bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Change communication and the use of anonymous social media at work
Authors: Kim Heewon , Scott Craig
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how employees use anonymous social media to cope with organizational change, which may affect various engagement outcomes. Specifically, this study focuses on change communication from management (i.e. top–down communication) and workplace freedom of speech (i.e. bottom–up communication) as potential antecedents of anonymous communication. In turn, commitment, turnover intention and job satisfaction are examined as engagement outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was conducted at Microsoft through Blind, a mobile platform for anonymous communication at work. A series of regression models were used to test hypotheses.

Findings

Results demonstrate that: the quality of change communication was related to anonymous social media use for information and support seeking; workplace freedom of speech was related to anonymous social media use for expressing ideas; perceived usefulness and trustworthiness of anonymous social media positively affected the usage of them; and the quality of change communication and workplace freedom of speech were linked to affective commitment and job satisfaction.

Originality/value

Despite the growing popularity of anonymous social media at work, their use and influences have received scarce empirical attention. This study advances the authors’ knowledge of the antecedents, characteristics and outcomes of anonymous social media use in a work environment characterized by frequent organizational changes. The findings also highlight the significance of communication qualities and freedom of speech at work.
Robust stabilization for discrete-time Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy system based on N4SID models
Authors: Jemmali Mohamed Ali , Otis Martin J.-D. , Ellouze Mahmoud
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Nonlinear systems identification from experimental data without any prior knowledge of the system parameters is a challenge in control and process diagnostic. It determines mathematical model parameters that are able to reproduce the dynamic behavior of a system. This paper aims to combine two fundamental research areas: MIMO state space system identification and nonlinear control system. This combination produces a technique that leads to robust stabilization of a nonlinear Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy system (T-S).

Design/methodology/approach

The first part of this paper describes the identification based on the Numerical algorithm for Subspace State Space System IDentification (N4SID). The second part, from the identified models of first part, explains how we use the interpolation of linear time invariants models to build a nonlinear multiple model system, T-S model. For demonstration purposes, conditions on stability and stabilization of discrete time, T-S model were discussed.

Findings

Stability analysis based on the quadratic Lyapunov function to simplify implementation was explained in this paper. The linear matrix inequalities technique obtained from the linearization of the bilinear matrix inequalities was computed. The suggested N4SID2 algorithm had the smallest error value compared to other algorithms for all estimated system matrices.

Originality/value

The stabilization of the closed-loop discrete time T-S system, using the improved parallel distributed compensation control law, was discussed to reconstruct the state from nonlinear Luenberger observers.
Antecedents of the adoption of building information modeling technology in Korea
Authors: Park Eunil , Kwon Sang Jib , Han Jinyoung
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Although the notable and significant role of building information modeling (BIM) technologies in construction industries has gained user attention, only few studies have been examined on the user adoption of the technologies. The purpose of this paper is to introduce an acceptance model for BIM technologies and investigate how external factors which were extracted by in-depth interviews promote the adoption of such technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

An on-line survey was conducted by two South Korean survey agencies to test the acceptance model for BIM technologies. Then, the structural equation modeling (SEM) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) methods were used.

Findings

The results of the SEM and CFA methods from on-site construction employees (n=818) in Korea collected by the online survey indicate that compatibility and organizational support play a core role in positively and significantly affecting both perceived ease of use and usefulness, and that the connections introduced by the origin technology acceptance model are mainly confirmed.

Originality/value

Using the findings of the results, both implications and notable limitations are presented. Moreover, practical developers, as well as academic researchers can employ the results when they attempt to conduct future research.
Women in construction: shortcomings, difficulties, and good practices
Authors: Regis Marcela Ferreira , Alberte Elaine Pinto Varela , Lima Daniele dos Santos , Freitas Rosana Leal Simões
Published: June 2019

Purpose

On average, only 10 percent workers at construction sites are women. This percentage, however, is not due to a lack of interest or capacity, but to discrimination against women, sexual harassment and work safety. The purpose of this paper is to identify the main issues and current difficulties of women workers at construction sites, as well as good practices that might provide a better environment for them.

Design/methodology/approach

Interviews were carried out with workers and engineers who work/have worked at construction sites, to gather material for a discussion about the gender gap in this environment. The interviews were structured and analyzed around the following topics: acceptance, well-being, installations, gender perception and good practices.

Findings

The hiring of women usually occurs at the end of the construction period, which brings up the issue of sexual division of labor. Effects of the glass ceiling and the leaky pipeline phenomena were evident, as well as harassment, discrimination and sexism.

