bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment and optimization of respiratory syncytial virus prophylaxis regimens in Connecticut, 1996-2013
Authors: Artin Ben , Pitzer Virginia E. , Weinberger Daniel
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Background

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes seasonal respiratory infection, with hospitalization rates of up to 50% in high-risk infants. Palivizumab provides safe and effective, yet costly, immunoprophylaxis. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends palivizumab only for high-risk infants and only during the RSV season. Outside of Florida, the current guidelines do not recommend regional adjustments to the timing of the immunoprophylaxis regimen. We investigate the benefits of adjusting the RSV prophylaxis regimen in Connecticut based on spatial variation in the timing of RSV incidence.

Methods

We obtained weekly RSV-associated hospital admissions by ZIP-code in Connecticut between July 1996 and June 2013. We estimated the fraction of all RSV cases in Connecticut occurring during the period of protection offered by RSV immunoprophylaxis (“preventable fraction”) under the AAP guidelines. We then used the same model to estimate protection conferred by immunoprophylaxis regimens with alternate start dates, but unchanged duration.

Results

The fraction of RSV hospitalizations preventable by the AAP guidelines varies by county because of variations in epidemic timing. Prophylaxis regimens adjusted for state- or county-level variation in the timing of RSV seasons are modestly superior to the AAP-recommended regimen. The best alternative strategy yielded a preventable fraction of 95.07% (95% CI: 94.69 – 95.44%), compared to 94.07% (95% CI: 93.65 – 94.46%) for the AAP recommendation.

Conclusion

Initiating RSV prophylaxis based on state-level data may improve protection compared with the standard AAP recommendations. In Connecticut, county-level recommendations would provide only a modest additional benefit while adding complexity.
Effect of statins on SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Moeller Rebecca , Zapatero-Belinchón Francisco J. , Lasswitz Lisa , Kirui Jared , Brogden Graham , Gunesch Antonia P. , Pietschmann Thomas , Wichmann Dominic , Kluge Stefan , Gerold Gisa
Published: July 2020

The retrospective analysis of clinical data of patients suffering from COVID-19 has indicated that statin therapy, used to lower plasma cholesterol levels, is associated with a better clinical outcome. We therefore investigated the effect of statins on SARS-CoV-2 infection and found that selective statins reduced SARS-CoV-2 cell entry and inhibited high and low pathogenic coronavirus infection in human cells. A retrospective study on hospitalized patients with COVID-19 implies that reduced high density lipoprotein levels, which are typically counteracted by statin therapy, are associated with aggravated disease outcome. These results suggest that statin therapy poses no additional risk to individuals exposed to SARS-CoV-2 and that some statins may have a mild beneficial effect on COVID-19 outcome. Placebo controlled trials are required to clarify the role of statins in COVID-19 infected patients.
State-level tracking of COVID-19 in the United States
Authors: Unwin H. Juliette T. , Mishra Swapnil , Bradley Valerie C. , Gandy Axel , Mellan Thomas A. , Coupland Helen , Ish-Horowicz Jonathan , Vollmer Michaela A. C. , Whittaker Charles , Filippi Sarah L. , Xi Xiaoyue , Monod Mélodie , Ratmann Oliver , Hutchinson Michael , Valka Fabian , Zhu Harrison , Hawryluk Iwona , Milton Philip , Ainslie Kylie E. C. , Baguelin Marc , Boonyasiri Adhiratha , Brazeau Nick F. , Cattarino Lorenzo , Cucunuba Zulma , Cuomo-Dannenburg Gina , Dorigatti Ilaria , Eales Oliver D. , Eaton Jeffrey W. , van Elsland Sabine L. , FitzJohn Richard G. , Gaythorpe Katy A. M. , Green William , Hinsley Wes , Jeffrey Benjamin , Knock Edward , Laydon Daniel J. , Lees John , Nedjati-Gilani Gemma , Nouvellet Pierre , Okell Lucy , Parag Kris V. , Siveroni Igor , Thompson Hayley A. , Walker Patrick , Walters Caroline E. , Watson Oliver J. , Whittles Lilith K. , Ghani Azra C. , Ferguson Neil M. , Riley Steven , Donnelly Christl A. , Bhatt Samir , Flaxman Seth
Published: July 2020

