bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chromosome-wide co-fluctuation of stochastic gene expression in mammalian cells
Authors: Sun Mengyi , Zhang Jianzhi
Published: March 2019

Gene expression is subject to stochastic noise, but to what extent and by which means such stochastic variations are coordinated among different genes are unclear. We hypothesize that neighboring genes on the same chromosome co-fluctuate in expression because of their common chromatin dynamics, and verify it at the genomic scale using allele-specific single-cell RNA-sequencing data of mouse cells. Unexpectedly, the co-fluctuation extends to genes that are over 60 million bases apart. We provide evidence that this long-range effect arises in part from chromatin co-accessibilities of linked loci attributable to three-dimensional proximity, which is much closer intra-chromosomally than inter-chromosomally. We further show that genes encoding components of the same protein complex tend to be chromosomally linked, likely resulting from natural selection for intracellular among-component dosage balance. These findings have implications for both the evolution of genome organization and optimal design of synthetic genomes in the face of gene expression noise.
Genetic Polymorphisms and Molecular Mechanisms Mediating Oncolytic Potency of Reovirus Strains
Authors: Mohamed Adil , Clements Derek R. , Konda Prathyusha , Gujar Shashi A. , Lee Patrick W. , Smiley James R. , Shmulevitz Maya
Published: March 2019

The Dearing strain of Mammalian orthoreovirus (T3D) is undergoing clinical trials as an oncolytic virotherapeutic agent. In this study, a comprehensive phenotypic and genetic comparison of T3D virus stocks from various laboratories and commercial sources revealed that T3D laboratory strains differ substantially in their oncolytic activitiesin vitroandin vivo. Superior replication of the most-oncolytic T3D lab strain was attributed to several mechanistic advantages: virus-cell binding, viral RNA transcriptase activity, viral inclusion morphology, and differential activation of RIG-I versus NFκB-dependent signalling pathways. Viral S4, M1 and L3 gene segments were each independently associated with a distinct mechanistic advantage. Furthermore, the specific missense polymorphisms that governed replication potency were identified, and utilized to generate a hybrid of T3D laboratory strains with further-augmented replication in tumor cells. Together, the results depict an elaborate balance between reovirus replication and host-cell signaling to achieve optimal oncolytic reovirus efficacy.
The Set1 complex is dimeric and acts with Jhd2 demethylation to convey symmetrical H3K4 trimethylation
Authors: Choudhury Rupam , Singh Sukhdeep , Arumugam Senthil , Roguev Assen , Stewart A. Francis
Published: March 2019

Epigenetic modifications can maintain or alter the inherent symmetry of the nucleosome. However, the mechanisms that deposit and/or propagate symmetry or asymmetry are not understood. Here we report that yeast Set1C/COMPASS (complex of proteins associated with Set1) is dimeric and, consequently, symmetrically trimethylates histone 3 Lys4 (H3K4me3) on promoter nucleosomes. Mutation of the dimer interface to make Set1C monomeric abolished H3K4me3 on most promoters. The most active promoters, particularly those involved in the oxidative phase of the yeast metabolic cycle, displayed H3K4me2, which is normally excluded from active promoters, and a subset of these also displayed H3K4me3. In wild-type yeast, deletion of the sole H3K4 demethylase, Jhd2, has no effect. However, in monomeric Set1C yeast, Jhd2 deletion increased H3K4me3 levels on the H3K4me2 promoters. Notably, the association of Set1C with the elongating polymerase was not perturbed by monomerization. These results imply that symmetrical H3K4 methylation is an embedded consequence of Set1C dimerism and that Jhd2 demethylates asymmetric H3K4me3. Consequently, rather than methylation and demethylation acting in opposition as logic would suggest, a dimeric methyltransferase and monomeric demethylase cooperate to eliminate asymmetry and focus symmetrical H3K4me3 onto selected nucleosomes. This presents a new paradigm for the establishment of epigenetic detail.
NRDE2 negatively regulates exosome functions by inhibiting MTR4 recruitment and exosome interaction
Authors: Wang Jianshu , Chen Jiyun , Wu Guifen , Zhang Hongling , Du Xian , Chen Suli , Zhang Li , Wang Ke , Fan Jing , Gao Shuaixin , Wu Xudong , Zhang Shouxiang , Kuai Bin , Zhao Peng , Chi Binkai , Wang Lantian , Li Guohui , Wong Catherine C.L. , Zhou Yu , Li Jinsong , Yun Caihong , Cheng Hong
Published: March 2019

