bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Saxitoxin and tetrodotoxin bioavailability increases in future oceans
Authors: Roggatz C.C. , Fletcher N. , Benoit D.M. , Algar A.C. , Doroff A. , Wright B. , Wollenberg Valero K.C. , Hardege J.D.
Published: February 2019

Increasing atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide are largely absorbed by the world’s oceans, decreasing surface water pH1. In combination with increasing ocean temperatures, these changes have been identified as a major sustainability threat to future marine life2. Interactions between marine organisms are known to depend on biomolecules, but the influence of oceanic pH on their bioavailability and functionality remains unexplored. Here we show that global change significantly impacts two ecological keystone molecules3 in the ocean, the paralytic toxins saxitoxin (STX) and tetrodotoxin (TTX). Increasing temperatures and declining pH increase the abundance of the toxic forms of these two neurotoxins in the water. Our geospatial global model highlights where this increased toxicity could intensify the devastating impact of harmful algal blooms on ecosystems in the future, for example through an increased incidence of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP). We also use these results to calculate future saxitoxin toxicity levels in Alaskan clams, Saxidomus gigantea, showing critical exceedance of limits save for consumption. Our findings for TTX and STX exemplarily highlight potential consequences of changing pH and temperature on chemicals dissolved in the sea. This reveals major implications not only for ecotoxicology, but also for chemical signals mediating species interactions such as foraging, reproduction, or predation in the ocean with unexplored consequences for ecosystem stability and ecosystem services.
A 96-well culture platform enables longitudinal analyses of engineered human skeletal muscle microtissue strength
Authors: Afshar Mohammad E. , Abraha Haben Y. , Bakooshli Mohsen A. , Davoudi Sadegh , Thavandiran Nimalan , Tung Kayee , Ahn Henry , Ginsberg Howard , Zandstra Peter W. , Gilbert Penney M.
Published: February 2019

Three-dimensional (3D) in vitro models of human skeletal muscle mimic aspects of native tissue structure and function, thereby providing a promising system for disease modeling, drug discovery or pre-clinical validation, and toxicity testing. Widespread adoption of this research approach is hindered by the lack of an easy-to-use platform that is simple to fabricate and yields arrays of human skeletal muscle micro-tissues (hMMTs) in culture with reproducible physiological responses that can be assayed non-invasively. Here, we describe a design and methods to generate a reusable mold to fabricate a 96-well platform, referred to as MyoTACTIC, that enables bulk production of 3D hMMTs. All 96-wells and all well features are cast in a single step from the reusable mold. Non-invasive calcium transient and contractile force measurements are performed on hMMTs directly in MyoTACTIC, and unbiased force analysis occurs by a custom automated algorithm, allowing for longitudinal studies of function. Characterizations of MyoTACTIC and resulting hMMTs confirms the reproducibility of device fabrication and biological responses. We show that hMMT contractile force mirrors expected responses to compounds shown by others to decrease (dexamethasone, cerivistatin) or increase (IGF-1) skeletal muscle strength. Since MyoTACTIC supports hMMT long-term culture, we evaluated direct influences of pancreatic cancer chemotherapeutics agents on contraction competent human skeletal muscle fibers. A single application of a clinically relevant dose of Irinotecan decreased hMMT contractile force generation, while clear effects on fiber atrophy were observed histologically only at a higher dose. This suggests an off-target effect that may contribute to cancer associated muscle wasting, and highlights the value of the MyoTACTIC platform to non-invasively predict modulators of human skeletal muscle function.
High-density spatial transcriptomics arrays for in situ tissue profiling
Authors: Vickovic Sanja , Eraslan Gökcen , Klughammer Johanna , Stenbeck Linnea , Salmén Fredrik , Äijö Tarmo , Bonneau Richard , Bergenstråhle Ludvig , Gould Joshua , Ronaghi Mostafa , Frisén Jonas , Lundeberg Joakim , Regev Aviv , Ståhl Patrik L
Published: February 2019

Tissue function relies on the precise spatial organization of cells characterized by distinct molecular profiles. Single-cell RNA-Seq captures molecular profiles but not spatial organization. Conversely, spatial profiling assays either lack global transcriptome information or are not at the single-cell level. Here, we develop High-Density Spatial Transcriptomics (HDST), a method for RNA-seq at high spatial resolution. Spatially barcoded reverse transcription oligonucleotides are coupled to beads that are then randomly deposited in individual wells on a slide. The barcoded beads are decoded and coupled to a specific spatial address. We then capture and spatially in situ label RNA from the same histological tissue sections placed on the bead array slide. HDST recovers hundreds of thousands of transcript-coupled barcodes per experiment at 2 μm resolution. We demonstrate HDST in the mouse brain, use it to resolve spatial expression patterns and cell types, and show how to combine it with histological stains to relate expression patterns to tissue architecture and anatomy. HDST opens the way to 2D spatial analysis of tissues at high resolution.
A generic approach for studying the kinetics of liquid-liquid phase separation under near-native conditions
Authors: Lindt Joris van , Bratek-Skicki Anna , Pakravan Donya , Den Bosch Ludo Van , Maes Dominique , Tompa Peter
Published: February 2019