As of 1st June 2020, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 104,232 confirmed or probable COVID-19-related deaths in the US. This was more than twice the number of deaths reported in the next most severely impacted country. We jointly modelled the US epidemic at the state-level, using publicly available death data within a Bayesian hierarchical semi-mechanistic framework. For each state, we estimate the number of individuals that have been infected, the number of individuals that are currently infectious and the time-varying reproduction number (the average number of secondary infections caused by an infected person). We used changes in mobility to capture the impact that non-pharmaceutical interventions and other behaviour changes have on the rate of transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Nationally, we estimated 3.7% [3.4%-4.0%] of the population had been infected by 1st June 2020, with wide variation between states, and approximately 0.01% of the population was infectious. We also demonstrated that good model forecasts of deaths for the next 3 weeks with low error and good coverage of our credible intervals.
Modelling suggests blood group incompatibility may substantially reduce SARS-CoV-2 transmission
Authors: Ellis Peter J. I.
Published: July 2020

Several independent datasets suggest blood type A is over-represented and type O under-represented among COVID-19 patients. Here, I model a scenario in which ABO transfusion incompatibility reduces the chance of a patient transmitting the virus to an incompatible recipient. Comparison of model outputs to published data on COVID-19 prevalence indicates that if this scenario holds true, ABO incompatibility may reduce virus transmissibility by 60% or more. Paradoxically, however, targeted vaccination of either high-susceptibility type A or “super-spreader” type O individuals is less effective than random vaccination at blocking community spread of the virus. Instead, the key is to maintain blood type diversity amongst the remaining susceptible individuals. I stress that these results illustrate a theoretical model of ABO blood group interaction with virus transmission and require confirmation by observation.
Evaluation of the Practicability of a Finger-Stick Whole-Blood SARS-Cov-2 Self-Test Adapted for the General Population
Authors: Prazuck Thierry , Van Jean Phan , Sinturel Florence , Levray Fredrique , Elie Allan , Camera Denise , Pialoux Gilles
Published: July 2020

Background

COVID-19 (COronaVIrus Disease 2019) is an infectious respiratory disease caused by the novel SARS-CoV-2 virus. Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) have been developed to detect specific antibodies, IgG and IgM, to SARS-CoV-2 virus in human whole blood and easily usable by the general population are needed in order to alleviate the lockdown that many countries have initiated in response to the growing COVID-19 pandemic. A real-life study has been conducted in order to evaluate the performance of the COVID-PRESTO® RDT and the results have been submitted for publication and are currently under review. Even if this test showed very high sensitivity and specificity in a laboratory setting when used by trained professionals, it needs to be further evaluated for practicability when used by common folk in order to be approved by health authorities for in-home use

Methods

142 participants were recruited between March 2020 and April 2020 among non-medical populations in central France (nuclear plants workers, individuals attending the Orleans University Hospital vaccination clinic and Orleans University Hospital non-medical staff). Instructions for use with or without a tutorial video was made available to the volunteers. Two separate objectives were pursued: evaluation of the capability of participants to obtain an interpretable result, and evaluation of the users’ ability to read the results.

Results

88.4 % of the test users judged the instruction for use leaflet to be clear and understandable. 99.3 % of the users obtained a valid results and according to the supervisors 92.7% of the tests were properly performed by the user. Overall, 95% of the users gave positive feedback toward the COVID PRESTO® as a potential self-test. No influence of age and education was observed.

Conclusion

COVID-PRESTO® was successfully used by an overwhelming majority of participants and its utilization was judged very satisfactory, therefore showing a promising potential as a self-test to be used by the general population. This RDT can become an easy-to-use tool to help know whether individuals are protected or not, particularly in the perspective of a second wave or a mass vaccination program.
Interest in COVID-19 vaccine trials participation among young adults in China: Willingness, reasons for hesitancy, and demographic and psychosocial determinants
Authors: Sun Shufang , Lin Danhua , Operario Don
Published: July 2020

Background

With the demand for rapid COVID-19 vaccine development and evaluation, this paper aimed to describe the prevalence and correlates of willingness to participate in COVID-19 vaccine trials among university students in China.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey with 1,912 Chinese university students was conducted during March and April 2020. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify variables associated with willingness to participate.

Results

The majority of participants (64.01%) indicated willingness to participate in COVID-19 vaccine trials. Hesitancy over signing informed consent documents, concerns over time necessary for participating in a medical study, and perceived COVID-19 societal stigma were identified as deterrents, whereas lower socioeconomic status, female gender, perception of likely COVID-19 infection during the pandemic, and COVID-19 prosocial behaviors were facilitative factors. Further, public health mistrust and hesitancy over signing informed consent documents had a significant interactive effect on vaccine trial willingness.

