bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neuron specific ablation of eIF5A or deoxyhypusine synthase leads to impairment in development and cognitive functions in mice
Authors: Kar Rajesh Kumar , Hanner Ashleigh S. , Starost Matthew F. , Springer Danielle , Mastracci Teresa L. , Mirmira Raghavendra G. , Park Myung Hee
Published: May 2021

Eukaryotic initiation factor 5A (eIF5A) is an essential factor with a unique amino acid, hypusine, required for its activity. Hypusine is formed exclusively in eIF5A by a post-translational modification involving two enzymes, deoxyhypusine synthase (DHPS) and deoxyhypusine hydroxylase (DOHH). Each of the three genes, Eif5a, Dhps or Dohh is required for mouse embryonic development. Variants in EIF5A or DHPS were recently identified as the genetic basis underlying certain rare neurodevelopmental disorders in humans. To investigate the roles of eIF5A and DHPS in brain development, we have generated four conditional knockout mouse strains using the Emx1-Cre or Camk2a-Cre strain and examined the effects of temporal- and region-specific deletion of Eif5a or Dhps. The conditional deletion of Dhps or Eif5a by Emx1 promotor driven Cre expression (E.9.5, cortex and hippocampus) led to gross defects in forebrain development, reduced growth and premature death. On the other hand, the conditional deletion of Dhps or Eif5a by Camk2a-promoter driven Cre expression (postnatal, mainly in the CA1 region of hippocampus) did not lead to global developmental defects; rather, these knockout animals exhibited severe impairment in spatial learning, contextual learning and memory, when subjected to the Morris Water Maze test and a contextual learning test. In both models, the Dhps knockout mice displayed more severe impairment than their Eif5a knockout counterparts. The observed defects in brain, global development or cognitive functions most likely result from translation errors due to a deficiency in active, hypusinated eIF5A. Our study underscores the important roles of eIF5A and DHPS in neurodevelopment.

Significance

eIF5A, an essential translation factor, is the only protein that undergoes a unique posttranslational modification, that converts lysine to hypusine by conjugation of the aminobutyl moiety from the polyamine spermidine. Hypusine biosynthesis occurs by two enzymatic steps involving deoxyhypusine synthase (DHPS) and deoxyhypusine hydroxylase (DOHH). Mutations in EIF5A or DHPS have been associated with rare neurodevelopmental disorders in humans. To understand the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of the disease, we generated mutant mice with brain-specific deletions of Eif5a or Dhps. The Eif5a and Dhps conditional knockout mice exhibited impairment in brain development, growth and cognitive functions. These animal models may serve as useful tools in the development of therapies against the eIF5A- or DHPS-associated neurodevelopmental disorders.
Delayed DNA replication in haploid human embryonic stem cells
Authors: Edwards Matthew M. , Zuccaro Michael V. , Sagi Ido , Ding Qiliang , Vershkov Dan , Benvenisty Nissim , Egli Dieter , Koren Amnon
Published: May 2021

Haploid human embryonic stem cells (ESCs) provide a powerful genetic system but diploidize at high rates. We hypothesized that diploidization results from aberrant DNA replication. To test this, we profiled DNA replication timing in isogenic haploid and diploid ESCs. The greatest difference was the earlier replication of the X chromosome in haploids, consistent with the lack of X chromosome inactivation. Surprisingly, we also identified 21 autosomal regions that had dramatically delayed replication in haploids, extending beyond the normal S phase and into G2/M. Haploid-delays comprised a unique set of quiescent genomic regions that are also under-replicated in polyploid placental cells. The same delays were observed in female ESCs with two active X chromosomes, suggesting that increased X chromosome dosage may cause delayed autosomal replication. We propose that incomplete replication at the onset of mitosis could prevent cell division and result in re-entry into the cell cycle and whole genome duplication.

Highlights

DNA replication timing of haploid ESCs profiled by WGS

Extreme replication timing delays in haploid ESCs at unique genomic regions

Replication delays associate with X-chromosome dosage in multiple systems

Replication delayed regions correspond to underreplication in mouse polyploid cells
Plans to vaccinate children for COVID-19: a survey of US parents
Authors: Teasdale Chloe A. , Borrell Luisa N. , Kimball Spencer , Rinke Michael L. , Rane Madhura , Fleary Sasha A. , Nash Denis
Published: May 2021

In a national online survey of 2,074 US parents conducted in March 2021, 49.4% reported plans to vaccinate their child for COVID-19 when available. Lower income and less education were associated with greater parental vaccine hesitancy/resistance, while safety, effectiveness and lack of need were the primary reasons for vaccine hesitancy/resistance.
NMNAT promotes glioma growth through regulating post-translational modifications of p53 to inhibit apoptosis
Authors: Liu Jiaqi , Tao Xianzun , Zhu Yi , Li Chong , Ruan Kai , Diaz-Perez Zoraida , Wang Hongbo , Zhai R. Grace
Published: May 2021