The exosome functions in the degradation of diverse RNA species, yet how it is negatively regulated remains largely unknown. Here, we show that NRDE2 forms a 1:1 complex with MTR4, a nuclear exosome cofactor critical for exosome recruitment, via a conserved MTR4-interacting domain (MID). Unexpectedly, NRDE2 mainly localizes in nuclear speckles, where it inhibits MTR4 recruitment and RNA degradation, and thereby ensures efficient mRNA nuclear export. Structural and biochemical data revealed that NRDE2 interacts with MTR4's key residues, locks MTR4 in a closed conformation, and inhibits MTR4 interaction with the exosome as well as proteins important for MTR4 recruitment, such as the cap-binding complex (CBC) and ZFC3H1. Functionally, MID deletion results in the loss of self-renewal of mouse embryonic stem cells. Together, our data pinpoint NRDE2 as a nuclear exosome negative regulator that ensures mRNA stability and nuclear export.
Analysing drivers and outcomes of job and professional satisfaction at health centres in Portugal
Authors: Santana Silvina , Loureiro Sandra Maria Correia
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse antecedents, associations and outcomes of job and professional satisfaction of doctors and nurses in Portuguese health centres.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors have used structural equation modelling to examine the causal relationships between multiple variables placed in a path model reflecting the theoretical foundation.

Findings

The percentage of those satisfied or very satisfied with their jobs was just above 50 per cent. Doctors’ satisfaction stems from personal achievement and the formal component of work environment, leading them to strongly recommend their work in the health centre to dear ones but not to put aside other job options. Nurses’ level of job satisfaction seems to be affected by co-workers and interpersonal relationships beside personal achievement and has more strong and multifaceted impact on their feelings and behaviour that goes from recommending their job position to considering to quit job and even regretting the option made in terms of career.

Originality/value

This study represents the first attempt to conceptualise and test a simultaneous model comprising antecedents and outcomes of both job satisfaction and professional satisfaction in primary care, investigating also differences between genders and professions. Results shed light on determinants of satisfaction among specialised staff in Portuguese primary care and how they affect commitment to the organisation and the way career choice is regarded.
Examining cannabis protective behavioral strategy use using multiple methods
Authors: Prince Mark A. , Jenzer Tiffany , Brown Whitney , Hetelekides Eleftherios M. , Mumm Rachel A. , Collins R. Lorraine
Published: March 2019

Purpose

Cannabis use among young adults is increasing, despite being associated with several negative consequences. Protective behavioral strategies (PBSs) are a potential mechanism of behavior change for reducing substance use, yet PBS use for cannabis is not well understood. The purpose of this paper is to further define and measure the PBS construct for cannabis.

Design/methodology/approach

A community sample of cannabis users (n=54) participated in eight focus groups discussing the use of PBSs. Participants completed surveys regarding demographics, cannabis use habits and cannabis problems. The authors also administered an existing measure of cannabis PBS and asked them to generate new or unique protective strategies that they had used or had heard of others using.

Findings

Thematic analysis of qualitative focus group data provided information about cannabis users’ reasons for regulating cannabis use (e.g. health or legal problems, interpersonal) as well as strategies to moderate cannabis use or attenuate their risk for experiencing adverse consequences (e.g. distraction, existential/spiritual strategies). Analyses of quantitative survey data revealed that use of PBSs was negatively correlated with cannabis outcomes. Perceived helpfulness of strategies was an important predictor of decreased cannabis use and adverse consequences.

Research limitations/implications

Findings expand the understanding of the definition and measurement of strategies for regulating cannabis use and reducing related risk of experiencing adverse consequences.

Originality/value

This is the first study to examine cannabis-related PBS using both qualitative and quantitative methods, which provide insights into the definition of PBS and for future refinements of PBS measurement.
Barriers and enablers to women in fire and emergency leadership roles
Authors: Parkinson Debra , Duncan Alyssa , Archer Frank
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand what (if any) actual and perceived barriers exist for women to take on fire and emergency management leadership roles within the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Victoria, Australia.

Design/methodology/approach

An anonymous quantitative online survey was used to collect data about opinions and thoughts of staff. This informed the qualitative component of the research – in-depth, semi-structured interviews and a focus group. The combination of these techniques provides deeper insight into the nature of the barriers for women.

Findings

Respondents identified real barriers for women accessing leadership roles in fire and emergency. Reflecting the wider literature on barriers to women in executive roles, those identified related to sexism, career penalties not faced by men for family responsibilities, and assumptions of women helping other women’s careers. There were more men in senior roles, leaving senior women isolated and often overlooked. Women had fewer role models and sponsors than men and less developed networks, finding it harder to access training and deployments. The context was described by most as “a boys’ club”, where men were seen to dominate meetings and stereotype the abilities of women.