Understanding the kinetics and underlying physicochemical forces of liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is of paramount importance in cell biology, requiring reproducible methods for the analysis of often severely aggregation-prone proteins. Frequently applied approaches, such as dilution of the protein from an urea-containing solution or cleavage of its fused solubility tag, however, often lead to very different kinetic behaviors. Here we suggest that at extreme pH values even proteins such as the low-complexity domain (LCD) of hnRNPA2, TDP-43, and NUP-98 can be kept in solution, and then their LLPS can be induced by a jump to native pH, resulting in a system that can be easily controlled. This approach represents a generic method for studying LLPS under near native conditions, providing a platform for studying the phase-separation behavior of diverse proteins.
Siblings with lethal primary pulmonary hypoplasia and compound heterozygous variants in the AARS2 gene: further delineation of the phenotypic spectrum
Authors: Kiraly-Borri Catherine , Jevon Gareth , Ji Weizhen , Jeffries Lauren , Ricciardi Jamie-Lee , Konstantino Monica , Ackerman Kate G. , Lakhani Saquib A.
Published: February 2019

Variants in the mitochondrial alanyl-tRNA synthetase 2 gene AARS2 (OMIM 612035) are associated with infantile mitochondrial cardiomyopathy or later-onset leukoencephalopathy with premature ovarian insufficiency. Here, we report two newborn siblings who died soon after birth with primary pulmonary hypoplasia without evidence of cardiomyopathy. Whole-exome sequencing detected the same compound heterozygous AARS2 variants in both siblings (c.1774C>T, p.Arg592Trp and c.647dup, p.Cys218Leufs*6) that have previously been associated with infantile mitochondrial cardiomyopathy. Segregation analysis in the family confirmed carrier status of the parents and an unaffected sibling. To our knowledge, this is the first report of primary pulmonary hypoplasia in the absence of cardiomyopathy associated with recessive AARS2 variants and further defines the phenotypic spectrum associated with this gene.
Crystal structure of idelalisib tert-butanol monosolvate dihydrate
Authors: Nerdinger Sven , Stefinovic Marijan , Richter Frank , Olma Jacek , Brysz Michal , Walker Tracy , Kahlenberg Volker , Gelbrich Thomas
Published: February 2019

In the title structure, 5-fluoro-3-phenyl-2-[(1S)-1-(9H-purin-6-ylamino)propyl]quinazolin-4(3H)-one (= idelalisib) tert-butanol monosolvate dihydrate, C22H18FN7O·C4H10O·2H2O, the idelalisib molecule displays planar quinazoline and purine systems which are nearly perpendicular to one another. Seven distinct hydrogen-bonding interactions link the idelalisib, t-BuOH and water molecules into a complex chain structure with the topology of a 2,3,4,5-connected 4-nodal net having the point symbol (3.4.52.62)(3.4.52.64.72)(3.5.6)(5).
Autistic women’s experience of intimate relationships: the impact of an adult diagnosis
Authors: Kock Elizabeth , Strydom Andre , O’Brady Deirdre , Tantam Digby
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the experience of intimate relationships of women who have been diagnosed with Autism in adulthood.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were used to interview eight participants. The data were transcribed and analysed using the interpretative phenomenological analysis method.

Findings

Four overall themes were identified. These included “Response to the diagnosis and receiving more information about Autism”, “Factors influencing dating behaviour”, “Sex and sexual experiences” and “Experience of intimate relationships as a person with Autism”.

Research limitations/implications

The results of this study have implications for both research and clinical practice as it highlights the areas in which women newly diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) could benefit from support.

Practical implications

The study hopes to add to the limited existing research on adult women with ASD.

Originality/value

To date no similar research has investigated the same phenomenon through a similar method.
Journey to diagnosis for women with autism
Authors: Zener Dori
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the barriers that girls and women face in receiving an accurate and timely autism diagnosis. The journey to late-in-life diagnosis will be explored with a focus on mental health and well-being. The aim is to improve the awareness of the female autism phenotype to provide access to early identification and appropriate supports and services.

