bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vitamin D modulation of mitochondrial oxidative metabolism and mTOR enforces stress tolerance and anti-cancer responses
Authors: Quigley Mikayla , Rieger Sandra , Capobianco Enrico , Wang Zheng , Zhao Hengguang , Hewison Martin , Lisse Thomas S.
Published: June 2021

The relationship between vitamin D and reactive oxygen species (ROS), two integral signaling and damaging molecules of the cell, is poorly understood. This is striking, given that both factors are involved in cancer cell regulation and metabolism. Mitochondria (mt) dysfunction is one of the main drivers of cancer, producing higher cellular energy and ROS that can enhance oxidative stress and stress tolerance responses. To study the effects of vitamin D on metabolic and mt dysfunction, we used the vitamin D receptor (VDR)-sensitive MG-63 osteosarcoma cell model. Using biochemical approaches, active vitamin D (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, 1,25(OH)2D3) decreased mt ROS levels, membrane potential (ΔΨmt), biogenesis, and translation, while enforcing endoplasmic reticulum/mitohormetic stress tolerance responses. Using a mitochondria-focused transcriptomic approach, gene set enrichment and pathway analyses show that 1,25(OH)2D3 lowered mt fusion/fission and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). By contrast, mitophagy, ROS defense, and epigenetic gene regulation were enhanced after 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment, as well as key metabolic enzymes that regulate fluxes of substrates for cellular architecture and a shift toward non-oxidative energy metabolism. ATACseq revealed putative oxi-sensitive and tumor-suppressing transcription factors that may regulate important mt functional genes such as the mTORC1 inhibitor, DDIT4/REDD1. DDIT4/REDD1 was predominantly localized to the outer mt membrane in untreated MG-63 cells yet sequestered in the cytoplasm after 1,25(OH)2D3 and rotenone treatments, suggesting a level of control by membrane depolarization to facilitate its cytoplasmic mTORC1 inhibitory function. The results show that vitamin D activates distinct adaptive metabolic responses involving mitochondria to regain redox balance and control the growth of cancer cells.
Lyso-Phosphatidic Acid Acyl-Transferases: a link with intracellular protein transport in Arabidopsis root cells?
Authors: Wattelet-Boyer Valérie , Guédard Marina Le , Dittrich-Domergue Franziska , Maneta-Peyret Lilly , Kriechbaumer Verena , Boutté Yohann , Bessoule Jean-Jacques , Moreau Patrick
Published: June 2021

Phosphatidic acid (PA) and Lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferases (LPAATs) might be critical for the secretory pathway. Four extra-plastidial LPAATs (numbered 2,3,4 and 5) were identified in A. thaliana. These AtLPAATs, displaying an enzymatic activity specific for LPA to produce PA, are located in the endomembrane system. We focused on the putative role of the AtLPAATs 3, 4 and 5 in the secretory pathway of root cells through genetical (knock-out mutants), biochemical (activity inhibitor, lipid analyses) and imaging (live and immuno-confocal microscopies) approaches. Treating a lpaat4;lpaat5 double mutant with the LPAAT inhibitor CI976 showed a primary root growth decrease. The transport of the auxin transporter PIN2 was disturbed in this lpaat4;lpaat5 double mutant treated with CI976, but not that of H+-ATPases. The lpaat4;lpaat5 double mutant was sensitive to salt stress and the transport of the aquaporin PIP2;7 to the plasma membrane in the lpaat4;lpaat5 double mutant treated with CI976 was reduced. We measured the amounts of neo-synthesized PA in roots, and found a decrease in PA only in the lpaat4;lpaat5 double mutant treated with CI976, suggesting that the protein transport impairment was due to a critical PA concentration threshold.

Highlight

Phosphatidic acid produced by Lyso-Phosphatidic Acid Acyl-Transferases has an impact on the efficiency of the intracellular transport of some proteins in Arabidopsis thaliana root cells.
Targeting of Protein Kinase CK2 Elicits Antiviral Activity on Bovine Coronavirus Infection
Authors: Ramón Ailyn C. , Pérez George V. , Caballero Evelin , Rosales Mauro , Aguilar Daylén , Vázquez-Blomquist Dania , Ramos Yassel , Rodríguez Arielis , Falcón Viviana , Rodríguez María P. , Ke Yang , Perera Yasser , Perea Silvio E.
Published: June 2021