Originality/value

This paper analyses the barriers to women in fire and emergency leadership roles within a masculine workplace and is rare in including a qualitative aspect to the issue in the Australian context.
Investigating the transformative impact of bank transparency on consumers’ financial well-being
Authors: Losada-Otálora Mauricio , Alkire (née Nasr) Linda
Published: March 2019

Purpose

Grounded in Transformative Service Research, the purpose of this paper is to explore the mechanisms by which bank information transparency influences consumer’s financial well-being (FWB). The authors propose that customer attitudes toward the brand and the subjectively perceived ability of individuals to deal with the financial challenges explain the enhancement of FWB driven by bank information transparency.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted to test the proposed hypotheses. In total, 400 bank customers of five commercial banks in Colombia were approached and asked to fill out a pen and paper questionnaire. Serial mediation analysis was applied to test the hypotheses.

Findings

This research shows that bank information transparency can uplift the FWB of customers. Furthermore, the positive effect of bank information transparency on the FWB occurs because the shared information improves the positive attitudes toward banks and the perceived financial self-efficacy of customers.

Research limitations/implications

This paper heeds the call of current literature for improved explanations of the relationship between attempts to inform consumers about financial services and their FWB.

Practical implications

This research shows that managers who embrace the challenging task of improving the FWB of their customers should design strategies for more transparent information sharing with their customers. However, these strategies should be designed not only to deliver information to customers but also to increase the perceived disclosure, accuracy and clarity of shared information.

Originality/value

This pioneering study aims to explain the effects of bank information transparency on the FWB of consumers by drawing on interdisciplinary literature. This research is important as many banks aim to increase their information transparency without a clear understanding of the effects of these actions on consumers and therefore in many instances their efforts fail. A key contribution of this study is identifying concrete mechanisms (i.e. brand attitudes and self-efficacy) that help managers to improve customers’ FWB via information transparency. Accordingly, the authors offer suggestions for better information transparency strategy implementation.
Income security, social comparisons and materialism
Authors: Chatterjee Devlina , Kumar Mahendra , Dayma Kapil K.
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the effect of perceived income security (IS), materialistic values and socially driven aspirations on the financial well-being (FWB) of young Indian adults.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was designed using available scales for FWB and materialism. Questions were incorporated to measure social comparison and IS. A structural equation approach using data from 327 respondents was used to test a hypothesized model of FWB.

Findings

The IS has the largest positive effect, while unemployment has the largest negative effect on FWB. Overt materialism (OM) negatively affects FWB. Socially motivated aspirations have an indirect negative effect mediated by OM. Among demographic variables, income, education and stable employment increase FWB. Males have lower levels of FWB.

Research limitations/implications

The data includes 327 respondents that were polled using convenience sampling. The results may not be generalizable to India at large.

Social implications

A common consideration when choosing a job is the salary. However, we find that IS affects subsequent FWB to a much greater extent than income level and materialistic aspirations.

Originality/value

This is the first study to look at the relative importance of materialistic aspirations vs IS in determining FWB. The results will help policy makers in devising policies and financial service providers in designing products and services that will increase the FWB of Indians.
Consumer’s initial trust formation in IOB’s acceptance
Authors: Kaabachi Souheila , Ben Mrad Selima , O’Leary Bay
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how variables like propensity to trust, website usability, social influence, customer awareness about internet-only banks (IOBs) and perceived compatibility influence customers’ initial trust formation toward IOBs’ acceptance. The model is based on the technology acceptance model, diffusion of innovation theory and theory of reasoned action.

Design/methodology/approach

A non-probability convenience sample of 239 IOBs’ potential adopters from France was used to test the structural equation model between initial trust antecedents and IOB’s usage intention.

Findings

Findings confirm the important role of trust in initiating customers’ relationship with IOBs and show that social influence, compatibility and website usability contribute the most to IOB’s initial trust formation. Indeed, it has been found that the level of consumer information about IOBs and propensity to trust have a moderate impact on consumer’s initial trust. Results revealed that there is a general lack of consumer’s awareness about IOB’s services features.

Practical implications

To promote the trustworthiness of their sites and services to potential consumers, IOBs should enhance WOM by using social network applications. IOBs need to develop marketing communication campaigns in which they can educate potential customers about IOB’s features. In addition, IOBs should demonstrate to their customers that IOBs’ banking system is consistent with their current lifestyle. IOBs are encouraged to develop a favorable impression by investing heavily on their website usability and information design.