Originality/value

Studies about women in engineering have been become relative common, but studies about female workers on construction sites are still scarce. The women interviewed see themselves as warriors, symbolizing the gain of space within the construction sector and in society. It is hoped that the results can contribute to raising awareness about the benefits of gender mainstreaming at construction sites and to promote the health and well-being of women in these environments.
Impact of business model objectives on marketing innovation activities
Authors: Molina-Castillo Francisco-Jose , Meroño-Cerdan Angel-Luis , López-Nicolás Carolina
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the differences and similarities that arise between manufacturing and service firms with regard to the impact of business model objectives on marketing innovation activities.

Design/methodology/approach

This study focuses on business model objectives and marketing innovations activities. As described byOslo Manual, marketing innovations involve changes in product design, promotion, placement and pricing. Relationships between business model objectives and marketing innovations are based on the analysis of 9,525 firms, 5,488 of which are manufacturing companies and 4,037 of which are service companies.

Findings

Findings reveal distinctive results in the adoption of marketing innovation, depending on the business model objectives being pursued and the type of companies (manufacture or service) considered.

Research limitations/implications

This research goes further than prior studies by identifying more precisely the particularities that differentiate the manufacturing and service sectors.

Practical implications

Firm’s age and size are not significant restrictions to introduce new marketing innovations in manufacturing or service sectors. In contrast, the business model objective to enter a new market is a significant driver of marketing innovations in most cases.

Originality/value

The focus on business model objectives and their impact on marketing innovations is novel. In addition, this study focuses on a large-scale sample that allows us to compare differences between manufacturing and service companies.
Developing a holistic understanding of consumers’ experiences
Authors: Dalmoro Marlon , Isabella Giuliana , Almeida Stefânia Ordovás de , dos Santos Fleck João Pedro
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate how the physical and sensory environmental triggers interact with subjective consumer evaluations in the production of shopping experiences, an under-investigated theme, despite its relevance.

Design/methodology/approach

An interpretative multi-method approach was used by combining video observation with camera eyeglasses and in-depth interviews with 30 customers of a department store.

Findings

Results offer a holistic framework with four-dimensional axial combination involving physical comfort, psychological comfort, physical product evaluation and sensorial product evaluation. Based on this framework, results highlight the role of comfort and products in producing shopping experience in ordinary store visits.

Research limitations/implications

The findings contribute both to consumer experience studies and to the retail marketing literature in shading a light on experience production in ordinary store visits. Specifically, we detail these visits not as a static response to a given environment stimulus, but as a simultaneous objective and subjective combination able to produce experience.

Practical implications

The results encourage managers to understand the experience production not just as an outcome of managerially influenced elements, like décor or odor. It involves considering subjective elements in the design of consumers’ physical and sensorial retail experiences.

Originality/value

Adopting an innovative method of empirical data collection, results generated a framework that integrates the objective shopping environment and subjective consumer responses. This research considers the role of comfort and product features and quality both physically and sensorially to develop experiences in a holistic manner in ordinary shopping visits.
Key antecedents to the shopping behaviours and preferences of aging consumers
Authors: Rahman Osmud , Yu Hong
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to gain a deeper understanding of how income, cognitive age, physiological change and life-changing events may affect older consumers’ shopping behaviours and preferences.

Design/methodology/approach

In-depth semi-structured interview was employed for this study. In total, 13 informants were recruited in Toronto, including 11 females and 2 males aged between 51 and 80 years. Content analysis and holistic interpretation were employed for data analysis.

Findings

According to the findings, price was a major concern to many informants regardless of their income level. The relationship between “feel age”, “look age”, or even “health age”, are not always positively correlated. The vast majority of the informants preferred shopping at the brick-and-mortar stores over online shopping. Some informants experienced difficulties or challenges in finding clothing that fit well due to the change of their body shapes. In addition, many informants needed to adjust their personal needs and buying priorities to cope with their changing personal situations and social roles.

Practical implications

Other than the price and mobility issues, older consumers encounter different challenges when they shop for different products. It is imperative for retailers, service providers and product developers to understand the older consumers’ changing needs, aspirations and challenges through diverse perspectives – the transition of social roles, physiological change and life-changing events.

Originality/value

Many prior studies are merely focused on one topic (e.g. cognitive age) or product category (e.g. clothing). Through this multidimensional and mixed categorical approach, new knowledge and insights can be generated and added to the current body of research.
Enhancing ethnic restaurant visits and reducing risk perception
Authors: Lee Jee Hye , Mustapha Azlin , Hwang Johye
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This study evaluated risk perception as a critical factor influencing the intention to visit ethnic restaurants; in addition, the role of food safety information in reducing risk perception toward ethnic food was examined. Finally, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of protection motivation on risk perception.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was performed with 506 respondents. Data analyses including descriptive statistics, simple linear regression structural equational modeling and an independent t-test were conducted.