Coronaviruses constitute a global threat to human population since three highly pathogenic coronaviruses (SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2) have crossed species to cause severe human respiratory disease. Considering the worldwide emergency status due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, effective pan-coronavirus antiviral drugs are required to tackle the ongoing as well as future (re)emerging virus outbreaks. Protein kinase CK2 has been deemed a promising therapeutic target in COVID-19 supported by its in vitro pharmacologic inhibition and molecular studies on SARS-CoV-2 infected cells. CIGB-325 is a first-in-class synthetic peptide impairing the CK2-mediated signaling whose safety and clinical benefit have been evidenced in Covid-19 and cancer patients after intravenous administration. Here, we explored the putative antiviral effect of CIGB-325 over MDBK cells infected by bovine coronavirus (BCoV) Mebus. Importantly, CIGB-325 inhibited both the cytopathic effect and the number of plaques forming units with a half-inhibitory concentrations IC50 = 3.5 μM and 17.7 μM, respectively. Accordingly, viral protein accumulation at the cytoplasm was clearly reduced by treating BCoV-infected cells with CIGB-325 over time, as determined by immunocytochemistry. Of note, data from pull-down assay followed by western blot and/or mass spectrometry identification revealed physical interaction of CIGB-325 with nucleocapsid (N) protein and a bona fide cellular CK2 substrates. Functional enrichment and network analysis from the CIGB-325 interacting proteins indicated cytoskeleton reorganization and protein folding as the most represented biological processes disturbed by this anti-CK2 peptide. Altogether, our findings not only unveil the direct antiviral activity of CIGB-325 on coronavirus infection but also provide molecular clues underlying such effect. Also, our data reinforce the scientific rationality behind the pharmacologic inhibition of CK2 to treat coronavirus infections.
Multiscale mechanistic modelling of the host defense in invasive aspergillosis reveals leukocyte activation and iron acquisition as drivers of infection outcome
Authors: Ribeiro Henrique AL , Vieira Luis Sordo , Scindia Yogesh , Adhikari Bandita , Wheeler Matthew , Knapp Adam , Schroeder William , Mehrad Borna , Laubenbacher Reinhard
Published: June 2021

Aspergillus species are ubiquitous environmental molds, the spores of which are inhaled daily by most humans. Immunocompromised hosts can develop an invasive infection resulting in high mortality. There is, therefore, a pressing need for host-centric therapeutics for this infection. To address this need, we created a multi-scale computational model of the infection, focused on its interaction with the innate immune system and iron, a critical nutrient for the pathogen. The model, parameterized using published data, was found to recapitulate a wide range of biological features and was experimentally validatedin vivo. Conidial swelling was identified as critical in fungal strains with high growth, whereas the siderophore secretion rate is an essential prerequisite for establishment of the infection in low-growth strains. In immunocompetent hosts, high growth, high swelling probability, and impaired leukocyte activation lead to a high conidial germination rate. Similarly, in neutropenic mice, high fungal growth was achieved through synergy between high growth rate, high swelling probability, slow leukocyte activation, and high siderophore secretion. In summary, the model reveals a small set of parameters related to fungal growth, iron acquisition, and leukocyte activation as key determinants of the fate of the infection.
Cortical waves mediate the cellular response to electric fields
Authors: Yang Qixin , Miao Yuchuan , Campanello Leonard J. , Hourwitz Matt J. , Abubaker-Sharif Bedri , Bull Abby L. , Devreotes Peter N. , Fourkas John T. , Losert Wolfgang
Published: June 2021

Electrotaxis, the directional migration of cells in a constant electric field, is important in regeneration, development, and wound healing. Electrotaxis has a slower response and a smaller dynamic range than guidance by other cues, suggesting that the mechanism of electrotaxis share both similarities and differences with chemical-gradient-sensing pathways. We examined a mechanism centered on the excitable system consisting of cortical waves of biochemical signals coupled to cytoskeletal reorganization, which has been implicated in random cell motility. We use electro-fused giantDictyostelium discoideumcells to decouple waves from cell motion and employ nanotopographic surfaces to limit wave dimensions and lifetimes. We demonstrate that wave propagation in these cells is guided by electric fields. The wave area and lifetime gradually increase in the first 10 minutes after an electric field is turned on, leading to more abundant and wider protrusions in the cell region nearest the cathode. The wave directions display “U-turn” behavior upon field reversal, and this switch occurs more quickly on nanotopography. Our results suggest that electric fields guide cells by controlling waves of signal transduction and cytoskeletal activity, which underlie cellular protrusions. Whereas surface receptor occupancy triggers both rapid activation and slower polarization of signaling pathways, electric fields appear to act primarily on polarization, explaining why cells respond to electric fields more slowly than to other guidance cues.
Relevance of prediction scores derived from the SARS-CoV-2 first wave, in the UK COVID-19 second wave, for early discharge, severity and mortality: a PREDICT COVID UK prospective observational cohort study
Authors: Ghani Hakim , Navarra Alessio , Pyae Phyoe K , Mitchell Harry , Evans William , Cama Rigers , Shaw Michael , Critchlow Ben , Vaghela Tejal , Schechter Miriam , Nordin Nazril , Barlow Andrew , Vancheeswaran Rama
Published: June 2021

Objective

Prospectively validate two prognostic scores, pre-hospitalisation (SOARS) and hospitalised mortality prediction (4C Mortality Score), derived from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) first wave, in the evolving second wave with prevalent B.1.1.7 and parent D614 severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants, in two large United Kingdom (UK) cohorts.

