bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A cell cycle kinase-phosphatase module restrains PI3K-Akt activity in an mTORC1-dependent manner
Authors: Sanz-Castillo Belén , Hurtado Begoña , El Bakkali Aicha , Hermida Dario , Salvador-Barbero Beatriz , Martínez-Alonso Diego , González-Martínez José , Santiveri Clara , Campos-Olivas Ramón , Ximénez Pilar , Muñoz Javier , Álvarez-Fernández Mónica , Malumbres Marcos
Published: November 2020

The AKT-mTOR pathway is a central regulator of cell growth and metabolism. Upon sustained mTOR activity, AKT activity is attenuated by a feedback loop that restrains upstream signaling. However, how cells control the signals that limit AKT activity is not fully understood. Here we show that MASTL/Greatwall, a cell-cycle kinase that supports mitosis by phosphorylating the PP2A/B55 inhibitors ENSA/ARPP19, inhibits PI3K-AKT activity by sustaining mTORC1- and S6K1-dependent phosphorylation of IRS1 and GRB10. Genetic depletion ofMASTLresults in an inefficient feedback loop and AKT hyperactivity. These defects are rescued by expression of phospho-mimetic ENSA/ARPP19 or inhibition of PP2A/B55 phosphatases. MASTL is directly phosphorylated by mTORC1, thereby limiting the PP2A/B55-dependent dephosphorylation of IRS1 and GRB10 downstream of mTORC1. Downregulation ofMASTLresults in increased glucose uptake in vitro and increased glucose tolerance in adult mice, suggesting the relevance of the MASTL-PP2A/B55 kinase-phosphatase module in controlling AKT and maintaining metabolic homeostasis.
Hippocampal Egr1-dependent neuronal ensembles negatively regulate motor learning
Authors: Brito Veronica , Montalban Enrica , Pupak Anika , Masana Mercè , Ginés Silvia , Alberch Jordi , Martin Claire , Girault Jean-Antoine , Giralt Albert
Published: November 2020

Motor skills learning is classically associated with brain regions including cerebral and cerebellar cortices and basal ganglia. Less is known about the role of the hippocampus in the acquisition and storage of motor skills. Here we show that mice receiving a long-term training in the accelerating rotarod display marked transcriptional changes in the striatum and hippocampus when compared with short-term trained mice. We identify Egr1 as a modulator of gene expression in the hippocampus during motor learning. Using mice in which neural ensembles are permanently labeled in an Egr1 activity-dependent fashion we identify ensembles of Egr1-expressing pyramidal neurons in CA1 activated in short- and long-term trained mice in the rotarod task. When Egr1 is downregulated or these neuronal ensembles are depleted, motor learning is improved whereas their chemogenetic stimulation impairs motor learning performance. Thus, Egr1 organizes specific CA1 neuronal ensembles during the accelerating rotarod task that limit motor learning.
The vascular niche controlsDrosophilahematopoiesis via Fibroblast Growth Factor signaling
Authors: Destalminil-Letourneau Manon , Morin-Poulard Ismaël , Tian Yushun , Vanzo Nathalie , Crozatier Michèle
Published: November 2020

In adult mammals, hematopoiesis, the production of blood cells from hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs), is tightly regulated by extrinsic signals from the microenvironment called “niche”. Bone marrow HSPCs are heterogeneous and controlled by both endosteal and vascular niches. TheDrosophilahematopoietic lymph gland is located along the cardiac tube which corresponds to the vascular system. In the lymph gland, the niche called Posterior Signaling Center controls only a subset of the heterogeneous hematopoietic progenitor population indicating that additional signals are necessary. Here we report that the vascular system acts as a second niche to control lymph gland homeostasis. The FGF ligand Branchless produced by vascular cells activates the FGF pathway in hematopoietic progenitors. By regulating intracellular calcium levels, FGF signaling maintains progenitor pools and prevents blood cell differentiation. This study reveals that two niches contribute to the controlof Drosophilablood cell homeostasis through their differential regulation of progenitors.
A selective projection from the subthalamic nucleus to parvalbumin-expressing interneurons of the striatum
Authors: Kondabolu Krishnakanth , Doig Natalie M. , Ayeko Olaoluwa , Khan Bakhtawer , Torres Alexandra , Calvigioni Daniela , Meletis Konstantinos , Magill Peter J. , Koós Tibor
Published: November 2020