Originality/value

This study contributes significantly to the marketing research literature related to consumer trust and electronic banking literature. Indeed, only a few marketing studies have been conducted about IOBs. The results show the role played by initial trust formation in the case of IOBs. In addition, it points out the importance of five trust cues: individual cues, knowledge cues, institutional cues, cognitive cues and social cues (social influence).
An intelligent detection and assessment method based on textile fabric image feature
Authors: Zhao Xueqing , Shi Xin , Liu Kaixuan , Deng Yongmei
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The quality of produced textile fibers plays a very important role in the textile industry, and detection and assessment schemes are the key problems. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to propose a relatively simple and effective technique to detect and assess the quality of produced textile fibers.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to achieve automatic visual inspection of fabric defects, first, images of the textile fabric are pre-processed by using Block-Matching and 3-D (BM3D) filtering. And then, features of textile fibers image are respectively extracted, including color, texture and frequency spectrum features. The color features are extracted by using hue–saturation–intensity model, which is more consistent with the human vision perception model; texture features are extracted by using scale-invariant feature transform scheme, which is a quite good method to detect and describe the local image features, and the obtained features are robust to local geometric distortion; frequency spectrum features of textiles are less sensitive to noise and intensity variations than spatial features. Finally, for evaluating the quality of the fabric in real time, two quantitatively metric parameters, peak signal-to-noise ratio and structural similarity, are used to objectively assess the quality of textile fabric image.

Findings

Compared to the quality between production and pre-processing of textile fiber images, the BM3D filtering method is a very efficient technology to improve the quality of textile fiber images. Compared to the different features of textile fibers, like color, texture and frequency spectrum, the proposed detection and assessment method based on textile fabric image feature can easily detect and assess the quality of textiles. Moreover, the objective metrics can further improve the intelligence and performance of detection and assessment schemes, and it is very simple to detect and assess the quality of textiles in the textile industry.

Originality/value

An intelligent detection and assessment method based on textile fabric image feature is proposed, which can efficiently detect and assess the quality of textiles, thereby improving the efficiency of textile production lines.
Economic assessment of non-sinusoidal energy in distorted distribution systems
Authors: Kumar Narinder , Kumar Ashwani
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze annual energy expenditure in the presence of non-linear load and substation voltage harmonics in distribution systems. Economic assessment of non-sinusoidal energy is a challenging task that involves complex computations of harmonic load powers and harmonic line losses.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper evaluates fundamental and non-sinusoidal components of electrical energy by applying backward/forward sweep technique in distorted distribution systems. This work involves harmonic power computations at the substation by including harmonic losses occurring in various lines of the distribution system.

Findings

The paper found that annual energy expenditure significantly depends upon the non-linear load, supply voltage harmonics and type of tariff structure considered in the distribution system. Impact of individual harmonic orders on the energy billing is also assessed.

Originality/value

The paper concludes that considering harmonic distortions in the distribution system analysis would help electricity regulators formulate adequate pricing structures, which would further generate appropriate economic signals for electricity utility and the consumers.
Multi-objective-based robust unit commitment using hydro-thermal-wind: a hybrid technique
Authors: Jain Achala , Huddar Anupama P.
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to solve economic emission dispatch problem in connection of wind with hydro-thermal units.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed hybrid methodology is the joined execution of both the modified salp swarm optimization algorithm (MSSA) with artificial intelligence technique aided with particle swarm optimization (PSO) technique.

Findings

The proposed approach is introduced to figure out the optimal power generated power from the thermal, wind farms and hydro units by minimizing the emission level and cost of generation simultaneously. The best compromise solution of the generation power outputs and related gas emission are subject to the equality and inequality constraints of the system. Here, MSSA is used to generate the optimal combination of thermal generator with the objective of minimum fuel and emission objective function. The proposed method also considers wind speed probability factor via PSO-artificial neural network (ANN) technique and hydro power generation at peak load demand condition to ensure economic utilization.

Originality/value

To validate the advantage of the proposed approach, six- and ten-units thermal systems are studied with fuel and emission cost. For minimizing the fuel and emission cost of the thermal system with the predicted wind speed factor, the proposed approach is used. The proposed approach is actualized in MATLAB/Simulink, and the results are examined with considering generation units and compared with various solution techniques. The comparison reveals the closeness of the proposed approach and proclaims its capability for handling multi-objective optimization problems of power systems.
A neuro-fuzzy hybrid model for assessing leanness of manufacturing systems
Authors: P.G. Saleeshya , M. Binu
Published: March 2019

Purpose

Lean implementation is a strategic decision. The capacity of organisation to be “Lean” can be identified before lean implementation by assessing leanness of an organisation. This study aims to attempt developing a holistic leanness assessment tool for assessing organisational leanness.