Design

Prospective observational cohort study of SOARS and 4C Mortality Score in PREDICT (single site) and multi-site ISARIC (International Severe Acute Respiratory and Emerging Infections Consortium) cohorts.

Setting

Protocol-based data collection in UK COVID-19 second wave, between October 2020 and January 2021, from PREDICT and ISARIC cohorts.

Participants

1383 from single site PREDICT cohort and 20,595 from multi-site ISARIC cohort.

Main outcome measures

Relevance of SOARS and 4C Mortality Score derived from the COVID-19 first wave, determining in-hospital mortality and safe discharge in the UK COVID-19 second wave.

Results

Data from 1383 patients (median age 67y, IQR 52-82; mortality 24.7%) in the PREDICT and 20,595 patients from the ISARIC (mortality 19.4%) cohorts showed both SOARS and 4C Mortality Score remained relevant despite the B.1.1.7 variant and treatment advances. SOARS had AUC of 0.8 and 0.74, while 4C Mortality Score had an AUC of 0.83 and 0.91 for hospital mortality, in the PREDICT and ISARIC cohorts respectively, therefore effective in evaluating both safe discharge and in-hospital mortality. 19.3% (231/1195, PREDICT cohort) and 16.7% (2550/14992, ISARIC cohort) with a SOARS of 0-1 were potential candidates for home discharge to a virtual hospital (VH) model. SOARS score implementation resulted in low re-admission rates, 11.8% (27/229), and low mortality, 0.9% (2/229), in the VH pathway. Use is still suboptimal to prevent admission, as 8.1% in the PREDICT cohort and 9.5% in the ISARIC cohort were admitted despite SOARS score of 0-1.

Conclusion

SOARS and 4C Mortality Score remains valid, providing accurate prognostication despite evolving viral subtype and treatment advances, which have altered mortality. Both scores are easily implemented within urgent care pathways with a scope for admission avoidance. They remain safe and relevant to their purpose, transforming complex clinical presentations into tangible numbers, aiding objective decision making.

Trial registration

NHS HRA registration and REC approval (20/HRA/2344, IRAS ID 283888).
Stability control for end effect of mobile manipulator in uneven terrain based on active disturbance rejection control
Authors: Cheng Chuang , Zhang Hui , Peng Hui , Zhou Zhiqian , Chen Bailiang , Zeng Zhiwen , Lu Huimin
Published: June 2021

Purpose

When the mobile manipulator is traveling on an unconstructed terrain, the external disturbance is generated. The load on the end of the mobile manipulator will be affected strictly by the disturbance. The purpose of this paper is to reject the disturbance and keep the end effector in a stable pose all the time, a control method is proposed for the onboard manipulator.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the kinematics and dynamics models of the end pose stability control system for the tracked robot are built. Through the guidance of this model information, the control framework based on active disturbance rejection control (ADRC) is designed, which keeps the attitude of the end of the manipulator stable in the pitch, roll and yaw direction. Meanwhile, the control algorithm is operated with cloud computing because the research object, the rescue robot, aims to be lightweight and execute work with remote manipulation.

Findings

The challenging simulation experiments demonstrate that the methodology can achieve valid stability control performance in the challenging terrain road in terms of robustness and real-time.

Originality/value

This research facilitates the stable posture control of the end-effector of the mobile manipulator and maintains it in a suitable stable operating environment. The entire system can normally work even in dynamic disturbance scenarios and uncertain nonlinear modeling. Furthermore, an example is given to guide the parameter tuning of ADRC by using model information and estimate the unknown internal modeling uncertainty, which is difficult to be modeled or identified.
An analytical model of the replacement costs of aircraft engine life-limited parts
Authors: Stojiljković Branimir , Vasov Ljubiša , Čokorilo Olja , Vorotović Goran
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present novel recursive expressions for modelling the replacement costs of aircraft engine life-limited parts during shop visits to assist engine operators in both evaluating their decisions regarding the applied life-limited parts management strategies and tracking the replacement costs consistently throughout the life of the engine.

