bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oiling the gears of memory: quercetin exposure during memory formation, consolidation, and recall enhances memory in Lymnaea stagnalis
Authors: Rivi Veronica , Batabyal Anuradha , Benatti Cristina , Blom Johanna MC , Tascedda Fabio , Lukowiak Ken
Published: June 2021

Memory formation (short-term, intermediate-term, and long-term) is an integral process of cognition which allows individuals to retain important information and is influenced by various intrinsic and extrinsic factors. A major extrinsic factor influencing cognition across taxa is diet, which may contain rich sources of molecular agents with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and memory enhancing properties that potentially enhance cognitive ability. A common and abundant flavonoid present in numerous food substances is quercetin (Q) which is also known to upregulate cyclic AMP response element binding protein (CREB) in several animals including our model system Lymnaea stagnalis. Since CREB is known to be involved in long term memory (LTM) formation, we investigated the role of Q-exposure on memory formation, consolidation, and recall during operant conditioning of aerial respiratory behaviour in Lymnaea. Snails were exposed to Q 3h before or after training to ascertain its effects on LTM. Additionally, we investigated the effect of the combined presentation of a single reinforcing stimulus (at 24h post-training or 24h before training) and Q-exposure on both LTM formation and reconsolidation. Our data indicate that Q-exposure acts on the different phases of memory formation, consolidation, and recall leading to enhanced LTM formation.

Summary Statement

Quercetin enhances long-term memory formation acting on the different phases of memory formation, consolidation, and recall.
Intramolecular carbon isotope signals reflect metabolite allocation in plants
Authors: Wieloch Thomas , Sharkey Thomas David , Werner Roland Anton , Schleucher Jürgen
Published: June 2021

Stable isotopes at natural abundance are key tools to study physiological processes occurring outside the temporal scope of manipulation and monitoring experiments. Whole-molecule carbon isotope ratios (13C/12C) enable assessments of plant carbon uptake yet conceal information about carbon allocation. Here, we identify an intramolecular 13C/12C signal at treering glucose C-5 and C-6 and develop experimentally testable theories on its origin. More specifically, we assess the potential of processes within C3 metabolism for signal introduction based (inter alia) on constraints on signal propagation posed by metabolic networks. We propose that the intramolecular signal reports carbon allocation into major metabolic pathways in actively photosynthesising leaf cells including the anaplerotic, shikimate, and non-mevalonate pathway. We support our theoretical framework by linking it to previously reported whole-molecule 13C/12C increases in cellulose of ozone-treated Betula pendula and a highly significant relationship between the intramolecular signal and tropospheric ozone concentration. Our theory postulates a pronounced preference of leaf-cytosolic triose-phosphate isomerase to catalyse the forward reaction in vivo (dihydroxyacetone phosphate to glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate). In conclusion, intramolecular 13C/12C analysis resolves information about carbon uptake and allocation enabling more comprehensive assessments of carbon metabolism than whole-molecule 13C/12C analysis.

Highlight

Intramolecular 13C/12C analysis resolves information about carbon uptake and allocation (and associated environmental controls) enabling more comprehensive assessments of carbon metabolism, plant-environment interactions, and environmental variability than whole-molecule 13C/12C analysis.
Nde1 is Required for Heterochromatin Compaction and Stability in Neocortical Neurons
Authors: Chomiak Alison A. , Lowe Clara C. , Guo Yan , McDaniel Dennis , Pan Hongna , Zhou Xiaoming , Zhou Qiong , Doughty Martin L. , Feng Yuanyi
Published: June 2021