Design/methodology/approach

The author’s clinical experience as an individual, couple and family therapist specializing in girls and women with autism informs the paper. Research on co-occurring mental health experience and diagnoses are reviewed and combined with case examples to outline the themes leading to and obscuring autism diagnosis.

Findings

Females with autism are less likely to be diagnosed or are identified much later than their male counterparts. Living with unidentified autism places significant mental strain on adults, particularly females. Achieving a late-in-life diagnosis is very valuable for adults and can improve self-awareness and access to limited support.

Practical implications

Mental health professionals will develop a better understanding of the overlap between autism and psychiatric conditions and should consider autism in females who are seeking intervention.

Originality/value

This paper provides a clinical approach to working with autistic girls and women. This knowledge can complement the existing research literature and help build the foundation for a greater understanding of the female autism phenotype.
The impact of customer orientation on the quantity and quality of user-generated content
Authors: Yoo Bosul , Katsumata Sotaro , Ichikohji Takeyasu
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the driving factors of user innovation behaviors using the case of smartphone applications to estimate the indirect and direct effects of consumers’ attitudes toward user-generated content (UGC).

Design/methodology/approach

This study proposes a structural model to examine the relationship between user innovation behaviors toward UGC and three attitude factors: involvement, consumer knowledge and customer orientation. The empirical analysis is based on a consumer survey that examines the commonalities and differences between Japan and China. In each country, two social media services are chosen as representative cases of the UGC business model to measure user innovation behaviors toward the quality and quantity aspects.

Findings

Customer orientation is the most significant driving factor of user innovation behaviors toward UGC. It positively affects both the number of followers and the frequency of information transmissions. In particular, for the quality dimension of user innovation, customer orientation has a more significant effect on the number of followers than does familiarity.

Originality/value

This study emphasizes the quality aspect of user innovation. Previous research has focused on the quantity of user innovation behaviors by measuring the amount of information. However, this research measures both the quality and the quantity aspects with the number of followers and the frequency of uploading content. The findings of this study suggest that companies should maintain relationships with highly customer-oriented users to manage content quality.
Making decision toward overseas construction projects
Authors: Utama Wahyudi P. , Chan Albert P.C. , Zahoor Hafiz , Gao Ran , Jumas Dwifitra Y.
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a decision support aid for deciding an overseas construction project (OCP) using an adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system (ANFIS).

Design/methodology/approach

This study presents an ANFIS approach as a decision support aid for assessment of OCPs. The processing data were derived from 110 simulation cases of OCPs. In total, 21 international factors observed from a Delphi survey were determined as assessment variables to examine the cases. The experts were involved to evaluate and judge whether the company should Go or Not Go for an OCP, based on the different parameter scenarios given. To measure the performance of the ANFIS model, root mean square error (RMSE) and coefficient of correlation (R) were employed.

Findings

The result shows that optimum ANFIS model indicating RMSE and R scores adequately near between 0 and 1, respectively, was obtained from parameter set of network algorithm with two input membership functions, Gaussian type of membership function and hybrid optimization method. When the model tested to nine real OCPs data, the result indicates 88.89 percent accurate.

Research limitations/implications

The use of simulation cases as data set in development the model has several advantages. This technique can be replicated to generate other case scenarios which are not available publicly or limited in terms of quantity.

Originality/value

This study evidences that the developed ANFIS model can predict the decision satisfactorily. Therefore, it can help companies’ management to make preliminary assessment of an OCP.
Understanding clients’ experience of trust and distrust in dwelling fit-out projects
Authors: Ning Yan , Feng Minjie , Feng Jin , Liu Xiao
Published: February 2019

Purpose

Drawing upon the ambivalence literature, the purpose of this paper is to explore clients’ ambivalence caused by the co-existence of trust and distrust and to investigate how clients respond to the ambivalence.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative research strategies using multiple data sources were adopted. Face-to-face interviews were the major method for gathering data. Additional data sources included archival cases, official reports, regulations and rules and survey reports.

Findings

The results identified that clients’ ambivalence occurs in the face of the co-existence of trust and distrust. Clients might trust contractors on certain aspects and distrust of others or when they realize that trust and/or distrust have mixed merits and demerits. As a response strategy to the ambivalence, clients may choose to oscillate between trust and distrust in accordance with contractors’ quality and cost performance.

Research limitations/implications

One limitation is that dwelling fit-out projects are generally small in size. Parties in small size projects might have different mindsets than large projects. Thus, it is worthwhile to extend the framework to the context of large projects.

Practical implications

Managers or clients should be aware of the double-edged sword nature of trust and distrust. To deal with the ambivalence resulting from co-existence of trust and distrust, a proper balance of trust and distrust might be effective.

