bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The non-dominant AAA+ ring in the ClpAP protease functions as an anti-stalling motor to accelerate protein unfolding and translocation
Authors: Kotamarthi Hema Chandra , Sauer Robert. T. , Baker Tania. A.
Published: March 2019

ATP-powered unfoldases containing D1 and D2 AAA+ rings play important roles in protein homeostasis, but uncertainty about the function of each ring remains. Here we use single-molecule optical-tweezers to assay mechanical unfolding and translocation by a variant of the ClpAP protease containing an ATPase-inactive D1 ring. This variant displays substantial mechanical defects both in unfolding and translocation of protein substrates. Notably, when D1 is hydrolytically inactive, ClpAP often stalls for times as long as minutes, and the substrate can “back-slip” through the enzyme when ATP concentrations are low. The inactive D1 variant also has substantially more difficulty traveling in the N-to-C direction on a polypeptide track than moving C-to-N. These results indicate that D1 normally functions as an auxiliary/regulatory motor to promote uninterrupted enzyme advancement that is fueled largely by the D2 ring.
Neuronal network dysfunction in a human model for Kleefstra syndrome mediated by enhanced NMDAR signaling
Authors: Frega Monica , Linda Katrin , Keller Jason M. , Gümüş-Akay Güvem , Mossink Britt , van Rhijn Jon-Ruben , Negwer Moritz , Gunnewiek Teun Klein , Foreman Katharina , Kompier Nine , Schoenmaker Chantal , van den Akker Willem , Oudakker Astrid , Zhou Huiqing , Kleefstra Tjitske , Schubert Dirk , van Bokhoven Hans , Kasri Nael Nadif
Published: March 2019

Epigenetic regulation of gene transcription plays a critical role in neural network development and in the etiology of Intellectual Disability (ID) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). However, little is known about the mechanisms by which epigenetic dysregulation leads to neural network defects. Kleefstra syndrome (KS), caused by mutation in the histone methyltransferase EHMT1, is a neurodevelopmental disorder with the clinical features of both ID and ASD. To study the impact of decreased EHMT1 function in human cells, we generated excitatory cortical neurons from induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells derived from KS patients. In addition, we created an isogenic set by genetically editing healthy iPS cells. Characterization of the neurons at the single-cell and neuronal network level revealed consistent discriminative properties that distinguished EHMT1-mutant from wildtype neurons. Mutant neuronal networks exhibited network bursting with a reduced rate, longer duration, and increased temporal irregularity compared to control networks. We show that these changes were mediated by the upregulation of the NMDA receptor (NMDAR) subunit 1 and correlate with reduced deposition of the repressive H3K9me2 mark, the catalytic product of EHMT1, at the GRIN1 promoter. Furthermore, we show that EHMT1 deficiency in mice leads to similar neuronal network impairments and increased NMDAR function. Finally, we could rescue the KS patient-derived neuronal network phenotypes by pharmacological inhibition of NMDARs. Together, our results demonstrate a direct link between EHMT1 deficiency in human neurons and NMDAR hyperfunction, providing the basis for a more targeted therapeutic approach to treating KS.
Systematic Comparison of High-throughput Single-Cell and Single-Nucleus Transcriptomes during Cardiomyocyte Differentiation
Authors: Selewa Alan , Dohn Ryan , Eckart Heather , Lozano Stephanie , Xie Bingqing , Gauchat Eric , Elorbany Reem , Rhodes Katherine , Burnett Jonathan , Gilad Yoav , Pott Sebastian , Basu Anindita
Published: March 2019

A comprehensive reference map of all cell types in the human body is necessary for improving our understanding of fundamental biological processes and in diagnosing and treating disease. High-throughput single-cell RNA sequencing techniques have emerged as powerful tools to identify and characterize cell types in complex and heterogeneous tissues. However, extracting intact cells from tissues and organs is often technically challenging or impossible, for example in heart or brain tissue. Single-nucleus RNA sequencing provides an alternative way to obtain transcriptome profiles of such tissues. To systematically assess the differences between high-throughput single-cell and single-nuclei RNA-seq approaches, we compared Drop-seq and DroNc-seq, two microfluidic-based 3’ RNA capture technologies that profile total cellular and nuclear RNA, respectively, during a time course experiment of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) differentiating into cardiomyocytes. Clustering of time-series transcriptomes from Drop-seq and DroNc-seq revealed six distinct cell types, five of which were found in both techniques. Furthermore, single-cell trajectories reconstructed from both techniques reproduced expected differentiation dynamics. We then applied DroNc-seq to postmortem heart tissue to test its performance on heterogeneous human tissue samples. We compared the detected cell types from primary tissue with iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes profiled with DroNc-seq. Our data confirm that DroNc-seq yields similar results to Drop-seq on matched samples and can be successfully used to generate reference maps for the human cell atlas.
An improved auxin-inducible degron system preserves native protein levels and enables rapid and specific protein depletion
Authors: Sathyan Kizhakke Mattada , McKenna Brian D. , Anderson Warren D. , Duarte Fabiana M. , Core Leighton , Guertin Michael J.
Published: March 2019

