bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chinese imports’ impacts on Brazil’s inter-industry wage premium
Authors: Paz Lourenco S.
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of Chinese and non-Chinese import penetration on the inter-industry wage premium, and how such effects vary according to the unskilled-labor intensity of the industry and to the implementation of the Nova Matriz Economica policy in 2008.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper empirically examines the effects of the Chinese and non-Chinese import penetration on the wage premium using a linear instrumental variables model and data from Brazilian household surveys and censuses.

Findings

The estimates show the Chinese import penetration positively affecting the wage premium in unskilled-labor intensive. And the implementation of the new macroeconomic policy strengthened this effect.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first paper to study the effects of Chinese and non-Chinese import penetration on the inter-industry wage premium.
Factor analysis of critical success factors for water infrastructure projects delivered under public–private partnerships
Authors: Dithebe Khotso , Aigbavboa Clinton Ohis , Thwala Wellington Didibhuku , Oke Ayodeji Emmanuel
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The role of public–private partnerships (PPP) as a strategic initiative to improve and accelerate service delivery in the form of newly built and revitalised water infrastructure assets in developing countries cannot be over-emphasised. Hence, the purpose of this study is to assess and highlight the importance of critical success factors for water infrastructure projects delivered under public–private partnerships.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey design was used and a questionnaire was administered to stakeholders who have participated in delivering water infrastructure assets in South Africa. Out of 150 administered questionnaires, only 91 were returned and usable for analyses, representing a 61 per cent response rate. The data gathered were then analysed using descriptive and factor analysis.

Findings

The study revealed that thorough planning for project viability, high levels of transparency and accountability and a legal framework stipulating policy continuity are the CSFs for delivering water infrastructure projects under the PPP initiative. The findings emerging from factor analysis owing to a close variance revealed the importance of the following grouped factors, namely, public cooperation, project viability and policy and legislation enhancement.

Practical implications

From the results, it is clear that the public sector, as the facilitator of infrastructure development, should create an environment that is conducive for private capital through political will and commitment and the enhancement of policy and legislation where there is no or minimal private participation.

Originality/value

Adequate infrastructure investment from private capital promises to flourish economically and improve the living conditions of the public in the cities and the country at large. To further guarantee the reality of PPPs at a local level, the host government must adequately engage and enlighten the public.
A conceptual framework for integrated performance management systems
Authors: Johanson Ulf , Almqvist Roland , Skoog Matti
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to further develop a conceptual framework for analysing performance management systems (PMS). The framework aims to be useful for a rich understanding of a specific organisation’s PMS. At the same time, it should preferable be simple so that it could be used even in practice. The framework adds to earlier work by Malmi and Brown (2008), Ferreira and Otley (2009), Broadbent and Laughlin (2009), Bedford and Malmi (2015) and Johanson et al. (2001).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is theoretical but has also been applied to a Swedish municipality. The purpose of the latter was to understand if the framework is feasible so far.

Findings

The authors hold that the framework in its present form is useful to use as an analytical tool even if it needs to be subjected to further development.

Research limitations/implications

The paper addresses an issue that is continuously changing. This means that the suggested framework may suffer from theoretical weaknesses in some respects. To balance between a theoretically deep and exhaustive framework and a framework that is simple enough to use is a tricky question that needs further investigation.

Practical implications

The ambition with the framework is that it shall be useful even in practice.

Originality/value

The need for further research in the PMS area has been emphasised by the above researcher but also by, e.g., Van Helden and Reichard (2016). They hold that the authors need rich European cases to improve the understanding of how PMS works. The authors hold that the present framework has the potential to meet the demands from Van Helden and Reichard.
Budgets vs individual needs
Authors: Borell Anton
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Previous research has argued that little is known about the dynamics of (de)coupling. This has led to a relatively static and potentially oversimplified view on how externally imposed accountability demands are incorporated into organizational routines. The purpose of this paper is to address these calls by exploring the dynamic processes of de- and re-coupling the two institutional rules of achieving a “balanced budget” and serving “the needs of individuals” in a Swedish school context.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative case study based on 28 observations and 32 interviews with principals, administrators and teachers within a large Swedish municipality has been used.

Findings

In contrast to earlier research, the paper shows that (de)coupling is more than just a static state; it is a result of dynamic challenges and boundary maintenance. It is a state where professional groups try to both decouple and couple accounting into routines to achieve greater autonomy and control, where incarnation of one myth leads to loosening another. It is embedded in an institutional environment’s powerful actors, and when incarnation takes place at different organizational levels, it leads to less conflict in another sphere. The dynamics of (de)coupling thereby unfolds how institutional rules play out in an organizational setting.

