations. The first one is related to the increase of accessibility of educational services in Russian regions. Due to this, the potential of development of region’s human potential is better realized. Being one of the key resources in the conditions of knowledge economy, human resources stimulate the activation of entrepreneurial activities, growth of labor efficiency and innovational activity of region’s companies. The second manifestation envisages the formation of entrepreneurship in the sphere of remote education as a growth vector and source of competitive advantages of recessing region’s economy. This opens possibilities for the formation of knowledge economy in region and supporting its high competitiveness. Low capital intensity of entrepreneurship in the sphere of remote education makes it accessible for development even in recessing regions, stimulating the growth of the volume of tax revenues into the regional state budget and formation of its positive balance.

Originality/value

For the practical implementation of the determined large perspectives of using remote education as a means of restoring Russian recessing regions’ economy, authors’ framework recommendations are offered, which are aimed at the improvement of normative and legal conditions for the conduct of entrepreneurial activities in the sphere of remote education, information support for this entrepreneurship and its marketing support and promotion as a basis of region’s economy’s competitiveness.
Smart technologies: perspectives of usage in higher education
Authors: Lyapina Innara , Sotnikova Elena , Lebedeva Olga , Makarova Tatyana , Skvortsova Nataliya
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The system of higher education is ineffective – it has to change the concept of educational process, which is peculiar for increase of the volume of education of labor resources. According to this, there is a necessity to pass to the system of higher education with elements of smart technologies. The purpose of this paper is to determine the role of smart technologies as an innovational and intellectual tool in development of the system of higher education and formation of actual skills with students.

Design/methodology/approach

The aspects of classical education in universities with elements of remote forms of implementation of smart technologies on IT platforms are studied; peculiarities of smart technology as intellectual tools of higher education are analyzed; perspectives of usage of smart technologies as innovational tools for development of higher education are determined. The research methods include analysis, synthesis, abstraction, comparison and logical method.

Findings

Information technologies become an inseparable part of life of society and human. A new network generation of people that cannot imagine life without new technological devices is growing. However, despite this, modern education does not sufficiently influence the development of human capital in the conditions of digital environment.

Originality/value

Scientific novelty consists in conducting the research in the sphere of significance and perspectives of implementing smart technologies into the systems of higher education of the Russian Federation. This paper could be interesting for public officers who form the program of development of higher education and academic staff of higher educational establishments.
Internationalization of the educational services market through development of the system of remote education
Authors: Treshchevsky Yuri , Igolkin Sergey L. , Shatalov Maksim
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the possibilities and potential barriers on the path of internationalization of the educational services market through development of the system of remote education.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to determine the influence of development of the system of remote education on the process of internationalization of the educational services market, the authors use the method of regression analysis. A regression curve is built, containing the model of paired linear regression and the value of determination coefficient. The research object is the market of higher educational services – as it is subject to internationalization and distribution of remote education. The research is performed based on the 2017 data by the example of countries from various regions of the world that show different rates and levels of socio-economic development but that achieved the largest success in development of the system of remote education – the USA, the UK, Brazil, China, South Korea, Italy, Germany, India, Malaysia, Australia, South Africa and Russia. Due to the absence of the official international statistics on the issue of internationalization of the educational services market, the proprietary method is used for determining its level.

Findings

It is concluded that remote education has a slight influence on the process of internationalization of the educational services market in the countries of the world, though it has large potential in the sphere of stimulation of internationalization of the educational services market, as it allows providing educational services of equal quality and equal cost for domestic and foreign students.

Originality/value

The developed and presented model of managing the development of the remote education system of a modern university in the interests of stimulating internationalization of the educational services market allows overcoming these barriers and opening the existing potential of remote education in the sphere of stimulation of internationalization of the educational services market.
Innovational approach to diversification of activities of a modern university on the basis of remote education
Authors: Bezrukova Tatiana , Igolkin Sergey L. , Salikov Yuri , Smolyaninova Irina V. , Akhmedov Akhmed
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The working hypothesis of the paper is that modern universities are peculiar for low sustainability to the changes of external environment due to low effectiveness of applied approaches to the diversification of their activities. The purpose of this paper is to verify the offered hypothesis by the example of modern Russia and develop an innovational approach to the diversification of modern university’s activities on the basis of remote education, which has to expand the possibilities of modern universities in the sphere of diversification of their activities.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is based on the hypothetical and deductive principles with application of the method of trend analysis, which allows studying dynamics of the number of universities in modern Russia; method of classification, which allows distinguishing the main approaches to the diversification of modern university’s activities; method of comparative analysis, which allows comparing these approaches and determining their advantages and drawbacks; method of statistical analysis, which allows evaluating the effectiveness of these approaches; method of analysis of causal connections, which allows determining the logic of this innovational approach to the diversification of modern university’s activities and determining its advantages as compared to existing approaches; method of modeling the state and development of socio-economic systems. The information and evidential basis of the research are statistical materials of the Federal State Statistics Service and the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation. The research covers the time interval of 2005/2006–2016/2017.