Conclusions

High standards of ethical and scientific practice are needed in COVID-19 vaccine research, including providing potential participants full and accurate information and ensuring participation free of coercion, socioeconomic inequality, and stigma. Attending to the needs of marginalized groups and addressing psychosocial factors including stigma and public health mistrust may also be important to COVID-19 vaccine development and future uptake.
Prostaglandin catabolism inSpodoptera exigua, a lepidopteran insect
Authors: Ahmed Shabbir , Kim Yonggyun
Published: July 2020

Several prostaglandins (PGs) and PG-synthesizing enzymes have been identified from insects. PGs can mediate cellular and humoral immune responses. However, uncontrolled and prolonged immune responses might have adverse effects on survival. PG catabolism in insects has not been reported. Here, using a transcriptomic analysis, we predicted two PG-degrading enzymes,PG dehydrogenase(SePGDH) andPG reductase(SePGR), inSpodoptera exigua, a lepidopteran insect.SePGDHandSePGRexpression levels were upregulated after immune challenge. However, their expression peaks occurred after those of PG biosynthesis genes such as PGE2synthase or PGD2synthase. Indeed,SePGDHandSePGRexpression levels were upregulated after injection with PGE2or PGD2. In contrast, such upregulated expression was not detected after injection with leukotriene B4, an eicosanoid inflammatory mediator. RNA interference (RNAi) using double-stranded RNAs specific toSePGDHorSePGRsuppressed their expression levels. The RNAi treatment resulted in an excessive and fatal melanization of larvae even after a non-pathogenic bacterial infection. Phenoloxidase (PO) activity mediating the melanization in larval plasma was induced by bacterial challenge or PGE2injection. Although the induced PO activity decreased after 8 h in control, larvae treated with dsRNAs specific to PG-degrading enzyme genes kept the high PO activities for a longer period compared to control larvae. These results suggest that SePGDH and SePGR are responsible for PG degradation at a late phase of immune responses.
Neural Network Poisson Models for Behavioural and Neural Spike Train Data
Authors: Khajehnejad Moein , Habibollahi Forough , Nock Richard , Arabzadeh Ehsan , Dayan Peter , Dezfouli Amir
Published: July 2020

Abstract

One of the most important and challenging application areas for complex machine learning methods is to predict, characterize and model rich, multi-dimensional, neural data. Recent advances in neural recording techniques have made it possible to monitor the activities of a large number of neurons across different brain regions as animals perform behavioural tasks. This poses the critical challenge of establishing links between neural activity at a microscopic scale, which might for instance represent sensory input, and at a macroscopic scale, which then generates behaviour. Predominant modeling methods apply rather disjoint techniques to these scales; by contrast, we suggest an end-to-end model which exploits recent developments of flexible, but tractable, neural network point-process models to characterize dependencies between stimuli, actions, and neural data. We apply this model to a public dataset collected using Neuropixel probes in mice performing a visually-guided behavioural task as well as a synthetic dataset produced from a hierarchical network model with reciprocally connected sensory and integration circuits intended to characterize animal behaviour in a fixed-duration motion discrimination task. We show that our model outperforms previous approaches and contributes novel insights into the relationships between neural activities and behaviour.
HIGH-RESOLUTION CHARACTERIZATION OF MALE ORNAMENTATION AND REEVALUATION OF SEX LINKAGE IN GUPPIES
Authors: Morris Jake , Darolti Iulia , van der Bijl Wouter , Mank Judith E.
Published: July 2020

Colouration plays a key role in the ecology of many species, influencing how an organism interacts with its environment, other species and conspecifics. Guppies are sexually dimorphic, with males displaying sexually selected colouration resulting from female preference. Previous work has suggested that much of guppy colour pattern variation is Y-linked. However, it remains unclear how many individual colour patterns are Y-linked in natural populations as much of the previous work has focused on phenotypes either not found in the wild, or aggregate measures such as total colour area. Moreover, ornaments have traditionally been identified and delineated by hand, and computational methods now make it possible to extract pixels and identify ornaments more automatedly, reducing the potential for human bias. Here we developed a pipeline for automated ornament identification and high-resolution image analysis of male guppy colour patterns and applied it to a multigenerational pedigree. Our results show that loci controlling the presence or absence of individual male ornaments in our population are not predominantly Y-linked. However, we find that ornaments of similar colour are not independent of each other, and modifier loci that affect whole animal colouration appear to be at least partially Y-linked. Considering these results, Y-linkage of individual ornaments may not be important in driving colour changes in natural populations of guppies, or in expansions of the non-recombining Y region, while Y-linked modifier loci that affect aggregate traits may well play an important role.
A variable X-ray chopper system for phase-sensitive detection in synchrotron X-ray scanning tunneling microscopy
Authors: Rose Volker , Ajayi Tolulope , Rosenmann Daniel , Shirato Nozomi
Published: July 2020