The striatum and subthalamic nucleus (STN) are considered to be the primary input nuclei of the basal ganglia. Projection neurons of both striatum and STN can extensively interact with other basal ganglia nuclei, and there is growing anatomical evidence of direct axonal connections from the STN to striatum. There remains, however, a pressing need to elucidate the organization and impact of these subthalamostriatal projections in the context of the diverse cell types constituting the striatum. To address this, we carried out monosynaptic retrograde tracing from genetically-defined populations of dorsal striatal neurons in adult male and female mice, quantifying the connectivity from STN neurons to spiny projection neurons, GABAergic interneurons, and cholinergic interneurons. In parallel, we used a combination of ex vivo electrophysiology and optogenetics to characterize the responses of a complementary range of dorsal striatal neuron types to activation of STN axons. Our tracing studies showed that the connectivity from STN neurons to striatal parvalbumin-expressing interneurons is significantly higher (~ four-to eight-fold) than that from STN to any of the four other striatal cell types examined. In agreement, our recording experiments showed that parvalbumin-expressing interneurons, but not the other cell types tested, commonly exhibited robust monosynaptic excitatory responses to subthalamostriatal inputs. Taken together, our data collectively demonstrate that the subthalamostriatal projection is highly selective for target cell type. We conclude that glutamatergic STN neurons are positioned to directly and powerfully influence striatal activity dynamics by virtue of their enriched innervation of GABAergic parvalbumin-expressing interneurons.
CoVid-19: The Second Wave is not due to Cooling-down in Autumn
Authors: Langel Walter
Published: November 2020

In analogy to influenza the second wave of the CoVid-19 disease is generally considered as being triggered by cooling-down in autumn and enhanced aerosol distribution. Here, the time histories of the total case numbers in three European states are quantitatively compared with those of Argentina by a generally applicable fit procedure. It turns out that Argentina on the southern hemisphere sees the second wave simultaneously with similar parameters as Europe. This discards the assumption of the influence of atmospheric cooling in winter and puts into question present models of SARS-CoV-2 spreading.
Demographics and Employment of Max-Planck Society’s Postdocs
Authors: Vallier M. , Mueller M. , Alcami P. , Bellucci G. , Grange M. , Lu YX. , Duponchel S.
Published: November 2020

The recently founded Max Planck PostdocNet brings together postdoctoral researchers (or postdocs) from the Max Planck Society (MPS), provides representation for the postdoctoral community across all Max Planck Institutes (MPI) and associated institutes, and advocates for their interests on their behalf.

At the 2019 founding meeting, MPS postdocs quickly raised their concerns about their employment situation and their associated social and working conditions. Subsequently, the PostdocNet conducted the first survey targeting exclusively postdoctoral researchers to gather information on their demographics, employment situations and social conditions.

This report presents the results of this survey, providing a thorough characterization of the postdoc demographics as well as the working conditions experienced by the postdoctoral community of the MPS. Remarkably, the survey analysis revealed a number of disparities in the access to employment type, wage level and social benefits. These results will guide future and present MPS postdoctoral researchers and their employers at the MPS to thrive for equality and fairness. Moreover, these results should be of help to the MPS to establish, improve and maintain optimal working conditions for MPS postdocs.
Functional localization and categorization of intentional decisions in humans: a meta-analysis of brain imaging studies
Authors: Si Ruoguang , Rowe James B , Zhang Jiaxiang
Published: November 2020

Brain-imaging research on intentional decision-making often employs a “free-choice” paradigm, in which participants choose among options with identical values or outcomes. Although the medial prefrontal cortex has commonly been associated with choices, there is no consensus on the wider network that underlies diverse intentional decisions and behaviours. Our systematic literature search identified 39 fMRI/PET experiments using various free-choice paradigms, with appropriate control conditions using external instructions. An Activation-Likelihood-Estimate (ALE) meta-analysis showed that, compared with external instructions, intentional decisions consistently activate the medial and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, the right insula and the inferior parietal lobule. We then categorized the studies into four different types according to their experimental designs: reactive motor intention, perceptual intention, inhibitory intention and cognitive intention. We conducted conjunction and contrast meta-analyses to identify consistent and selective brain activations within each specific category of intentional decision. Finally, we used meta-analytic decoding to probe cognitive processes underlying free choices. Our findings suggest that the neurocognitive process underlying intentional decision incorporates anatomically separated components subserving distinct cognitive and computational roles.
Multielectrode Cortical Stimulation Selectively Induces Unidirectional Wave Propagation
Authors: Halgren Alma , Siegel Zarek , Golden Ryan , Bazhenov Maxim
Published: November 2020