Design/methodology/approach

The replacement costs of aircraft engine life-limited parts are modelled analytically in this research, which strives to quantify the costs of used and unused lives of the replaced parts, incurred during engine shop visit events. Inputs for this model include the list price of life-limited parts, the replacement decisions made on all previous shop visits and the number of cycles the engine has operated at different thrust ratings on all previous operating intervals.

Findings

The average annual escalation rate of life-limited parts list prices was shown to range from 5% to 7%. The presented model is not only suitable for calculating the costs of used and unused lives of life-limited parts during past engine shop visit events but also for application in the life-limited parts replacement cost forecasting and optimisation models.

Originality/value

Uniquely derived recursive expressions represent the final result of the developed model which, to the authors’ knowledge, had not been studied elsewhere in the academic literature. The analysis of aircraft engine life-limited part list prices carried out to account for the average annual escalation rate enables the prediction of replacement costs during subsequent shop visits.
Evaluating distance perception for architecture design alternatives in immersive virtual environment: a comparative study
Authors: Abouelkhier Narmin , Shawky Doaa , Marzouk Mohamed
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Immersive virtual environments (IVEs) aid in perceiving spaces by providing a platform for all stakeholders to make better decisions at early design stages. Nevertheless, they are not widely used in architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry. This paper aims to illustrate the impact of level of details (LODs) in participants’ perception for architecture design alternatives in IVEs.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents an approach to estimate how distance perception varies between real and virtual environments when different design alternatives are implemented. First, a fully three-dimensional (3D) model for a replica meeting room was created and the level of details (LODs) inside the IVE was gradually modified. Second, a questionnaire was designed to collect responses about how the perceived experience of an IVE is compared to that of the physical environment, where the two environments have the same dimensions. Twenty-six participants were recruited in this study to estimate eight distances in the IVEs while putting on a head-mounted display.

Findings

Obtained results show that decreasing LOD has negative effect on users’ perception. Thus, when all of the available LODs were added to the IVE, the perceived perception was significantly enhanced. These findings emphasize the relation between the physical details and distance perception in IVEs and shed light on how to design virtual reality architectural models in an efficient manner.

Originality/value

Different experiments were conducted to analyze perception differences associated with factors such as LODs, gender and whether participants are wearing glasses.
Two-dimensional hybrid model for magnetic field calculation in electrical machines: exact subdomain technique and magnetic equivalent circuit
Authors: Ladghem Chikouche Brahim , Boughrara Kamel , Dubas Frédéric , Ibtiouen Rachid
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a two-dimensional (2-D) hybrid analytical model (HAM) in polar coordinates, combining a 2-D exact subdomain (SD) technique and magnetic equivalent circuit (MEC), for the magnetic field calculation in electrical machines at no-load and on-load conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the proposed technique is applied to dual-rotor permanent magnet (PM) synchronous machines. The magnetic field is computed by coupling an exact analytical model (AM), based on the formal resolution of Maxwell’s equations applied in subdomains, in regions at unitary relative permeability with a MEC, using a nodal-mesh formulation (i.e. Kirchhoff's current law), in ferromagnetic regions. The AM and MEC are connected in both directions (i.e. r- and theta-edges) of the (non-)periodicity direction (i.e. in the interface between teeth regions and all its adjacent regions as slots and/or air-gap). To provide accurate solutions, the current density distribution in slot regions is modeled by using Maxwell’s equations instead to MEC and characterized by an equivalent magnetomotive force (MMF) located in the slots, teeth and yoke.

Findings

It is found that whatever the iron core relative permeability, the developed HAM gives accurate results for both no-load and on-load conditions. Finite element analysis demonstrates the excellent results of the developed technique.

Originality/value

The main objective of this paper is to achieve a direct coupling between the AM and MEC in both directions (i.e. r- and theta-edges). The current density distribution is modeled by using Maxwell’s equations instead to MEC and characterized by an MMF.
Changes in the approach to employee development in organisations as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Mikołajczyk Katarzyna
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the direction and extent of changes in the approach of organisations to employee development that have occurred as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is of a qualitative nature. The thematic exploration uses the analysis of findings from 19 in-depth interviews with experienced HR managers and is preceded by desk research.

Findings

The findings advance our understanding of how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected developmental processes in organisations. The results indicate, apart from the change in the form and methodology of employee trainings due to the pandemic, that employees also desire new subjects to aid their development. One also noticed decreased employee engagement and increased fatigue with the use of multiple, online development initiatives.

Practical implications

For learning and development (L&D) practitioners, there are implications in relation to tailoring developmental offerings to fit the needs of employees to help them to progress more in the course of their work. In this new reality, an agile approach to employee development can work much better. The activities of the L&D departments should also take into greater account the changing and unpredictable reality as well as the evolving nature of information and communication technologies (ICT). The COVID-19 pandemic may contribute to the analysis and modernisation of existing offerings for development in organisations and foster a culture of lifelong learning.