Practical implications

From a practical viewpoint, this paper has provided insights into how rules operate in an organizational setting. Given that regulative authorities tend to assume that rules should be tightly coupled to practice, this paper provides a critical examination of the assumption that coupled organizations are inherently “better” than non-coupled ones. To what extent does incarnation of rules reflect the societal ideas – and for whom? By unfolding the dynamics of (de)coupling, this paper illuminates some potential issues with increased tightness between rules and routines.

Originality/value

The paper illuminates the ways in which institutional rules takes place on the ground, and the associated roles for accounting in such process.
Environmental area conservation through urban planning: case study in Dhaka
Authors: Nahrin Kasphia
Published: September 2019

Purpose

There are some environmentally critical areas (ECAs) in cities such as flood flow areas, agricultural land, canals, rivers, water bodies, forests and hills that need to be conserved from land transformation. The purpose of this paper is to review the compliance, challenges and significance of urban planning, and to develop a contextual framework of urban planning for environmental area conservation to improve the urban environment in case study city Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is based on a qualitative thematic analysis of the available relevant literature.

Findings

This research identified non-compliance of the contemporary urban plans such as indiscriminate land conversion activities in the ECAs. Conflicting interests between the urban plans concerning protection of the conservation areas and business interests of the community people and the real estate development companies are identified as the major challenges. Dhaka faces several environmental problems such as loss of biodiversity and ecosystem, waterlogging, flooding, pollution, reduction of vegetation, groundwater depletion, temperature increase and a reduction in agriculture and fishing because of land conversion in the ECAs.

Practical implications

Urban planning with effective conservation area management, conflict resolution through communication and participation, creation of economic opportunity to generate income from the ECAs and assessment of the conservation strategies and interventions might ensure environmental conservation in Dhaka.

Originality/value

The conceptual framework of urban planning for environmental conservation is innovative as this could be a basis for other cities in Bangladesh and in other developing countries.
Systematic literature review of best practice in food waste reduction programs
Authors: Kim Jeawon , Rundle-Thiele Sharyn , Knox Kathy
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Food waste is a systemic problem, with waste occurring at all stages in the supply chain and consumption process. There is a need to unpack which strategies, approaches and tools can be applied to reduce the amount of food wasted. Understanding the extent of social marketing principles used offers insights into the additional means that can be applied to increase voluntary behavioral change.

Design/methodology/approach

Following preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines, a systematic quantitative literature review was undertaken focused on outcome evaluation studies conducted since 2000. Six databases were examined, and cross rating was used to identify previous programs tackling food waste behavior at a household level. A total of 23 programs were analyzed against 8 social marketing components.

Findings

Overall, only 2 out of 23 food waste programs self-identified as social marketing programs. A lack of application of social marketing elements was observed across all studies, indicating a tendency to implement non-voluntary change approaches. The most commonly targeted behaviors were source-separation. Personal interaction involved the distribution of information in person (typically through door knocking). Personal interaction strategies were identified as the most effective program techniques. Program effectiveness was greater when the social marketing components of behavioral change, theory and marketing mix were used, indicating the potential for voluntary approaches to be applied more in the future.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the current study was the first systematic literature review to examine the extent of social marketing application in food waste programs reported in peer-reviewed academic literature using eight components of social marketing. The study revealed behavioral change was more likely when more social marketing components were used. Future research is recommended to consider the application of full range of social marketing elements to extend beyond involuntary approaches, which can be subjected to criticism from community.
Food “buycott” as an ethical choice against mafia in Italy
Authors: Rivaroli Sergio , Ruggeri Arianna , Spadoni Roberta
Published: September 2019

Purpose

As indicated in the Italian law (No. 109-1996), agri-food co-operatives can also play a role in combatting mafia-type systems by choosing to grow their food products in lands confiscated from mafia-type organisations. These food products provide individuals with a new opportunity to fight criminal organisations on the marketplace. The purpose of this study is to explore how people react to a social marketing initiative devoted to promoting food “buycotting” to counteract mafia-type organisations in Italy.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were obtained from a convenience sample of 339 Italians, and the study adopted a model inspired by the general theory of marketing ethics. A structural equation model was applied to estimate both the parameter and coefficient functions.

Findings

Individuals recognise the ethical value of “buycotting”. However, they perceive this form of critical choice as not yet being fully effective in counteracting mafia-type systems in Italy.