Findings

The results highlighted the negative influence of risk perception toward ethnic food consumption on the intention to visit ethnic restaurants. The results indicated that providing food safety information on menus reduces risk perception. Protection motivation theory explained consumers’ risk perception toward ethnic food. In particular, vulnerability (the chance of occurrence), self-efficacy (certainty in one’s ability to carry out a recommended preventive behavior) and response-efficacy (belief that an individual can handle a threat effectively) affected consumers’ risk perception toward ethnic food.

Practical implications

The results provide effective strategies for reducing risk perception, such as a provision of food safety information on the ethnic menu or an open kitchen, which produces a safer food image for consumers.

Originality/value

A scarcity of research has been offered to explain the predictors influencing consumers’ risk perception toward ethnic food and the methods whereby risk perception can be reduced. Thus, this study makes an important contribution to the hospitality literature by exploring risk-perception-related variables.
Exploring the impact of religiousness and cultureon luxury fashion goodspurchasing intention
Authors: Aksoy Hasan , Abdulfatai Olaide Yusuf
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to investigate the effect of religiosity and culture on Nigerian Muslim consumer’s intention to purchase luxury goods.

Design/methodology/approach

The survey included a sample of 372 Nigerian Muslims from the middle and upper-income groups who live in Lagos and Kano in Nigeria.

Findings

Plenty of luxury brands are seeking to find ways to overgrow in emerging markets. Focussing on Nigeria, this study identifies Nigerian people’s cultural orientation, religious beliefs and examines the social and personal variables affecting the consumers’ purchasing intention for luxury goods. This study stresses that Nigerian consumers’ intention to purchase luxury products are impacted by attitude, subjective norms and culture. However, Nigerian people’s intention to purchase luxury goods is not influenced by religious beliefs and Islam morals. While culture has a significant relationship with both attitudes towards behaviour and subjective norms, the religious beliefs encourage both subjective norms and a positive attitude towards the behaviour.

Research limitations/implications

This study has limitations in connection with two of its major objectives. The study applied the perspective of Nigerian Muslims. Thus, the research will not be able to clarify the fact that beyond this limited geographical area. Future research may widen the focus on cultural and religious beliefs on the intention to purchase luxury goods by adding other elements, such as normative beliefs and attitudinal beliefs.

Practical implications

The findings of the research define some implications for marketers with regard to the importance of social norms and religion in point of increasing the purchasing intention for luxury goods. Findings reflect that Nigerian consumers are impacted by subjective norms and cultural orientation. This means that luxury consuming is seen to achieve social recognition in the society. These results show that improving social acceptance through luxury goods consumption may create profitable outcomes for luxury brand firms.

Originality/value

The attractive findings of the study proposed that luxury brand managers should balance their investment in terms of the use of word-of-mouth, reference groups and fashion magazines to develop a favourable attitude towards luxury brands through. Although cultural values, references groups and consumer’s beliefs critically matter for luxury consuming, religious beliefs of Nigerian consumers have no effect on consumer’ purchase intention for a luxury product.
An investigation of the effect of customer beliefs on the intention to participate in family Takaful schemes
Authors: Bhatti Tariq , Md Husin Maizaitulaidawati
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to apply the theory of planned behavior (TPB) in predicting the intention to participate in family takaful schemes (FTSs) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). One area of concern for takaful operators is their untapped market and lower market share compared to those of their conventional insurance counterparts. It is possible that the investigation of direct and indirect (belief based) measures of TPB could shed some light on these concerns and possibly offer some assistance to takaful operators.

Design/methodology/approach

Interrelationships among attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral controls (PBCs) and intention to participate in FTSs were examined. The relationships between behavioral beliefs on attitudes, normative beliefs on subjective norm and control beliefs on PBC were also assessed to fully identify the structures underlying factors measuring intentions. The respondents consisted of 175 Muslims in the UAE. Data were collected using an online survey and analyzed using SPSS.

Findings

This study found that attitudes, subjective norms and PBCs contribute to the prediction of the intention to participate in FTSs. This study used standard multiple regressions to identify an extensive set of specific belief composites this can be used in the prediction of direct measures of TPB and the intention to participate in FTS.

Practical implications

The findings of this study provide useful information to takaful marketers on how to develop marketing strategies to increase FTS participation. This study suggests that informative and persuasive promotions can be used to improve the penetration rate of FTSs in the UAE.

Originality/value

This study provides insights into previously unaddressed FTS participation in the UAE. Prior work on determining FTS participation has not been applied to both direct and indirect measures of TPB to understand the phenomenon.
The emergent-strategy process of initiating organizational ambidexterity
Authors: Sinha Sabyasachi
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Firm ambidexterity usually has been discussed as a top-down planned strategic choice. The purpose of this paper is to showcase it is not always so; it may also be emergent as well – but how?