Cortical stimulation is emerging as an experimental tool in basic research and a promising therapy for a range of neuropsychiatric conditions. As multielectrode arrays enter clinical practice, the possibility of using spatiotemporal patterns of electrical stimulation to induce desired physiological patterns has become theoretically possible, but in practice can only be implemented by trial-and-error because of a lack of predictive models. Experimental evidence increasingly establishes travelling waves as fundamental to cortical information-processing, but we lack understanding how to control wave properties despite rapidly improving technologies. This study uses a hybrid biophysical-anatomical and neural-computational model to predict and understand how a simple pattern of cortical surface stimulation could induce directional traveling waves via asymmetric activation of inhibitory interneurons. It reveals local circuit mechanisms to control spatiotemporal cortical dynamics and predicts interventions that can be developed to treat a broad range of cognitive disorders.
SLC7A11 is a superior determinant of APR-246 (Eprenetapopt) response thanTP53mutation status
Authors: Fujihara Kenji M. , Corrales-Benitez Mariana , Cabalag Carlos S. , Zhang Bonnie Z. , Ko Hyun S. , Liu David S. , Simpson Kaylene , Haupt Ygal , Haupt Sue , Phillips Wayne A. , Clemons Nicholas J.
Published: November 2020

Purpose

APR-246 (Eprenetapopt) is in clinical development with a focus on haematological malignancies and is marketed as a mutant-p53 reactivation therapy. Currently, the detection of at least oneTP53mutation is an inclusion criterion for patient selection into most clinical trials. Preliminary results from our phase Ib/II clinical trial investigating APR-246 combined with combination chemotherapy (cisplatin and 5-Fluorouracil) in metastatic oesophageal cancer, together with previous pre-clinical studies, indicate thatTP53mutation status alone may not be a sufficient biomarker for response to APR-246. This study aimed to identify a robust biomarker for response to APR-246.

Methods

Correlation analysis of the PRIMA-1 activity (lead compound to APR-246) with mutational status, gene expression, protein expression and metabolite abundance across over 800 cancer cell lines was performed. Functional validation and a boutique siRNA screen of over 750 redox-related genes were also conducted.

Results

TP53mutation status was not predictive of response to APR-246. The expression of SLC7A11, the cystine/glutamate transporter, was identified as a superior determinant of response to APR-246. Genetic regulators of SLC7A11, including ATF4, MDM2, wild-type p53 and c-Myc were confirmed to also regulate cancer cell sensitivity to APR-246.

Conclusions

SLC7A11 expression is the major determinant of sensitivity to APR-246 and should be utilised as a predictive biomarker in future clinical investigation of APR-246.
Coupling of mouse olfactory bulb projection neurons to fluctuating odour pulses
Authors: Dasgupta Debanjan , Warner Tom P.A. , Erskine Andrew , Schaefer Andreas T.
Published: November 2020

Odours are transported by turbulent air currents, creating complex temporal fluctuations in odour concentration. Recently, we have shown that mice can discriminate odour stimuli based on their temporal structure, indicating that information present in the temporal structure of odour plumes may be extracted by the mouse olfactory system. Here usingin vivoelectrophysiological recordings, we show that mitral and tufted cells (M/TCs), the projection neurons of the mouse olfactory bulb, can encode the dominant temporal frequencies present in odour stimuli up to frequencies of at least 20 Hz. We show that M/TCs couple their membrane potential to odour concentration fluctuations; coupling was variable between M/TCs but independent of the odour presented and with TCs displaying slightly elevated coupling compared to MCs in particular for higher frequency stimulation (20Hz). Pharmacologically blocking the inhibitory circuitry strongly modulated frequency coupling. Together this suggests that both cellular and circuit properties contribute to the encoding of temporal odour features in the mouse olfactory bulb.
Percus–Yevick structure factors made simple
Authors: Botet Robert , Kwok Sylvie , Cabane Bernard
Published: November 2020

Measuring the structure factor, S(q), of a dispersion of particles by small-angle X-ray scattering provides a unique method to investigate the spatial arrangement of colloidal particles. However, it is impossible to find the exact location of the particles from S(q) because some information is inherently lacking in the measured signal. The two standard ways to analyse an experimental S(q) are then to compare it either with structure factors computed from simulated systems or with analytical ones calculated from approximated systems. However, such approaches may prove inadequate for dispersions of variously polydisperse particles. While Vrij, Bloom and Stell established a mean-field approach that could yield fairly accurate approximations for experimental S(q), this solution has remained underused because of its mathematical complexity. In the present work, the complete Percus–Yevick solution for general polydisperse hard-sphere systems is derived in a concise form that is straightforward to use. The form of the solution has been simplified enough to provide experimentalists with ready solutions of several commonly encountered particle-radius distributions in real systems (Schulz, truncated normal and inverse Gaussian). The approach is also illustrated with a case study of the exponential radius distribution. Finally, the application of the proposed solution to the power-law radius distribution is discussed in detail by comparing the calculations with experimentally measured S(q) for an Apollonian packing of spherical droplets recently reported in high-internal-phase-ratio emulsions.
The hypothetical periplasmic protein PA1624 fromPseudomonas aeruginosafolds into a unique two-domain structure
Authors: Feiler Christian G. , Weiss Manfred S. , Blankenfeldt Wulf
Published: November 2020