An ultra-high-vacuum compatible X-ray chopper system has been designed, constructed and integrated into the XTIP beamline at the Advanced Photon Source at Argonne National Laboratory. The XTIP beamline can operate at soft X-ray energies from 400 eV to 1900 eV while providing a focused beam down to about 10 µm × 10 µm into the synchrotron X-ray scanning tunneling microscopy (SX-STM) endstation instrument. The X-ray chopper is a critical component for separating topographic information from chemical information in SX-STM through phase-sensitive current detection. Depending on the experimental needs, the modulation frequency can be controlled from 100 Hz to 10 kHz. In addition, the chopper system is fully bakeable and can achieve a base pressure of 10−10 mbar. Facilities for active water cooling have been designed, but passive cooling through copper braids has been shown to be sufficient at standard chopping frequencies. Using an Fe/Al2O3/CoAl(111) sample, the separation of the SX-STM current into a chemical component and a stable feedback signal is demonstrated.
Crystal structure of 7,7′-[(pyridin-2-yl)methylene]bis(5-chloroquinolin-8-ol)
Authors: Kashiwagi Yukiyasu , Kubono Koji , Tamai Toshiyuki
Published: July 2020

In the title compound, C24H15Cl2N3O2, one quinoline ring system is essentially planar and the other is slightly bent. An intramolecular O—H...N hydrogen bond involving the hydroxy group and a pyridine N atom forms an S(5) ring motif. In the crystal, two molecules are associated into an inversion dimer with two R
2
2(7) ring motifs through intermolecular O—H...N and O—H...O hydrogen bonds. The dimers are further linked by an intermolecular C—H...O hydrogen bond and four C—H...π interactions, forming a two-dimensional network parallel to (001).
Challenges of managing and preserving audio-visual archives in archival institutions in Sub Saharan Africa: a literature review
Authors: Rakemane Donald , Mosweu Olefhile
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify challenges related to the management and preservation of audio-visual (AV) records and/or archives in archival institutions in Sub Saharan Africa and suggests strategies for resolving them.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is qualitative in nature and used content analysis from desk top review of literature to identify the challenges and suggested solutions.

Findings

Among others, the study revealed that budgetary constraints, poor environmental controls, ill-equipped staff and technological obsolescence are the major challenges hampering the efforts of archival institutions in Sub Saharan Africa to manage and preserve AV archives.

Research limitations/implications

The contextual differences due to existing political set ups in archival agencies in Sub Saharan Africa may or may not be receptive to some of the strategies suggested for the improvement of managing and preserving audio visual archives.

Practical implications

The paper provides practical solutions which can inform policy and practice; thus, if adopted by archival agencies, the findings can add to improvements in the management and preservation of AV records.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the body of knowledge on the preservation and management of AV archives in the context of Sub Saharan Africa.
Understanding stakeholders' concerns of age-friendly communities at the briefing stage: a preliminary study in urban China
Authors: Xiang Liqun , Tan Yongtao , Jin Xin , Shen Geoffrey
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This study aims to identify the stakeholders and critical factors (CFs) of promoting age-friendly communities (AFCs), discuss the relationship between the stakeholders and CFs and develop a preliminary framework for the briefing stage of promoting AFCs in urban China.

Design/methodology/approach

Stakeholders and CFs were identified through literature review and document analysis. The Delphi method was used to screen the extracted stakeholders and CFs. The focus group methodology was applied to obtain evaluation matrices of relationships between stakeholders and CFs. A two-mode social network was formed to analyse the evaluation matrices generated.

Findings

Results of the analyses indicate that local governments and policymaking institutions, together with project investors, obtained high prioritisations in the stakeholders' group, whilst senior citizens and caregivers appear to rank last. For CFs, communities' environmental factors receive the most attention from stakeholders.

Research limitations/implications

Results of the analyses can only show similarities of the participating stakeholders' opinions on their concerns, and provide researchers and practitioners with initial ideas on analysing stakeholders and CFs at the briefing stage of promoting AFCs. For a specific project, the concerns and prioritisations would change. Diverse voices are necessary and case studies are in need.

Practical implications

Challenges in promoting AFCs in urban China are discussed, and a preliminary framework of the briefing stage is developed for practitioners to follow when promoting AFCs.

Originality/value

This study discusses which CFs should be considered priorities and what consensuses are generally reached by stakeholders. CFs are utilised to interpret stakeholders' relationships, influences and concerns on AFC projects when conducting the social network analysis (SNA).
Interorganizational learning, green knowledge integration capability and green innovation
Authors: Cui Rixiao , Wang Juanru , Xue Yajiong , Liang Huigang
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Although interorganizational learning has attracted substantial attention, research about its effects on green innovation is still rare. Combining theories of organizational learning and absorptive capacity, this study explores the relationships among interorganizational learning, green knowledge integration capability (GKIC) and green innovation (GI), and analyzes the moderating role of green absorptive capacity (GAC). Based on resource-based and ambidexterity theories, this study focuses on vertical exploitative (VEL) and lateral explorative learning (LEL). This study expands the research of GI by proposing two different interorganizational learning mechanisms and uncovering the intricate relationship between them and GI.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a sample of 203 Chinese manufacturing firms, the authors used a hierarchical regression analysis and bootstrap method to test the theoretical framework and research hypotheses of this paper.