Design/methodology/approach

The author used an in-depth, qualitative, multiple case research method for this study, and chose four cases from different industry domains for this study.

Findings

The author identified that being ambidextrous is not always planned – it may also be emergent. The emergent-strategy process of organizational ambidexterity gets initiated through ambidextrous orientation and abilities of the top management team (TMT), and their actions and behaviors influence the evolution of supporting context that promotes exploration and exploitation behavior of employees at multiple levels of hierarchy, and across different units and functions of the organization.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to the discussions in organizational ambidexterity, deliberate-emergent strategy debate and the role of TMTs in setting the strategic path of the organization.

Practical implications

Attaining and sustaining firm ambidexterity is a managerial challenge. This challenge is addressable, by having ambidextrous TMTs – team members with complementary competencies of exploration and exploitation, with proper coordination within team members, and relatively balanced power sharing among the team members. Such a team at the top of the organization and their signaling builds the context to support increased exploration and exploitation activities at multiple levels of the organization.

Originality/value

This study showcases the emergent process of firm ambidexterity. Very few studies so far have discussed this process of becoming ambidextrous.
(Re)Focussing on behavioural change: an examination of the utility of hidden Markov modelling
Authors: David Patricia , Rundle-Thiele Sharyn , Pallant Jason Ian
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Behavioural change practice has focussed attention on understanding behaviour; failing to apply dynamic approaches that capture the underlying determinants of behavioural change. Following recommendations to direct analytical focus towards understanding both the causal factors of behaviour and behavioural change to enhance intervention practice, this paper aims to apply a hidden Markov model (HMM) approach to understand why people transition from one state to another (e.g. reporting changes from wasting food to not wasting food or vice versa).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were drawn from a 2017 food waste programme that aimed to reduce waste of fruit and vegetables by increasing self-efficacy through a two-week pilot, featuring recipes and in-store cooking demonstrations. A repeated measure longitudinal research design was used. In total, 314 households completed a phone survey prior to the two-week pilot and 244 completed the survey in the weeks following the intervention (77% retention in the evaluation study).

Findings

Two behavioural states were identified, namely, fruit and vegetable (FV) wasters and non-FV wasters. Age was identified as a causal factor for FV food wasting prior to the campaign (45-54 years were most likely to waste FV). Following the intervention, a total of 43.8% transitioned away from FV wasters to non-wasters, and attitudes and self-efficacy were indicated as potential causal factors of this change in FV waste behaviour.

Originality/value

Through this application, it is demonstrated how HMM can identify behavioural states, rates of behaviour change and importantly how HMM can identify both causal determinants of behaviour and behavioural change. Implications, limitations and future research directions are outlined.
The influence of fair supervision on employees’ emotional exhaustion and turnover intentions
Authors: Kyei-Poku Ivy
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Despite the importance of interactional fairness, it has been assessed less frequently in literature than has procedural and distributive justice. The effects of interactional fairness are at times stronger than the effects for procedural and distributive fairness, given that supervisors are prominent in any workplace environment and the chief source for interpreting information related to matters such as suitable business practices and goals needed by organizations. This study aims to examine the mediating mechanisms through which interactional justice influences emotional exhaustion and turnover intentions. Specifically, the hypothesis proposes that perceived organizational support and a sense of belongingness simultaneously mediates the relationship between interactional justice and emotional exhaustion, which in turn affects withdrawal cognitions.

Design/methodology/approach

The author draws on the literature and studies on the link between organizational justice, stress and turnover to develop the hypotheses, collecting data from 141 employees of different organizations and occupations.

Findings

Results of partial least squares structural equation modeling and Preacher and Hayes’ (2004) bootstrapping approach reveal that interactional justice is significantly positively associated with perceptions of organizational support and belongingness, which in turn is negatively associated with emotional exhaustion.

Research limitations/implications

Interactionally fair treatment engenders perceptions of organizational support and heightens a sense of belongingness, subsequently reducing the burden of physical and emotional fatigue on individuals and thereby freeing employees from engaging in turnover cognitions.

Practical implications

The study underscores the importance of fair supervisors. Results suggest that fair supervisors help employees estimate the extent to which their organization is supportive. In addition, fair supervisors reassure subordinates that they are valued, which in turn lessens the experience of emotional exhaustion, giving organizations a competitive advantage due to the more favorable behavioral intentions held by employees.