Practical implications

The results suggest that promotional and psychological approaches from marketing literature can be effectively used to influence the consumer’s ethical judgement by selectively communicating and emphasising the benefits of the critical consumption investigated.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies to address consumers’ ethical judgments and their reactions towards buycotting food as a critical choice to reward socially responsible corporations.
The effects of facades of conformity on employee voice and job satisfaction
Authors: Chou Hsin-Hui , Fang Shih-Chieh , Yeh Tsung-Kai
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Employee voice can improve organizational and individual performance. The purpose of this paper is to consider individuals’ evaluations of various features of their work situations. In particular, emotional exhaustion mediates the influence of facades of conformity on employee voice behavior and job satisfaction. This study examines a model in which facades of conformity negatively affects employee voice and job satisfaction through emotional exhaustion.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 401 employer–employee dyads from a large manufacturing company and public organizations in Taiwan were surveyed. Two-wave data demonstrated a significant positive relationship between facades of conformity and its outcomes, mediated by emotional exhaustion.

Findings

The results reveal that facades of conformity relates to employee voice and job satisfaction. Additionally, emotional exhaustion is an important mechanism in the relationships between facades of conformity and employee voice and facades of conformity and job satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

Although this study obtained data from employer–employee dyads, practical constraints prevented complete consideration of issues in the work domain, such as colleagues, which might influence employees’ voice and job satisfaction.

Practical implications

Employee who exhibit facades of conformity in an organization may work smoothly for short periods of time, the emotional response triggered by the conflict between their external behavior and their inner values can further reduce their voice behavior and thus affect the organization’s overall performance voice refers to an employee providing challenging advice to contribute to the success of an organization.

Originality/value

The findings have implications for the understanding of employees’ conditions and its associations with social issues in the workplace.
Peer effects in outward foreign direct investment: evidence from China
Authors: Wang Ruicheng , Zhou William Chongyang
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Most previous research assumes that the outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) decisions of multinational corporations (MNCs) are made independently of the actions or characteristics of their peers. Therefore, the important influence of peer effects on the OFDI strategy is often neglected. The purpose of this paper is to identify two broad categories of peer effects, i.e. learning-based and profit-driven imitations and examine the important influence of peer effects on MNCs’ internationalization strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

Using Chinese manufacturing firms as the empirical sample, the authors employ an econometric method (logit regression) to test the relationship between peer effects and an internationalization strategy.

Findings

Learning-based and profit-driven imitations are positively associated with a focal MNC’s OFDI decision. Policy uncertainty also positively moderates the relationship between peer effects and the OFDI strategy. Moreover, both peer effects are amplified when a firm is equipped with a dense export network.

Originality/value

The study offers researchers and practitioners a detailed view of interorganizational imitation behavior in terms of an internationalization strategy.
Orchestrating absorptive capacity: organizational catalysts of TMT’s influence
Authors: Vega-Jurado Jaider , Schmutzler Jana , Manjarrés-Henríquez Liney , Vega-Cárcamo Jean
Published: September 2019

Purpose

This study aims to tackle the influence of top management team (TMT), socialization capabilities and their interactions on absorptive capacity (ACAP). Specifically, this paper examines a TMT’s diversity and coordination as an “enabler” with the potential to trigger the processes involved in the generation of ACAP.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors relied on a database comprising 96 manufacturing firms in a developing country. Due to the model suggested as well as the sample size, they opted for a PLS-SEM methodology.

Findings

The empirical results show that TMT diversity is not significantly related to firm’s ACAP. Additionally, they provide evidence for a mediation of the relationship between a TMT coordination and ACAP through socialization capabilities.

Research limitations/implications

This paper presents a theoretical framework that underscores the influence of TMT on different dimensions of ACAP. Based on the upper echelon theory, the authors suggest that this is of utmost importance given that the extent to which knowledge is acquired, integrated and exploited within the firm can be contingent on the configuration and collaborative structure of the TMT. The results show that TMT coordination influences firm’s ACAP when it is complemented effectively by structural mechanisms for fostering greater communication, collaboration and cohesiveness between the members of an organization.

Practical implications

To configure a TMT merely to have diversity or guarantee the coordination between the team members is not enough to foster firm’s ACAP. An alignment of a coordinated TMT with the possibility for employees to freely communicate across functional areas and hierarchical limits is a prerequisite for the acquisition, assimilation, transformation and exploitation of external knowledge.