Originality/value

This research makes an important contribution to the literature by examining the impact of situational context on modifications in development activities undertaken in organisations. The results indicate the need to change the existing role of L&D teams in organisations, taking into account the maximum use of e-learning potential, while understanding its limitations. It can be assumed that while the pandemic develops, designing hybrid learning will become even more important and L&D professionals will focus on combining the flexibility of self-training and available online resources with highly engaging real-world experiences.
Effect of climate change on fruit by co-integration and machine learning
Authors: Khan Tamoor , Qiu Jiangtao , Banjar Ameen , Alharbey Riad , Alzahrani Ahmed Omar , Mehmood Rashid
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the impacts on production of five fruit crops from 1961 to 2018 of energy use, CO2 emissions, farming areas and the labor force in China.

Design/methodology/approach

This analysis applied the autoregressive distributed lag-bound testing (ARDL) approach, Granger causality method and Johansen co-integration test to predict long-term co-integration and relation between variables. Four machine learning methods are used for prediction of the accuracy of climate effect on fruit production.

Findings

The Johansen test findings have shown that the fruit crop growth, energy use, CO2 emissions, harvested land and labor force have a long-term co-integration relation. The outcome of the long-term use of CO2 emission and rural population has a negative influence on fruit crops. The energy consumption, harvested area, total fruit yield and agriculture labor force have a positive influence on six fruit crops. The long-run relationships reveal that a 1% increase in rural population and CO2 will decrease fruit crop production by −0.59 and −1.97. The energy consumption, fruit harvested area, total fruit yield and agriculture labor force will increase fruit crop production by 0.17%, 1.52%, 1.80% and 4.33%, respectively. Furthermore, uni-directional causality is correlated with the growth of fruit crops and energy consumption. Also, the results indicate that the bi-directional causality impact varies from CO2 emissions to agricultural areas to fruit crops.

Originality/value

This study also fills the literature gap in implementing ARDL for agricultural fruits of China, used machine learning methods to examine the impact of climate change and to explore this important issue.
The influence of privately initiated rezoning on housing prices
Authors: Robert Jeffrey G. , Zahirovic-Herbert Velma
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the parcel-level impacts of the zoning change.

Design/methodology/approach

Using hedonic regression and propensity score matching econometric techniques, this paper analyses single-family housing prices within Fulton County Georgia. This paper combines data on the parcel-level zoning changes with nearby housing sales transactions to study the potential externality effects because of rezoning induced by private parties.

Findings

The paper finds evidence of heterogeneous rezoning effects, depending upon the type of rezoning conducted. At a distance within 0.75 miles, housing prices appreciate by 8.31% when nearby privately initiated rezoning maintains the residential character of a neighbourhood. However, housing prices decline by 21.26% when residential housing zones are converted to non-residential housing zones. The negative influences of rezoning residential use to non-residential uses decline as distance increases.

Originality/value

The analysis provides quantitative information on the impact of rezoning on residential property prices. Planning officials and developers can use these results to assuage homeowner fears of potential negative housing price effects associated with rezoning.
Oil price volatility and firm profitability: an empirical analysis of Shariah-compliant and non-Shariah-compliant firms
Authors: Bugshan Abdullah , Bakry Walid , Li Yongqing
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This study examines the impact of oil price volatility on firm profitability. As Shariah-compliant firms operate under restrictions, the study also explores whether oil price volatility affects Shariah-compliant firms differently from their non-Shariah-compliant counterparts.

Design/methodology/approach

The study sample includes all non-financial firms listed on Gulf Cooperation Council stock exchanges from 2005 to 2019. In evaluating the oil price volatility–profitability relationship, static (panel fixed effects) and dynamic (system generalised method of moments) models were used.

Findings

Oil price volatility significantly depresses firm profitability. In addition, Shariah-compliant firms are more significantly affected by oil price volatility than their non-Shariah-compliant peers. The results suggest that high oil price volatility exposes Shariah-compliant firms to higher bankruptcy risk than non-Shariah-compliant firms and that positive and negative oil price shocks have asymmetric effects on firm performance.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of the paper call for more economic diversification by supporting non-oil sectors in the region and raise the need for more development of Islam-compliant products that compete with traditional instruments to help Shariah-compliant firms cope with uncertainty. Moreover, managers need to prepare quick alert and response procedures to reduce the negative impacts of oil price volatility on profitability.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to explore the relationship between oil price volatility and profitability of non-financial firms. Further, the study extends prior Islamic corporate finance literature by enhancing the understanding of how Islamic corporate decisions affect firm performance during instability.
Relations between merchandising information orientation, strategic integration and retail performance
Authors: Kim Changju , Miao Miao , Hu Bin
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the conditions under which small independent retailers can improve their business performance by adopting a merchandising information orientation and strategically integrating into retailer buying groups.