Findings

Results show that VEL and LEL have positive effects on GI. GKIC partially mediates the relationship between VEL and GI and completely mediates the relationship between LEL and GI. Moreover, GAC plays a moderating role between LEL and GKIC and moderates the effect of LEL on GI via GKIC, such that the effect is stronger when GAC increases. However, it does not moderate the relationship between VEL and GKIC.

Originality/value

First, founded on resource-based and ambidexterity theories, this study considers two dimensions of interorganizational learning, VEL and LEL. Second, by testing the mediating role of GKIC, the authors provide a theoretical lens to understand the relationship between interorganizational learning and GI. Third, by examining boundary conditions of GAC, the authors enrich organizational learning and absorptive capacity theory in the context of green development.
An effective employee-driven innovation (EDI) manual process supporting innovativeness
Authors: Parjanen Satu Maarit , Saunila Minna , Kallio Anne , Harmaakorpi Vesa
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to define the factors of innovativeness in the context of employee involvement and study how these factors could be affected by an employee-driven innovation (EDI) process.

Design/methodology/approach

This study follows a quantitative approach through a survey. The survey data were collected from a case organisation, where employees designed an innovation manual in a participatory process to support their daily innovativeness.

Findings

According to the results, the EDI manual process can assist the organisation in developing their ideation and organising structures. The employees felt that their ideas were appreciated more after the innovation manual process. Understanding about innovation and innovativeness was also increased. In between two survey rounds, the focus of the most urgent development targets had shifted from internal idea management practices towards customer ideas, cooperation and appreciation of different ideas. This indicates that the internal innovation system has to work before it is reasonable to involve other stakeholders.

Originality/value

The study presents an empirical example of an employee-driven process in the context of public sector healthcare. It increases understanding about the importance of employee involvement in the innovation manual development process and how this process affects the factors of innovativeness.
Nonhomogeneous model for conjugate mixed convection of nanofluid and entropy generation in an enclosure in presence of inclined magnetic field with Joule heating
Authors: Dutta Subhasree , Bhattacharyya Somnath , Pop Ioan
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This study aims to numerically analyse the impact of an inclined magnetic field and Joule heating on the conjugate heat transfer because of the mixed convection of an Al2O3–water nanofluid in a thick wall enclosure.

Design/methodology/approach

A horizontal temperature gradient together with the shear-driven Flow creates the mixed convection inside the enclosure. The nonhomogeneous model, in which the nanoparticles have a slip velocity because of thermophoresis and Brownian diffusion, is adopted in the present study. The thermal performance is evaluated by determining the entropy generation, which includes the contribution because of magnetic ﬁeld. A control volume method over a staggered grid arrangement is adopted to compute the governing equations.

Findings

The Lorentz force created by the applied magnetic field has an adverse effect on the flow and thermal field, and consequently, the heat transfer and entropy generation attenuate because of the presence of magnetic force. The Joule heating enhances the fluid temperature but attenuates the heat transfer. The impact of the magnetic field diminishes as the angle of inclination of the magnetic field is increased, and it manifests as the volume fraction of nanoparticles is increased. Addition of nanoparticles enhances both the heat transfer and entropy generation compared to the clear fluid with enhancement in entropy generation higher than the rate by which the heat transfer augments. The average Bejan number and mixing-cup temperature are evaluated to analyse the thermodynamic characteristics of the nanofluid.

Originality/value

This literature survey suggests that the impact of an inclined magnetic field and Joule heating on conjugate heat transfer based on a two-phase model has not been addressed before. The impact of the relative slip velocity of nanoparticles diminishes as the magnetic field becomes stronger.
The effect of online political deliberation on the effectiveness of government response
Authors: Zhao Yuning , Zhou Xinxue , Wang Tianmei
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Following Hovland’s persuasion theory, this paper aims to develop a conceptual model and analyzes characteristics of online political deliberation behavior from three aspects (i.e. information, situation and manager). Based on the whole interactive process of online political deliberation, this paper aims to reveal the key points that affect the response effect of the government from the persuasive perspective of online political consultation.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on more than 40,000 netizens’ posts and government responses from 2011 to the first half of 2019 of the Chinese political platform, this paper used the text analysis and machine learning methods to extract measurement variables of online political deliberation characteristics and the econometrics analysis method to conduct empirical research.

Findings

The results showed that the textual information, political environment and identity of the political objects affect the effectiveness of government response. Furthermore, for different position categories of political officials, the length of political texts, topic categories and emotional tendencies have different effects on the response effectiveness. Additionally, the effect of political time on the effectiveness of response differs.