Originality/value

This study contributes an ambivalence approach to the trust research in project management.
To insist or to concede? Contractors’ behavioural strategies when handling disputed claims
Authors: Zhang Lihan , Fenn Peter , Fu Yongcheng
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify and analyse factors that affect contractors’ behavioural strategies in resolving disputed claims.

Design/methodology/approach

Factors were explored by a literature review and an open-ended questionnaire survey. In total, 9 hypotheses involving 12 factors were developed accordingly. Then a structured questionnaire survey was conducted, and 248 valid questionnaires were received from Chinese contractors. Partial least squares structural equation modelling was employed to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Factors that have the largest impacts on the contractual approach and the relational approach regarding obliging and compromising are favourability of evidence, time pressure and reputation, respectively. Unexpected results show that obliging behaviours are negatively correlated with procedural fairness but positively correlated with occurrence time of the dispute.

Research limitations/implications

The results are based on correlation, although the research design improves the internal validity. Furthermore, this study belongs to single-level research. In the future, researchers can conduct multilevel research to enrich theories.

Practical implications

The findings not only enhance practitioners’ understanding of the factors influencing contractors’ behavioural strategies when dealing with disputed claims, but also offer insights into both parties’ex antefocus of attention on specific factors to facilitate the subsequent dispute resolution.

Originality/value

This study furnishes a nuanced picture of multiple factors’ impacts on contractors’ behavioural strategies of claim-related dispute resolution, and thus supplements the relevant construction dispute management literature. From the perspective of contractual governance, it is one of those exploring drivers of contract application in problem situations. It extends the body of knowledge on this topic and hopefully will encourage more research on contractual governance from the reactive perspective.
Language and communication issues in HIV/AIDS intervention management in the South African construction industry
Authors: Edwards Peter , Bowen Paul
Published: February 2019

Purpose

Effective communication is a key factor in presenting Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) awareness and prevention campaigns, and delivering treatment programmes, particularly in South Africa where different ethnic groups and a diversity of languages and educational attainment levels are encountered. Language is an important element of such communication. The purpose of this paper is to examine the communication effectiveness of AIDS-related intervention messages.

Design/methodology/approach

Case-based semi-structured interviews, with 42 employees from three construction organisations, and with six telephone counsellors from a service provider, were used to explore language in the HIV/AIDS context in the construction industry in the Western Cape region.

Findings

Workers’ knowledge about HIV (a key element in prevention and willingness to engage in treatment regimes) tended to align with their level of education. African cultures may inhibit the use of plain language about AIDS. Graphic posters with text in different languages were the most preferred communication media, but need periodic refreshment to remain effective. For toolbox talks and other company presentations, a comprehensive approach to language differences is limited, and appropriate confirmatory feedback loops are not used – the message sent is not always the message received. The recruitment and training processes for service provider counsellors ensure a more comprehensive grasp of HIV knowledge and a more consistent approach to communication.

Practical implications

Construction organisations should be more careful in their HIV/AIDS campaigns and programmes, ensure better targeting of audiences and pay more nuanced and sensitive attention to language needs, gender differences and cultural contexts with respect to communicating with workers in ways that engage them more fully about HIV/AIDS, stigma and disclosure.

Originality/value

Communication effectiveness is pivotal in the provision of intervention management by construction firms. Ineffective language and communication processes directly and adversely influence HIV/AIDS intervention management success.
Improving the prediction accuracy in blended learning environment using synthetic minority oversampling technique
Authors: Dimic Gabrijela , Rancic Dejan , Macek Nemanja , Spalevic Petar , Drasute Vida
Published: February 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to deal with the previously unknown prediction accuracy of students’ activity pattern in a blended learning environment.

Design/methodology/approach

To extract the most relevant activity feature subset, different feature-selection methods were applied. For different cardinality subsets, classification models were used in the comparison.

Findings

Experimental evaluation oppose the hypothesis that feature vector dimensionality reduction leads to prediction accuracy increasing.

Research limitations/implications

Improving prediction accuracy in a described learning environment was based on applying synthetic minority oversampling technique, which had affected results on correlation-based feature-selection method.

Originality/value

The major contribution of the research is the proposed methodology for selecting the optimal low-cardinal subset of students’ activities and significant prediction accuracy improvement in a blended learning environment.
Examining the role of commercial long-term care insurance in long-term care services
Authors: Yu Tsu-Wei , Tseng Lu-Ming
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of commercial long-term care insurance (LTCI) in long-term care (LTC) services, and to elucidate the mediating roles of service quality and relationship satisfaction in the relationship between customization and loyalty. In addition, this study offers important recommendations for policy makers in formulating policy aimed at supporting the industry and regulating its customer relationships in life insurers in Taiwan.