Gliomas are highly malignant brain tumors with poor prognosis and short survival. NAD+ has been shown to impact multiple processes that are dysregulated in cancer; however, anti-cancer therapies targeting NAD+ synthesis have been unsuccessful due to insufficient mechanistic understanding. Here we adapted a Drosophila glial neoplasia model and discovered the genetic requirement for NAD+ synthase nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferase (NMNAT) in glioma progression in vivo and in human glioma cells. Overexpressing enzymatically active NMNAT significantly promotes glial neoplasia growth and reduces animal viability. Mechanistic analysis suggests that NMNAT interferes with DNA damage-p53-caspase-3 apoptosis signaling pathway by enhancing NAD+-dependent posttranslational modifications (PTMs) poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation (PARylation) and deacetylation of p53. Interestingly, NMNAT forms a complex with p53 and PTM enzyme PARP1 to facilitate PARylation. As PARylation and deacetylation reduce p53 pro-apoptotic activity, our results demonstrate that NMNAT promotes glioma progression through regulating p53 post-translational modifications. Our findings reveal a novel tumorigenic mechanism involving protein complex formation of p53 with NAD+ synthetic enzyme NMNAT and NAD+-dependent PTM enzymes that regulates glioma growth.
Evaluation of Machine Learning predictions of a highly resolved time series of Chlorophyll-a concentration
Authors: de L. L. de Amorim Felipe , Rick Johannes , Lohmann Gerrit , Wiltshire Karen Helen
Published: May 2021

Pelagic Chlorophyll-a concentrations are key for evaluation of the environmental status and productivity of marine systems. In this study, chlorophyll-a concentrations for the Helgoland Roads Time Series were modeled using a number of measured water and environmental parameters. We chose three common Machine Learning algorithms from the literature: Support Vector Machine Regressor, Neural Networks Multi-layer Perceptron Regressor and Random Forest Regressor. Results showed that Support Vector Machine Regressor slightly outperformed other models. The evaluation with a test dataset and verification with an independent validation dataset for chlorophyll-a concentrations showed a good generalization capacity, evaluated by the root mean squared errors of less than 1 μg L−1. Feature selection and engineering are important and improved the models significantly, as measured in performance, improving by a minimum of 48% the adjusted R2. We tested SARIMA in comparison and found that the univariate nature of SARIMA does not allow for better results than the Machine Learning models. Additionally, the computer processing time needed was much higher (prohibitive) for SARIMA.
Phase transition in an organic ferroelectric: glycinium phosphite, with and without X-ray radiation damage
Authors: Bogdanov Nikita E. , Zakharov Boris A. , Chernyshov Dmitry , Pattison Philip , Boldyreva Elena V.
Published: May 2021

Thermal evolution of an organic ferroelectric, namely, glycinium phosphite, was probed by multi-temperature single-crystal diffraction using synchrotron radiation and also by a similar experiment with a laboratory X-ray diffractometer. Both series of measurements showed a transition from the paraelectric to the ferroelectric state at nearly the same temperature,Tc = 225 K. Temperature evolution of the unit-cell parameters and volume are drastically different for the synchrotron and laboratory data. The latter case corresponds to previous reports and shows an expected contraction of the cell on cooling. The data collected with the synchrotron beam show an abnormal nonlinear increase in volume on cooling. Structure analysis shows that this volume increase is accompanied by a suppression of scattering at high angles and an apparent increase of the anisotropic displacement parameters for all atoms; we therefore link these effects to radiation damage accumulated during consecutive data collections. The effects of radiation on the formation of the polar structure of ferroelectric glycinium phosphite is discussed together with the advantages and drawbacks of synchrotron experimentation with fine temperature sampling.
A survey of thermal expansion coefficients for organic molecular crystals in the Cambridge Structural Database
Authors: Bond Andrew D.
Published: May 2021