Design/methodology/approach

A neuro-fuzzy leanness assessment model for assessing the leanness of a manufacturing system is presented. The model is validated academically and industrially by conducting a case study.

Findings

Neuro-fuzzy hybridisation helped assess the leanness accurately. Fuzzy logic helped to perform the leanness assessment more realistically by accounting ambiguity and vagueness in organisational functioning and decision-making processes. Neural network increased the learning capacity of assessment model and increased the accuracy of leanness index.

Research limitations/implications

The industrial case study in the paper shows the results in telecom equipment manufacturing industry. This may not represent entire manufacturing sector. The generic nature of the model developed in this research ensures its wide applicability.

Practical implications

The neuro-fuzzy hybrid model for assessing leanness helps to identify the potential of an organisation to become “Lean”. The organisational leanness index developed by the study helps to monitor the effectiveness and impact of lean implementation programmes.

Originality/value

The leanness assessment models available in literature lack depth and coverage of leanness parameters. The model developed in this research assesses leanness of an organisation by accounting for leanness aspects of inventory management, industrial scheduling, organisational flexibility, ergonomics, product, process, management, workforce, supplier relationship and customer relationship with the help of neuro-fuzzy hybrid modelling.
Lean Six Sigma in Brazil: a literature review
Authors: Walter Olga Maria Formigoni Carvalho , Paladini Edson Pacheco
Published: March 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate Lean Six Sigma (LSS) in the Brazilian context, seeking to identify its main characteristics and opportunities for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

This study focuses on a literature review in the area of production engineering and operations management, where 104 relevant scientific publications were identified.

Findings

The results show that the most important critical success factor for integrating LSS in Brazil is top management support and commitment. LSS integration occurs predominantly in large industrial companies, being incipient in small and medium-sized enterprises. In general, there is no structured way of applying LSS. A standard framework for LSS is still lacking.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited to a sample that only comprises Brazilian scientific studies.

Practical implications

Professionals and practitioners can understand the evolution of LSS through practical applications and the main LSS tools used in both the industrial and services sectors. It also points out the critical success factor for the implementation of LSS. The study highlights several roadmaps for LSS implementation adopted by large and modern Brazilian automotive industries based on a robust technological base. This study also contributes to expanding the evidence base of LSS application, both in Brazil and in other countries.

Originality/value

Some suggestions are proposed to clarify the structure and complexity of integrated implementation of LP and SS as well as expand the LSS application in small and medium-sized enterprises. This study is the first to discuss the current situation of LSS in Brazil and provide suggestions to expand LSS in the country. Comparisons of Brazilian LSS literature review with researches of others countries are also presented.
Integrating ecological objectives in university campus strategic and spatial planning: a case study
Authors: Orenstein Daniel Eli , Troupin David , Segal Ella , Holzer Jennifer M. , Hakima-Koniak Gili
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a case study of how ecological considerations can be integrated into campus strategic and statutory spatial planning. A process of developing ecological objectives and guidelines for inclusion in campus strategic and statutory spatial plans is presented.

Design/methodology/approach

This case study introduces a three-phase ecological assessment process developed and applied to the Technion – IIT campus. Ecological considerations are reviewed in multiple campus strategic and spatial plans (primarily in North America and Europe) and in institutional sustainability guidelines; biodiversity and ecosystem service surveys of the campus are conducted and considered with regard to planning; university administrative structures that enable the implementation of ecological planning guidelines are also assessed.

Findings

Ecological considerations (biodiversity conservation, habitat preservation and ecosystem integrity) play a relatively minor role in sustainability planning on university campuses. The concepts of connectivity and compactness are applied broadly, but generally refer to social and educational considerations. Physical planning provides an opportunity for integrating ecological priorities into the university’s mission.

Research limitations/implications

Some of the insights may not be generalizable, so it is crucial to continue accumulating similar studies. It is crucial, too, to conduct follow-up research, reporting on the ecological outcomes of plan implementation.

Practical implications

Ecological stewardship is commensurate with the sustainability commitments of universities. Considering their spatial extent and diverse locations, universities can assume an important role in ecological conservation.