Design/methodology/approach

Study participants were policyholders of life insurance in Taiwan with experience in purchasing commercial LTCI. They were investigated through in-depth interviews and surveys. The hypotheses were tested using the structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis of variance.

Findings

The findings of this study are important for policy makers in formulating policy aimed at supporting the industry and regulating its customer relationships.

Originality/value

This study represents the first attempt to investigate the role of LTCI in LTC services in Taiwan. Likewise, this study improves our understanding of the main issues relating to the effect of customization on policyholder loyalty, and the partially mediating role of service quality and relationship satisfaction in the insurance marketing context.
A classification of live chat service users in the banking industry
Authors: Rajaobelina Lova , Brun Isabelle , Ricard Line
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to classify live chat service users in the banking industry and provide relevant descriptive information on each group to be able to suggest appropriate strategies to managers.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 682 panelists from a large Canadian polling firm self-administer a web-based questionnaire. Respondents are users of financial sector live chat services. Two-step cluster analysis was performed.

Findings

Four groups emerge from the analysis. Young frequent users (Group 1) attach dominant importance to speed of service, whereas computer users (Group 3) and conservative users (Group 4) who avail themselves of live chat services via computer focus on ease of use.

Practical implications

This study, which details four groups of live chat service users in the banking industry, enables managers to better adapt their strategies to the different market segments with a view to providing customers with better quality service and enhancing their experience.

Originality/value

The study presents the first live chat service classification to detail user profiles and examine differences at the before, during and after phases of the user experience. Findings enrich the body of academic literature in the service sector, in particular literature focusing on customer service in the banking industry. The paper also provides an interesting managerial framework for the implementation of successful, segment-specific strategies.
Personal factors as antecedents of perceived financial well-being: evidence from Brazil
Authors: Ponchio Mateus Canniatti , Cordeiro Rafaela Almeida , Gonçalves Virginia Nicolau
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of consumer spending self-control (CSSC), personal saving orientation (PSO), materialism, financial knowledge (FK) and time perspective (TP) on Brazilian consumers’ perceived financial well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual framework is provided to support the research hypotheses. A survey with 1,027 respondents allowed the research hypotheses to be tested by means of regression-based models.

Findings

The findings show that the two dimensions of financial well-being – current money management stress and future financial security – are predicted by CSSC, materialism and TP; PSO also predicts future financial security. TP moderates the effect of materialism on current money management stress, and CSSC mediates this relationship.

Research limitations/implications

The role of FK in predicting financial well-being is weakened in the presence of the psychological variables investigated, which has important implications for financial education efforts. The use of survey data alone limits the research findings, as the advocated causal relationships are based solely on theory; gathering experimental data to further support the findings is a possibility for future research.

Practical implications

Banks and other financial institutions can create tools to stimulate control of their customers’ day-to-day spending and try to show assertive projections to evidence the impact of their present actions on their financial future, enhancing personal awareness and promoting overall well-being.

Originality/value

The authors advance knowledge on the antecedents of financial well-being and offer two explanations involving moderating and mediating relationships that enhance the understanding of the individual differences that shape current money management stress.
From breaking-ice to breaking-out: integration as an opportunity creation process
Authors: Evansluong Quang , Ramirez Pasillas Marcela , Nguyen Bergström Huong
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to conduct an inductive case study to understand how the opportunity creation process leads to integration.

Design/methodology/approach

It examines four cases of immigrant entrepreneurs of Cameroonian, Lebanese, Mexican and Assyrian origins who founded their businesses in Sweden. The study relies on process-oriented theory building and develops an inductive model of integration as an opportunity creation process.

Findings

The suggested model shows immigrants’ acculturation into the host society via three successive phases: breaking-ice, breaking-in and breaking-out. In the breaking-ice phase, immigrants trigger entrepreneurial ideas to overcome the disadvantages that they face as immigrants in the host country. In the breaking-in phase, immigrants articulate their entrepreneurial ideas by bonding with the ethnic community. In the breaking-out phase, the immigrants reorient their entrepreneurial ideas by desegregating them locally. The paper concludes by elaborating theoretical and practical implications of the research.