TheNDE1gene encodes a scaffold protein essential for brain development. While biallelicNDE1loss of function (LOF) causes microcephaly with profound mental retardation,NDE1missense mutations and copy number variations are associated with multiple neuropsychiatric disorders. However, the etiology of the diverse phenotypes resulting fromNDE1aberrations remains elusive. Here we show Nde1 controls neurogenesis through facilitating heterochromatin compaction via histone H4K20 trimethylation. This mechanism patterns diverse chromatin landscapes and stabilizes constitutive heterochromatin of neocortical neurons. We show NDE1 undergoes dynamic liquid-liquid phase separation, partitioning to the nucleus and interacting with pericentromeric and centromeric satellite repeats. Nde1 LOF results in nuclear architecture aberrations and DNA double strand breaks, as well as instability and derepression of pericentromeric satellite repeats in neocortical neurons. These findings uncover a pivotal role of NDE1/Nde1 in establishing and maintaining neuronal heterochromatin. They suggest that heterochromatin impairments underlie a wide range of brain dysfunction.
Clusters of neuronal Neurofascin prefigure node of Ranvier position along single axons
Authors: Vagionitis Stavros , Auer Franziska , Xiao Yan , Almeida Rafael G , Lyons David A , Czopka Tim
Published: June 2021

The spacing of nodes of Ranvier crucially affects conduction properties along myelinated axons. It has been assumed that node position is primarily driven by the growth of myelin sheaths. Here, we reveal an additional mechanism of node positioning that is driven by the axon. We show through longitudinal live imaging of node formation dynamics that stable clusters of the cell adhesion molecule Neurofascin A accumulate at specific sites along axons prior to myelination. While some of these clusters change position upon encounter with growing myelin sheaths, others restrict sheath extension and are therefore predictive of future node position. Animals that lack full-length Neurofascin A showed increased internodal distances and less regular spacing of nodes along single axons. Together, our data reveal the existence of an axonal mechanism to position its nodes of Ranvier that does not depend on regulation of myelin sheath length.
Characterisation of the transcriptional dynamics underpinning the function, fate, and migration of the mouse Anterior Visceral Endoderm
Authors: Thowfeequ Shifaan , Fiorentino Jonathan , Hu Di , Solovey Maria , Ruane Sharon , Whitehead Maria , Vanhaesebroeck Bart , Scialdone Antonio , Srinivas Shankar
Published: June 2021

During early post-implantation development of the mouse embryo, the Anterior Visceral Endoderm (AVE) differs from surrounding visceral endoderm (VE) in its migratory behaviour and ability to restrict primitive streak formation to the opposite side of the egg cylinder. In order to characterise the molecular basis for the unique properties of the AVE, we combined single-cell RNA-sequencing of the VE prior to and during AVE migration, with high-resolution imaging, short-term lineage labelling, phosphoproteomics and pharmacological intervention. This revealed the transient nature of the AVE, the emergence of heterogeneities in AVE transcriptional states relative to position of cells, and its prominence in establishing gene expression asymmetries within the spatial constraints of the embryo. We identified a previously unknown requirement of Ephrin- and Semaphorin-signalling for AVE migration. These findings point to a tight coupling of transcriptional state and position in the AVE and reveal molecular heterogeneities underpinning its migratory behaviour and function.
Robotic industrial automation simulation-optimization for resolving conflict and deadlock
Authors: Fazlollahtabar Hamed , Saidi-Mehrabad Mohammad , Masehian Ellips
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the benefits of the turning point layout; a simulation model being applicable for strategic level is designed that compares systems with and without turning points. Specifically, the avoidance of deadlocks and prevention of conflicts is substantial.

Design/methodology/approach

Optimization process for different layouts and configuration of autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs) are worked out using statistical methods for design parameters. Regression analysis is used to find effective design parameters and analysis of variance is applied for adjusting critical factors. Also, the optimal design is then implemented in a manufacturing system for an industrial automation and the results are reported.

Findings

The outputs imply the effectiveness of the proposed approach for real industrial cases. This research will combine both simulation-based method and optimization technique to improve the quality of solutions.

Originality/value

In AGV systems, the begin-end combinations are usually connected by using a fixed layout, which is not the optimal path. The capability of these configurations is limited and often the conflict of multiple AGVs and deadlock are inevitable. By appearing more flexible layouts and advanced technology, the positioning and dispatching of AGVs increased. A new concept would be to determine each path dynamically. This would use the free paths for AGVs leading to overcome the conflicts and deadlocks.
Three-dimensional tolerance analysis of discrete surface structures based on the torsor cluster model
Authors: Zhou Chuanyuan , Liu Zhenyu , Qiu Chan , Tan Jianrong
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a novel mathematical model to present the three-dimensional tolerance of a discrete surface and to carry out an approach to analyze the tolerance of an assembly with a discrete surface structure. A discrete surface is a special structure of a large surface base with several discrete elements mounted on it, one, which is widely used in complex electromechanical products.