Typical ranges of thermal expansion coefficients are established for organic molecular crystals in the Cambridge Structural Database. The CSD Python API is used to extract 6201 crystal structures determined close to room temperature and at least one lower temperature down to 90 K. The data set is dominated by structure families with only two temperature points and is subject to various sources of error, including incorrect temperature reporting and missing flags for variable-pressure studies. For structure families comprising four or more temperature points in the range 90–300 K, a linear relationship between unit-cell volume and temperature is shown to be a reasonable approximation. For a selected subset of 210 structures showing an optimal linear fit, the volumetric expansion coefficient at 298 K has mean 173 p.p.m. K−1and standard deviation 47 p.p.m.  K−1. The full set of 6201 structures shows a similar distribution, which is fitted by a normal distribution with mean 161 p.p.m. K−1and standard deviation 51 p.p.m. K−1, with excess population in the tails mainly comprising unreliable entries. The distribution of principal expansion coefficients, extracted under the assumption of a linear relationship between length and temperature, shows a positive skew and can be approximated by two half normal distributions centred on 33 p.p.m. K−1with standard deviations 40 p.p.m. K−1(lower side) and 56 p.p.m. K−1(upper side). The distribution for the full structure set is comparable to that of the test subset, and the overall frequency of biaxial and uniaxial negative thermal expansion is estimated to be < 5% and ∼30%, respectively. A measure of the expansion anisotropy shows a positively skewed distribution, similar to the principal expansion coefficients themselves, and ranges based on suggested half normal distributions are shown to highlight literature cases of exceptional thermal expansion.
Heritagisation of pop culture by museums and an analysis of visitor feedback
Authors: Waller David S. , Waller Helen J.
Published: May 2021

Purpose

In recent years, there has been a “heritagisation” of pop culture, including music, whereby cultural institutions, such as galleries and museums in primarily Western countries, have run exhibitions based on pop culture to successfully market to a new audience of visitors. The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore the issue of the “heritagisation” of pop culture by museums and observe visitor response to a specific music-related exhibition, linking intangible and tangible elements of the exhibition to provide a framework to understand the visitor experience.

Design/methodology/approach

The purpose will be achieved by observing the “heritagisation” of pop culture in the literature and past exhibitions, proposing how cultural institutions have linked the intangible and tangible elements of music in pop culture for an exhibition and observe visitors' feedback from online comments posted on Tripadvisor undertaken during the original “David Bowie is” exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), London.

Findings

From the Leximancer analysis, a new conceptual framework for visitor experience at an exhibition was developed, which contains three visitor-related categories: pre-exhibition, exhibition space and exhibition experience, with five themes (tickets, exhibition, displayed objects, David Bowie and visitors) and 41 text concepts.

Practical implications

For cultural institutions the implications are that there can be opportunities to curate exhibitions on pop culture or music-related themes, which can include intangible and tangible elements, such as songs, videos, tickets, costumes, musical instruments and posters. These exhibitions can also explore the changing socio/political/historical/cultural background that contextualises pop cultural history.

Originality/value

This theory-building study advances the body of knowledge as it links music in pop culture and cultural institutions, specifically in this case a highly successful music-related exhibition at a museum, and provides a theoretical model based on tangibility elements. Further, it analyses museum visitor comments by using the qualitative software program, Leximancer, to develop a new conceptual framework for visitor experience.
Extent of stakeholder management practices in building projects procured by private corporate organisations in Nigeria
Authors: Olatunde Nathaniel Ayinde , Odeyinka Henry A.
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Studies on stakeholder management (SM) in developing countries have largely focused on public projects. However, projects of private organisations also need much improvement. The purpose of the study was to examine the extent of SM practices in building projects procured by private corporate organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

Purposive sampling technique was used to select project managers (PMs) and client representatives (CRs) who have been involved in projects procured by private corporate organisations between 2008 and 2017 in Southwestern Nigeria. The PMs are comprised of executive and non-executive PMs as well as contract administrators. Both the PMs and CRs were requested to provide information on one building project in which they were involved within the period under consideration. The data collected were analysed using mean score (MS) analysis, t-test, and analysis of variance.

Findings

The results showed that structured SM processes were followed in only 30.65% of building projects procured by private corporate organisations in the study area. Results further showed on a five-point scale 5-max scale that SM practice was highest with an MS of 3.92 on projects where executive PMs were appointed and lowest (MS = 2.85) on projects where PMs were appointed as contract administrators. Furthermore, it was found that respondents placed the highest premium (MS = 3.73) on stakeholder identification while they placed the lowest premium (MS = 3.45) on developing implementation strategies and stakeholder classification.

Practical implications

The study examines the status quo regarding SM practice in the study area in order to devise a means of refinement.

Originality/value

The study is an attempt to evaluate the premium placed on different components of SM practices by differing categories of project managers.
Measuring a multidimensional green brand equity: a tool for entrepreneurship development
Authors: Cuesta-Valiño Pedro , Gutiérrez-Rodríguez Pablo , Sierra-Fernández María-Pilar , Aguirre García María-Belén
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This study analyses the dimensions of the brand equity of organic agri-food products using a multidimensional approach. It also examines the direct and indirect relationships of this brand equity with consumers’ green satisfaction and the green image of organic agri-food products. The green brand can be understood as a tool for entrepreneurial development.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers develop a conceptual framework highlighting the dimensions of the green brand equity focusing on five constructs (green brand loyalty, green perceived quality, green brand associations, green brand awareness and the new dimension of green brand emotion), green satisfaction and green brand image. The sample consisted of 392 people aged over 18 who were occasional or habitual consumers of organic agri-food products. Partial least squares (PLS), a structural equation modelling (SEM) tool, was used in the analyses.