Originality/value

Relatively little attention has been given to ecological considerations (biodiversity, ecological integrity and ecosystem services) in campus plans and sustainability documents. This paper suggests how universities can move towards fulfilling a role as ecological stewards through strategic and spatial planning.
NPM reforms and institutional characteristics in developing countries
Authors: Tallaki Mouhcine , Bracci Enrico
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the institutional factors affecting the reform of public sector in Morocco. In particular, this study focuses on the adoption path of one such reform, in which Moroccan municipalities had to adopt economic and development plans (EDPs).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper’s methodology adopts a qualitative approach. In particular, the paper adopts a mix of primary and secondary sources to analyze the historical development of the EDP reform in the Moroccan context, and the institutional factors involved in the implementation process. It contributes to the existing literature in two ways: it defines a tentative model that combines two approaches (new and old institutional theories); and it contextualizes the proposed model in the Moroccan context by examining the institutional process of implementing the reforms.

Findings

The reform that introduced EDPs in Morocco was the result of a collaboration between the Moroccan government and international donors. The introduction of EDPs was impeded by institutional features of Moroccan society. Therefore, the implementation of EDPs in Morocco did not change taken-for-granted ways of thinking, nor did it remove institutional restrictions and barriers. Municipalities were not affected by the modernizing effects of the reform. They are managed as traditional administrative structures, with very little capacity for organizational and management innovation.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the debate on the adequacy of new public management (NPM) in less developed countries (LDCs), and in particular with regards to the use of strategic plans in Moroccan municipalities. In doing so, the paper attempts to define a tentative framework that combines new institutional and old institutional theory. The framework proposed helps to explain how NPM in LDCs was diffused and how institutional characteristics could hamper or foster the implementation of NPM reform.
TheChatterboxannual 1900-1930: an advertising backwater?
Authors: Frazer Eric J.
Published: March 2019

Purpose

To assess changes in advertising the British children’s annual,Chatterbox, over the first three decades of the twentieth century.

Design/methodology/approach

The products/firms involved were identified and the advertisements classified into product groups. The advertising content was examined in terms of the intended audience and the five longest-running advertisements were analysed to gauge trends at the single-product level. Attention was also given to long-term changes at the product-group level, the effects of the Great War and the roles of the publisher, editor and advertisers.

Findings

In total, 457 advertisements were documented over 1900-1930 representing about 80 different products/firms. They were classified into 10 distinctive groupings with Food Ingredients, at almost 26 per cent of the total, being the most abundant. Overwhelmingly, the advertisements were directed at middle-class women/mothers (∼75 per cent of the total), then children (∼15 per cent) with men/fathers essentially being ignored. The five longest-running advertisements (over 25 per cent of the total) showed little evidence of change but there were significant trends at the product-group level, in marketing to children and in average advertisement size, particularly during the last two decades of the study period, partially reflecting gradual social and technological changes.

Originality/value

Comprehensive quantitative analysis of advertising in children’s magazine literature over several decades is problematic because of the difficulty in accessing sufficient source material. The present study is exhaustive and establishes a reference point for the assessment of advertising in similar publications in the post-Victorian era.
Anglo-American governance adoption in non-Anglo-American settings
Authors: Areneke Geofry , Yusuf Fatima , Kimani Danson
Published: March 2019

Purpose

Albeit the growing academic research on emerging economies corporate governance (CG) environments within accounting and finance literature, there exists a dearth of cross-country studies using a qualitative approach to understand practitioners’ behaviour vis-a-vis diffusion of international CG practices in emerging economies. This study aims to fill this oversight through a comparative analysis of the divergence and convergence of CG systems operational in three emerging economies (Cameroon, Kenya and Pakistan) while highlighting different institutional and contextual impacts on behaviour of governance actors. The paper uses an interface between critical realism and new institutional economics theory to explore the implementation and execution of CG in Cameroon, Kenya and Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

The study analysed 24 in-depth semi-structured interviews and conducted with key governance practitioners across the three countries.

Findings

The findings show that CG implementation processes in Cameroon, Kenya and Pakistan are nascent and driven by international forces rather than local initiatives. CG lacks institutional identity across the three countries as regulatory coercion acts as a key driver for CG adoption and practitioner accounts are mixed regarding the impact of CG on firm performance.