Design/methodology/approach

The geometric features of discrete surfaces are separated and characterized by small displacement torsors according to the spatial relationship of discrete elements. The torsor cluster model is established to characterize the integral feature variation of a discrete surface by integrating the torsor model. The influence and accumulation of the assembly tolerance of a discrete surface are determined by statistical tolerance analysis based on the unified Jacobian-Torsor method.

Findings

The effectiveness and superiority of the proposed model in comprehensive tolerance characterization of discrete surfaces are successfully demonstrated by a case study of a phased array antenna. The tolerance is evidently and intuitively computed and expressed based on the torsor cluster model.

Research limitations/implications

The tolerance analysis method proposed requires much time and high computing performance for the calculation of the statistical simulation.

Practical implications

The torsor cluster model achieves the three-dimensional tolerance representation of the discrete surface. The tolerance analysis method based on this model predicts the accumulation of the tolerance of components before their physical assembly.

Originality/value

This paper proposes the torsor cluster as a novel mathematical model to interpret the tolerance of a discrete surface.
Teaching a child with autism to request help only when needed
Authors: Chen Mo , Kreibich Shelley , Hyppa-Martin Jolene
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) or other developmental disabilities are often reported to have challenges in well generalizing the newly learned communicative skills such as requesting help. Not requesting help when it is needed can hinder engagement and learning, whereas requesting help could also be socially inappropriate. This paper aims to offer a demonstration of applying general case instruction to teach a young child diagnosed with ASD to request help only when needed while concurrently increasing the child’s independence in task completion.

Design/methodology/approach

The demonstration adopted within-participant AB designs for one 5-year-old boy with ASD, with data collected across three tasks targeted for intervention and the other three tasks targeted for generalization probes throughout both the baseline and intervention phases. Dependent measures consisted of independent help request and independent task completion. Visual analysis was used to describe the results.

Findings

Results showed that the child with ASD learned to ask for help on difficult educational activities, while concurrently increasing his independence on these tasks; generalized the skill of requesting help by asking for help when he encountered other challenging novel tasks; and independently completed easy educational activities without requesting help.

Originality/value

The findings from this study may add to the limited literature that explored the generalization performance across tasks/activities in young learners with ASD, while demonstrating the feasibility of designing and applying general case instruction framework to enhance generalization performance for one individual learner.
The effects of mental budgeting on the intentions to switch to low-toxicity pesticides: evidence from vegetable farmers in Sichuan, China
Authors: Zeng Yangyi , Herzfeld Thomas
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Mental budgeting, as a part of mental accounting theory, is expected to impact a household's budgetary management in terms of expenses. The purpose of this paper is to study whether and how mental budgeting can explain differences in farmers' reactions to different incentives of low-toxicity pesticide use.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on data from a survey of 393 vegetable farmers in the Sichuan Province, this analysis, using a Likert Scale approach, first explores whether farmers utilize mental budgeting. Secondly, using a Probit model, this paper analyzes how mental budgeting affects farmers' intentions to switch to low-toxicity pesticide use when faced with different incentives.

Findings

The results show that the majority of farmers categorize agricultural inputs into different groups and that 26.46% of the investigated farmers utilize mental budgeting for pest control practices. In addition, farmers who utilizing mental budgeting report a higher willingness to switch to low-toxicity pesticides when they're presented with a specific subsidy. Furthermore, if offered a price premium for quality, the willingness to switch to low-toxicity pesticides for farmers utilizing mentally budget is lower compared to other farmers.