Rapid perturbation of protein function permits the ability to define primary molecular responses while avoiding down-stream cumulative effects of protein dysregulation. The auxin-inducible degron (AID) system was developed as a tool to achieve rapid and inducible protein degradation in non-plant systems. However, tagging proteins at their endogenous loci results in chronic, auxin-independent degradation by the proteasome. To correct this deficiency, we expressed the Auxin Response Transcription Factor (ARF) in an improved inducible degron system. ARF is absent from previously engineered AID systems, but ARF is a critical component of native auxin signaling. In plants, ARF directly interacts with AID in the absence of auxin and we found that expression of the ARF Phox and Bem1 (PB1) domain suppresses constitutive degradation of AID-tagged proteins. Moreover, the rate of auxin-induced AID degradation is substantially faster in the ARF-AID system. To test the ARF-AID system in a quantitative and sensitive manner, we measured genome-wide changes in nascent transcription after rapidly depleting the ZNF143 transcription factor. Transciptional profiling indicates that ZNF143 activates transcription incisand ZNF143 regulates promoter-proximal paused RNA Polymerase density. Rapidly inducible degradation systems that preserve the target protein’s native expression levels and patterns will revolutionize the study of biological systems by enabling specific and temporally defined protein dysregulation.
Study on multi-loop control strategy of three-shaft gas turbine for electricity generation
Authors: Zhang Zilai , Zang Shusheng , Ge Bing
Published: March 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a dynamic performance model of three-shaft gas turbine for electricity generation and to study a multi-loop control strategy of three-shaft gas turbine for electricity generation.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the dynamic performance model of the three-shaft gas turbine is established and developed. A novel approach, variable partial differential coefficient deviation linearization method is used to simulate the dynamic performance of the three-shaft gas turbine. Single-loop control system, feed-forward feedback control system and cascade system are assessed to control the engine during transient operation.

Findings

A novel approach, variable partial differential coefficient deviation linearization method is used to simulate the dynamic performance of the three-shaft gas turbine. According to the results shown, the cascade control system is most satisfactory due to its fastest response and the best stability and robustness.

Originality/value

The method of variable partial linearization is adopted to make the dynamic simulation of the model achieve higher precision, better steady state and less computation time. This paper provides a theoretical study for the multi-loop control system of a marine three-shaft gas turbine.
Aircraft flow angles calibration via observed-based wind estimation
Authors: Schettini Francesco , Di Rito Gianpietro , Denti Eugenio
Published: March 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a novel approach, in which the reference data for the flow angles calibration are obtained by using measurements coming from an inertial navigation system and an air data sensor.

Design/methodology/approach

This is obtained by using the Kalman filter theory for the evaluation of the reference angle-of-attack and angle-of-sideslip.

Findings

The designed Kalman filter has been implemented in Matlab/Simulink and validated using flight data coming from two very different aircraft, the Piaggio Aerospace P1HH medium altitude long endurance unmanned aerial system and the Alenia-Aermacchi M346 Master™ transonic trainer. This paper illustrates some results where the filter satisfactory behaviour is verified by comparing the filter outputs with the data coming from high-accuracy nose-boom vanes.

Practical implications

The methodology aims to lower the calibration costs of the air data systems of an advanced aircraft.

Originality/value

The calibration of air-data systems for the evaluation of the flow angles is based on the availability of high-accuracy reference measurements of angle-of-attack and angle-of-sideslip. Typically, these are obtained by auxiliary sensors directly providing the reference angles (e.g. nose-boom vanes). The proposed methodology evaluates the reference angle-of-attack and angle-of-sideslip by analytically reconstructing them using calibrated airspeed measurements and inertial data.
Entrepreneurial intentions: trust and network ties in online and face-to-face students
Authors: Pérez-Macías Noemí , Fernández-Fernández José Luis , Rua Vieites Antonio
Published: March 2019

Purpose

Based on Azjen’s (1991) theory of planned behavior, the purpose of this paper is to complement the existing body of knowledge on entrepreneurial intentions (EIs) by comparing two different university environments in Spain (online and face-to-face) and their impact on EIs of university students using two components of social capital (SC), trust and network ties as variables with influence on the antecedents of EIs.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was administered to online and face-to-face students yielding a total sample of 302 and 204, respectively. Partial least square–structural equation modeling is the technique employed to perform the analysis.