Practical implications

The paper evidences that the lack of governance identify, compliance and slow implementation process of governance regulations and its impact on firm performance in emerging economies is caused by the fact that local institutional characteristics prevalent in these economies may not be suitable for a “copy and paste” of Western form of governance regulations. Furthermore, governance actors do not see the relevance of recommended CG practices except as a regulatory burden.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to close the lacuna in the seemingly little qualitative comparative study that has examined practitioner’s perception vis-à-vis the diffusion of international governance practices in emerging economies. Specifically, it uncovers how different institutional and contextual factors impact on the behaviour of governance actors and how their behaviours may constrain adoption, implementation and compliance with recommended governance practices.
Africa’s challenges in the OA movement: risks and possibilities
Authors: Teixeira da Silva Jaime A. , Adjei Kwabena Osei Kuffour , Owusu-Ansah Christopher M. , Sooryamoorthy Radhamany , Balehegn Mulubrhan
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the status of the open access (OA) movement on the African continent, and if there is any financial or moral exploitation by dominant “foreign” world powers. OA provided the African intellectual community with a tool to prove its academic prowess and an opportunity to display cultural and intellectual independence. OA publishing is prone to abuse, and some in Africa have sought to exploit the OA boom to profit from non-academic activity rather than use this tool to glorify Africa’s image and diversity on the global intellectual stage. These issues are explored in detail in the paper.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors broadly assessed literature that is related to the growth and challenges associated with OA, including the rise of OA mega journals, in Africa.

Findings

African OA journals and publishers have to compete with established non-African OA entities. Some are considered “predatory”, but this Jeffrey Beall-based classification may be erroneous. Publishing values that African OA publishers and journals aspire to should not equal those published by non-African publishing entities. Africa should seek solutions to the challenges on that continent via Africa-based OA platforms. The budding African OA movement is applauded, but it must be held as accountable as any other OA journal or publisher.

Originality/value

African scholars need to reassess the “published in Africa” OA image.
Is online disclosure the key to corporate governance?
Authors: López-Arceiz Francisco J. , Torres Lourdes , Ana J. Bellostas Ana J. Bellostas
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The economic literature shows contradictory results when the relationship between corporate governance and financial position is assessed. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the role of the online disclosure of information, as an omitted variable, in this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to test the role of the online disclosure of information, a set of the structural equation models is evaluated. In these models, the indirect effect of the online disclosure on the relationship between corporate governance and the financial position, defined by performance, funding and investment, is analyzed.

Findings

Using data from a sample of 252 Spanish public non-profits between 2012 and 2016, the authors found that the development of corporate governance practices is not, by itself, able to improve the financial position of these organizations. These improvements can only be achieved if the online disclosure is promoted.

Research limitations/implications

Organizations should not only follow corporate governance practices but also communicate to the stakeholders the degree of development of these practices in an exercise of accountability. Finally, Web 3.0 practices must be promoted because they can be a mechanism to reinforce corporate governance practices and achieve a solid financial position.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the debate about the role of the online disclosure, introducing this transparent practice as a variable omitted by previous research. Moreover, the authors have considered the evolution for a period of four years in relation to the information published by each organization on the internet.
Evaluating qualitative research in management accounting using the criteria of “convincingness”
Authors: Alsharari Nizar Mohammad , Al-Shboul Mohammed
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to extend the knowledge claim of management accounting research using qualitative research methods, in particular, the interpretive case study, and its evaluation using “convincingness” criteria demonstrating the textual authenticity, plausibility and criticality of case study findings.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative research in the management accounting field considers both context and function (Burchell et al., 1980). This study sets out the rationale for adopting qualitative methodologies such as interpretive case studies in which rich, contextual and detailed data were collected and analyzed (Miles and Huberman, 1994; Mason, 2002). Methodological issues related to research design, analysis and evaluation are discussed by drawing on frameworks of social science research design. The paper sets out the procedures of an interpretive case study essential to ensuring the procedural validity of research which can be evaluated more accurately using the criteria of “convincingness” rather than positivist measures of the reliability, validity of data and the generalization of results. Textual authenticity, plausibility and critical interpretation, and how these hallmarks of “convincingness” can reflect the procedural validity of accounting research are described.

Findings

Qualitative research strategies such as the interpretive case study, which consider the complex settings of accounting change and practice, are found to offer deep understandings and convincing explanations of accounting change. Affirming that accounting is firmly established as a social science, the paper finds that the authenticity, plausibility and criticality of research in this field.

Research limitations/implications

The relevance of qualitative research to contemporary accounting research is considered as an effective method to explicate theory and inform practice, which suggests that new measures to evaluate related research are required to develop the potential of selected qualitative research methodologies in accounting domains.

Originality/value

Qualitative research in management accounting focuses on the interpretation of meanings found in people and organizations that are subject to the influence of contextual variables. Human attributes underpin accounting conventions and change resulting from continuous technological and regulatory advances. This paper’s comprehensive account of interpretive case study research emphasizes the significance of evaluative criteria that relate, beyond reliability, to the richness of the text. This, thus, encourages and supports new and emerging researchers to seek qualitatively coherent and critical interpretations in management accounting research.
Perceived formal authority and the effectiveness of the HR department in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Diep T.N. , Teo Stephen T.T. , DeCieri Helen , Ho Marcus
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether formal authority of the HR department has any impact on line managers’ evaluations of HR department effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

Two studies were conducted in Vietnam. Study 1 comprised a survey of 405 line managers to test the hypothesized model. Study 2 comprised a survey conducted with 155 line managers validated the findings from Study 1. Structural equation modeling and PROCESS macro were used to analyze the data.