Originality/value

Interactional justice has been assessed less frequently in literature than has procedural and distributive justice. Research has overlooked the underlying process of how interactional justice reactions might motivate emotional exhaustion and turnover intentions responses. Thus, this study identifies an expanded group of mediators that link interactional justice to emotional exhaustion and turnover intentions.
Why non-Muslims subscribe to Islamic banking?
Authors: Saiti Buerhan , Ardo Abubakar Aliyu , Yumusak Ibrahim Guran
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Islamic finance has exhibited immense potential to transform the global financial landscape in the recent years. In reaction to the trend, Nigeria introduced Islamic banking system to cater to the need of the teeming population and promote financial inclusion, among other potential benefits. Unfortunately, the notable growth recorded by the banks since the inception of the Islamic banking system is slowing down because of religiously induced sentiments and criticisms championed by certain non-Muslim segments of the society. Interestingly, even with the impish hype and publicity, non-Muslims make a significant customer base of the Islamic banks. Therefore, the current paper aims to investigate the factors influencing the choice of Islamic banking among non-Muslim customers, using the theory of planned behaviour as a conceptual framework.

Design/methodology/approach

This research adopts a positivist approach and relies on facts and quantitative data in an objective manner. Positivism emphasizes on using scientific methods to derive factual and quantifiable results.

Findings

Based on the regression analysis, subjective norm was found to be the most significant factor influencing the choice of Islamic banking followed by perceived behavioural control and attitude. As a result, it is important for Islamic banking institutions and relevant regulatory agencies to take preemptive measures that may protect and enhance these factors in a bid to promote patronage and eventual success of Islamic banking in Nigeria, especially in the face of growing scepticism.

Originality/value

The existing literature focuses on the choices of either Muslims without due emphasis on the determinant of choice in the case of non-Muslim customers. The growing support of Islamic banking products, cutting across religious divides, compels research on the factors that influence the choice of Islamic banking among non-Muslim customers. Hence, this research seeks to bridge the gap in the existing literature by embarking on an investigation into the factors influencing the choice of Islamic banking among non-Muslim customers in the context of Nigeria.
Foreign ownership and performance: mediating and moderating effects
Authors: Gu Vicky Ching , Cao Ray Qing , Wang John
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Although foreign ownership has been widely studied to show its impact on firm performance, the findings are mixed and the underlying rational to explain the impact is not entirely clear. The purpose of this study is to determine if there is a direct relationship between foreign ownership and performance or if this relationship is indirect and affected by mediating and moderating variables such as international diversification and competitive environment.

Design/methodology/approach

Financial data, survey data and other financial measures for known indices are used in the research, and SPSS and SEM (Stata 15) analyses are used to test empirically derived hypotheses.

Findings

Results from this study indicate that the relationship between foreign ownership and firm performance is mediated by international diversification, such that higher levels of both foreign corporate and foreign institutional ownership lead to higher levels of international diversification, which then lead to higher levels of firm performance. Results from this study also indicate that the competitive environment moderates the relationship between a firm’s level of international diversification and performance, such that the effect of international diversification on performance is greater as the environment becomes more competitive.

Practical implications

This study provides empirical evidence for managers to seriously consider the impact of foreign ownership on decisions involving international diversification, along with competitive environment, when formulating and implementing organizational strategies.

Originality/value

This study extends prior research examining the effects of foreign ownership on firm performance by uniquely showing how international diversification mediates the relationship between foreign ownership and firm performance and how the competitive environment moderates the relationship between international diversification and firm performance.
Investigating the KKK’s sociopolitical position in American history, past and present
Authors: Bickford John H. , Clabough Jeremiah
Published: June 2019

Purpose

White nationalist groups have recently been at the forefront of American sociopolitical life, as demonstrated by the events in Charlottesville, Virginia in 2017. The purpose of this paper is to explore the historical roots and various waves of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper offers high school teachers age-appropriate, evocative texts and disciplinary-specific, engaging tasks organized in a guided inquiry on the KKK, America’s most prominent hate organization.

Findings

Students are positioned to utilize newly-constructed understandings to take informed action on the local, state and national level.

Originality/value

Recently-published research has explored late-nineteenth century and early-twentieth century manifestations of the Klan, but not mid-twentieth and twenty-first century outbursts.
Uncovering the role of social media and cross-platform applications as tools for knowledge sharing
Authors: Naeem Muhammad
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Leaders, consultants and researchers are increasingly focused on enhancing the adoption of social networking tools to increase knowledge sharing practices and the success rate of organizations. This study was conducted to explore the adoption of social networking applications in public and private sector universities. This paper aims to discover how social networking applications can foster knowledge sharing practices among employees of universities.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on an interpretivist, qualitative research design using grounded theory. Fifty-two semi-structured and non-directive interviews were undertaken with employees of public and private sector universities. Participants were selected using purposive sampling, and thematic analysis was performed using the NVivo 11-Plus.

Findings

The study highlights how social media networking applications can be used effectively and efficiently to foster knowledge sharing practices in the workplace. Five emerging themes are identified as follows. Social media networking tools can enhance new knowledge, increase employee skills, promote a knowledge sharing culture, foster effective communication and increase employee involvement in research activities.