Originality/value

The authors consider that this study raises areas for further consideration in efforts to understand how individual-based resources (e.g. TMT configuration) can be transformed into systemic knowledge-based capability (e.g. ACAP).
Examining differences among book reviews from various online platforms
Authors: Zhang Chengzhi , Tong Tiantian , Bu Yi
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Websites have their own features in aspect preference (e.g. the relative importance platforms place on product aspects in product evaluation). The purpose of this paper is to capture characteristics of different book reviews on aspect preferences by opinion mining techniques.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors employ two indicators for identifying aspect preferences, and propose a method for quantifying overall differences of reviews on aspect preferences through three dimensions: aspect awareness, aspect satisfaction and comprehensive value.

Findings

The results show that book reviews on e-commerce websites contain information about external aspects of a book (e.g. hardcover), while those on social network websites pay more attention to content-related aspects of the book (e.g. stories). These results indicate that aspect preferences of reviews vary from platforms and make it hard to evaluate book comprehensively based on single-source data. Online book reviews from a wide range of sources can assess book impact from multiple perspectives and dimensions.

Practical implications

In order to illustrate the value of the authors’ method, the authors show book impact assessment based on multi-source data as an application of these difference analyses. Furthermore, the authors present an example of a book promotion to provide customized marketing services for different user clusters.

Originality/value

This study investigates the influence of different data sources on book evaluation from the content of book reviews. The authors also showcase potential applications of these analyses in book impact assessment.
@Digital libraries: harnessing Twitter to build online communities
Authors: Xie Iris , Stevenson Jennifer A.
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the types of roles that Twitter played in digital libraries (DLs) and their relationships in building DL online communities.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed method analysis of DLs’ tweets was conducted to identify the usage, roles of Twitter in DL communities and relationships among the roles. Twitter data from 15 different DLs for one year were extracted, and an open coding analysis was performed to identify types of Twitter roles. Pearson correlation coefficient was applied to examine the relationships among the roles based on word similarities.

Findings

The results present 15 types of Twitter roles representing five main categories identified from DL tweets, including information, promotion, related resources, social identity and social connection. Moreover, word similarities analysis identifies more strong relationships among the roles in four main categories (promotion, related resources, social identity and social connection) but less with roles in information.

Research limitations/implications

Characteristics of DL online communities are discussed and compared with physical library communities. Suggestions are proposed for how tweets can be improved to play more effective roles. To build a strong community, it is critical for digital librarians to engage with followers.

Originality/value

This study is a pioneering work that not only analyzes Twitter roles and their relationships in building DL online communities but also offers recommendations in terms of how to build a strong online community and improve Twitter use in DLs.
Influence of education on placement of production in the AIC in the conditions of Industry 4.0
Authors: Ragulina Julia V.
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to study the influence of education on placement of production in the agro-industrial complex (AIC) in the conditions of Industry 4.0.

Design/methodology/approach

For studying the experience of modern Russia in the aspect of the influence of education on placement of production in the AIC, the author uses the methodology of economic statistics. The author performs analysis of the ratio of the number of companies of the AIC and the share of the employed with higher education in the federal districts of the Russian Federation in 2018. Two markets are distinguished in the structure of the AIC: agriculture and food industry. Also, the method of regression analysis is used for compilation of regression curves, which reflect the dependence of the number of companies in the AIC (in view of the distinguished markets) on the share of the employed with higher education.

Findings

The results of the performed research showed that during the third technological mode in Russia, accessibility and quality (level of education) of human resources are insignificant factors during decision-making on placement of production in the AIC. In the conditions of Industry 4.0, the situation will change, and education will have significant influence on placement of production in the AIC. The higher the level of education of a territory’s human resources, the lower the entrepreneurial risks (risk of equipment’s failure and production defects), the higher the probability of creation of know-how (possibility to save on R&D with high innovative activity) and the higher the opportunities for selling the products of AIC 4.0 on the territory.

Originality/value

Entrepreneurial structures are recommended to use the developed algorithm of selecting a territory for placement of production in the AIC in the conditions of Industry 4.0, in view of the level of education.
Continuous results-driven innovation management program
Authors: Silva Iara Sibele , Bernardes Patrícia , Ramalho Felipe Diniz , Ekel Petr Iakovlevitch , Martins Carlos Augusto Paiva da Silva , Libório Matheus Pereira
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the innovation management program (IMP) (FAZ Program) and analyze its results according to the public policy goals that support it (Pró-Inova) suggesting improvements.