Originality/value

Immigrants act when they are socially excluded and discriminated in the labor market by developing business ideas and becoming entrepreneurs. By practicing the new language and accommodating native customers’ preferences, immigrants reorient their entrepreneurial ideas. The immigrants tailor their ideas to suit their new customers by strengthening their sense of belonging to the local community.
The effect of Iranian health system reform plan on payments and costs of coronary artery bypass surgery in private hospitals of Iran
Authors: Tabari-Khomeiran Rasoul , Delavari Sajad , Rezaei Satar , Rad Enayatollah Homaie , Shahmoradi Mostafa
Published: February 2019

Purpose

In May 2014, a new reform in the health sector of Iran was implemented called “health evolution plan.” In the first phase of this reform, the government reduced out-of-pocket payments for service delivery by paying subsidies to the services and after that a revision was done to the medical services values book to improve equity and increase motivation of health professions. One of the affected services in this reform was coronary artery bypass surgery. The purpose of this paper is to show the effects of HEP on costs of coronary artery bypass surgery.

Design/methodology/approach

A before-after study was done for this purpose and 167 patients’ total costs and out-of-pocket payments were calculated for the years 2013 (before) and 2014 (after) the reform in three private hospitals of Rasht city, Iran. Econometrics models were estimated after adjustment of confounding variables.

Findings

The results of this study showed that surgery costs increased significantly from $1,643.3 to 2,119.5. Nursing and other costs increased significantly from $290.3 to 414.2 and anesthetize costs increased from $619.2 to 947.01. The results of regression model showed that total costs increased $3,008.6 after adjustment of confounders (p-value=0.037). However, no significant changes were found for out-of-pocket payments and out-of-pocket percentage.

Originality/value

The study findings revealed that HTP was not successful enough in financial protection in the private sector.
Comparative study between prison- and community-based treatment satisfaction for opioid use disorder in Lebanon
Authors: Khalaf Dany , Hayek Maryse , Bakhos Jules-Joel , Abou-Mrad Fadi
Published: February 2019

Purpose

Opioid substitution treatment (OST), such as Buprenorphine, has become a well-established evidence-based approach for the treatment of inmates with opioid use disorder (OUD) in most of the developed world. However, its application in Lebanon remains mainly as a community-based intervention. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the need of its implementation within the Lebanese correctional system.

Design/methodology/approach

The work is a pilot cross-sectional study that compares two groups: 30 male adult prisoners with OUD convictions receiving symptomatic treatment and 30 male adult community patients with OUD receiving Buprenorphine. The objective was to measure the difference in the patients’ general perception and satisfaction of the treatments available. OUD was diagnosed using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th Edition criteria and the level of satisfaction was measured by “Treatment Perceptions Questionnaire (TPQ).”

Findings

The prison group reported significantly lower satisfaction when compared to the community group (total TPQ mean scores: M=34.73, SD =4.12 and M=16.67, SD =4.78, respectively, with t (56.76) =15.68, p=0.000). Furthermore, age, marital status, education level and elapsed time in treatment had no significant interactions with the total TPQ score.

Originality/value

The major principles of the ethics of care and evidence-based safe practices will be proposed for the introduction of Buprenorphine to Lebanese prisons. This work provides an opportunity for the expansion of the Lebanese OST program and consequently other countries in the region could benefit from this experience.
Personal information organization in everyday life: modeling the process
Authors: Oh Kyong Eun
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate and model the process of organizing personal information in digital form in the context of everyday life.

Design/methodology/approach

A background survey, a diary study and two interviews were conducted with each of the 18 participants, who are information users in social science academic environments. In particular, the personal information organization process (PIOP) model was developed by tracking and analyzing 143 organization events.

Findings

The PIOP model consists of six stages: initiation, identification, temporary categorization, examination/comparison, selection/modification/creation and categorization. This model also shows actions, thoughts and decisions involved in the organization process, and 19 factors that impact the process.

Originality/value

This study introduces a new model that specifically shows the process of organizing personal information. This study advances our understanding of the process and informs the design and development of systems and applications that support personal information management.
Indigenous business success: a hybrid perspective
Authors: Mrabure Ruth Omonigho
Published: February 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to address the notion that the relationship between being indigenous and business success is inconclusive because there are tensions between indigenous values and business success. The research questions are: How do indigenous entrepreneurs define success? Does the third space create a different meaning of success in the indigenous context?

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach was adopted for this study because the ability to define success requires subjective meanings. Participants’ lived experiences and stories were the main sources of information. Open conversational-style interviews were used because they allow participants to freely share their stories.

Findings

A defining line is that not all indigenous entrepreneurs have the same view of success. The homogeneity that emanates from sharing indigeneity does not equal unity in views, but shows that people from the same group can view success differently. However, the meaning and views formed are also connected to the wider community, relationships and predominant values that characterise the social cultural context of the entrepreneur.