Findings

It is substantiated that remote education opens additional possibilities in the sphere of diversification of modern university’s activities. The developed and presented innovational approach to the diversification of modern university’s activities on the basis of remote education is peculiar for higher effectiveness – as compared to the existing approaches – due to such advantages of remote education as minimum expenditures of labor and financial resources, potential large volume of market and obtaining advantages from “scale effect.”

Originality/value

The unique peculiarity and originality of the offered approach consist in the fact that remote education, which is a direction of diversification of university’s activities, is not an alternative but addition to the main educational services that are provided in the traditional form. Due to this, university enters a new market segment and strengthens its positions in the current market segment, which doubles its effect by increasing the sustainability of market positions of university.
New model of managerial education in technical university
Authors: Vanchukhina Lyubov , Leybert Tatyana , Rogacheva Anastasia , Rudneva Yulia , Khalikova Elvira
Published: February 2019

Purpose

A modern trend in the educational environment in recent years has been the permanent education system with the involvement of online study modes. It is based on multidisciplinarity and adaptivity of educational technologies, starting with the basic level of education – bachelor’s degree, and ending with gaining competences in the field of engineering and economics throughout the whole professional life of a student. The purpose of this paper is to perform a detailed analysis of development of permanent education in Russian universities, focusing on statistical data on popularity of jobs as to professional groups among employers and determining peculiarities of permanent education, based on the distinguished peculiarities of permanent education and requirements of business to develop a model of engineering and managerial education that would integrate two blocks of the educational process – engineering and economic, as well as include modern technologies of teaching.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors propose the modern model of engineering management education that is implemented in the Russian technical universities. Its distinctive feature as compared to the conventional educational technologies is gaining competences in the field of economics and management at the same time with engineering education at the second stage of education – the master’s program. The proposed model of engineering and management education results in obtainment of two diplomas by the student who is awarded with a master’s degree in engineering and a master’s degree in economics. A difference of the offered model from the traditional educational technologies is obtaining competences in the sphere of economics and management together with engineering education at the master’s program. The result of the offered model of engineering and managerial education is graduate’s receiving two diplomas with master’s degree of engineer and master of economics. The paper shows the existing mechanism of implementing the model of engineering and economic education in a technical university by the example of the master’s program in Economics “Evaluation of economic risks during technological decisions (in oil processing and oil chemistry).”

Findings

The offered model of engineering and managerial education will allow training the engineers of a new type, who will be able to adapt to new tendencies and initiate the changes that are necessary for effective functioning of business in the conditions of digital economy.

Originality/value

The offered model of engineering and managerial education should be acknowledged as an innovational educational project that raises demand for graduates through their adaptability to employer’s needs and their usage of new tools of management that are based on exchange of information data and that form managerial task for information provision of the process of decision making and their further execution.
Gender inequalities in the initial labour market experience of young Europeans
Authors: Berloffa Gabriella , Matteazzi Eleonora , Şandor Alina , Villa Paola
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate gender differences in employment status trajectories of young Europeans during their initial labour market experience, and the way in which they are affected by some labour market institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical analysis is based on EU-SILC longitudinal data (waves 2006–2012), and focusses on young people aged 16–34. Monthly information on self-declared employment statuses for 36 months is used to define “employment status trajectories”. Young people are observed in two different phases: the first three years after leaving education (first phase) and a three-year window, starting around four years after the end of education (2nd phase). Multinomial logit models are used to estimate the probability of following different trajectory types as a function of individual characteristics, macroeconomic conditions and institutional indicators.