Findings

SC has a significant influence on EIs in both environments with greater effects online, as a consequence of the mediated role played by network ties between trust and the attitude toward the behavior, the subjective norm and consequently, EIs.

Research limitations/implications

The authors used a cross-sectional method. However, it would be interesting to obtain longitudinal data to provide a more valid support for the study.

Practical implications

This study provides insight into the important role played by network ties based on trust in the entrepreneurship process and in the university environment.

Originality/value

This study contributes to understanding the differential impact of SC (trust and network ties) on the antecedents of EIs between the students enrolled in different university environments using two non-parametric techniques Henseler’s multigroup analysis and the permutation test.
Postgraduate work-based learning: a qualitative study
Authors: Stewart Victoria , Campbell Matthew , McMillan Sara S. , Wheeler Amanda J.
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the experiences of students and teachers who had participated in a postgraduate work-based praxis course within a Master of mental health practice qualification.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative study used an interpretative phenomenological approach to understand the lived experience of students and course convenors participating in a work-based praxis course. Seven students and two convenors were recruited. Interview and reflective portfolio data were analysed thematically.

Findings

The main themes identified were the importance of planning, the value of partnerships, the significance of learning in the workplace and how the facilitation of work-based learning differs from coursework.

Originality/value

Work-based learning within postgraduate coursework qualifications can support higher-level learning, knowledge and skills has received limited attention in the literature. This study supported the value of providing postgraduate students with work-based learning opportunities, resulting in the application of new or advanced skills, within their existing work roles. This study is important, because it provides insights into the student experience of postgraduate work-based learning and the impact of this learning on professional practice.
Effects of work value orientation and academic major satisfaction on career decision-making self-efficacy
Authors: Doo Min Young , Park Sung Hee
Published: March 2019

Purpose

An increasing number of students delay graduation or graduate without a job, because they are not ready to make a career decision. In addition, the growing number of young adults who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) has become a social concern in South Korea. To facilitate career decision-making of undergraduates, this study examined the effects of work value orientation and academic major orientation on career decision-making self-efficacy (CDMSE). The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships among South Korean undergraduates’ intrinsic work value orientation, extrinsic work value orientation, academic major satisfaction and CDMSE.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the literature review, this study tested a research model using structural equation modeling with survey results of 217 undergraduates.

Findings

The research results indicated that intrinsic work value orientation influenced academic major satisfaction and CDMSE. However, extrinsic work value orientation turned out to influence neither academic major satisfaction nor CDMSE. Academic major satisfaction also seemed to affect the CDMSE of the students in this study.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the field of career development by explaining the significance of undergraduates’ intrinsic work value orientation and academic major satisfaction on career decision-making. Whereas most research has focused on the effects of CDMSE, this study investigated the factors that influence undergraduates’ CDMSE.
Responding to the NHS and social care workforce crisis
Authors: Hanney Neil , Karagic Helen
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe and analyse the development of a foundation degree, including a higher apprenticeship route, which enables learners to access both higher education (HE) and health and social care professional programmes. The underpinning rationale is the urgent workforce crisis in health and social care services.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors will review the multiple drivers which stimulated course development and the creation of a community of practice to ensure quality management. This case study illustrates the potential of a higher apprenticeship to enable both personal and professional development.

Findings

The paper provides insight into working with a number of further education colleges, how to ensure consistency in delivery and assessment and the strategies which contribute to quality assurance. This case study illustrates the potential of work-based learning to transform lives and to provide the workforce required by our public services.

Practical implications

This paper explores the lessons learnt from setting up a new collaborative partnership and the processes that need to be in place for success.

Social implications

The paper discusses the potential of widening access into HE, the positive impact on recruitment to professional courses and the long-term effect on the public service workforce.

Originality/value

The government is committed to the expansion of apprenticeship learning in health and social care. This paper shares the authors’ experience of working with a range of employers and education providers, the challenges and successes and recommendations for development.
A framework for assessing project vulnerability to crises
Authors: Wang Aimin
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a framework for assessing the vulnerability of projects to crises. The study seeks to clarify the cascade effects of disruptions leading to project crises and to improve project robustness against crises from a systems perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

A framework for assessing project vulnerability to crises is developed using complex network theory. The framework includes network representation of project systems, analyzing project network topology, simulating the cascade of unexpected disruptions and assessing project vulnerability. Use of the framework is then illustrated by applying it to a case study of a construction project.