Design/methodology/approach

Intensive-direct-observation method in 43 companies; systematic data gathering and analysis (172 meeting documents); and innovation maturity diagnostics in 30 companies between August 2013 and May 2016.

Findings

The FAZ Program success rate according to the Pró-Inova goals achieved 81 percent. The percentage of completion of FAZ activities decreases during its implementation from 100 percent (strategic module) to 74 percent (management module) and ending at 46 percent (project module). The maturity for innovation of these committees/teams is decisive for those percentages. Companies whose maturity for innovation of the strategic committee and the organizational team are above average or excellent have, respectively, 1.8 and 1.7 times greater probability of implementing the program successfully.

Research limitations/implications

The FAZ Program represents only 4 percent of the programs supported by Pró-Inova. The innovative products, processes and businesses produced by the FAZ Program implementation are not measured. These innovations usually happen several years after an innovative management models implementation.

Practical implications

The maturity for innovation diagnosis is useful both to evaluate the company’s innovation capacity and to predict its chances of implementing the program successfully. Adjusting the structure of the model (e.g. PDCA cycle for the organizational module) and improving the program’s implementation (e.g. ensure management module resources and maturity for innovation capacity) can increase the program’s success rate.

Originality/value

Previous research works on IMPs supported by Pro-Inova focus on describing their methodology or benefits. The results allow answering what and how one of these programs offers in a return to the public innovation support received.
Strategic planning practices in the telecommunications industry: evidence from Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alharbi Mohammed , Dowling Peter John , Bhatti M. Ishaq
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the current strategic planning practices in the MENA region by highlighting the practices in the Saudi telecommunications industry (Saudi TI) and the external and internal factors that influence strategic planning in the Saudi TI.

Design/methodology/approach

The data comprised those from a questionnaire-based survey of a random sample of managers of Saudi TI firms, supplemented with data from secondary sources.

Findings

The results revealed that most participating managers recognized the potential benefits of using strategic planning in their firms. Several significant factors that impacted on the decision-making process with regard to strategic planning in Saudi TI firms were identified.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this paper is to fill an existing knowledge gap on strategic planning in a key industry such as the telecommunications industry in a country that is of importance as a business hub in the Middle East.
Corporate social responsibility and employee pro-environmental behaviors
Authors: Hameed Zahid , Khan Ikram Ullah , Islam Tahir , Sheikh Zaryab , Khan Safeer Ullah
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to extend the corporate social responsibility (CSR) literature by examining the influence of a firm’s external CSR activities (efforts directed toward external stakeholders of the firm) and internal CSR activities (efforts directed toward employees) on employees’ organizational citizenship behaviors toward the environment (OCBE) via organizational pride. The authors also examine the moderating role of perceived organizational support (POS) between CSR and organizational pride.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 324 questionnaires were collected from the hospitality industry of Pakistan.

Findings

The results of this research revealed that dimensions of CSR (external and internal) have a positive influence on organizational pride. Also, organizational pride is found as an underlying mediating mechanism between the relationship of CSR and OCBE. The results also indicated that a higher level of POS strengthens the relationship between CSR and organizational pride.

Practical implications

The findings are limited to only hospitality industry. Organizations can enhance employees’ sense of pride through CSR activities, which subsequently enhance employees OCBE. The findings also suggested that organizational pride contains intrinsic motivation that can help employees to enhance their OCBE.

Originality/value

This research suggests that organizational pride and POS are important factors which influence the relationship between CSR and OCBE. Further, it also empirically tests this model in a developing country context.
At the stadium or at home: the effect of broadcasting matches
Authors: Barajas Angel , Shakina Elena , Gasparetto Thadeu
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse simultaneously the effect of attendance at the stadium on the size of the TV audience, taking into account the effect of price and uncertainty of outcome hypothesis on both the TV audience and stadium attendance. The paper assumes that a home-team effect exists and influences potential spectators’ decision to go to the stadium or to stay at home.

Design/methodology/approach

The data set consists of all 228 matches broadcast live and on open air from the Brazilian League across the seasons 2013–2015. The econometric approach of the present paper is based on three simultaneous equations through the Three-Stage Least Square estimator. This method is chosen in order to avoid endogeneity between ticket prices and live attendance and, consequently, with the television audience, too.

Findings

This work finds a correlation between TV audience and attendance at the stadium. However, it has been demonstrated that those matches that are more expensive have a larger TV audience. Scheduling and UO appear to be relevant for TVs and clubs. Scheduling is relevant, as weekend matches have a smaller TV audience but higher attendance at the stadium.