Research limitations/implications

Social networking applications have received attention because executives and researchers are increasingly focused on finding new ways to use social networking tools in business. The effective and efficient use of social networking tools helps organizations to foster knowledge amongst employees, and can address various critical issues such as knowledge hoarding, lowers levels of skills and knowledge, poor communication and employee involvement, the lack of desire to share knowledge, and resistance toward technology.

Originality/value

A brief systematic literature review on social media and knowledge sharing highlights that only 11 per cent of studies found that examined the link between social media and knowledge sharing practices across the world. The study therefore represents an effort to shed new light on the adoption of social networking tools in the context of knowledge sharing among universities employees. Social media applications have become popular across the world, and the speed of their uptake is evolving rapidly. However, their contribution toward organizational change is not yet known.
Laboratory evolution reveals the metabolic and regulatory basis of ethylene glycol metabolism byPseudomonas putidaKT2440
Authors: Li Wing‐Jin , Jayakody Lahiru N. , Franden Mary Ann , Wehrmann Matthias , Daun Tristan , Hauer Bernhard , Blank Lars M. , Beckham Gregg T. , Klebensberger Janosch , Wierckx Nick
Published: June 2019

Pollution from ethylene glycol, and plastics containing this monomer, represent a significant environmental problem. The investigation of its microbial metabolism therefore provides insights into the environmental fate of this pollutant and also enables its utilization as a carbon source for microbial biotechnology. Here, we reveal the genomic and metabolic basis of ethylene glycol metabolism inPseudomonas putidaKT2440. Although this strain cannot grow on ethylene glycol as sole carbon source, it can be used to generate growth‐enhancing reducing equivalents upon co‐feeding with acetate. Mutants that utilize ethylene glycol as sole carbon source were isolated through adaptive laboratory evolution. Genomic analysis of these mutants revealed a central role of the transcriptional regulator GclR, which represses the glyoxylate carboligase pathway as part of a larger metabolic context of purine and allantoin metabolism. Secondary mutations in a transcriptional regulator encoded by PP_2046 and a porin encoded by PP_2662 further improved growth on ethylene glycol in evolved strains, likely by balancing fluxes through the initial oxidations of ethylene glycol to glyoxylate. With this knowledge, we reverse engineered an ethylene glycol utilizing strain and thus revealed the metabolic and regulatory basis that are essential for efficient ethylene glycol metabolism inP. putidaKT2440.
Emergency Medicine in the #MeToo Era
Authors: Marco Catherine A. , Geiderman Joel M. , Schears Raquel M. , Derse Arthur R.
Published: June 2019

Sexual harassment is a serious threat to a safe and productive workplace. The emergency department (ED) environment poses unique threats, including stress, time constraints, working in close physical proximity, and frequent personal contacts with staff, colleagues, consultants, and difficult patients. Sexual harassment must be recognized and addressed in individual cases, in policy and in law, to protect staff members and patients.

This article addresses the scope of the problem of sexual harassment known to date. It describes the ED environment and culture and why they may be conducive to harassment or abusive behavior. The authors examine relationships among staff, legal and regulatory issues, and strategies for prevention and remediation of inappropriate behavior. The article ends with a call for future research.
Association Analysis: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and Hypertension Status in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Cook Jonathan C. , Lynch Mary Ellen , Coles Claire D.
Published: June 2019

Background

This study examined the relationship between prenatal exposure to alcohol, manifested through fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and pFAS, and hypertension in children and adolescents.

Methods

This study was designed to analyze the association between fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) Status and hypertension status. FAS/pFAS‐diagnosed respondents (n = 125) were collected from a FASD Clinical database in Atlanta, Georgia. Non‐FAS/pFAS respondents (n = 500) were taken from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Chi‐square analyses were used to examine the extent to which FASD status, sex, race/ethnicity, medication use, and obesity status each related to hypertension status. A logistic regression was performed analyzing the relationship between FASD status (y/n: independent) and hypertension status (y/n: dependent) while controlling for age, sex, race/ethnicity, medication use, and obesity status.

Results

Univariate relationships between hypertension status and FASD status (OR = 8.46, p < 0.001), medication use (OR = 3.25, p < 0.001), and obesity status (OR = 3.03, p = 0.02) proved to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). FASD status significantly predicted hypertension status (β = 2.31, OR = 10.06, p < 0.001) after accounting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, medication use, and obesity status.