Originality/value

The findings will help ascertain the characteristics of online political deliberation behavior that affect how effective government response is and provide a theoretical basis for why the public should express their political concerns.
Social- and healthcare managers' work wellbeing – literature review and key informant interviews
Authors: Herttuala Niina , Kokkinen Lauri , Konu Anne
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to describe factors that support and prevent managers' work wellbeing by reviewing international studies and interviewing Finnish social- and healthcare managers.

Design/methodology/approach

Twenty-two studies were identified in the systematic literature search. Seven social care and healthcare managers were recruited to participate in thematic interviews. Data were analyzed by using content analysis.

Findings

Supportive and preventive factors for managers' work wellbeing were identified in the literature review, including managerial position, decision latitude, job control, social support and ethical culture at the workplace. The interviews further suggested that the supportive and preventive factors affecting social and healthcare managers' work wellbeing could be divided into five broad categories: (1) Individual factors, (2) Social factors, (3) Professional support from one's own manager, (4) Work-related factors and (5) Organizational factors.

Originality/value

We conducted a systematic literature search together with expert interviews to find the factors most crucial to managers' work wellbeing. These findings can assist social and healthcare organizations and policymakers to pay attention to these factors as well as in policies guiding them.
Exploring bloggers' switching toward microblogging
Authors: Cao Xiongfei , Yao Jingjing , Chen Xiayu
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Built upon the push–pull–mooring framework, this study explores the factors that affect user switching from blog to microblogging. Low social presence is posited to form the push effect of blog, whereas larger referent network size and relative ease of use work together to shape the pull effect of newly emerging microblogging. Furthermore, adopting the status quo bias theory and habit literature as theoretical lens, affective commitment, switching costs and habit are regarded as important sources of inertia. Inertia is presumed to play a key role in mooring effects because it negatively affects switching intention and attenuates the main effects of pull and push factors. More importantly, the effects of affective commitment, switching costs and habit on switching intention are fully mediated through inertia.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical study of 239 users who use blog and microblogging services concurrently was conducted in China.

Findings

Our findings indicate that low social presence pushes bloggers away, whereas relative ease of use pulls them to the microblogging. Affective commitment, switching costs and habit are important sources of inertia. In the context of this study, inertia fully mediates the relationship between habit and switching intention, and only partially mediates the effect of affective commitment and switching costs on switching intention. Furthermore, inertia negatively moderates the relationships between social presence, relative ease of use and switching intention.

Originality/value

This study expands our understanding of online service switching mechanism, and identified key factors in IT switching, such as social presence, affective commitment and inertia. We believe that these mechanisms and key factors are not necessarily limited to online services, but are largely applicable to other contexts in which people interact with technology. This study builds a useful foundation for future research.
Institutional shareholding and corporate social responsibility reporting: evidence from Bangladesh
Authors: Rashid Afzalur
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This study aims to examine the influence of institutional shareholding on a firm’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices in Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a content analysis to capture a firm’s CSR practices, based on various attributes of social and environmental reporting made by the firm. Based on these attributes, a corporate social responsibility reporting index (CSRI) is constructed. To examine the causal relationship between institutional shareholding and firm CSR practices, this study uses a simultaneous equations approach to control the endogeneity problem.

Findings

The finding of this study is that both CSR reporting and institutional shareholding negatively influence each other.

Research limitations/implications

This study is subject to some limitations such as the subjectivity or judgement associated in the coding process.

Practical implications

If the institutional investors are not concerned with its environmental and societal issues, there will be a sustainability issue for the business because companies will continue ignoring the employee health and hygiene, education, training and welfare. Their ignorance of these societal issues will lead to compromising the quality of living for important stakeholders within the society.

Originality/value

This study contributes the literature on CSR reporting.
Are firms like fair-weathered fans? Examining decision-making in B2B relationships
Authors: Jensen Jonathan A.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

While numerous studies have investigated the returns firms receive for their investments in sponsorship, no study to date has examined the potential for organizational performance to contribute to the continuance of business to business (B2B) relationships. Thus, this study aims to illuminate B2B sponsorship relationships in isolating whether firm decision-makers are like fair-weathered fans, in that they are more likely to stick with successful organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

An advanced quantitative modeling approach, survival analysis, is applied to a data set of more than 350 sponsorships to isolate the impact of performance on B2B decision-making.

Findings

Even after controlling for several potentially confounding variables, results indicate that every point per game earned by English football clubs decreases the probability of the sponsoring firm exiting the agreement by 54.4%.