Design/methodology/approach

This study tests hypotheses using a hierarchical multiple regression model and data obtained from 241 supermarket retailers that are existing members of buying groups in Japan.

Findings

The results indicate that merchandising information orientation alone may not be a beneficial strategy for small independent retailers to improve their business performance; however, by combining a merchandising information strategy with strong strategic integration with a buying group, optimal benefits can be achieved.

Practical implications

The findings highlight the potential benefits small independent retailers can gain from buying groups when pursuing a merchandising information orientation, which may prompt such retailers to actively integrate the policies and activities of the buying group into their business strategy.

Originality/value

The authors conceptualise retailers’ merchandising information in a model that demonstrates the link between a firm’s information strategy and its performance from the perspective of resource-based theory. Thus, this study advances the knowledge of the strategic behaviours of small independent retailers and provides valuable information for buying groups in the retail sector.
Understanding in-store interactive technology use: a uses and gratifications theory (UGT) perspective
Authors: Boudkouss Hafida , Djelassi Souad
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this research is twofold: (1) to identify and understand consumer motivations to use interactive technologies in stores through the lens of the uses and gratifications (UGT) approach and (2) to understand how these gratifications differ between different interactive technologies (interactive kiosks and self-checkouts).

Design/methodology/approach

This research presents a dual qualitative study based on 32 in-depth interviews with 20 consumers, eight salespersons and four phygital experts.

Findings

The data analysis identified three specific gratifications sought in using interactive kiosks (information-seeking, hedonic and social interaction) and two gratifications common to both interactive kiosks and self-checkouts (control and time-saving).

Originality/value

From a media perspective (UGT), this research provides a deeper understanding of gratifications sought in using interactive technologies in a phygital store. It also contributes significantly to previous research by highlighting that gratifications differ between different technology types.
Click models inspired learning to rank
Authors: Keyhanipour Amir Hosein , Oroumchian Farhad
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Incorporating users’ behavior patterns could help in the ranking process. Different click models (CMs) are introduced to model the sophisticated search-time behavior of users among which commonly used the triple of attractiveness, examination and satisfaction. Inspired by this fact and considering the psychological definitions of these concepts, this paper aims to propose a novel learning to rank by redefining these concepts. The attractiveness and examination factors could be calculated using a limited subset of information retrieval (IR) features by the random forest algorithm, and then they are combined with each other to predicate the satisfaction factor which is considered as the relevance level.

Design/methodology/approach

The attractiveness and examination factors of a given document are usually considered as its perceived relevance and the fast scan of its snippet, respectively. Here, attractiveness and examination factors are regarded as the click-count and the investigation rate, respectively. Also, the satisfaction of a document is supposed to be the same as its relevance level for a given query. This idea is supported by the strong correlation between attractiveness-satisfaction and the examination-satisfaction. Applying random forest algorithm, the attractiveness and examination factors are calculated using a very limited set of the primitive features of query-document pairs. Then, by using the ordered weighted averaging operator, these factors are aggregated to estimate the satisfaction.

Findings

Experimental results on MSLR-WEB10K and WCL2R data sets show the superiority of this algorithm over the state-of-the-art ranking algorithms in terms of P@n and NDCG criteria. The enhancement is more noticeable in top-ranked items which are reviewed more by the users.

Originality/value

This paper proposes a novel learning to rank based on the redefinition of major building blocks of the CMs which are the attractiveness, examination and satisfactory. It proposes a method to use a very limited number of selected IR features to estimate the attractiveness and examination factors and then combines these factors to predicate the satisfactory which is regarded as the relevance level of a document with respect to a given query.
The role of university environment in promoting entrepreneurial behavior: evidence from heterogeneous regions in Brazil
Authors: Rocha Anne Kathleen Lopes da , Moraes Gustavo Hermínio Salati Marcondes de , Fischer Bruno
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the microfoundations of student entrepreneurship, a cornerstone of innovation ecosystems. To this end, this paper assesses how perceived university support for entrepreneurship influences entrepreneurial characteristics and intentions in students enrolled at Amazonas and São Paulo State Universities.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative approach based on multivariate data analysis using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling was applied to a sample of 420 respondents.