Findings

Results show that, in the first phase, women and men face on average the same difficulties in entering the labour market. When controlling for the presence of children, non-mothers have higher chances than men to enter rapidly and successfully into the labour market, whereas young mothers have the same chances. In contrast, in the second phase women experience more fragmented pathways than men, even if they do not have children. A less stringent regulation on dismissals of employees with regular contracts could enhance women’s employment opportunities in the school-to-work transition, but it would have detrimental effects for both men and women in the subsequent years. On the contrary, a more stringent regulation on the use of temporary contracts would have beneficial effects for women, with no adverse effects for men.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the literature in several ways. First, it takes a broader perspective on youth labour market integration by considering two phases of individuals’ initial working life. Second, it combines an explicit attention to the first “significant” employment experience with a focus on individual trajectories, by adopting a new method to group trajectories. Third, it shows how the effects of labour market institutions vary by gender, highlighting the importance of considering gender-specific consequences when discussing or adopting labour market reforms.
A complex systems model for transformative supply chains in emerging markets
Authors: Yeoman Ruth , Mueller Santos Milena
Published: February 2019

Purpose

Corporations operating global value chains must grapple with a multiplicity of ethical and practical considerations, most notably when value chains extend to emerging markets. Such contexts involve interactions with diverse stakeholders who possess the ability to impact supply chain performance, but who also bring conflicting needs, values and interests. The purpose of this paper is to outline a transformative model of supply chain fairness, arguing that adopting plural fairness principles and practices generates a higher fairness equilibrium which includes all affected stakeholders in the production of fairness outcomes, with consequent positive organizational and system level impacts.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a philosophically informed overview of the literature on organizational fairness, the paper applies fairness to the management of supplier relations to identify the institutional features of ethically sustainable supply chains. The proposed conceptual model uses a complex adaptive systems approach (CADs), supplemented by describing the contribution of fairness norms and practices.

Findings

This paper argues that a transformative approach to supply chain fairness can suggest new structures for interaction between firms, stakeholders, mediating institutions and governments.

Originality/value

Emerging market supply chains are facing significant changes. Adopting a complex adaptive systems perspective upon stakeholder relationships, this paper offers insights from the theoretical literature on fairness, and proposes a normative model of supply chain fairness which accounts for both the normative and empirical aspects of relational complexity.
Integrated maintenance and production decision fork-out-of-nsystem equipment with attenuation of product quality
Authors: Xiao Shao , Chen Zhixiang , Sarker Bhaba R.
Published: February 2019

Purpose

Equipment reliability significantly impacts productivity, and in order to obtain high equipment reliability and productivity, maintenance and production decision should be made simultaneously to keep manufacturing system healthy. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the joint optimization of equipment maintenance and production decision fork-out-of-nsystem equipment with attenuation of product quality and to explore the impact of maintenance on the production and cost control for manufacturers.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi-period Markov chain model fork-out-of-nsystem equipment is set up based on the assumption that the deterioration of equipment is a pure birth process. Then, the maintenance cost, setup cost, inventory holding cost, shortage cost, production cost and the quality cost are analyzed with the uncertain demand and the attenuation of product quality stemmed from equipment deterioration. The total lowest cost per unit time and its specific calculation method are presented. Finally, the robustness and flexibility of the method are verified by a numerical example and the effects of equipment deterioration intensity and attenuation of product quality are analyzed.

Findings

The result shows that the joint decision model could not only satisfy the uncertain demand with low cost and strong robustness but also make the output products high quality level. In addition, the attenuation of product quality would influence the equipment maintenance and production decision and leads to the production waste and increases the operation cost greatly.

Originality/value

Implications derived from this study can help production maintenance managers and reliability engineers adequately select maintenance policy to improve the equipment efficiency and productivity with high quality level at a relatively low cost.
Gain cycles in healthcare workers: the role of job resources and hardy personality
Authors: Guglielmi Dina , Gallì Lorenzo , Simbula Silvia , Mazzetti Greta
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The association between resources and work engagement has been well-established among different occupational groups. The purpose of this paper is to go one step further through the investigation of the relationship between personal (i.e. hardy personality) and job-related (i.e. opportunity for learning and development) resources and work engagement in the long run.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-wave longitudinal study was conducted on a sample of healthcare professionals working in a spinal cord and brain injury rehabilitation hospital located in northern Italy.

Findings

The results of cross-lagged structural equation modeling indicated the occurrence of reciprocal causal relationships between the study variables. In particular, personal and job-related resources were related to an increase in work engagement over the course of the study. The level of engagement displayed by participants, in turn, was positively related to their personal and job-related resources over time, thus revealing the occurrence of positive cycles in the workplace.

Originality/value

On the whole, these findings provide a deeper understanding of the role played by hardy personality as a personal resource able to promote employees’ motivation and, at the same time, they advance the scientific knowledge concerning the construct of positive cycle.