Findings

Project network topology plays a critical role in resisting crises. By increasing the resilience of the critical tasks and adjusting the structure of a project, the complexity and vulnerability of the project can be reduced, which in turn decreases the occurrence of crises.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed framework is used in a case study. Further studies of its application to projects in diverse industries would be beneficial to enhance the robustness of the results.

Practical implications

Project crises can threaten the survival of a project and endanger the organization’s security. The proposed framework helps prevent and mitigate project crises by protecting critical tasks and blocking the diffusion path from a systems perspective.

Originality/value

This paper presents a novel framework based on complex network theory to assess project vulnerability, which provides a systemic understanding of the cascade of disruptions that lead to project crises.
Factors influencing project management effectiveness in the Malaysian local councils
Authors: Ong Choon Hee , Bahar Taufik
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between top management support, project mission (PM), synergy and project management effectiveness (PME) in the Malaysian local councils. It also attempts to analyze the relative importance and performance of the predictor constructs on the target construct for managerial actions.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data based on 169 respondents were collected and analyzed using PLS-SEM to assess validity, reliability, hypothesis testing and importance-performance matrix analysis (IPMA) of the study constructs.

Findings

PM and synergy were found to be significantly and positively associated with PME. However, top management support was not related to PME. Synergy has the highest relative importance level in influencing PME and it is regarded as the most relevant construct for managerial actions.

Research limitations/implications

This study examines the significant factors that contribute to the effectiveness of project management in the local councils. It forms a basis for other state local councils to emulate the research model and compare the findings among different project teams in different locations.

Practical implications

The IPMA identifies synergy as a primary important construct for project management activities. It explains PME is linked with extensive collaboration, inter-departmental relations, interpersonal coordination and close liaisons.

Originality/value

This study is among the few that examines factors influencing PME in the Malaysian local councils. Inclusion of synergy as one of the predictor constructs will definitely help to improve the well-functioning and coordination of the project.
Collaborative innovation in the sharing economy
Authors: Abhari Kaveh , Davidson Elizabeth J. , Xiao Bo
Published: March 2019

Purpose

With the emergence of the sharing economy paradigm, the process of innovation is no longer unidirectional, but cyclical. This paradigm shift requires a better understanding of social actors to fully leverage the promise of co-innovation in the sharing economy. To this end, the purpose of this paper is to develop a classification model to profile social actors based on their motivation to participate in different co-innovation activities.

Design/methodology/approach

A preliminary case study was first conducted to identify actors’ motivations to continuously participate in co-innovation activities. Next, a survey was administrated to validate the measurement model and then a discriminant analysis was run on a sample of 244 actors to classify actors based on their willingness to participate in three forms of co-innovation activities. Lastly, the resultant classifiers were cross-validated.

Findings

The results indicate that financial gains, entrepreneurship and learning are significant predictors of ideation (sharing new ideas). Enjoyment and learning are strong indicators of collaboration (sharing knowledge or experience), whereas networking, enjoyment, and altruism are most strongly related to socialization (sharing network and connections). These findings highlight three classes of social actors – ideators, collaborators and networkers – based on motivational differences.

Originality/value

Co-innovation among individual inventors is an understudied aspect of the sharing economy. This study provides a theoretically parsimonious classification model to profile social actors, predict the sharing activities in co-innovation networks, and highlight the importance of platform design to appeal to different classes of potential contributors in collaborative innovation.
Literature review on supply chain collaboration: comparison of various collaborative techniques
Authors: J.S. Nimmy , Chilkapure Arjun , Pillai V. Madhusudanan
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to create an understanding on the magnitude and dimension of supply chain collaboration (SCC) reported in the literature. The detailed review discusses various indicators that help companies to implement collaboration successfully and create awareness on the barriers faced while initiating collaboration in supply chain (SC).

Design/methodology/approach

The meta-analysis includes full-text papers retrieved from the Web of Science database using verified keywords. The articles are reviewed for identifying the performance indicators used to evaluate the SC. The systematic review is performed for the collaborative techniques in the following categories: information sharing (IS); vendor managed inventory; and collaborative planning, forecasting and replenishment. The papers are then comprehensively analyzed for the approaches, and the key findings are mentioned along with the future scope.