Originality/value

This paper examines the existence of mental budgeting among farmers. It provides a better understanding of how farmers categorize agricultural inputs and their mental mechanisms with respect to agricultural expenses. Finally, this paper is the first to study the effects of mental budgeting on farmers' reactions to different incentives aimed at stimulating the adoption of low-toxicity pesticides.
Managing project scope creep in construction industry
Authors: Ajmal Mian M. , Khan Mehmood , Gunasekaran Angappa , Helo Petri T.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Project scope creep is a nightmare and nearly intolerable task. Most project managers struggle to curtail the expanse and degree of scope creep. This study examines different likely project scope creep factors associated with the construction industry projects.

Design/methodology/approach

After many brainstorming sessions with construction stakeholders, several project scope creep factors were identified. Then, a detailed survey was executed in big construction projects of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The data were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA).

Findings

The results derived and validated five conspicuous factors leading to project scope creep. Respectively, the highest and the lowest impact on project scope appears to be imposed by tasks/specifications and complexity/uncertainty.

Practical implications

It offers crucial support to the project stakeholders in scrutinizing different factors that stand as hurdles to project success and allows them to seek remedies to resolve them.

Originality/value

It is among the first study in the region that identifies and validates the factors that hinder construction project success.
The changing nature of traditional work settings and the emerging virtual work environments in Africa: the experience of Nigerian women
Authors: Imhanrenialena Benedict Ogbemudia , Obi-anike Ozioma Happiness , Okafor Chikodili Nkiru , Ike Ruby Nneka
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate work–life balance and job satisfaction in the emerging virtual work environments among women in patriarchal Nigerian society.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected with structured and semi-structured questionnaire from 316 participants who signed up for online affiliate marketing programs in Nigeria. The data were analysed with descriptive statistics, while the hypotheses were tested with partial least squares structural equation modelling.

Findings

The outcomes indicate insignificant conflict in the interface between remotely working from home and the discharge of family care responsibilities among married Nigerian women. Also, the women derive significant job satisfaction from virtual work settings. Outcomes from the semi-structured interviews indicate that Nigerian women receive more support in indoor household chores than outdoor household chores while performing virtual work duties from home locations with housemaids being the highest source of such support.

Originality/value

This study extends work–life balance literature from the traditional work environments to the emerging virtual work settings in Africa by providing empirical evidence that the emerging virtual work settings do not result in work–family conflict but rather yield significant job satisfaction among Nigerian women.
Sport rebranding: the effect of different degrees of sport logo redesign on brand attitude and purchase intention
Authors: Williams Antonio S. , Son Sungwook
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Despite its growth, there has been a lack of investigation on how sport rebranding influences fans and their behaviors. This study sought to examine how a critical aspect of rebranding – logo redesign – influences fans' attitudes toward a sport brand and intent to purchase merchandise bearing the rebranded logo. More specifically, we aim to investigate the influence of varying degrees of logo change and fan identification in relation to brand attitude and purchase intention.

Design/methodology/approach

An experimental design, 4 (degrees of logo change) × 2 (fan identification: low, high), was utilized with the sample of 277 participants. The current logo of the Ultimate Fighting Championship was redesigned into three fictitious rebranded logos as stimuli based on different rebranding types.

Findings

The results suggest that color change and revolutionary change generate the most negative attitudes from both high- and low-identified fans, and fan identification is not a significant factor influencing fan attitudes. Regarding purchase intention, low-identified fans are not significantly influenced by logo changes whereas highly identified fans showed similar response to their attitudes.

Originality/value

The findings advance the current body of knowledge on sport rebranding and fan behavior by demonstrating the effects of varying degrees of logo redesign and fan identification levels on brand attitude and purchase intention. Moreover, the current research has important implications for sport marketers on developing effective rebranding and logo redesign strategies.
Value trace problems with assisting references for Python programming self-study
Authors: Hay Mar Shwe San Hay Mar , Funabiki Nobuo , Syaifudin Yan Watequlis , Tar Phyu Phyu , Kyaw Htoo Htoo Sandi , Thant Hnin Aye , Kao Wen-Chung , Min Nandar Win , Myint Thandar , Htet Ei Ei
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This study aims to present the value trace problem (VTP) for Python programming self-study, by extending the works for Java programming learning assistant system. In total, 130 VTP instances are generated using Python codes in textbooks and websites that cover basic/advanced grammar topics, fundamental data structures and algorithms and two common library usages. Besides, assisting references on Python programming topics related to the VTP instances are introduced to assist novice learners in solving them efficiently.