Findings

Line managers’ perceptions of the HR department’s formal authority had a positive and indirect impact on HR department effectiveness through the HR department’s strategic involvement and influence. Public sector line managers tended to perceive their HR departments as possessing a higher level of formal authority than did their private sector counterparts.

Research limitations/implications

This study extends the theory of political influence as it applies to the HR department. Specifically, the study provides empirical evidence of the influences of an organization’s political conditions on the perceptions of HR department effectiveness. This study also contributes to the extant literature on HRM in Vietnam by showing how Vietnam’s HR departments can utilize power and influence in accordance with specific ownership types.

Practical implications

Public sector HR managers could establish their formal authority among stakeholders as a way to enhance the recognition of HR department effectiveness. This can be done by relying on the presence of the traditional bureaucratic characteristics of the public sector which confer the HR department with formal authority.

Originality/value

The study contributes an understanding of the determinants of HR department effectiveness in the context of Vietnam. Research findings show that highly formal authority practices in the public sector affect the way line managers perceive the strategic involvement of the HR department. The more formal the authority, the more the public sector HR department is perceived to be involved in the strategic management process. Thus, formal authority is a prerequisite that public sector HR departments need to signal its importance among line managers. To have a long-term influencing role in the organization, the HR department in the public sector needs to develop its political and influencing skills. In contrast to this, the private sector HR department needs to develop a strategic partnership with line managers in order to increase its influence and perceived effectiveness.
The relationships between job insecurity, psychological contract breach and counterproductive workplace behavior
Authors: Ma Bing , Liu Shanshi , Lassleben Hermann , Ma Guimei
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the mediating effect of psychological contract breach on the relationship between job insecurity and counterproductive workplace behavior (CWB) and the moderating effect of employment status in this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 212 supervisor–subordinate dyads in a large Chinese state-owned air transportation group. AMOS 17.0 software was used to examine the hypothesized predictions and the theoretical model.

Findings

The results showed that psychological contract breach partially mediates the effect of job insecurity on CWB, including organizational counterproductive workplace behavior and interpersonal counterproductive workplace behavior. In addition, the relationships between job insecurity, psychological contract breach and CWB differ significantly between permanent workers and contract workers.

Originality/value

The present study provides a new insight into explaining the linkage between job insecurity and negative work behaviors as well as suggestions to managers on minimizing the harmful effects of job insecurity.
Testing mediation effects of social and economic exchange in linking organizational training investment to employee outcomes
Authors: Jung Yuhee , Takeuchi Norihiko
Published: March 2019

Purpose

Although social exchange theory has long been used to explain employees’ positive work attitudes in response to perceived investment in employee development (PIED), few studies have examined this theoretical mechanism by introducing a direct measure of social exchange between employees and their personified organization. Furthermore, most studies have focused solely on one type of exchange (i.e. social exchange) and have ignored another type of exchange characterized as economic exchange. The purpose of this paper is therefore to uncover the process by which PIED affects employees’ attitudes, including affective organizational commitment and job satisfaction, by examining the mediating roles of both social and economic exchanges.

Design/methodology/approach

To test the hypothesized mediating model, this study conducted a three-phase, time-lagged questionnaire survey and collected data from 545 full-time employees. The model was tested based on structural equation modeling with a bootstrap test of indirect effects.

Findings

In line with social exchange theory, the findings showed that social exchange perceptions positively mediated the relationships between PIED and affective commitment/job satisfaction, whereas economic exchange perceptions negatively mediated them. Additionally, social and economic exchange perceptions were found to partially mediate the relationship between PIED and affective commitment but fully mediate the relationship between PIED and job satisfaction.

Practical implications

These results suggest that employers would benefit from investing in employee development, provided workers see the training investment as the employer’s side of social exchange, which in turn leads to increased affective commitment and job satisfaction. When employers do not achieve the expected returns from the training investment, they should check not only hard data (e.g. training attendance rate, hours of training, etc.) but also soft data (e.g. employees’ perceptions of training investment, social exchange, etc.) by conducting employee surveys and communicating with line managers.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this study is that it provides important empirical support for social exchange theory in the context of organizational training investment and employees’ attitudinal outcomes, by directly testing the positive mediating role of social exchange and the negative role of economic exchange.