Findings

Results indicate that the university environment positively influences entrepreneurial behavior and intention in students. Nonetheless, further integration between academia and external dimensions of the ecosystems is necessary to drive more intense entrepreneurial activity in students. The educational contexts of Amazonas and São Paulo present significant differences in the relationship between entrepreneurial characteristics and entrepreneurial intention with a stronger influence found for Amazonas. This finding suggests a relative lack of propensity of students from São Paulo to engage in entrepreneurial venturing.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitations involve the use of non-probabilistic sampling procedures and students’ heterogeneity in terms of academic seniority.

Practical implications

This research offers guidance for policies targeting the generation of entrepreneurial activity in universities embedded in developing countries’ innovation ecosystems and facing distinct levels of socioeconomic development.

Originality/value

This research presents a novel analysis of the microfoundations driving student entrepreneurship within different educational contexts in a developing country. Results highlight the necessary conditions for universities to foster entrepreneurial activity and, incidentally, feed innovation ecosystems with entrepreneurial talent.
Do corporate attributes impact integrated reporting quality? An empirical evidence
Authors: Erin Olayinka , Adegboye Alex
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impact of corporate attributes on integrated reporting quality of top 100 listed firms in South Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

With a sample of the top 100 listed firms in South Africa, this paper drew insights from the legitimacy and stakeholder theory to examine the impact of corporate attributes on integrated reporting quality. This paper measured integrated reporting quality based on the International Integrated Reporting Council framework of 2013. Corporate attributes were determined taking into consideration three broad perspectives (board committee attributes, firm attributes and audit committee attributes). This paper analyzed the data using content analysis, ordered probit regression and logistic regression method.

Findings

Results indicate that board committee attributes, firm attributes and audit committee attributes have a positive and significant relationship with integrated reporting quality. Additional analysis reveals that external assurance contributes to the quality of integrated reporting. The findings empirically revealed that most South African firms have intensified efforts toward the quality and full disclosure of integrated reporting framework.

Research limitations/implications

The study was limited to a sample size of 100 firms, which is country-specific, however, it sets the tone for future empirical research on the subject matter. This study provides an avenue for future research in the area of corporate attributes and integrated reporting quality in other emerging countries, especially other African countries.

Practical implications

The result of this study provides practical implications in the areas of good corporate governance, corporate reporting and integrated reporting. The empirical approach used in this study emphasizes the need for corporate organizations to introduce integrated reporting practices into their reporting cycle. The finding implies that non-compliance with integrated reporting by corporate organizations may have an adverse effect on corporate growth, corporate sustainability and corporate reputation in the long run.

Originality/value

The work extends prior research on the subject of integrated reporting in South Africa. Also, this study broadens the application of legitimacy and stakeholder theory in influencing corporate organizations to disclose relevant information that could aids stakeholders’ interest.
What drives the banking competition in Islamic finance oriented countries? Islamic vs conventional banks
Authors: Faizulayev Alimshan , Wada Isah , Kyzdarbekova Asset Sadvakasovna , Parmankulova Indira
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine the dynamics of banking competition between Islamic banks (IBs) and conventional banks (CBs) in emerging finance-oriented Islamic economies, also known as the QISMUT + 3 (i.e. Qatar, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Bahrein, Kuwait and Pakistan). The main aim was to conduct a comparative market power analysis between IBs and CBs in the 2006–2015 period.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used bank-specific and macro-economic variables available in the Orbis Bank Focus and the World Bank databases. The study applied a dynamic approach to detect endogeneity problems and unobserved heterogeneity using the two-step system GMM estimate.

Findings

The research shows that market power persists in both types of banks over time. It also demonstrates that capital adequacy does not explain the market power of banking in the studied countries. Unlike IBs, the scale of banking does not influence the market power CBs. Corruption undermines competition in the conventional banking system. However, because of the ideological orientation of IBs, corruption does not affect their competitiveness. IBs outperform CBs in QISMUT + 3 countries in terms of banking competitiveness. They also have higher persistency of market power in the region.

Practical implications

This study is a very beneficial source of information that can provide effective guidelines for efficient productivity and improved competitiveness of IBs and CBs in finance-oriented Islamic countries.

Originality/value

The study is the first to compare the market power of IBs and CBs in this country classification. In addition, the study examined a large number of IBs and CBs to carry out this research.
Dialogue in management education and development: a conceptual framework
Authors: Elembilassery Varun , Chakraborty Shreyashi
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The experience of individuals has a huge potential for management education and development. Specific approaches are required to transform experience into learning. The purpose of this paper is to create a framework of dialogic approach, as a method of experience-based learning, which can be used for transforming the experience into learning.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses analytical abstraction and conceptual integration to develop the framework of dialogic approach. Evidence from prior research studies is used as the theoretical background to support the framework.