Design/methodology/approach

PyPLAS offers the VTP to study grammar topics and library usage through code reading. A VTP instance asks a learner to trace the actual values of important variables or output messages in the given source code. The correctness of any answer is checked through string matching.

Findings

The applications to 48 undergraduate students in Myanmar and Indonesia confirm the validity of the proposal in Python programming self-studies by novice learners.

Originality/value

The applications to 48 undergraduate students in Myanmar and Indonesia confirm the validity of the proposal in Python programming self-studies by novice learners.
Spirituality and entrepreneurship: integration of spiritual beliefs in an entrepreneurial journey
Authors: Rashid Sumayya , Ratten Vanessa
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The role of spirituality in entrepreneurship is a new area of inquiry that has emerged from different scholarly fields. There is no specific way to study spirituality as it rather depends on the context and influence of religious beliefs. This paper aims to study the integration of spirituality in the entrepreneurial journeys of individual entrepreneurs in Pakistan. Thereby focusing on the factors that set reassurance for entrepreneurs to practice their spiritual beliefs in an emerging market context.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a qualitative research approach and data from entrepreneurs in different businesses, this study examines how entrepreneurs reach the point where they are willing to run their businesses based on their spiritual beliefs. The data analysis technique used to study the entrepreneurs is the Gioia method of analysis, which enables key themes to emerge.

Findings

This study finds that the process through which Pakistani entrepreneurs run their businesses based on spiritual beliefs within their mission and goals can be considered as discerning spiritual beliefs, affirmation of spiritual beliefs and materializing beliefs into action. Each of these spiritual beliefs has been accumulated through lifelong learning and experience in which trust in business relationships is highlighted.

Social implications

The insights of this study can be applied to different entrepreneurial ventures to create a framework of entrepreneurial businesses that incorporate spirituality within their mission and vision statements. It can then be used to design education and training activities for other spiritual entrepreneurs to enable further entrepreneurial development in different communities.

Originality/value

Spirituality can alter the entrepreneurial nature of a business. This means that entrepreneurs who possess high spiritual beliefs can incorporate their spirituality within specific business functions to enable a more positive outcome. This study stands as the first in Pakistan to consider the ways entrepreneurs incorporate their spiritual beliefs in their entrepreneurial journey.
Understanding users’ behavioral intention to use voice assistants on smartphones through the integrated model of user satisfaction and technology acceptance: a survey approach
Authors: Yılmaz Mine Bertan , Rızvanoğlu Kerem
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This study aims to determine system quality (SQ) and information quality (IQ) characteristics of voice assistants (VA) on smartphones that are affecting users’ satisfaction and technology acceptance, and how these affect behavioral intention (BI) to use.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses the integrated model of user satisfaction and technology acceptance to evaluate users’ behavioral intention to use VAs on smartphones. The model represents a causal chain from the key characteristics of SQ and IQ to beliefs and attitudes that ultimately affect use. An online survey was conducted with 75 university students, and the data was analyzed using multivariate analysis: Simple linear regression analysis and multiple regression analysis.

Findings

While SQ and IQ of VAs had stronger effects on perceived ease of use (PEU), information satisfaction and PEU showed significant influences on perceived usefulness (PU). The results supported the influence of PEU, PU, and attitude on BI to use but with lesser effect than what PU and attitude together had on BI.

Research limitations/implications

The sample was drawn from a population of students at a single and small university. Although this study received 160 responses, only 75 were appropriate for analysis.