Findings

The review suggests that the SC relationship, trust, quality of IS and technological involvement are to be focused for successful implementation of the collaborative technique. Proper collaboration helps SC partners to enhance their technique of operations in an effective manner which results in high business turnovers.

Originality/value

The review paper provides a quantitative study of SCC. A bird’s eye view of the scopes and benefits of using SCC for the academic scholars and industrial personnel are the primary concern discussed.
A systematic review of educator interventions in facilitating simulation based learning
Authors: Scholtz Frances , Hughes Suzaan
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review published research to discern the trends in instructional practices and interventions that educators employ to augment simulation based learning in business education.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative research was conducted using a systematic review of scholarly articles that satisfied inclusion criteria, such as the study reported on a business simulation, discussed educator interventions and instructional practices, was focused on higher education or training, discusses a computer-based simulation and was published between 2007 and 2017.

Findings

Overarching themes evident within the data included: didactic interventions, preparation activities, prompting student reflection, coaching and mentoring, providing feedback, structuring teams, assessments, encouraging collaborative learning and fostering student engagement.

Originality/value

Although there are many systematic reviews of simulation-based learning literature, specifically within the fields of medicine and nursing, most focus on summarising the evidence that simulations are an effective tool to enable learning. To the best of knowledge, there has not been a systematic analysis of the instructional approaches or educational interventions that educators’ choose to include in the structured design of simulation-based courses in business education. This study begins to address the issue of how educators and technology synergistically aim to deliver valuable student learning opportunities.
The third sector and innovation: competitive strategies, incentives, and impediments to change
Authors: Lubienski Christopher , Perry Laura
Published: March 2019

Purpose

Much justification for third sector involvement in education advances from the notion that attributes from business and non-profit fields could benefit state-run public schools. The purpose of this paper is to explore this issue by examining theoretical underpinnings and expectations for third sector participation in public education systems, particularly with respect to educational innovations and improvements, and the structural opportunities, incentives, and impediments for such innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

The question is how third sector participation shapes the rate, nature, and types of innovations in education as schools interact in response to competitive pressures. This conceptual analysis of the third sector examines the political-economic features and structures of the sector in fostering innovation, with reference to the US sector that was specifically positioned to enhance the innovative capacity of publicly funded education.

Findings

The analysis indicates that educational innovations are not necessarily more prevalent in or because of the third sector, and that there are obstacles to their creation and diffusion. Moreover, schools often respond to competitive incentives in ways unanticipated by policymakers, such as school marketing rather than instructional improvement, sometimes in ways detrimental to goals set out for public education, such as social sorting. In fact, instead of the third sector simply developing or incentivizing innovations, there is evidence that this sector has adopted innovations developed in the state sector.

Originality/value

The analysis suggests that a third sector based more on a professional, as opposed to a competitive, model may better facilitate the development of innovative capacity in education.
Classroom exercises with technology and communication skills: students’ perceptions
Authors: Gioiosa Marie Elaine , Kinkela Katherine
Published: March 2019

Purpose

Selecting the appropriate type of technology to incorporate in the classroom to promote comfort with professional uses of technology is important. In addition, the use of technology and good oral communication skills are valued by prospective employers. Students are stakeholders in their education, so it is important to obtain their perceptions. The purpose of this study was to obtain students’ perceptions about active learning exercises which were created to promote comfort with professional uses of technology and oral communication skills.

Design/methodology/approach

Six accounting classes were asked to complete a survey which assessed various classroom exercises that included the use of technology and oral communication skills while learning course content.

Findings

Overall, the students had a positive perception about the classroom exercises.

Originality/value

Few studies have evaluated the students’ perception of using the iternet to assist in the learning process. None have assessed the students’ perceptions as to whether those exercises have improved their comfort with technology. In addition, past studies are greater than 15 years old, and much has changed in technology and the internet. The literature has provided studies on the communications skills required of accounting students but does not study the students’ perceptions of exercises trying to improve their skills. In addition, the exercises included in this study are generalizable and can be applied to other subject matter.
The effect of inter- and intra-regional geographic diversification strategies on firm performance in China
Authors: Tsai Hueiting , Ren Shengce , Eisingerich Andreas B.
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to theorize and empirically examine the effects of intra- and inter-regional geographic diversification on firm performance in China. Furthermore, it investigates they key firm capabilities, which moderate the relationships between intra- and inter-regional geographic diversification and firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

In this research, the authors studied 366 listed companies that invest in mainland China. The authors used theTaiwan Economy Journaldatabase to construct a panel data set from 2005 to 2014 and employed panel regression estimations as part of the empirical analyses.