Findings

The results of this study show that the different dimensions of green brand equity (except for green brand awareness) reflect this variable and are important factors in its perception by consumers. This study differs from others in that it treats green brand equity as a truly multidimensional variable made up of different dimensions with different measurement scales. The study also demonstrates the importance of green satisfaction and green brand image as antecedents of green brand equity.

Practical implications

The measurement scale for green brand equity developed in this study provides entrepreneurs of organic agri-foods with a method for evaluating consumer perception of green brand equity based on those dimensions that are truly significant.

Originality/value

This is the first study to explore the relationships of green brand equity—as a multidimensional concept—with other variables, such as green satisfaction and green image.
Satisfaction and value-in-use perceived by university students from the influence of the built environment, price fairness and teaching care
Authors: Benetti Corrêa da Silva Marcelo , Matte Juliana , Bebber Suélen , Libardi Bianca , Fachinelli Ana Cristina
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This research goal was to analyze factors that may influence value-in-use and satisfaction perceived by university students, from the built environment, price fairness and teaching care.

Design/methodology/approach

For this purpose, a survey was conducted with 900 students from a university in southern Brazil.

Findings

The main results proved that the antecedents considered in the study have a significant and positive influence on the value-in-use and satisfaction of university students. Furthermore, the built environment, price fairness, teaching care and satisfaction explained 87.8% of the value-in-use of students, while the built environment, price fairness and teaching care explained 74.9% of student satisfaction.

Originality/value

The study proved that after receiving the educational service, if the student can apply his or her acquired knowledge and skills, he or she will find a fair price, will be satisfied and will obtain value in the service purchased. Thus, even if the educational market is changing in recent years, the importance of the teacher and the built environment are factors that influence price fairness and increase the satisfaction and value-in-use perceived by the student.
Cultural distance and customer orientation strategy of Chinese service MNEs under the belt and road initiative
Authors: Li Hui , Xu Lei , Fan Youqing
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore mechanisms of cultural distance in the base of Chinese Service Multi-National Enterprise (MNE) settings. When attempting to enter overseas markets, many service MNEs face challenges caused by the cultural distance between the home and host countries. Culture distance attracts much attention in academia and industry. However, there are few empirical works to examine how cultural distance affects customer orientation strategies in a global supply chain. This paper aims to answer the following research question: How is the effect of cultural distance on customer acquisition and customer retention strategies, and the effect of customer orientation strategies on the performance of service-oriented MNEs controlled by Chinese capital along the Belt and Road Initiative?

Design/methodology/approach

This paper examines the effect of cultural distance on the customer acquisition strategy and customer retention strategy, and the effect of customer orientation strategies on the performance of Chinese Service MNEs. A large-scale empirical study of Chinese Service MNEs operating in overseas markets is performed and questionnaires were distributed and collected. This paper uses Hofstede's method (Hofstede, 2010), Schwartz's method (Schwartz, 2003) and Houseet al.'s method (Houseet al., 2004) to calculate cultural distance. By using each kind of method, this study calculates the absolute culture distance and relative culture distance respectively.

Findings

The results suggest that cultural distance negatively affects customer orientation strategy, customer acquisition strategy positively affects performance and the interaction of customer acquisition and customer retention positively affects performance.

Research limitations/implications

This study aims to contribute to the existing literature with a more fine-grained understanding of the inclusion of customer orientation strategy of Chinese Service MNEs in global supply chains.

Practical implications

The findings outline several important implications that Chinese Service MNEs seeking to expand to overseas markets.

Originality/value

This paper contributes a novel, combined perspective of culture distance and customer orientation strategy.
Hospitality business models, customer well-being and trust: the mediating role of competitive service advantage
Authors: Shulga Lenna V. , Busser James A. , Bai Billy
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine how hospitality consumers of different generations appraise competitive service advantage (CSA) of service providers, based on providers’ business models and value propositions, particularly, how these perceptions influence consumers’ purchase intention, subjective well-being and trust in service provider.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a 3 × 4 between-within online scenario-based experimental design (business models: traditional, collaborative, shared; value propositions: innovation, marketing, service production, recovery) using equal and randomized assignment to experimental conditions. Following equal quota-based randomized sampling, three generations were examined (n = 180): baby boomers, Generation Xers and millennials. Multivariate analysis of variance and PROCESS macro were used to analyze the data.

Findings

Hospitality consumers perceived value propositions from providers with different business models inversely based on their perceptions of firms’ CSA, subjective well-being and trust. CSA amplified the outcomes and served a mediating role for purchase intention, subjective well-being and trust. Different outcomes were based on generational cohorts.