Originality/value

There is no research, which adopts technology acceptance and user satisfaction approaches to VAs. To measure the causal effects, this study determined system and information characteristics that could explain SQ and IQ of the current VAs on smartphones. This study tested the proposed framework within the scope of the integrated approach.
Design, fabrication, testing and operation of a simulation facility for high temperature molten salt studies
Authors: Yadavalli Harinath Venkata , Krishna Mohan T.V. , S. Rangarajan , Albert Shaju K.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Concentrated solar power and molten salt reactors use molten salts for heat energy storage and transfer. FLiNaK salts are being proposed to be used in these plants. However, structural material compatibility is the main hurdle for using molten salt in these systems. Hence, it is essential to study the degradation of materials in high temperature molten FLiNaK salt environment. In view of this paper aims to describe, a simulation facility which was established and operated for carrying out high temperature static corrosion studies of materials under molten FLiNaK salt.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper describes about the design criteria, method of designing using ASME codes, material selection, fabrication, testing, commissioning and operation. Also, a few experimental results have been illustrated.

Findings

A simulation facility could be designed, fabricated, commissioned and is being successfully operated to carry out corrosion experiments under static molten FLiNaK environment.

Research limitations/implications

The facility has been designed for 800°C and maximum temperature of experiment would be restricted to 750°C. The materials tested in this facility can be validated only up to 750°C temperature. A maximum of four exposure periods can be studied at a time with around ten specimens for each exposure.

Originality/value

Selection of compatible material for the facility and design certain unique features like extracting exposed specimens of intermediate periods without actually shutting down the autoclave and measuring the level of molten salt at high temperature.
Multiuser immersive virtual reality application for real-time remote collaboration to enhance design review process in the social distancing era
Authors: Tea Sunseng , Panuwatwanich Kriengsak , Ruthankoon Rathavoot , Kaewmoracharoen Manop
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop and assess the real-time multiuser virtual reality (VR) application that can be used in the design review process. In particular, the application was aimed to accommodate the design review meetings conducted among participants who are in different locations, which has become commonplace during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a methodology for the development of a real-time multiuser immersive VR application, to support remote collaboration during the design review process. The developed application can immerse remote project participants into the same virtual environment and provide virtual face-to-face discussions. An experiment was conducted with 44 university students to investigate the applicability and performance of the developed application by comparing it with the traditional approach.

Findings

Results indicated that the group of students who used the developed immersive VR application outperformed the group that used the traditional approach. This was measured by the percentage of correctly identified design errors during a building inspection experiment.

Originality/value

The difficulty of bringing remote stakeholders together in a virtual environment has impeded the implementation of VR technology in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry. Most research has focused on the improvement of a single user’s experience. Most of the previous multiuser VR studies were conducted in other industries while similar research in the AEC industry is limited. The study presented in this paper contributes to the AEC industry by presenting the development of multiuser immersive VR applications for real-time remote collaboration and the empirical evidence to substantiate its potential benefits.
Poverty, vulnerability, and the role of responsible management education in a post-COVID world
Authors: Mason Geri , Rosenbloom Al
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss the consequences for responsible management education and learning (RMEL) as an enduring feature of the post-COVID-19 world: increased inequality and increased vulnerable individuals living in poverty. Because of this, responsible management education and learning (RMEL) must integrate poverty as a threshold concept on which students’ cognitive frame is built.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper advocates for poverty to be taught as a multidimensional threshold concept that encompasses a person’s freedoms and capabilities, in addition to their income (Sen, 1999). Further, this paper provides a framework for integration into all curricula grounded in RMEL’s unique domain of inquiry and study: the integration of ethics, responsibility and sustainability.

Findings

Threshold concepts transform student learning in durable, immutable ways. When poverty is taught as such, students develop more elaborate poverty cognitive frames that they can apply across their entire course of study. This paper describes how to: (1) reframe poverty as a threshold concept; (2) apply Biggs’ (2003) framework of constructive alignment to assure the integrity of course learning objectives and the curriculum; (3) create poverty-related assignments that are emotionally engaging and relevant for students (Dart, 2008); and (4) use this proposed framework of including poverty in business classes.

Research limitations/implications

Without an integrated multidimensional understanding of poverty, students will not emerge as managers competent in addressing these critical issues from within a business context (Grimm,2020). It will be imperative in future research to evaluate the outcomes of doing so and to determine whether this solution creates responsible managers more competent in addressing poverty-rooted issues.