Findings

The authors find that the effect of regional diversification on firm performance is significantly influenced by the contexts of the expansion. More specifically, the results show that the effect of intra-regional geographic diversification on firm performance takes the form of a U-shape relationship. In contrast, the authors find that inter-regional geographic diversification has a negative effect on firm performance. Firm marketing, research and development (R&D) and managerial capabilities moderate these relationships.

Research limitations/implications

First, the companies studied in this research are mainly Taiwanese manufacturers with investments in mainland China. Second, the current model can be expanded by exploring additional process explanations and moderators in future research.

Practical implications

An important practical implication of this research is that when firms choose an intra-regional expansion strategy in China, they should adopt a moderate provincial diversification strategy in the invested region and reinforce its marketing capability to enhance firm performance. A careful consideration of a firm’s marketing, R&D and managerial capabilities is needed for successful regional diversification strategies in the China market.

Originality/value

The findings of this study contribute significantly to the existing literature on firms’ regional diversification. First, the authors explore and empirically test intra- and inter-regional geographic diversification strategies in China. The authors find that the effect of regional diversification on firm performance varies according to the contexts of the expansion (for instance, global, regional, in a single country). Second, this study furthers the research theme of intra- and inter-regional diversification by introducing and investigating previously unexplored firm capabilities as part of the framework.
A tale of two paths
Authors: Liou Fen-may
Published: March 2019

Purpose

Based on a strategic group concept, the purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of resource employments on persistent performance in the pharmaceutical industry.

Design/methodology/approach

In departing from previous research, this paper takes an inverted approach to mapping firms into heterogeneous groups with distinct long-term performance trajectories, given that strategic profiles and characteristics were unknown. The methodology used is latent class growth analysis, a person-centred approach focussing on the relationships among individuals. Regression models were subsequently used to examine the strategy variables-performance relationship between groups and within groups.

Findings

First, firms were grouped into upper-performance and lower-performance trajectory subpopulations. Second, the effects of marketing and R&D on performance significantly differed within subpopulations and presented a U shape or an inverse U shape relation. Third, the employment of R&D resources was more effective in the lower-performance trajectory group, the average scale of which is smaller than in the upper-performance trajectory group. On the contrary, the employment of marketing resources had a greater benefited in the upper-performance trajectory group.

Research limitations/implications

Intangible strategy features are ignored due to measure problem in the long period.

Practical implications

Strategic competition is more significant among intragroup members than inter groups. That the U-shape or invert U-shape effects of resource employments on performance among intragroup members reminds the researchers that the law of diminishing return or increasing return should not be ignored when test the group-performance relationship in future research.

Originality/value

The current study introduces an effective approach to investigate the strategic group concept.
Identifying research priorities for older people’s mental health services
Authors: Emrich-Mills Luke , Hammond Laura Louise , Rivett Emma , Rhodes Tom , Richmond Peter , West Juniper
Published: March 2019

Purpose

Including the views of service users, carers and clinical staff when prioritising health research can ensure future projects are meaningful and relevant to key stakeholders. One National Health Service Foundation Trust in England, UK undertook a project to identify the top 10 research priorities according to people with experience using or working in services for dementia and older adult mental health. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Service users with dementia and mental health difficulties; informal carers, family and friends of service users; clinical staff working in the Trust. Participants were surveyed for research ideas. Ideas were processed into research questions and checked for evidence. Participants were then asked to prioritise their personal top 10 from a long list of research questions. A shortlist of 26 topics was discussed in a consensus workshop with a sample of participants to decide on the final top 10 research priorities.

Findings

A total of 126 participants provided 418 research ideas, leading to 86 unique and unanswered research questions. In total, 58 participants completed interim prioritisation, 11 of whom were invited to the consensus workshop involving service users, carers and clinical staff. The final top 10 priorities were dominated by topics surrounding care, psychosocial support and mental health in dementia.

Research limitations/implications

Future research from the Trust and collaborating organisations can use these results to develop relevant projects and applications for funding.

Originality/value

This project has demonstrated the possibility of including key stakeholders in older adult mental health research priority setting at the local level.
Examining the intellectual capital web reporting by Spanish universities
Authors: Ramirez Yolanda , Merino Elena , Manzaneque Montserrat
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is threefold: first, to know the views of university stakeholders concerning intellectual capital (IC) reporting; second, to examine the quality of voluntary IC disclosure by public Spanish universities on their websites; and third, to analyze some of the potential factors affecting this kind of disclosure.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper applies a content analysis and a survey. The content analysis was used to analyze the websites of 50 public Spanish universities in the year 2016, while the survey was submitted to all members of the Social Councils of Spanish public universities. Also, a regression analysis (ordinary least square model) is conducted to relate the disclosure index to its determinants.