The crystal structure of the 268-residue periplasmic protein PA1624 from the opportunistic pathogenPseudomonas aeruginosaPAO1 was determined to high resolution using the Se-SAD method for initial phasing. The protein was found to be monomeric and the structure consists of two domains, domains 1 and 2, comprising residues 24–184 and 185–268, respectively. The fold of these domains could not be predicted even using state-of-the-art prediction methods, and similarity searches revealed only a very distant homology to known structures, namely to Mog1p/PsbP-like and OmpA-like proteins for the N- and C-terminal domains, respectively. Since PA1624 is only present in an important human pathogen, its unique structure and periplasmic location render it a potential drug target. Consequently, the results presented here may open new avenues for the discovery and design of antibacterial drugs.
Crystal structures and comparisons of potassium rare-earth molybdates KRE(MoO4)2 (RE = Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Yb, and Lu)
Authors: Chong Saehwa , Perry Samuel , Riley Brian J. , Nelson Zayne J.
Published: November 2020

Six potassium rare-earth molybdates KRE(MoO4)2 (RE = Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Yb, and Lu) were synthesized by flux-assisted growth in K2Mo3O10. The crystal structures were determined using single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. The synthesized molybdates crystallize with the orthorhombic Pbcn space group (No. 60). Trendlines for unit-cell parameters were calculated using data from the current study. The unit-cell parameters a and c increase linearly whereas b decreases with larger RE cations, based on crystal radii. The unit-cell volumes increase linearly and the densities decrease linearly with larger RE cations. The average distances between the RE cations and the nearest O atoms increase with larger cations whereas the average distances of Mo—O and K—O do not show specific trends.
Typical traceability barriers in the Indonesian vegetable oil industry
Authors: Gunawan Ivan , Vanany Iwan , Widodo Erwin
Published: November 2020

Purpose

A traceability system is a key success factor in global food trade, but implementing it in vegetable oil industry is one of the most difficult undertakings in food supply chain management. This study aims to (1) identify typical operational barriers in the implementation of bulk-liquid traceability system in the Indonesian vegetable oil industry by considering the perspective of experts and (2) model the relationship between the barriers structurally in order to improve the reliability of the traceability system.

Design/methodology/approach

To do so, data from in-depth interviews with experts were examined by using content analysis. Then the authors used a combination of decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL), interpretive structural modelling (ISM) and matrice d'impacts croisés multiplication appliqué un classement (MICMAC) to construct the hierarchical model and to cluster the typical barriers based on their driving power and dependence power.

Findings

In total, 20 typical traceability barriers along the internal chain (supplier-input-process-output-customer) were identified. The interrelationships between these barriers were modeled in a hierarchical structure, seeking to answer why it is difficult to implement a traceability system and what actions should be taken to remove these barriers.

Practical implications

The model can shed light on how to manage barriers in bulk-liquid food commodity industry, especially in the vegetable oil industry. An action map has been proposed to overcome the operational barriers. This model will also help tracing the critical points of the traceability system.

Originality/value

Compared to other food commodities, operational barriers in vegetable oil chain has never been studied specifically. In fact, there are many operational aspects that hinder traceability. The Indonesian context entails social, economic and environmental factors as well, so it can inform decision-makers in formulating an action map.
The effect of total quality management-enabling factors on corporate social responsibility and business performance: evidence from Vietnamese coffee firms
Authors: Do Manh-Hoang , Huang Yung-Fu , Do Thi-Nga
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This article aims to evaluate total quality management (TQM)-enabling factors' impact on corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities and business performance through evidence from Vietnamese coffee firms.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on collecting data via in-depth face-to-face interviews with employees, who are working in the Vietnamese coffee companies. The partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) approach has been employed to investigate the relationship among the TQM-enabling factors, corporate social performance (CSP) and business performance.

Findings

A total of 13 TQM-enabling factors have been identified and divided into two categories, namely human and functional. The statistical results revealed a positive signal to remarkably enhance CSP and business performance by adopting those TQM-enabling factors into Vietnamese coffee firms.

Research limitations/implications

The framework model of this research should be evaluated in different contexts worldwide or in another sector that can further identify the TQM-enabling factor and the correlation among these constructs.

Practical implications

This article provides top managers of Vietnamese coffee firms with knowledge of TQM-enabling factors that may enable them to meet superior performance, including CSP, finance and reputation.

Originality/value

This is a unique study to employ the approach into the Vietnamese coffee industry context up-to-date, which is one of the essential sectors affecting Vietnam's sustainable development.
Who benefits from time-spatial job crafting? The role of boundary characteristics in the relationship between time-spatial job crafting, engagement and performance
Authors: Lazauskaite-Zabielske Jurgita , Ziedelis Arunas , Urbanaviciute Ieva
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Using the theoretical framework of job demands-resources and boundary management, the purpose of this paper is to explore the moderating role of work and life boundary characteristics in the relationship between time-spatial job crafting, work engagement and job performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 176 employees working in the IT sector and having an opportunity to use flexible work arrangements were surveyed online.