Originality/value

This paper brings together two elements of student learning central to understanding poverty: threshold concepts and cognitive frames. This paper also uses Biggs’ (2003) constructive alignment framework to assure that curricular and course changes have both internal coherence and explicit learning outcomes.
Why are we still waiting? Views of future-focused policy and the direction of the profession from dissatisfied recent pharmacy graduates
Authors: Aspden Trudi , Marowa Munyaradzi , Ponton Rhys , Scahill Shane
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The New Zealand Pharmacy Action Plan 2016–20 acknowledges the young, highly qualified pharmacist workforce, and seeks to address pharmacist underutilisation in the wider health setting. Anecdotal evidence suggests many recently qualified pharmacists are dissatisfied with the profession. Therefore, those completing BPharm programs after 2002, who had left or were seriously considering leaving the New Zealand pharmacy profession, were invited to comment on future-focused pharmacy documents, and the current direction of pharmacy in New Zealand.

Design/methodology/approach

An online questionnaire was open December 2018 to February 2019. Recruitment occurred via e-mail lists of universities and professional organisations, print and social media, and word-of-mouth. Free-text responses were thematically analysed using a general inductive approach.

Findings

From the 328 analysable surveys received, 172 respondents commented on the documents and/or direction of the pharmacy profession. Views were mixed. Overarching document-related themes were positive direction, but concern over achievability, the lack of funding details, lack of implementation, their benefits for pharmacists and the public, and ability to bring about change and secure a future for the profession. Overall pharmacy was considered an unattractive profession needing to change.

Originality/value

This study highlights dissatisfied recent BPharm graduates agree with the vision in the documents but do not see progress towards achieving the vision occurring, leading to frustration and exit in some cases. Policymakers should be aware of these views as considerable resource goes into their development.
A model of participatory learning process for management of environmental health impacts in industrial communities area
Authors: Komonkanjanakul Supawadee , Supapongpichate Rachanont
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to implementing environmental education concepts to manage environmental health impacts by letting the people in the community learn through the participatory learning process.

Design/methodology/approach

The participatory action research (PAR) and the environmental education concept were conducted in managing the learning process for the people in Map Kha Sub-district, Rayong province. The purposive sampling technique and the stakeholder analysis were used to derive the informants of this study. They are those people living or working in the Mab Kha Sub-district area at least 2 years, aged more than 20 years old, and were willing to participate in all steps of the study. A total of 30 informants were divided into three groups as follows: The Key Informants, The Casual Informants and The General Informants. Data collection employed workshops with three techniques – Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA), Future Search Conference (FSC) and Appreciation Influence Control (AIC) – to organize cooperative learning processes to managing environmental health impacts. The Content Analysis was utilized in this study through the categorization, grouping, analysis, interpretation and systemization of data. The study period was from June 2014 to December 2015.

Findings

The study found that most people are concerned and aware of the environmental pollution problems affecting the health in the areas and need to solve such problems. They are also prepared for various problems. However, they face the problems on that they still lack of the chance to be informed about the information on the pollution problems and lack of the chance to participate. For the participatory learning process used to manage the environmental health impacts in the industrial community, it is found that the people and the leading network partners perform well through the knowledge building process on the environmental pollution problems and the planning and evaluation lead to desired behavior of people and industrial community to manage environmental health impacts.

Originality/value

The study results emphasized that the participatory learning process of the network associates was the critical key in forming the community power to manage the environmental health impacts. Therefore, the learning process should be easy, not complicated, take a short time and be friendly that will make the community understand the problem and help protect the environment systematically.
A tale of dual-approach construct validation and reliability testing for a Zika infection awareness knowledge questionnaire
Authors: Wong Chin Mun , Hassan Mohd Rohaizat , Hod Rozita , Puteh Sharifa Ezat Wan , Abu Bakar Sazaly
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This study aims to validate the English version of a WHO-adapted questionnaire: Zika infection awareness/knowledge questionnaire using a unique dual-approach validation model.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional pilot study of 30 adult respondents in Malaysia completed the self-administered questionnaire on knowledge and perception to Zika infection. Construct validity was assessed by exploratory factor analysis (EFA) of SPSS and Rasch partial credit. Reliability is tested using pKR20 and Cronbach’s alpha.