Research limitations/implications

This study focuses on one indigenous group; more studies need to be conducted to gain wider variation on the meaning of success in indigenous entrepreneurship and how indigenous subculture alters these meanings.

Practical implications

The findings of this study show that success for indigenous entrepreneurs should be defined based on individual philosophy. Hence, practitioners should endeavour to clarify what success means from the initial stage of the business to avoid misconception and make this clear to others that are connected to the business.

Originality/value

This paper suggests a different view of success in an indigenous context using the hybridity viewpoint to explain why success can be perceived using the in-between space without opposite binary.
Examining fraud risk factors on asset misappropriation: evidence from the Iranian banking industry
Authors: Kazemian Soheil , Said Jamaliah , Hady Nia Elham , Vakilifard Hamidreza
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The paper aims at examining the influences of the elements of fraud diamond on the asset misappropriation within the banking industry of Iran. Primary data were collected through 191 survey questionnaires administered among employees of the top three banks in Iran, which own above 60 per cent of market shares in the banking industry of the country.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data were collected through 191 survey questionnaires administered among employees of the top three banks in Iran, which own above 60 per cent of market shares in the banking industry of the country.

Findings

Results strongly supported that all four elements of fraud risk significantly influence bank employee asset misappropriation in Iran. To minimize employee fraud, the banking industry should reduce opportunities and employee negative rationalization through strong internal control.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this study are useful for policymakers, bank managers, industry practitioners and academics to understand and subsequently implement strategies to mitigate asset misappropriation.

Practical implications

Managerial implications, limitations of the study and suggestions for future research are also included in this paper.

Originality/value

The main value of this paper is the determination of the key variables that constitute the fraud diamond theory and its dimensions on the asset misappropriation within the banking industry in Iran.
Asset confiscation in Europe – past, present, and future challenges
Authors: Boucht Johan
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to paint a general picture of the asset confiscation regimes used in Europe and to outline potential challenges, practical and related to issues of principle, associated with the current development with regard to the confiscation of the proceeds of crime and criminals’ proceeds.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper endeavours to analyse the various steps of the confiscation process, and the various approaches to the confiscation of proceeds of crime and criminals’ proceeds from a holistic perspective. The findings of the paper are based on a literature review along with a legal analysis of the existent legal frameworks.

Findings

It is suggested that the efficiency of asset confiscation should be looked at from a holistic perspective involving the entire confiscation process, and not only focus on the confiscation powers awarded to the courts. Challenges relating to efficiency exist along the entire process, from the stage of financial investigations to the enforcement stage. Some of the methods used for confiscating criminal proceeds are becoming very far-reaching and raise concerns related to basic principles of criminal law and criminal procedural law.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is not based on empirical research relating to, for example, the efficiency of confiscation. More empirical research would, however, be welcome in this field.

Practical implications

The paper suggests that the efficiency of asset confiscation is contingent on the entire confiscation chain functioning efficiently. Before new and more repressive measures are introduced, the existing legal framework should be fully deployed and the concrete needs for new tools clearly delineated.

Originality/value

The paper analyses confiscation with a view to the entire chain rather than merely looking at a particular confiscation scheme.
Battling corruption in Malaysia: What can be learned?
Authors: Kapeli Nur Shafiqa , Mohamed Nafsiah
Published: February 2019

Purpose

Corruption is a serious problem in Southeast Asian countries. Based on the average ranking of Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index, Malaysia is ranked as the second least corrupt country among Southeast Asian countries. However, this country is still facing problems in its fight against corruption, in which efforts undertaken to prevent corruption have been said to be “unsatisfactory.” The purpose of this paper is hence to examine previous literature for the possible factors affecting the success of anti-corruption efforts in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

This study analyzes previous studies conducted on Malaysia’s experiences in its fight against corruption.

Findings

The findings of this paper indicate four attributes that lead to the failure of anti-corruption efforts in Malaysia.

Originality/value

This paper will be useful for scholars, policymakers and anti-corruption practitioners who are interested in Malaysia’s experiences in fighting corruption.
Who can spot an online romance scam?
Authors: Whitty Monica T.
Published: February 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to examine predictors (personality, belief systems, expertise and response time) of detecting online romance scams.

Design/methodology/approach

The online study asked 261 participants to rate whether a profile was a scam or a genuine profile. Participants were also asked to complete a personality inventory, belief scales and demographic, descriptive questions. The online study was also designed to measure response time.

Findings

It was found that those who scored low in romantic beliefs, high in impulsivity, high in consideration of future consequences, had previously spotted a romance scam and took longer response times were more likely to accurately distinguish scams from genuine profiles. Notably, the research also found that it was difficult to detect scams. The research also found that it was important to adapt Whitty’s (2013) “Scammers Persuasive Techniques Model” to include a stage named: “human detection of scam versus genuine profiles”.