Practical implications

Customer perceptions of firm’s unique competitive position should be managed holistically by combining business models, value propositions and generational cohorts to ensure customers’ purchase intention, trust and subjective well-being. CSA should be communicated to customers differently based on generational membership.

Originality/value

This study deepens knowledge of CSA, specifically from the consumer level of analysis. The key contribution is the role of CSA as a mediator for hospitality business models and customer-related outcomes of purchase intention, subjective well-being and trust. This study brings forward consumer subjective well-being as a potential goal for hospitality firms.
Employees’ psychological capital and innovative behavior in higher education
Authors: Mutonyi Barbara Rebecca
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the role of psychological capital (PsyCap) among employees in the higher education (HE) sector. Specifically, the aim of this paper is threefold. First, this study explores the effect of psychological empowerment (PsyEmp) and the two organizational culture factors of clan and market on PsyCap. Second, the study also examines the relationships between PsyEmp, PsyCap and individual innovative behavior (IIB). Third, this paper examines the mediating role of PsyCap on IIB and PsyEmp.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual model was developed and tested on 250 university employees in Norway. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data.

Findings

The analysis shows that both PsyCap and PsyEmp have a direct positive relationship with IIB. The results also reveal that PsyEmp, clan culture and market culture are all positively and significantly linked to PsyCap. The relationship between IIB and PsyEmp is also mediated by PsyCap.

Originality/value

This study extends the knowledge of PsyCap in the context of the HE sector. For managers, the study highlights the importance of investing in and managing employees’ PsyCap. In addition, although perceived PsyEmp at work can strengthen the level of IIB among employees, employees’ PsyCap can be much more influential. Furthermore, the study contributes new knowledge regarding the symbiotic nature of various organizational culture types and the benefits of having both a clan culture and a market culture in enhancing organizational capabilities.
“It’s a lab full of art machinery”: implications of women’s experiences, values and visions of success for makerspace evaluation
Authors: Teasdale Rebecca M.
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Evaluation of public library makerspaces traditionally examines achievement of library goals, which reflect leaders’ and funders’ values. Understanding makers’ experiences and perspectives may help evaluators frame their inquiry to reflect community values, test assumptions about makers and support democratic and equity-focused aims. This paper aims to inform how evaluations of public library makerspaces are framed to address the experiences, values and visions for success of adult women, a group that is often marginalized in making and makerspaces.

Design/methodology/approach

Informed by democratic approaches to evaluation and activity theory, this paper draws on semi-structured interviews with women makers engaged with digital fabrication in public library makerspaces.

Findings

The women in the sample leveraged digital fabrication to deepen existing creative practices, challenging gendered distinctions between crafting and technology. They directed making toward economic survival and thriving, including creative-sector entrepreneurship. Making was also directed toward strengthening families and communities, centering relationships beyond the makerspace. Learning emerged as a byproduct of engagement, organized to produce specific artifacts. Library resources, arrangements and rules supported women with varying technology skills and also constrained some making activities.

Practical implications

Findings suggest evaluators should resist deficit framing of women and making; broaden science, technology, engineering and mathematics-focused definitions of making; focus on the personally meaningful ends to which making is directed; expand conceptualizations of community; examine arrangements and resources that mediate making and learning; and center the perspectives of local women makers.

Originality/value

This paper presents an empirical account of makers who are often marginalized and identifies six implications for evaluations of public library makerspaces.
Mobile services use and citizen satisfaction in government: integrating social benefits and uses and gratifications theory
Authors: Wang Changlin , Teo Thompson S.H. , Dwivedi Yogesh , Janssen Marijn
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Citizen satisfaction with the government is a longstanding and continuous concern in public administration. However, past research did not investigate the effect on satisfaction with the government in the context of mobile government (m-government). The purpose of this paper is to evaluate how the social benefits of citizens using m-government affect their satisfaction with the government.

Design/methodology/approach

Grounded in the uses and gratifications theory (UGT), the authors suggest that the satisfaction in m-government should be constructed in terms of the satisfaction with m-government and the satisfaction with the government. The research model of citizen satisfaction in the context of m-government is tested through partial least squares (PLS) (SmartPLS 2.0) based on data collected from a survey study in China.

Findings

The results indicate that the three important social benefits, e.g. convenience, transparency and participation, are positively associated with process gratification, whereas only convenience is positively associated with content gratification. The results suggest that both process gratification and content gratification are positively associated with citizen satisfaction with the government. Furthermore, the research suggests that process and content gratification have a mediating role, whereas compatibility has a moderating role.