Practical implications

The findings indicate that Brazilian football clubs should find optimal prices for matches in order to maximise both TV audience and attendance.

Originality/value

Analysing simultaneously the effect of attendance at the stadium on the size of the TV audience, taking into account the effect of price on all three of these variables, is new. Another novel aspect is the use of data on audience size to observe a possible substitution effect. The authors also distinguish between home and away matches, assuming that a home-team effect exists and influences potential spectators’ decision to go to the stadium or to stay at home.
Shared flow in teams: team vibration as emergent property, metaphor and surrogate measure
Authors: de Moura Jr. Pedro Jácome , Porto Bellini Carlo Gabriel
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to contribute to the literature on team management and flow theory by framing shared flow in teams (SFT) as a unique construct of much interest for team performance, as well as by proposing team vibration as a metaphor and measurable property of SFT.

Design/methodology/approach

An inductive approach is used to identify the occurrence of SFT by means of team vibration, and scale development procedures are used to offer an instrument to measure team vibration.

Findings

The current state of knowledge does not allow researchers and team leaders to assume that flow in teams depends on team members being in full flow too. Accordingly, it is shown that SFT is an emergent phenomenon of the complex interaction of team members, thus not corresponding to the mere aggregation of flow of individual team members. Moreover, it is also shown that the emergent property of team vibration is an efficient surrogate measure for SFT because it enables better communication in measurement.

Practical implications

Team managers should hire professionals that contribute to high levels of vibration in teams because this is expected to leverage desirable team processes and outcomes. Such individuals possess an ideal balance of individual and group focus. However, the authors warn that managers should be careful in assuming that individuals in full state of flow are necessary for the occurrence of flow in teams.

Originality/value

This study frames SFT as a unique construct in the literature of flow in groups, in addition to developing a metaphor and surrogate measure (team vibration) and a measurement instrument.
Citizenship pressure and job performance: roles of citizenship fatigue and continuance commitment
Authors: De Clercq Dirk , Suhail Aamir , Azeem Muhammad Umer , Haq Inam Ul
Published: September 2019

This study investigates the relationship between employees’ experience of citizenship pressure and job performance, as well as the mediating role of citizenship fatigue and moderating role of continuance commitment. Multisource, time‐lagged data from employees and their supervisors in Pakistan reveal that employees’ beliefs that they have no other choice than to take on allegedly voluntary activities undermine their job performance, due to energy depletion evoked as citizenship fatigue. Their continuance commitment buffers this process; the indirect relationship between citizenship pressure and job performance, through citizenship fatigue, is weaker when employees believe they have limited employment alternatives, because they may perceive expectations of their citizenship as opportunities instead of threats in this case. Human resource managers thus should recognize that excessive organizational pressures for citizenship behaviors can undermine job performance, but less so among employees for whom leaving the organization appears costly.
Plant–microbe networks in soil are weakened by century‐long use of inorganic fertilizers
Authors: Huang Ruilin , McGrath Steve P. , Hirsch Penny R. , Clark Ian M. , Storkey Jonathan , Wu Liyou , Zhou Jizhong , Liang Yuting
Published: September 2019

Understanding the changes in plant–microbe interactions is critically important for predicting ecosystem functioning in response to human‐induced environmental changes such as nitrogen (N) addition. In this study, the effects of a century‐long fertilization treatment (> 150 years) on the networks between plants and soil microbial functional communities, detected by GeoChip, in grassland were determined in the Park Grass Experiment at Rothamsted Research, UK. Our results showed that plants and soil microbes have a consistent response to long‐term fertilization—both richness and diversity of plants and soil microbes are significantly decreased, as well as microbial functional genes involved in soil carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) cycling. The network‐based analyses showed that long‐term fertilization decreased the complexity of networks between plant and microbial functional communities in terms of node numbers, connectivity, network density and the clustering coefficient. Similarly, within the soil microbial community, the strength of microbial associations was also weakened in response to long‐term fertilization. Mantel path analysis showed that soil C and N contents were the main factors affecting the network between plants and microbes. Our results indicate that century‐long fertilization weakens the plant–microbe networks, which is important in improving our understanding of grassland ecosystem functions and stability under long‐term agriculture management.
CSF1‐associated decrease in endometrial macrophages may contribute to Asherman's syndrome
Authors: Liu Dan , Wang Jiali , Zhao Guangfeng , Jiang Peipei , Song Minmin , Ding Hailin , Wang Zhiyin , Lv Haining , Hu Yali
Published: September 2019

Problem

Asherman's syndrome (AS) is characterized by endometrial fibrosis leading to intrauterine adhesions and symptoms like hypomenorrhea, infertility, and recurrent pregnancy loss. Macrophages are key regulators of inflammation, tissue repair, regeneration, and fibrosis. However, the role of macrophages in AS remains unclear.