Findings

Work and life boundary characteristics were found to moderate the relationship between time-spatial job crafting and work engagement as well as between time-spatial job crafting and job performance. Moreover, boundary characteristics moderated the indirect relationship between time-spatial job crafting and job performance through work engagement.

Practical implications

Time-spatial job crafting becomes a key strategy for maintaining work engagement and job performance, when work–life boundaries are less flexible and less permeable.

Originality/value

The study demonstrates that boundary characteristics determine the effects of time-spatial job crafting on work engagement and job performance.
Application of analytic hierarchy process (AHP) for sustainable pavement performance management in Qatar
Authors: Sirin Okan , Gunduz Murat , Shamiyeh Mohammed E.
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Pavement is one of the main elements of the roads network. It is extremely essential to study and understand the factors affecting its performance and highlight the most important ones for decision-makers and pavement experts to consider during the design, construction and maintenance stages. The purpose of this paper was to identify the factors affecting pavement performance and rank them according to their importance using Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) for decision-makers and pavement experts to consider during the design, construction and maintenance stages.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was developed considering 29 factors found in the literature that affect pavement performance. The survey was sent to pavement professionals in Qatar to rate their perception of factors affecting pavement performance to enhance roads' sustainability. 205 responses were collected and analyzed using AHP.

Findings

The findings indicate that the factor “unconsidered heavy vehicles volume” is the most critical factor that affects pavement performance. The second most critical factor affecting the pavement performance is the “low asphalt content” due to escalating binder aging, reducing fatigue life of the pavement and decreasing the durability of roads. The third and fourth factors are “poor mechanical and thermal properties” and “unexpected high traffic volume,” respectively. These two factors are strongly attached to the first and second factors since the traffic volume affects the pavement performance less but similar to the heavy vehicles and a mix with poor mechanical and thermal properties is related indirectly to the asphalt content in the mix.

Originality/value

The research provides help for decision-makers in the construction industry to improve the performance of pavements using a multi-criteria decision-making tool. This paper's outcome would help the pavement management professionals in the construction industry to improve pavement performance and management, increase the pavement's life cycle and reduce maintenance costs.
An immersive performative architectural design tool with daylighting simulations: a building information modeling-based approach
Authors: Akin Sahin , Ergun Oguzcan , Surer Elif , Gursel Dino Ipek
Published: November 2020

Purpose

In performative architectural design, daylighting is a crucial design consideration; however, the evaluation of daylighting in the design process can be challenging. Immersive environments (IEs) can create a dynamic, multi-sensory, first-person view in computer-generated environments, and can improve designers' visual perception and awareness during performative design processes. This research addresses the need for interactive and integrated design tools for IEs toward better-performing architectural solutions in terms of daylighting illumination. In this context, building information modeling and performance simulations are identified as critical technologies to be integrated into performative architectural design.

Design/methodology/approach

This research adopts a design science research (DSR) methodology involving an iterative process of development, validation and improvement of a novel and immersive tool, HoloArch, that supports design development during daylighting-informed design processes. HoloArch was implemented in a game engine during a spiral software development process. HoloArch allows users to interact with, visualize, modify and explore architectural models. The evaluation is performed in two workshops and a user study. A hybrid approach that combines qualitative and quantitative data collection was adopted for evaluation. Qualitative data analyses involve interviews, while quantitative data analyses involve both daylighting simulations and questionnaires (e.g. technology acceptance model (TAM), presence and system usability scale (SUS)).

Findings

According to the questionnaire results, HoloArch had 92/100 for SUS, a mean value of 120.4 for presence questionnaire (PQ) and 9.4/10 for TAM. According to the simulation results, all participants improved the given building's daylighting performance using HoloArch. The interviews also indicated that HoloArch is an effective design tool in terms of augmented perception, continuous design processes, performative daylighting design and model interaction. However, challenges still remain regarding the complete integration of tools and simultaneous simulation visualization. The study concludes that IEs hold promising potentials where performative design actions at conceptual, spatial and architectural domains can take place interactively and simultaneously with immediate feedback.