Originality/value

These findings provide empirical evidence of the impact of the sponsored organization’s performance to influence B2B firm decision-making, a novel finding yet to be confirmed in the sponsorship-linked marketing literature.
Friends or strangers? Attempts at reactivating buyer–supplier relationships
Authors: Poblete León , Bengtson Anna
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore an important management aspect of business relationship dynamics, namely, the reactivation process of previously ended buyer–supplier relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

A processual case study approach focusing on a single in-depth case has been used. The case is based on longitudinal data from a number of sources concerning one reactivation failure.

Findings

Grounded in previous research and based on this study’s case findings, the authors have designed a model of analysis for relationship reactivation processes. Using the model on this study’s particular case, the authors show how the structural properties of network embeddedness and resource ties worked in favor of the process, whereas the social bonds and the lack of them led to mistrust that disturbed the negotiation and, hence, worked against the reactivation process.

Originality/value

This study makes a contribution to the field of relationship dynamics by exploring relationship reactivation processes. The designed model shows how reactivation can be understood as an interplay between structural properties and (re)building activities and contributes new knowledge on factors that affect this process.
Managerial and Industry 4.0 solutions for fashion supply chains
Authors: Braglia Marcello , Marrazzini Leonardo , Padellini Luca , Rinaldi Rinaldo
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a structured framework whose objectives are to identify, analyse and eliminate fashion-luxury supply chains inefficiencies.

Design/methodology/approach

A Lean Manufacturing tool, the 5-Whys Analysis, has been used to find out the root causes associated with the problem identified from a data analysis of production orders of a fashion-luxury company. A case study, which explains the methodology and illustrates the capability of the tool, is provided.

Findings

This tool can be considered a suitable instrument to identify the causal factors of inefficiencies within luxury supply chains, suggesting potential countermeasures able to eliminate the problems previously highlighted. In addition, enabling technologies that deal with Industry 4.0 are associated with the root causes to enable further improvement of the supply chain.

Practical implications

The effectiveness and practicality of the tool are illustrated using an industrial case study concerning an international Italian signature in the world of fashion-luxury footwear sector.

Originality/value

This framework provides practitioners with an operative tool useful to highlight where the major inefficiencies of fashion-luxury supply chains take place and, at the same time, individuates both the root causes of inefficiencies and the corresponding corrective actions, even considering Industry 4.0 enabling technologies.
Impact of consumer ethnocentrism and animosity on brand image and brand loyalty through product judgment
Authors: Chaudhry Naveed Iqbal , Mughal Sajawal ali , Chaudhry Javed Iqbal , Bhatti Usman Tariq
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This study aims to check the impact of consumer ethnocentrism (CE) and animosity on brand image (BI) and brand loyalty (BL) of Indian made cosmetic products in Pakistan and to check the mediation role of product judgment (PJ) related to Indian made cosmetic products in this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the researcher used quantitative techniques to collect data. Online survey strategy was used for data collection and the technique of purposive sampling was used to select 280 consumers as respondents of said study. SPSS-20 and AMOS-21 were used for data analysis and to test the hypotheses of the study.

Findings

The results indicate that there is a positive relationship between CE and BL that is the novel result of this study because past studies proved negative relation in CE and BL and there is no direct relationship between CE and BI. The results also indicate that consumer animosity (CA) has a negative impact on BI and BL of Indian made cosmetic products in Pakistan. The results of mediation indicate that PJ is playing partial mediation in this relation.

Originality/value

This study is for the first time that is conducted in the context of India and Pakistan. Similarly, PJ is tested as a mediator for the first time in the relationship between CE and CA and BI and BL. This study would be beneficial for foreign brands generally and for Indian cosmetic brands specifically. In addition, it may provide help to business students and scholars to further understand and explore these variables in the context of developing countries.
Trends in the Dutch and Finnish library landscape
Authors: van Kempen Sander , van den Dool Anne , Lindberg Pirkko , Parviainen Leena
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to provide an overview of the current situation as it relates to library acts and prominent usage trends in public libraries in The Netherlands and Finland.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach takes the form of a review of the relevant legislation, as well as statistical analysis from national library data in The Netherlands and Finland.

Findings

The findings suggest that while we can see a decrease in physical lending and literacy, we also see an increase in the number of visitors, digital lending as well as activities and events. In addition, in The Netherlands, financial support is decreasing, while in Finland, expenditures of public libraries are growing.

Originality/value

The paper draws upon various viewpoints from public libraries in The Netherlands and Scandinavia, focusing on Finland.
Critical success factors for Six Sigma implementation in Indian SMEs: an evaluation using AHP
Authors: Singh Davinder , Singh Gurwinder
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify critical success factors (CSFs) for implementing Six Sigma framework affecting and influencing quality, operational and financial performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). It also intends to guide researchers and practitioners in selecting appropriate set of CSFs for effective implementation of Six Sigma using analytical hierarchy process (AHP).