Findings

Dialogue is important for unravelling the experience and creating learning. Dialogic approach as a tool for experience-based learning is developed by combining reflective, appreciative and generative dialogues in a theoretically consistent sequence.

Practical implications

The proposed framework is operationalised as a three-phase process for delivering the dialogic approach and can be used by educators.

Originality/value

The framework of dialogic approach is unique as it combines different types of dialogues. The framework is independent of context and can be applied globally for management education and development, which is a novel contribution.
Brand imitation strategy, package design and consumer response: what does it take to make a difference?
Authors: Qiao Fei , Griffin William Glenn
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of a brand imitation strategy for the package design of male-targeted, female-targeted and gender-neutral products.

Design/methodology/approach

Three (2 × 2 × 2) between-subjects factorial experiments were conducted with three independent variables, namely, visual shape, color and logo, each classified as relevant/divergent. The dependent variables were participants’ attitudes toward the brand, attitudes toward the product and purchase intention.

Findings

There were no significant main effects or interactions for the male-targeted product. The results for the female-targeted product revealed no significant main effect of visual shape, a significant main effect of color and significant two-way interactions between visual shape and color and between visual shape and logo. Significant main effects were found for visual shape and color for the gender-neutral product.

Practical implications

A color scheme similar to that of a leading brand in the same product category more powerfully influenced participants’ attitudes and purchase intention, while a more holistically similar design had greater impact than a less holistic design. Some “divergence” or distinctive design elements of the female-targeted product positively influenced participants’ attitudes and behavior. These findings suggest that a brand imitation strategy offers a means for competing in the marketplace, but should be used with caution.

Originality/value

A conceptual continuum of brand imitation is proposed, incorporating visual semiotics, creativity theory and gender differences in cognitive styles to provide a more systematic method for delineating brand imitation levels.
Enhancing productivity of ship chandlers’ trucks at the port for sustainability
Authors: Essi Muhammad Syafiq , Chen Yingsi , Loh Hui Shan , Gu Yimiao
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Ship chandlers’ trucks are now facing challenges owing to their job characteristics, which will lead to low productivity of trucks, congestions and pollutions at the port. The aim of this paper is to identify important causes and the effects of low truck productivity at the port under the demand of sustainable development.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the literature review, potential causes and relevant analysis are developed and carried out by using a systematic approach, incorporating in-depth interviews with experts, cause analysis and risk management process.

Findings

Results from the research framework showed that a lack of communication with the port, late arrival of ships, truck congestion and fragmented deliveries are the most important factors that led to low truck productivity at the port. A solution that combines an integrated system that shares real-time information with the port, a consolidation hub and a truck-pooling platform is proposed to comply with green port concepts, together with factors considerations.

Originality/value

Although the operation of ship chandlers’ trucks is a derived business in overall port operations, it is an indispensable element at the port. The findings present a new insight to the relationship between ship chandlers’ trucks productivity and port operation efficiency for industry practitioners and port policymakers.
The durability of economic indicators in container shipping demand: a case study of East Asia–US container transport
Authors: Kawasaki Tomoya , Matsuda Takuma , Lau Yui-yip , Fu Xiaowen
Published: June 2021

Purpose

In the maritime industry, it is vital to have a reliable forecast of container shipping demand. Although indicators of economic conditions have been used in modeling container shipping demand on major routes such as those from East Asia to the USA, the duration of such indicators’ effects on container movement demand have not been systematically examined. To bridge this gap in research, this study aims to identify the important US economic indicators that significantly affect the volume of container movements and empirically reveal the duration of such impacts.

Design/methodology/approach

The durability of economic indicators on container movements is identified by a vector autoregression (VAR) model using monthly-based time-series data. In the VAR model, this paper can analyze the effect of economic indicators at t-k on container movement at time t. In the model, this paper considers nine US economic indicators as explanatory variables that are likely to affect container movements. Time-series data are used for 228 months from January 2001 to December 2019.

Findings

In the mainland China route, “building permission” receives high impact and has a duration of 14 months, reflecting the fact that China exports a high volume of housing-related goods to the USA. Regarding the South Korea and Japan routes, where high volumes of machinery goods are exported to the USA, the “index of industrial production” receives a high impact with 11 and 13 months’ duration, respectively. On the Taiwan route, as several types of goods are transported with significant shares, “building permits” and “index of industrial production” have important effects.

Originality/value

Freight demand forecasting for bulk cargo is a popular research field because of the public availability of several time-series data. However, no study to date has measured the impact and durability of economic indicators on container movement. To bridge the gap in the literature in terms of the impact of economic indicators and their durability, this paper developed a time-series model of the container movement from East Asia to the USA.