Findings

The results of this study show that human capital was the most disclosed category with relational capital being the least frequently disclosed. However, the quality of structural capital disclosures was higher than relational and human capital. Moreover, the results show that size and university’s internationality affect IC disclosure in Spanish public universities.

Practical implications

This paper stimulates the debate between universities and policy-makers concerning the benefits related to IC reporting as a tool for addressing different stakeholders’ needs. In order to satisfy the information needs of university stakeholders, Spanish universities can be recommended to focus on reporting higher quality information on financial relations, students’ satisfaction, quality standard, work-related knowledge/know-how and collaboration between universities and other organizations such as firms, local government and society as a whole.

Originality/value

This research brings new expertise regarding IC disclosure in higher education and to reveal some of the possible determinants to improve this disclosure.
Tackling social media data analysis
Authors: Wilk Violetta , Soutar Geoffrey N. , Harrigan Paul
Published: March 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to offer insights into the ways two computer-aided qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS) applications (QSR NVivo and Leximancer) can be used to analyze big, text-based, online data taken from consumer-to-consumer (C2C) social media communication.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used QSR NVivo and Leximancer, to explore 200 discussion threads containing 1,796 posts from forums on an online open community and an online brand community that involved online brand advocacy (OBA). The functionality, in particular, the strengths and weaknesses of both programs are discussed. Examples of the types of analyses each program can undertake and the visual output available are also presented.

Findings

This research found that, while both programs had strengths and weaknesses when working with big, text-based, online data, they complemented each other. Each contributed a different visual and evidence-based perspective; providing a more comprehensive and insightful view of the characteristics unique to OBA.

Research limitations/implications

Qualitative market researchers are offered insights into the advantages and disadvantages of using two different software packages for research projects involving big social media data. The “visual-first” analysis, obtained from both programs can help researchers make sense of such data, particularly in exploratory research.

Practical implications

The paper provides practical recommendations for analysts considering which programs to use when exploring big, text-based, online data.

Originality/value

This paper answered a call to action for further research and demonstration of analytical programs of big, online data from social media C2C communication and makes strong suggestions about the need to examine such data in a number of ways.
The value of social networking sites in hotels
Authors: Diffley Sarah , McCole Patrick
Published: March 2019

Purpose

Despite the rapid growth of social networking sites (SNSs), research demonstrating the marketing application of these technologies is lacking. Consequently, this paper aims to explore the impact of SNSs on hotel marketing activities.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory study was used. Adopting a key informant approach, in-depth interviews were conducted with 14 respondents in the hotel industry, who use SNSs as part of their hotel marketing efforts.

Findings

Networked interactions facilitated by SNSs can influence the marketing activities of hotels in many ways. This extends to deeper connections and co-creating value with customers to enhance the market offerings and promotional activities of the firm. Not all interviewees capitalised upon the capabilities offered by SNSs.

Practical implications

SNSs act as a key knowledge resource that can be used by practitioners to create and deliver superior customer value. However, the extent to which this is achieved depends on who is responsible for implementing it. Specifically, those with a more proactive attitude and approach towards marketing on SNSs tend to reap greater benefits.

Originality/value

Using the service-dominant logic as a guide, this paper offers greater insight into the theory and practice of social media marketing in the hotel industry, an under-studied and fragmented research area.
Challenges to masculinity in a feminized digital space
Authors: Williams David E. , Nielsen Elly-Jean , Morrison Melanie A. , Morrison Todd G.
Published: March 2019

Purpose

This study aims to explore the perceptions and reactions of men, who participate in a female-dominated online consumption space. It looked at the process of men, (re)negotiating their digital gendered identity on Pinterest.

Design/methodology/approach

A grounded theory-light approach was taken. Data were collected through 21 one-on-one semi-structured interviews with male Pinterest users. Subsequently, data were extensively coded and analyzed for the key themes and patterns.

Findings

Three core categories emerged, which speak to the ways men account for their practices on Pinterest as autonomous online agents. These categories were: awareness of Pinterest as a feminized digital space; limited sociality due to the solitary use of Pinterest (the exception being when collaborating with an intimate partner); and performed identities (k = 4) serving to justify the men’s activities on a female-dominated social networking site.