Originality/value

The research integrates building information modeling (BIM), performative daylighting simulations and IEs in an interactive environment for the identification of potentials and limitations in performative architectural design. Different from existing immersive tools for architecture, HoloArch offers a continuous bidirectional workflow between BIM tools and IEs.
ICICI Prudential: challenges in reaching the last mile
Authors: Das Parthasarathi , Moharana Tapas Ranjan , Indibara Indirah
Published: November 2020

Learning outcomes

The specific learning objectives of the case are as follows: To contribute to the knowledge of environmental challenges faced by various financial companies while trying to foray into the rural markets, especially in case of insurance products’ expansion strategy; to understand the distribution strategy adopted by insurance companies in rural as well as urban markets; to apply the concepts such as mental accounting, designing and pricing of insurance products to develop an effective strategy for insurance products targeting the rural market; to be able to analyse the data available on products and the rural market structure that enables the students to derive from an implementable managerial framework and design an effective rural market strategy for insurance products; and to enable the students to evaluate the key rural market drivers, which will subsequently help them to develop a new structure of rural distribution channel.

Case overview/synopsis

ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company Limited (IPRU) was trying to reach the last mile customers of rural India to tap the opportunity and meet the Indian Government's statutory requirement of financial inclusion. Even though the leadership of IPRU was optimistic about the untapped potential of rural India, and launched a separate business vertical - Rural Business Channel (RBC) in the year 2002 to cater to this target segment, yet it faced many strategic issues while foraying into the rural domain. The company struggled with both the designing of products as per the rural customers' needs, as well as the distribution of these products in rural areas. The present case study is an attempt to bring out the strategic challenges that were faced by the IPRU management, with a major focus on designing, pricing and distribution of rural insurance products. The case study will help the readers in understanding what might go wrong while entering new rural markets and how to deal with these challenges.

Complexity academic level

The case study can be used to teach both undergraduate and postgraduate management students.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 8: Marketing.
Factors influencing consumer attitudes toward online shopping: the mediating effect of trust
Authors: Chetioui Youssef , Lebdaoui Hind , Chetioui Hajar
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The coronavirus pandemic has created a new wave of first-time online shoppers in both industrialized and emerging countries. More interestingly, scholars and practitioners expect this transition to online shopping to eventually persist in the next few years. The current research study aims to investigate the factors explaining attitudes toward online shopping. The authors propose an integrated model in which trust mediates the effects of relative advantage and electronic word of mouth (eWOM) on attitudes toward online shopping. The moderating effect of gender was also assessed using the multigroup analysis (MGA).

Design/methodology/approach

Based on data collected from 378 Moroccan online shoppers, the authors empirically tested the hypothesized model using a partial least squares (PLS) estimation.

Findings

First, relative advantage, eWOM and trust significantly impact consumer attitudes toward online shopping; at the same time, trust is influenced by relative advantage and eWOM. Second, results confirm that trust mediates the effects of relative advantage and eWOM on attitudes toward online shopping. Third, the MGA reveals that female consumers tend to exhibit a stronger effect of eWOM on trust and on attitudes toward online shopping.

Originality/value

Most relevant studies have focused on the main predictors of attitudes toward online shopping but did not suggest mediating and moderating factors that can help in explaining indirect effects. The present paper bridges a gap pertaining to antecedents of attitudes toward online shopping by incorporating the mediating effect of online trust. The authors also examine gender disparities related to the predictors of trust and consumer attitudes toward online shopping. This study is the first of its kind to investigate the antecedents of attitudes toward online shopping in an African country.
Are online job quality quizzes of any value? Selecting questions, maximising quiz completions and estimating biases
Authors: Felstead Alan
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare two ways of collecting job quality data in Britain using a common set of questions. One way is through a short quiz taken by a self-selected sample and completed by clicking on a web link www.howgoodismyjob.com. The other way is via an invitation to take part in a long-running survey of working life – the Skills and Employment Survey. The survey takes much longer to complete, is carried out face-to-face and is based on random probability principles.

Design/methodology/approach

To be content-comparable, the quiz uses tried and tested questions contained in recent waves of the Skills and Employment Survey. Each survey comprises a nationally representative sample of workers in Britain aged 20–65 years. However, the quiz is based on uncontrolled convenience sampling prompted, in large part, by a Facebook advertising campaign, whereas survey participants are randomly selected. In this paper, the authors compare the profile of respondents and their responses to these two different modes of data collection and therefore shine a light on any biases in the samples and differences in the results respondents report.

Findings

The paper shows that while the number taking in the quiz is impressive, participation in the quiz – unlike the survey – is heavily skewed. Weighting can be used to correct some of these sample selection biases. But, even then, the picture painted by the quiz and survey data varies with the quiz under-reporting the intrinsic quality of jobs, while over-reporting on the extrinsic rewards. This suggests that how job quality data are collected can have a strong influence on the results produced.

Research limitations/implications

The findings suggest that a number of biases are in operation, both in terms of those who take part and the answers they give. This makes comparison between data collected using radically different methods, at best, inadvisable and, at worst, misleading. Nevertheless, quizzes are a good way of engaging large numbers of people in public debates, gathering additional data, extending the reach of academic work and prompting action to improve working life. However, the limitation of this study is that it does not offer a true experiment of different ways of collecting the same data. The quiz and survey were, for example, not carried out at the same time, but were some 14 months apart.