Practical implications

This research provides insights to practitioners on how to facilitate citizen satisfaction by increasing citizens’ social benefits and improving process and content gratification.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by offering a framework for analyzing the impact of citizens’ use of m-government on their satisfaction with the government. The work also contributes to UGT by categorizing user gratifications into process gratifications, content gratifications and citizen satisfaction with the government.
Human determinants influencing the digital transformation strategy of multigenerational family businesses: a multiple-case study of five French growth-oriented family firms
Authors: Ano Blandine , Bent Richard
Published: May 2021

Purpose

In a context of technological disruption, companies face a digital imperative to adopt successfully emerging new technologies. While family firms have a huge potential for growth and innovation, they may – due to idiosyncratic but often limited resources, have to address the complex challenges induced by digital technologies introduction. The purpose of this paper is to explore how human and cultural resources influence the formulation and implementation of five French family firms' digital strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a phenomenological epistemology, semi-structured interviews among different generational cohorts of family business owners.

Findings

The thematic analysis highlights five main cultural and psychological determinants holding the potential for positive and synergetic outcomes while implementing a digital strategy: the change management nurtured by long-term sustainability, the emotional attachment to the firm, the entrepreneurial legacy influence, the personalised involvement of individual family members and the family owners' central focus on employees.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the first research projects exploring the digital transformation process of family businesses from the perspective of the firm's human capital. The participants of the study reveal idiosyncratic attitudes such as long-term orientation, entrepreneurial bridging and non-economic goals leading to competitive advantages and transgenerational wealth creation.
Muslim tourist perceived value on revisit intention to Bandung city with customer satisfaction as intervening variables
Authors: Juliana Juliana , Putri Febika Fitrian , Wulandari Neni Sri , Saripudin Udin , Marlina Ropi
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the influence of Muslim tourist perceived value (MTPV) on Muslim millennials’ intention to revisit Bandung (Indonesia) with customer satisfaction as an intervening variable.

Design/methodology/approach

Using quantitative methods, this study analyzed responses to a questionnaire distributed to 250 respondents from all over Indonesia. To test the hypothesis, the data were analyzed through Path Analysis using SPSS 24.I software.

Findings

The results suggest that MTPV has a significant effect on revisit intention to the city. This finding affirms that Islamic values and customer satisfaction are very important in encouraging millennial Muslims to revisit Bandung (Indonesia).

Practical implications

To increase Muslim millennials’ intention to revisit Bandung (Indonesia), tourist perceived value and satisfaction are central factors. The government's role is central in promoting halal tourism through various platforms, such as social media, seminars, workshops inter alia to increase MTPV and satisfaction rate toward the city. In addition, stakeholders in tourism sector should raise the awareness to support and encourage halal tourism through certifications of halal products and tourism services, and view halal tourism as a promising sector of tourism.

Originality/value

This study is the first to study the effects of Muslim tourists perceived value on revisit intention of millennial Muslims to Bandung (Indonesia) with customer satisfaction as an intervening variable. This study reveals the strengths and weaknesses of the perceived value of Muslim tourists in influencing millennial Muslims to revisit the city.
Investigating the efficacy of isomorphic pressures on the adoption of green manufacturing practices and its influence on organizational legitimacy and financial performance
Authors: Acquah Innocent Senyo Kwasi , Essel Dacosta , Baah Charles , Agyabeng-Mensah Yaw , Afum Ebenezer
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The need to engage in manufacturing practices that promote environmental sustainability has shifted from being optional to mandatory. From the perspectives of institutional and stakeholder theories, this paper captures the efficacy of isomorphic pressures on the adoption of green procurement, green product and process innovations and their respective influence on organizational legitimacy and financial performance in the context of an emerging economy and from the perspective of manufacturing small-and medium-sized enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a survey research design, a quantitative approach and partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) technique in making data analysis and interpretations due to its suitability for predictive research models.

Findings

Analysis of the results highlighted the fact that the composite impact of coercive, mimetic and normative isomorphic pressures robustly influenced the adoption of green procurement, green product and process innovations. Simultaneously, green procurement, green product and process innovations significantly influenced organizational legitimacy. Green procurement and green product innovation also significantly influenced financial performance unlike green process innovation that had an insignificant yet positive impact on financial performance. Based on the results, theoretical and practical implications are explained for policy makers, managers, government authorities and owners.

Originality/value

The study is among the first to expose isomorphic pressures on the adoption of green manufacturing practices specifically, green procurement, green product and process innovations and their influence on organizational legitimacy and financial performance in the context of Ghana, an emerging economy and from the perspective of small-and medium-sized enterprises. As such, the study provides guidance to relevant industry authorities and stakeholders in further promoting green manufacturing practices that preserve the environment by producing safer consumer products through efficient green procurement, green product and process innovative practices.
African tourism and air transport: the role of the African Union and ECOSOCC in SDG implementation post COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Malisa Patson , Gowreesunkar Vanessa G.B. , Carrew William
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to offer an insight of the role of the African Union (AU) and the Economic Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) in implementing the sustainable development goals (SDGs) for the air transport sector and the tourism industry. The objective is to show how the AU along with its advisory body ECOSOCC collaborates with regional tourism organizations and stakeholders to achieve the SDGs.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology is based on desk-based research and content analysis of documents, reports and research articles related to Agenda 2063.