Method of study

Endometrial biopsies of AS patients and controls were collected during the late proliferating phase of menstrual cycle. Fibrosis and proliferation markers were detected by Masson's trichrome staining and immunohistochemistry. Macrophages were examined by immunostaining and flow cytometry. The expression levels of CCL2, CSF1, CSF1R, and GM‐CSF were detected by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (q‐PCR) and immunohistochemistry. A well‐differentiated endometrial cell line Ishikawa (IK) was used for in vitro studies. Macrophages differentiating from THP‐1 monocytic cells were polarized by IL‐4/IL‐13. Their culture supernatants (M(IL‐4/13)‐S) were applied to H2O2 or bleomycin‐damaged IK cells.

Results

In AS patients, endometrial stroma was replaced by fibrous tissue and cell proliferation was reduced. Macrophages in endometrial tissue were mainly alternative activated macrophages and their number was significantly decreased in AS patients. The CSF1 expression level was reduced in AS patients. M(IL‐4/13)‐S promoted the growth and migration of IK cells and inhibited H2O2‐induced apoptosis. M(IL‐4/13)‐S protected IK cells from bleomycin‐induced fibrosis.

Conclusion

Macrophages are critical cells involved in the process of endometrial repair and fibrosis. The decreased amount of endometrial macrophages may be attributed to the reduced expression level of CSF1. Manipulation of macrophage activation/function may provide a novel therapeutic target for AS.
Peri‐operative considerations for sedation‐analgesia during cataract surgery: a narrative review
Authors: Kumar C. M. , Seet E. , Eke T. , Irwin M. G. , Joshi G. P.
Published: September 2019

Cataract surgery is usually of short duration and is associated with minimal pain when employing topical or regional anaesthesia. Patient education regarding the peri‐operative process may help alleviate anxiety and avoid the need for sedation. However, sedation may be required, and we discuss the various options. Many consider that pre‐operative fasting is necessary due to the risk of aspiration but fasting may not be required if minimal sedation is administered. If the use of sedatives, hypnotics or analgesics is required, then their associated adverse events should be considered.
Penalized survival models for the analysis of alternating recurrent event data
Authors: Wang Lili , He Kevin , Schaubel Douglas E.
Published: September 2019

Recurrent event data are widely encountered in clinical and observational studies. Most methods for recurrent events treat the outcome as a point process and, as such, neglect any associated event duration. This generally leads to a less informative and potentially biased analysis. We propose a joint model for the recurrent event rate (of incidence) and duration. The two processes are linked through a bivariate normal frailty. For example, when the event is hospitalization, we can treat the time to admission and length‐of‐stay as two alternating recurrent events. In our method, the regression parameters are estimated through a penalized partial likelihood, and the variance‐covariance matrix of the frailty is estimated through a recursive estimating formula. Moreover, we develop a likelihood ratio test to assess the dependence between the incidence and duration processes. Simulation results demonstrate that our method provides accurate parameter estimation, with a relatively fast computation time. We illustrate the methods through an analysis of hospitalizations among end‐stage renal disease patients.
Foot care needs for children and young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Authors: Morrison Stewart C. , Barrett Laura , Haines David
Published: September 2019

Accessible Summary

We asked parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities to complete a survey to help us understand more about the foot problems their children have experienced.

Parents told us that foot problems were common in their children, 75% of the parents raised this as a concern. Less than half of the parents felt confident with managing these problems. Buying shoes was considered difficult.

The results from this survey tell us that foot problems in children and young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are a concern. It is important to ensure that children have access to foot care services.

Background

Foot problems have been reported to be a very common health issue in adults with intellectual disabilities; foot problems in children and young people are, however, poorly understood. The aim of this study was to explore foot care needs of children and young people with intellectual and developmental disability.

Methods

An exploratory, cross‐sectional online survey was undertaken across a four‐month period. A purposive snowball sampling approach was adopted. The survey tool was piloted before launch and comprised three sections. The first section elicited information relating to parent/caregiver status, diagnosis, secondary diagnoses and age of child/young person. The second domain explored foot care and sought to obtain information about foot problems, access to health services and existing knowledge about foot health. The third domain focussed on footwear. Ethical approval was granted from the host institution, and all participants provided electronic consent before completing the survey.