Practical implications

Over 50,000 people took part in the quizzes reported in the paper and almost 1,300 investigated joining a trade union as a result. The reach of the quiz far exceeds the 3,306 people who took part in the Skills and Employment Survey 2017.

Originality/value

This paper focusses on how job quality data are collected and the consequences this has for the validity of the data gathered. This is a unique contribution to international debates about the measurement and monitoring of trends in job quality.
Evaluation of a group webinar and individual video-conferencing support program designed to upskill staff working with children with autism in regional and remote areas
Authors: Johnsson Genevieve , Lincoln Michelle , Bundy Anita C. , Costley Debra , Bulkeley Kim
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The rollout of individualised disability funding in Australia resulted in an increased demand for services for people with a disability, particularly support for the high percentage of Australians with autism spectrum disorder. Continuing professional development is one way to grow and maintain a skilled workforce; however, face-to-face opportunities can be limited in remote areas of Australia. Technology may provide a low-cost and widely accessible platform for providing education and support for staff in these areas.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study evaluated a novel webinar training and individual online support program for 36 allied health, education and community support staff. Data were collected via a survey on changes in perceived “knowledge and skills” and “confidence” in supporting children with autism, as well as mode of participation, and accessibility of the program.

Findings

Participants reported a significant increase in their “knowledge and skills” and “confidence”, in working with children with autism. This increase was positively related to the number of webinars the participants accessed. The mode of webinar access was predominantly via watching recordings of webinars (asynchronous learning). Synchronous learning via individual online sessions was accessed by a small number of participants, mostly allied health professionals. Workload and scheduling were identified as barriers to engaging in the program. The technology platform was found to be accessible and acceptable.

Originality/value

A predominantly asynchronous mode of delivery was successful, thereby increasing program access and flexibility for remote staff. Technology was not a barrier to accessing the program regardless of remoteness or job role.
Keeping up the pace of digitalization in small businesses–Women entrepreneurs' knowledge and use of social media
Authors: Olsson Anna Karin , Bernhard Iréne
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This study aims to explore how women entrepreneurs in small businesses encounter digitalization and learn to use social media at work by combining theoretical perspectives from research on women entrepreneurs in small businesses, digitalization and use of social media and digital skills in response to calls from earlier research regarding women entrepreneurs' adaptation to an increasingly digitalized world.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative methods were applied including a total of 13 in-depth interviews in two phases, in 2017 and 2019, with 11 women entrepreneurs in nine small businesses, along with observations of their digital presence.

Findings

This study contributes with new insights regarding women entrepreneurs' behavior and ways to acquire digital skills to keep up the pace in digitalization. Learning by doing, informal learning and step-by-step self-development entrepreneurial behavior were practiced along with strategical recruiting of young digitally skilled employees, i.e. digital natives. Findings state that in order to remain competitive and generate business growth, women entrepreneurs constantly have to learn new skills to capture the potential of digitalization especially regarding the knowledge and use of social media. The women entrepreneurs emphasize challenges of digitalization as limited resources, constant need of new digital skills, digital stress or even burnout due to internal and external demands on online presence, scanning and maintenance of social media platforms. In contrast to earlier research, the women entrepreneurs did not express any significant gender stereotyping online, yet they strongly emphasized the continuous challenge of work––life balance.

Originality/value

This study contributes to an under-researched field with novel research combining theories from women entrepreneurship and information and communication technologies (ICTs) related to digitalization with a special focus on social media. Following the era of digitalization, the women entrepreneurs have to act as digital entrepreneurs finding new innovative ways of doing business. The importance of recruiting young digitally skilled employees in small businesses is vital for women entrepreneurs, since the needed learning and business development takes place when digital natives and digital immigrants work together.
The local innovation agents program: a literature review on the largest Brazilian small business innovation support program
Authors: Dambiski Gomes de Carvalho Gustavo , Martins de Resende Luis Mauricio , Gomes de Carvalho Hélio , Pontes Joseane , Oliveira Correa Rúbia
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze the characteristics of Brazilian micro and small businesses (MSBs) and the main lessons derived from the largest small business innovation support program in the country, the Local Innovation Agents – Agentes Locais de Inovação (ALI) Program.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 34 papers were selected from the Web of Science and Scopus databases (28), as well as from the Revista de Administração e Inovação – RAI (6), a seminal Brazilian innovation journal. The papers were analyzed in terms of the regional context, methodological approach and main findings. Regional complementary analyzes of some program figures were also performed by Spearman correlation and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests.