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, a significant number of small and medium manufacturing organizations have been extensively surveyed to ascertain the contributions made by CSFs toward successful deployment of Six Sigma. The evaluation and the ranking of the CSFs among others, as well as on an individual level have been worked out using AHP.

Findings

The research study reveals that 13 CSFs have scored 75.9% in the success index, which is a significant figure to consider the importance, as well as their contribution toward successful implementation of Six Sigma in Indian SMEs.

Research limitations/implications

The study mainly remains confined to the CSFs for Six Sigma implementation in SMEs from Indian subcontinent.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the knowledge of academicians, practitioners and project managers by providing an insight into the evolution of the CSFs for implementing Six Sigma paradigms in Indian SMEs. The study drastically reduces implementation hassles and simplifies execution for empirical studies. The findings are not restricted to India but are generalizable and can globally used in deciding determinants of Six Sigma framework.
Transaction-based lending and accrual quality
Authors: Gray Stephen , Premti Arjan
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This study examines how lenders modify their behavior and their use of traditional, transaction-based lending models in credit decisions when faced with low earnings quality.

Design/methodology/approach

To measure the earnings quality, following Bharath, Sunder and Sunder (2008), the authors use three measures of accrual quality and combine them into a simple parsimonious measure of accrual quality. Subsequently, the authors apply the incremental R-square approach used by Kim and Kross (2005) to determine the degree to which lenders modify their reliance on financial statement ratios when faced with low accrual quality.

Findings

Consistent with prior literature, this study shows that the cost of debt is higher when accrual quality is low. In addition, this study extends prior literature by showing that lenders decrease their reliance on income statement data to make credit decisions as accrual quality decreases.

Originality/value

This paper broadens existing literature on the pricing of information risk in capital markets by being the first to show that lenders modify their reliance on financial statement data when faced with low-quality accruals. In addition, this paper extends the findings of Billings and Morton (2002) and demonstrates to managers the futility of using accrual manipulations to obtain more favorable credit terms. Lastly, this paper aids regulators and standard setters who seek to improve the usefulness of financial statements by showing that creditors do not appear to be misled by reporting choices that lower the quality of accruals.
Recruiting talent in a global sports market: appraisals of soccer players' transfer fees
Authors: Garcia-del-Barrio Pedro , Pujol Francesc
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The main goal of this paper is to evaluate the players' contribution and economic value in the soccer industry. Media visibility records provide us with comparable metrics to identify talent and make hiring decisions – these records can jointly capture sport (on-field) skills and other attractive (off-field) abilities.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a valuation method that applies media visibility appraisals to estimate “theoretical values” of the transfer fees paid for hiring soccer players. The estimations are performed by analysing the evolution over time of the media exposure of about 5,000 individuals of more than 200 clubs.

Findings

The study’s empirical results reveal that, along with sport performance, the players' media status also affects their economic valuation, which explains why the clubs – in search of greater economic returns – fiercely compete for the most popular players. The paper also identifies the main factors determining the players' economic value. In predicting the players' transfer fees, some variables are statistically significant: individual media visibility, media visibility share of the player within his team, contract duration, status of the hiring team, years of experience, player's age at the end of the contract and the domestic league of the hiring team.

Originality/value

Professional sports provide reliable measures on individuals' performance that may help in the hiring process of workers. This paper identifies gifted soccer players while taking into account their skills as media leaders and the economic implications. Insofar as players' talents determine their teams' sport and economic achievements, the transfer fees paid for players must then be seen as a crucial factor. Measuring individual talent and being able to translate this talent into productivity levels entail serious methodological and empirical challenges.
The evaluation of the impact of innovation management capability to organisational performance
Authors: Izadi Z.D. Javad , Ziyadin Sayabek , Palazzo Maria , Sidhu Mendip
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of innovation management capability on organisational performance. Based on the resource-advantage theory, this study addresses: “To what extent do intellectual and emotional assets influence marketing management capability which loads to the organisation’s performance?”

Design/methodology/approach

To understand the research objectives, the data was collected via 35 in-depth interviews with managers and academics from various multi-national companies and new empirical insights were offered.

Findings

This study recognised three components of intellectual and emotional assets (knowledge and competence; digital technology; and reputation) and their influences on business performance.

Research limitations/implications

The focus on small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) limits the generalisation of this study. To scrutinise the relations documented in this study, future research should be conducted in other country settings and different sector.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the sustainability literature by developing a conceptual model that explains the development and role of innovation management in a market context with its associated sustainability management outcomes. The results are of importance to both SMEs and policymakers. Clear need to investigate further how organisations can benefit from such capabilities for greater growth is identified.