Originality/value

This is the first study, to the author’s knowledge, that examines predictors of human accuracy in detecting romance scams. Dating sites and government e-safety sites might draw upon these findings to help improve human detection and protect users from this financial and psychologically harmful cyberscam.
Drivers and outcomes of branded mobile app usage intention
Authors: Stocchi Lara , Michaelidou Nina , Micevski Milena
Published: February 2019

Purpose

This study aims to examine the drivers and outcomes of the usage intention of branded mobile applications (apps), revealing findings of theoretical and practical relevance. First, it uncovers the specific technological features that underpin the perceived usefulness and ease of use of branded apps driving (directly and indirectly) usage intention. Second, it outlines two key outcomes that are relevant to the strategic management of branded apps: willingness to recommend the app and willingness to pay to continue using the app.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses data randomly derived from a panel of one million UK consumers, analyzed via structural equations modeling. The unit of analysis was individual apps prominently displaying a brand identity. The study tested indirect relationships between the key drivers considered and usage intention via perceived usefulness and ease of use.

Findings

Consumers who view branded apps as protecting their privacy, customizable and compatible with what they do, will have stronger perceptions of usefulness and ease of use and greater intention to use the app. These effects also occur indirectly. Furthermore, usage intention drives the willingness to recommend the app and to pay to continue using it.

Practical implications

To influence usage intention, managers can improve the perception of usefulness of branded apps by protecting consumer privacy and improving the app’s design and its compatibility with people’s needs and lifestyle. Managers can also enhance the perception of ease of use of the branded app by heightening its security and ubiquity. Combined, these factors can enhance (directly and indirectly) the intention to use the app, which will lead to the willingness to recommend the app and pay for it.

Originality/value

This study extends previous research by examining factors driving the intention to use branded apps and the resulting outcomes. It also offers a model that yields predictions for individual branded apps (not the brand powering the app), thus providing practical recommendations on how to manage, in general, apps with a brand identity.
Guilt-free pleasures: how premium and luxury influence regret
Authors: Lyons Sarah Joy , Wien Anders Hauge , Altintzoglou Themistoklis
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate how a consumer’s intention to purchase a premium or luxury product influences the anticipated regret and guilt.

Design/methodology/approach

A 2 × 2 × 2 between-subjects design (label: premium versus luxury × prior event: success versus failure × product type: hedonic versus utilitarian) on guilt and regret was implemented.

Findings

Following a successful event, the anticipated regret and guilt are lower for a hedonic product compared to a primarily utilitarian one. The effect was valid when the consumers were looking to buy both luxury and premium. In a situation following a failure, the anticipated levels of regret and guilt were lower for a product that was primarily utilitarian in nature; however, this effect only appeared when the participants were looking to buy both luxury and not premium.

Research limitations/implications

People may feel more licensed to indulge in a hedonic premium or luxury product after a success and more licensed to indulge in a utilitarian luxury product after a failure.

Practical implications

The results can be used to understand how to optimize a marketing message of indulgence whether or not one deserves it.

Originality/value

The study provides novel insight into how anticipated guilt and regret may be evoked by the goal of buying a premium versus luxury product in combination with the product type and a consumer’s experience of a prior event.
Gender segmentation to increase brand preference? The role of product involvement
Authors: Friedmann Enav , Lowengart Oded
Published: February 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to address the role of product involvement in the brand preference formation of men and women. Product involvement can be defined as a consumer’s motivation for product purchase that affects their information processing strategies when forming a brand preference (e.g. more automatic at low levels vs more deliberative at high levels). Given that gender differences are found to be context-dependent, it was expected that, when forming a single brand preference, men would emphasize instrumental aspects (functional and socially conspicuous utilities) and women the experiential utility of the brand only with high-involvement-level products.

Design/methodology/approach

A descriptive survey (n = 459) using structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis was used following an online experiment where involvement level was manipulated (n = 255) to validate the results.

Findings

Stereotypical gender differences appeared at high, but not low-involvement levels. Theoretically, these findings question the evolutionary basis of gender differences, as differences were not consistent at both levels.

Practical implications

The findings raise questions about the efficacy of segmenting by gender when aiming to increase brand preference of low-involvement products, whereas stereotypical targeting seem to be effective for increasing preference for high-involvement ones.

Originality/value

For the first time, the role of product involvement and gender was examined in brand preference formation. This can theoretically clarify whether gender differences are consistent or dependent on the level of involvement. This information can help in designing efficient marketing strategies for products with different involvement levels.