Findings

The review revealed a low innovation level among Brazilian MSBs and that the platform (incremental product) and brand (marketing) innovation dimensions were the most developed across different regions and industries. Reviewed papers also showed that all MSBs were able to improve innovation over the program independent of previous management and innovation levels, besides positive relationships between management and innovation. The complementary analysis provided a regional panorama of the program figures and corroborated MSBs innovation improvement.

Research limitations/implications

This review analyzed relevant papers and figures related to the program, summarized main lessons and provided future research venues.

Practical implications

Different innovation strategies reviewed may be implemented by MSBs owners. Policymakers may also benefit from the program experience.

Originality/value

Despite the high number of publications and the relevance of the largest Brazilian innovation support program, there were still no literature reviews comprehending the diverse lessons derived from the ALI Program, as well as a regional panorama of the program figures.
Barriers and facilitators to cervical screening for Filipino women – a narrative literature review
Authors: Christie-de Jong Floor , Reilly Siobhan
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Mortality rates of cervical cancer are high amongst Filipino women; however, uptake of cervical screening is low. The purpose of this paper is to identify known barriers and facilitators to cervical screening for Filipino migrant women.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic approach was adopted for the search, data extraction, critical appraisal and synthesis processes of this review. Eight electronic databases were searched. Studies published in peer review journals in English between 1995 and 2019 were reviewed.

Findings

In total, 20 relevant studies were identified. Studies were heterogeneous in design and focus and mostly conducted in the USA. A complex multifactorial picture of barriers to cervical screening was identified, which included: demographic, cognitive, access, health-care provider and cultural factors. None of the studies incorporated all factors.

Practical implications

This review demonstrates the complexity and multifactorial characteristic of cervical screening for Filipino migrant women. To increase uptake of screening, barriers to cervical screening for Filipino migrant women need to be fully understood. Future research should be conducted in different locations, focussing on multiple factors.

Originality/value

Aggregation of barriers and facilitators for Asian women combined tends to ignore cultural differences between groups. This review synthesises the existing but scarce literature to identify known barriers and facilitators to cervical screening for this specific population of Filipino migrant women.
Operations adding value to society
Authors: Kovács Gyöngyi , Kuula Markku , Seuring Stefan , Blome Constantin
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to discuss the role of operations management in society. The article detects trends, raises critical questions to operations management research and articulates a research agenda to increase the value of such research in addressing societal problems.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper evaluates the papers presented at the EurOMA 2019 conference to detect trends and discuss the contributions of operations management research to society. It further goes to identify gaps in the research agenda.

Findings

The article finds several important streams of research in operations management: sustainable operations and supply chains, health care and humanitarian operations, innovation, digitalisation and 4.0, risk and resilience. It highlights new trends such as circular economy research and problematises when to stop implementing innovation and how to address and report their potential failure. Importantly, it shows how it is not just a question of offshoring vs reshoring but of constant change in manufacturing that operations management addresses.

Originality/value

The article highlights not just novel research areas but also gaps in the research agenda where operations management seeks to add value to society.
Fault diagnosis of blowout preventer system using artificial neural networks: a comparative study
Authors: Chebira Samia , Bourmada Noureddine , Boughaba Abdelali , Djebabra Mebarek
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The increasing complexity of industrial systems is at the heart of the development of many fault diagnosis methods. The artificial neural networks (ANNs), which are part of these methods, are widely used in fault diagnosis due to their flexibility and diversification which makes them one of the most appropriate fault diagnosis methods. The purpose of this paper is to detect and locate in real time any parameter deviations that can affect the operation of the blowout preventer (BOP) system using ANNs.

Design/methodology/approach

The starting data are extracted from the tables of the HAZOP (HAZard and OPerability) method where the deviations of the parameters of normal BOP operating (pressure, flow, level and temperature) are associated with an initial rule base for establishing cause and effect of relationships between the causes of deviations and their consequences; these data are used as a database for the neural network. Three ANNs were used, the multi-layer perceptron network (MLPN), radial basis functions network (RBFN) and generalized regression neural networks (GRNN). These models were trained and tested, then, their comparative performances were presented. The respective performances of these models are highlighted following their application to the BOP system.

Findings

The performances of the models are evaluated using determination coefficient (R2), root mean square error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE) statistics and time execution. The results of this study show that the RMSE, MAE and R2 values of the GRNN model are better than those corresponding to the RBFN and MLPN models. The GRNN model can be applied with better performance, to establish a diagnostic model that can detect and to identify the different causes of deviations in the parameters of the BOP system.

Originality/value

The performance of the trained network is found to be satisfactory for the real-time fault diagnosis. Therefore, future studies on modeling the BOP system with soft computing techniques can be concentrated on the ANNs. Consequently, with the use of these techniques, the performance of the BOP system can be ensured performing only a limited number of monitoring operations, thus saving engineering effort, time and funds.