Findings

The findings show that achievement of the SDGs necessitates collaboration between regional and international organizations. But, not all AU members are committed to implementing the SDGs. However, the COVID-19 outbreak has threatened many tourism economies, and stakeholders are now interested in finding a solution to the crisis.

Practical implications

The outcome of this study provides an improved understanding of the importance of SDGs while confronting tourism challenges during the pandemic crisis in Africa.

Originality/value

According to the authors’ best knowledge, the study is among the first to address SDG issues in a post-COVID African context.
What is an appropriate educational response to controversial historical monuments?
Authors: Merry Michael S , Schinkel Anders
Published: May 2021

There are many things that can be done to educate young people about historical monuments in schools. At the same time, however, we argue that there is little warrant for optimism concerning the educational potential of classroom instruction given the institutional constraints under which school teachers must labour. For these reasons, we think it best to expand the scope of educational possibilities one is willing to consider.
Folic acid supplementation in postmenopausal women with hot flushes: phase III randomised double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Ewies AAA , Ahmed I , Al‐Azzawi F , Pitkin J , Gupta P , Persic M , Sahu B , Elgobashy A , Barraclough L , Woodman J , Babrah J , Bowden S , Stocken D , Billingham L , Sundar S , Rea D
Published: May 2021

Objective

To assess whether folic acid supplementation ameliorates hot flushes.

Design

Double‐blind, placebo‐controlled randomised trial.

Setting

Nine hospitals in England.

Population

Postmenopausal women experiencing ≥50 hot flushes weekly.

Methods

Women (n = 164) were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive folic acid 5 mg tablet or placebo daily for 12 weeks. Participants recorded frequency and severity of hot flushes in a Sloan Diary daily and completed Greene Climacteric and Utian Quality of Life (UQoL) Scales at 4‐week intervals.

Main outcome measures

The change in daily Hot Flush Score at week 12 from randomisation based on Sloan Diary Composite Score B calculation.

Results

Data of 143 (87%) women were available for the primary outcome. The mean change (SD) in Hot Flush Score at week 12 was −6.98 (10.30) and −4.57 (9.46) for folic acid and placebo group, respectively. The difference between groups in the mean change was −2.41 (95% CI −5.68 to 0.87) (P = 0.149) and in the adjusted mean change −2.61 (95% CI −5.72 to 0.49) (P = 0.098). Analysis of secondary outcomes indicated an increased benefit in the folic acid group regarding changes in total and emotional UQoL scores at week 8 when compared with placebo. The difference in the mean change from baseline was 5.22 (95% CI 1.16–9.28) and 1.88 (95% CI 0.23–3.52) for total and emotional score, respectively.

Conclusions

The study was not able to demonstrate that folic acid had a statistically significant greater benefit in reducing Hot Flush Score over 12 weeks in postmenopausal women when compared with placebo.

Tweetable abstract

Folic acid may ameliorate hot flushes in postmenopausal women but confirmation is required from a larger study.
Preparing for a pandemic: spending dynamics and panic buying during the COVID‐19 first wave
Authors: O'Connell Martin , de Paula Áureo , Smith Kate
Published: May 2021

In times of heightened uncertainty, consumers face incentives to build up precautionary stocks of essential supplies. We study consumer spending dynamics during one such time, the first infection wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic, using household scanner data covering fast‐moving consumer goods in the United Kingdom. We document large increases in demand for storable products, such as food staples and household supplies, in the days before lockdown. Households in all socio‐economic groups exhibit unusually high demand pre‐lockdown, but there is a clear gradient, with the largest demand spikes for wealthier households. Although stories of people purchasing extreme amounts received a lot of attention, higher aggregate demand was mainly driven by more households than usual choosing to buy storable products, with only small increases in average quantities bought on a given trip. Temporary limits on the number of units per transaction, introduced following the demand spike, are therefore unlikely to lead to the avoidance of stock‐outs.
Pregnancy outcomes in women with booking HbA1c ≤ 40 mmol/mol compared with 41–49 mmol/mol in South Auckland, New Zealand
Authors: Lim Yuxin , Coomarasamy Christin , Arrol Sharron , Oyston Charlotte , Okesene‐Gafa Karaponi , McCowan Lesley M. E.
Published: May 2021

Aims

There are few data on pregnancy outcomes in women with pre‐diabetes (HbA1c 41–49 mmol/mmol) at pregnancy booking. We aimed to (i) identify the proportion of women in Counties Manukau Health (CMH), South Auckland, New Zealand (NZ), with pre‐diabetes at booking and (ii) compare outcomes between women with normal HbA1c and pre‐diabetes.