Conclusions

The major findings of this study suggest a significant relationship between FASD and hypertension in youth. Race/ethnicity and obesity also proved important in predicting hypertensive blood pressure readings independent of FASD diagnosis. Further research is needed to isolate prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) as a factor promoting increased hypertension and to assess the risk for hypertension in alcohol‐affected adults.
Contrasting responses of plants and pollinators to woodland disturbance
Authors: Coulin Carolina , Aizen Marcelo A. , Garibaldi Lucas A.
Published: June 2019

Preserving species diversity is critical to ensure ecosystem functioning; however, different components of diversity might respond to human disturbance in different ways. Similarly, trophic levels might have uncoupled responses to the same disturbance, thus ameliorating or aggravating the persistence of ecological communities. In this study, we analysed how the density, richness and evenness of flowers and pollinators respond to four levels of woodland thinning intensity (0, 30, 50 and 70% of woodland basal area removed) over 2 years in three contrasting sites. We found a mismatch in the response of flowers and pollinators to thinning. Flower density and richness had disparate responses, depending on the site and year, while evenness did not change with thinning. In contrast, pollinator density and richness, but not evenness, consistently increased with thinning among years and sites. These results suggest that thinning has a great influence on pollinators through changes in abiotic conditions and, perhaps, flower attractiveness rather than through small‐scale changes in flower density and richness. At the site where tree flowers were absent, bee pollinator community composition was impoverished, suggesting that trees provide important floral resources to pollinators. Our findings indicate that disturbance may diminish local plant abundance and richness, but pollinator abundance and richness are enhanced after intense thinning at small scales.
Double‐Blind Placebo‐Controlled Trial of Galantamine for Methadone‐Maintained Individuals With Cocaine Use Disorder: Secondary Analysis of Effects on Illicit Opioid Use
Authors: Carroll Kathleen M. , DeVito Elise E. , Yip Sarah W. , Nich Charla , Sofuoglu Mehmet
Published: June 2019

Background and Objectives

Concurrent use of cocaine and opioids is a persistent and challenging problem, particularly within methadone maintenance settings, and there are no approved pharmacotherapies for this population. Galantamine, a cholinesterase inhibitor, was found in a randomized clinical trial to reduce cocaine use among methadone‐maintained individuals who were also cocaine dependent. Because of the potential of galantamine to reduce multiple drugs of abuse, it may also reduce opioid use.

Methods

We conducted a secondary analysis of a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial of 120 methadone‐maintained individuals with concurrent cocaine dependence. Participants were randomized to galantamine or placebo in a 12‐week trial with a 6‐month follow‐up (97% of intention to treat sample reached for final follow‐up).

Results

There was a significant main effect for galantamine over placebo on percent of urine specimens that were negative for opioids, both within treatment (77% for galantamine vs 62% for placebo, F = 5.0, P = 0.027) and through a 6‐month follow‐up (81% vs 59%, respectively, F = 10.8, P = 0.001). This effect was seen regardless of whether participants used nonprescribed opioids during the baseline period. Galantamine effects were seen early in treatment, with participants in placebo submitting the first opioid‐positive urine specimen significantly sooner than participants in galantamine (median day 15 vs 53, Wilcoxon = 5.7, P = 0.02).

Conclusions and Scientific Significance

If these results are supported in future trials, galantamine may hold promise across multiple drugs of abuse, including opioids. (Am J Addict 2019;28:238–245)
Three‐year effectiveness and safety of vedolizumab therapy for inflammatory bowel disease: a prospective multi‐centre cohort study
Authors: Amiot Aurelien , Serrero Melanie , Peyrin‐Biroulet Laurent , Filippi Jerome , Pariente Benjamin , Roblin Xavier , Buisson Anthony , Stefanescu Carmen , Trang‐Poisson Caroline , Altwegg Romain , Marteau Philippe , Vaysse Thibaud , Bourrier Anne , Nancey Stephane , Laharie David , Allez Matthieu , Savoye Guillaume , Moreau Jacques , Vuitton Lucine , Viennot Stephanie , Bouguen Guillaume , Abitbol Vered , Fumery Mathurin , Gagniere Charlotte , Bouhnik Yoram ,   the OBSERV‐IBD study group, the GETAID
Published: June 2019

Background

Cohort studies have described the short‐term effectiveness and safety of vedolizumab in treating patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), but data beyond 1 year are lacking.

Aim

To assess the effectiveness and safety of vedolizumab after 162 weeks in patients with UC and CD.

Methods

Between June and December 2014, 294 patients including 173 patients with CD and 121 with UC were treated with vedolizumab induction therapy. Among them, 149 continued to be treated with vedolizumab beyond week 54 (78 patients with CD and 71 with UC). Disease activity was assessed using the Harvey‐Bradshaw Index for CD and the partial Mayo Clinic score for UC. The primary outcome was steroid‐free clinical remission at week 162, computed for the whole population included at week 0.