Results

Data were collected from 49 parents/parental caregivers reporting on behalf of their children (mean age 7 years of age; SD 4.5 years of age). Parents reported foot problems to be very common (75%), and pes planus was the most frequent concern (51%). Twenty‐four parents reported difficulties with finding shoes (48%). A mismatch between foot shape and the shoe (30%) or complications with orthotic devices (14%) within the shoe were highlighted.

Conclusion

The results demonstrated that the burden of foot problems in children and young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities is considerable. The findings highlight the importance of access to foot care services for these children.
Evolution of endemic and sylvatic lineages of dengue virus
Authors: Damodaran Lambodhar , de Bernardi Schneider Adriano , Chen Shi , Janies Daniel
Published: September 2019

Recent disease outbreaks have raised awareness of tropical pathogens, especially mosquito‐borne viruses. Dengue virus (DENV) is a widely studied mammalian pathogen transmitted by various species of mosquito in the genus Aedes, especially Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. The prevailing view of the research community is that endemic viral lineages that cause epidemics of DENV in humans have emerged over time from sylvatic viral lineages, which persist in wild, non‐human primates. These notions have been examined by researchers through phylogenetic analyses of the envelope gene (E) from the four serotypes of DENV (serotypes DENV‐1 to DENV‐4). In these previous reports, researchers used visual inspection of a phylogeny in order to assert that sylvatic lineages lead to endemic clades. In making this assertion, these researchers also reasserted the model of periodic sylvatic to endemic disease outbreaks. Since that study, there has been a significant increase in data both in terms of metadata (e.g., place and host of isolation) and genetic sequences of DENV. Here, we re‐examine the model of sylvatic to endemic shifts in viral lineages through a phylogenetic tree search and character evolution study of metadata on the tree. We built a dataset of nucleotide sequences for 188 isolates of DENV that have metadata on sylvatic or endemic sampling along with three orthologous sequences from West Nile virus as the outgroup for the phylogenetic analysis. In contrast to previous research, we find that there are several shifts from endemic to sylvatic lineages as well as sylvatic to endemic lineages, indicating a much more dynamic model of evolution. We propose that a model that allows oscillation between sylvatic and endemic hosts better captures the dynamics of DENV transmission.
Interrogation of CYP2D6 Structural Variant Alleles Improves the Correlation Between CYP2D6 Genotype and CYP2D6‐Mediated Metabolic Activity
Authors: Dalton Rachel , Lee Seung‐been , Claw Katrina G. , Prasad Bhagwat , Phillips Brian R. , Shen Danny D. , Wong Lai Hong , Fade Mitch , McDonald Matthew G. , Dunham Maitreya J. , Fowler Douglas M. , Rettie Allan E. , Schuetz Erin , Thornton Timothy A. , Nickerson Deborah A. , Gaedigk Andrea , Thummel Kenneth E. , Woodahl Erica L.
Published: September 2019

The cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) gene locus is challenging to accurately genotype due to numerous single nucleotide variants and complex structural variation. Our goal was to determine whether the CYP2D6 genotype‐phenotype correlation is improved when diplotype assignments incorporate structural variation, identified by the bioinformatics tool Stargazer, with next‐generation sequencing data. Using CYP2D6 activity measured with substrates dextromethorphan and metoprolol, activity score explained 40% and 34% of variability in metabolite formation rates, respectively, when diplotype calls incorporated structural variation, increasing from 36% and 31%, respectively, when diplotypes did not incorporate structural variation. We also investigated whether the revised Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC) recommendations for translating genotype to phenotype improve CYP2D6 activity predictions over the current system. Although the revised recommendations do not improve the correlation between activity score and CYP2D6 activity, perhaps because of low frequency of the CYP2D6*10 allele, the correlation with metabolizer phenotype group was significantly improved for both substrates. We also measured the function of seven rare coding variants: one (A449D) exhibited decreased (44%) and another (R474Q) increased (127%) activity compared with reference CYP2D6.1 protein. Allele‐specific analysis found that A449D is part of a novel CYP2D6*4 suballele, CYP2D6*4.028. The novel haplotype containing R474Q was designated CYP2D6*138 by PharmVar; another novel haplotype containing R365H was designated CYP2D6*139. Accuracy of CYP2D6 phenotype prediction is improved when the CYP2D6 gene locus is interrogated using next‐generation sequencing coupled with structural variation analysis. Additionally, revised CPIC genotype to phenotype translation recommendations provides an improvement in assigning CYP2D6 activity.