Materials and methods

Using data from a multi‐ethnic population of 10,869 singleton pregnancies, booked at <20 weeks from January 2017 to December 2018 in CMH, we compared outcomes between those with normal HbA1c (≤40 mmol/mol) and those with pre‐diabetes (HbA1c 41–49 mmol/mol). The primary outcomes were gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) by NZ criteria and large for gestational age (LGA) defined as birthweight >90th customised centile. Logistic regression determined the contribution of HbA1c 41–49 mmol/mol to the development of GDM.

Results

Among 10,869 participants, 193 (1.78%) had an HbA1c 41–49 mmol/mol at <20 weeks’ gestation. Those with HbA1c 41–49 mmol/mol were 11 times more likely to develop GDM (59.6 vs 7.9%; adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 11.16 (7.59, 16.41)) and were more likely to have an LGA baby (47 (24.4%) vs 1436 (13.5%) aOR 1.63 (1.10, 2.41)) versus those with normal HbA1c. They also had significantly higher rates of pre‐eclampsia, caesarean sections, preterm births and perinatal deaths.

Conclusions:

Nearly two‐thirds of women with a booking HbA1c of 41–49 mmol/mmol developed GDM as well as multiple other perinatal complications compared to women with HbA1c ≤40. Trials to evaluate the impact of treatment in early pregnancy on the risk of late‐pregnancy complications are required.
Epigenetic regulation of epithelial dectin‐1 through an IL‐33‐STAT3 axis in allergic disease
Authors: Yong Hwan Mee , Gour Naina , Sharma Deepika , Khalil Syed Muaz , Lane Andrew P. , Lajoie Stephane
Published: May 2021

Allergic diseases arise in susceptible individuals in part because of decrements in protective pathways. The mechanism by which these anti‐inflammatory molecules become repressed remains unclear. We have previously reported that epithelial dectin‐1 prevents aberrant type 2 responses and is downregulated in the epithelium of allergic patients. Here, we report that dectin‐1 is constitutively expressed by the respiratory epithelium in humans and that IL‐33 specifically acts as a repressor of dectin‐1. Mechanistically, this occurs via IL‐33‐dependent STAT3 activation and the subsequent repression of the dectin‐1 gene, CLEC7A. We have identified a novel enhancer region upstream of the proximal promoter of CLEC7A that is only accessible in epithelial cells, but not in hematopoietic cells. Epigenetic repression of CLEC7A through this newly identified locus, downstream of an aberrant IL‐33‐STAT3 axis, occurs in the epithelium of allergic individuals. Collectively, our data identify a mechanism of epigenetic fine‐tuning of dectin‐1 expression in epithelial cells that may participate in allergenicity.
Fire safety and emergency evacuation guidelines for intensive care units and operating theatres: for use in the event of fire, flood, power cut, oxygen supply failure, noxious gas, structural collapse or other critical incidents
Authors: Kelly F. E. , Bailey C. R. , Aldridge P. , Brennan P. A. , Hardy R. P. , Henrys P. , Hussain A. , Jenkins M. , Lang A. , McGuire N. , McNarry A. , Osborn M. , Pittilla L. , Ralph M. , Sarkar S. , Taft D.
Published: May 2021

The need to evacuate an ICU or operating theatre complex during a fire or other emergency is a rare event but one potentially fraught with difficulty: Not only is there a risk that patients may come to harm but also that staff may be injured and unable to work. Designing newly‐built or refurbished ICUs and operating theatre suites is an opportunity to incorporate mandatory fire safety features and improve the management and outcomes of such emergencies: These include well‐marked manual fire call points and oxygen shut off valves (area valve service units); the ability to isolate individual zones; multiple clear exit routes; small bays or side rooms; preference for ground floor ICU location and interconnecting routes with operating theatres; separate clinical and non‐clinical areas. ICUs and operating theatre suites should have a bespoke emergency evacuation plan and route map that is readily available. Staff should receive practical fire and evacuation training in their clinical area of work on induction and annually as part of mandatory training, including ‘walk‐through practice’ or simulation training and location of manual fire call points and fire extinguishers, evacuation routes and location and operation of area valve service units. The staff member in charge of each shift should be able to select and operate fire extinguishers and lead an evacuation. Following an emergency evacuation, a network‐wide response should be activated, including retrieval and transport of patients to other ICUs if needed. A full investigation should take place and ongoing support and follow‐up of staff provided.