Results

Steroid‐free clinical remission rates at week 162 were 19.9% and 36.1% in patients with CD and UC respectively. Vedolizumab dose optimisation to 300 mg every 4 weeks instead of 300 mg every 8 weeks was at investigator's discretion and occurred in 58.7% and 52.1% of patients with CD and UC respectively. The 1‐, 2‐ and 3‐year persistence rates of vedolizumab were 48.5%, 31.4% and 26.3% respectively, in patients with CD and 61.0%, 49.9% and 42.9% respectively, in patients with UC. No new safety signal was identified.

Conclusion

Vedolizumab is able to maintain steroid‐free clinical remission in patients with UC and CD up to week 162. Loss of response resulting in discontinuation of vedolizumab occurred in 10% of patients per year.
Systematic review with meta‐analysis: association between Helicobacter pylori CagA seropositivity and odds of inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Tepler Adam , Narula Neeraj , Peek Richard M. , Patel Anish , Edelson Cyrus , Colombel Jean‐Frederic , Shah Shailja C.
Published: June 2019

Background

Accumulating data support a protective role of Helicobacter pylori against inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), which might be mediated by strain‐specific constituents, specifically cagA expression.

Aim

To perform a systematic review and meta‐analysis to more clearly define the association between CagA seropositivity and IBD.

Methods

We identified comparative studies that included sufficient detail to determine the odds or risk of IBD, Crohn's disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC) amongst individuals with vs without evidence of cagA expression (eg CagA seropositivity). Estimates were pooled using a random effects model.

Results

Three clinical studies met inclusion criteria. cagA expression was represented by CagA seropositivity in all studies. Compared to CagA seronegativity overall, CagA seropositivity was associated with lower odds of IBD (OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.21‐0.44) and CD (OR 0.25, 95% CI 0.17‐0.38), and statistically nonsignificant lower odds for UC (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.35‐1.32). Similarly, compared to H pylori non‐exposed individuals, H pylori exposed, CagA seropositive individuals had lower odds of IBD (OR 0.26, 95% CI 0.16‐0.41) and CD (OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.15‐0.35), but not UC (OR 0.66, 0.34‐1.27). However, there was no significant difference in the odds of IBD, CD or UC between H pylori exposed, CagA seronegative and H pylori non‐exposed individuals.

Conclusion

We found evidence for a significant association between CagA seropositive H pylori exposure and reduced odds of IBD, particularly CD, but not for CagA seronegative H pylori exposure. Additional studies are needed to confirm these findings and define underlying mechanisms.
Glucagon up‐regulates hepatic mitochondrial pyruvate carrier 1 through cAMP‐responsive element‐binding protein; inhibition of hepatic gluconeogenesis by ginsenoside Rb1
Authors: Lou Meng‐Die , Li Jia , Cheng Yao , Xiao Na , Ma Gaoxiang , Li Ping , Liu Baolin , Liu Qun , Qi Lian‐Wen
Published: June 2019

Background and Purpose

Hepatic mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC) transports pyruvate into mitochondria. This study investigated the involvement of MPC1 in hepatic glucagon response, in order to identify a possible pharmacological intervention.

Experimental Approach

The correlation between hepatic glucagon response and MPC1 induction was investigated in fasted mice and primary hepatocytes. The effects of ginsenoside Rb1 on MPC1 function were observed.

Key Results

Glucagon challenge raised blood glucose with hepatic MPC1 induction, and inhibition of MPC induction coincided with a reduced rise in blood glucose. cAMP‐responsive element‐binding protein (CREB) knockdown blocked glucagon‐induced MPC1 expression, while CREB overexpression increased MPC1 expression. Luciferase reporter, chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, and promoter mutation confirmed that CREB increased MPC1 transcription through gene promoter induction. CREB regulated transcription co‐activator 2 nuclear translocation was also required for CREB to promote MPC1 induction. Glucagon shifted mitochondrial pyruvate towards carboxylation for gluconeogenesis via the opposite regulation of pyruvate dehydrogenase and carboxylase with respect to MPC1 induction. MPC1 induction was necessary for glucagon to promote pyruvate‐driven hepatic glucose production (HGP), but glucagon failed to influence HGP from other gluconeogenic substrates routed into the tricarboxylic acid cycle, independent of MPC. Rb1 blocked cAMP signalling by inhibiting AC activity and deactivated CREB by dephosphorylation, possibly contributing to inhibiting MPC1 induction to reduce HGP.

Conclusions and Implications

CREB transcriptionally up‐regulates MPC1 to provide pyruvate for gluconeogenesis. Rb1 reduced cAMP formation which consequently reduced CREB‐mediated MPC1 induction and thereby might contribute to limiting pyruvate‐dependent HGP. These results suggest a therapeutic strategy to reduce hyperglycaemia in diabetes.