Research limitations/implications

The findings establish a firm theoretical basis for understanding male Pinterest users as autonomous online agents. However, reflective of this relatively small, exploratory qualitative project, the process-based interview questions did not render, particularly, long or rich narratives. Future qualitative research might endeavor to ask deeper, more open-ended questions.

Originality/value

This is an original study of men’s use of Pinterest. Research on the identity projects of men entering fields traditionally occupied by women and coded as feminine is established, there is a lack of understanding of how gender identity is (re)constructed digitally, especially on social media.
Praise or revenge: why do consumers post about organizations on social media
Authors: Whiting Anita , Williams David L. , Hair Joe
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate motives for engaging in electronic word of mouth (eWOM) about organizations on social media sites. This study explores motives for posting positive eWOM and motives for posting negative eWOM. It also investigates whether existing WOM frameworks adequately capture consumers’ motives for spreading eWOM within the context of social media. This study seeks to confirm established motives in literature while also identifying new motives specific to social media.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative study was conducted using the critical incident technique. In all, 64 positive incidents and 60 negative incidents were analyzed.

Findings

This study provides a typology for understanding consumers’ motivations for engaging in positive and negative WOM within the context of social media. Four new motives for sharing eWOM are identified; eight established WOM motives are re-confirmed; and new subcategories for eWOM motives are proposed. The study also finds that further refinement of WOM motives and scales within a social media context is needed.

Research limitations/implications

An integrated conceptual framework of both positive and negative motives is developed to illustrate a more comprehensive model of motives of eWOM within social media. Managerial implications for managing negative eWOM and amplifying positive eWOM are discussed. A limitation is that the study is exploratory in nature.

Originality/value

This study identifies new motives for sharing eWOM, re-labels existing WOM and eWOM motives with more descriptive and comprehensive titles and confirms established WOM and eWOM motives within the context of social media. This study is conducted across multiple firms and industries, leading to more generalizable results.
Director–Liability–Reduction Laws and Conditional Conservatism
Authors: BASU SUDIPTA , LIANG YI
Published: March 2019

We study nonofficer directors’ influence on the accounting conservatism of U.S. public firms. Between 1986 and 2002, all 50 U.S. states enacted laws that limited nonofficer directors’ litigation risk but often left officer directors’ litigation risk unchanged. We find that conditional conservatism decreased after the staggered enactments of the laws, which we attribute to less nonofficer director monitoring of financial reporting in affected firms. Conservatism fell less when shareholder or debtholder power was high, consistent with major stakeholders moderating the influence of nonofficer directors. We verify that our results stem from reductions in the asymmetric timeliness of accruals and, specifically, its current assets components. We also show that affected firms switched away from Big N auditors more often, which reduced these firms’ commitment to conservative financial reports.
Globalisation and Transatlantic Economic Policy
Authors: Price Edward
Published: March 2019

During and immediately after the global financial crisis, transatlantic economic policy broadly harmonised. In the years since, transatlantic economic policy has drifted apart, not least as the US economic cycle moves faster than the EU's. The result is a legacy of homogenous international financial regulation overlaying heterogenous fiscal, monetary and economic realities. Is the above dichotomy evidence of de‐globalisation?
Does composition of tropical agricultural landscape affect parasitoid diversity and their host–parasitoid interactions?
Authors: Ulina Evawaty S. , Rizali Akhmad , Manuwoto Sjafrida , Pudjianto  , Buchori Damayanti
Published: March 2019

The expansion of agricultural fields is the main cause of landscape simplification and changes in the composition and configuration of landscapes. These landscape changes influence pests and their natural enemies, and may influence their interaction and the biological control services to which they contribute. However, the effects of landscape composition can vary between region and insect species.

The present study was conducted on cucumber plants in 16 different sites of varying landscape composition in Bogor and its surrounding area, West Java, Indonesia. Sampling of insects was performed on lepidopteran pests and their parasitoids.

The results obtained showed that landscape composition (i.e. patch number of cropland) had a positive impact on the abundance of parasitoids and their host (lepidopteran pests). Yet the proportion of natural habitat did not influence parasitoid abundance and their host–parasitoid interaction. The presence of Apanteles taragamae (i.e. the most abundant parasitoid) in the agricultural landscape was affected by the abundance of its hyperparasitoid and its host (Diaphania indica) and not by landscape composition.

The findings of the present study suggest that the higher proportion of patchy cropland in tropical agricultural landscapes, as well as agricultural practices, can maintain parasitoid abundance and functional diversity and, finally, an enhanced parasitism rate.