Findings

Knowledge construct was unidimensional, good model fit, easy to endorse and well discriminative. Five-rating Likert scale for perception domain was appropriate. Knowledge domain should be separated into 6 level of difficulties. Perception domain should remain as one construct. Knowledge domain was highly reliability (pKR20 = 0.96), perception domain was fairly reliable (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.641). Respondent's ability to answer knowledge domain and perception domain were separated into 3 and 4 levels.

Research limitations/implications

Small sample size may affect factor analysis.

Practical implications

The questionnaire has good psychometric properties to measure the knowledge and perception of Zika infection among Malaysian community.

Social implications

The questionnaire helped to gauge knowledge and perception of the general community in Malaysia to aid preparation of health education tool for Zika infection.

Originality/value

This paper validated questionnaire with two biostatistical software programs in bidirectional approach – items difficulty and respondents' ability – is the first field test of WHO questionnaire among general population in Southeast Asia.
The intention to prevent sexual risk behaviors among the youth in Yangon, Myanmar
Authors: Jirapongsuwan Ann , Swe Sithu , Powwattana Arpaporn
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the intention to prevent sexual risk behaviors and associated factors among the youth in Yangon, Myanmar.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional descriptive research was undertaken among 192 youths. Participants included the youth residing in the study area and participated in the youth development program. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were applied to identify an association.

Findings

The findings indicated that the proportion of a high level of intention to prevent sexual risk behaviors was 53.6%. The factors associated with the intention to prevent sexual risk behaviors were: belief strength on sexual risk behaviors (aOR = 2.84; 95% CI: 1.06–7.26), normative belief on the prevention of sexual risk behaviors (aOR = 2.03; 95% CI: 3.03–6.23), motivation to comply with preventing sexual risk behaviors (aOR = 4.72; 95% CI: 3.11–6.23), decision-making (aOR = 2.46; 95% CI: 2.22–5.41) and negotiation (aOR = 6.3; 95% CI: 2.37–10.23)

Research limitations/implications

The study was a cross-sectional study and cannot establish causal relationships. These results can be a guideline for implementation for the youth but may limit the generalization of results to other age groups in Myanmar.

Practical implications

Findings can be used as a local and national public health guideline for developing interventions to prevent sexual risk behaviors.

Originality/value

Sexual risk behavior is considered taboo and puts Myanmar youths at risk of health and social problems. It is important for prevention efforts to determine factors related to sexual intentions to prevent the consequence of these problems.
The prerequisites and consequences of customers’ online experience regarding the moderating role of brand congruity: evidence from an Iranian bank
Authors: Ashrafpour Negar , Niky Esfahlan Hakimeh , Aali Samad , Taghizadeh Houshang
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the prerequisites of customer online experience and its outcomes in banks. Brand congruity is an important mediating variable in these connections.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative approach is used to test the model based on the literature review. The subjects are online customers of an Iranian bank, Bank Mellat, in East Azerbaijan Province, which is famous for its e-banking. Data analysis was conducted using structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results suggested that the prerequisites of customer experience affected customer experience, which was, in turn, divided into two components (affective experience and functional experience). Besides, brand congruity played a moderating role in the relationship between prerequisites and consequences.

Research limitations/implications

In the model, brand congruity was the only moderating variable and other moderating variables were excluded. Further, test results were related to a specific brand.

Practical implications

This paper explores how the behaviors of customers could be improved in the online context by concentrating on determinants of customer online experience. The paper offers implications for the improvement of customer online experience in service marketing, especially in banking.

Originality/value

This is the first study in Iran to use brand congruity as a way of surveying the perquisites and outcomes of online experience in banking. The findings expand the importance of brand congruity in online experience to the entire banking sector.
The influence mechanism of rewards on knowledge sharing behaviors in virtual communities
Authors: Wang Nan , Yin Jielin , Ma Zhenzhong , Liao Maolin
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the effects of organizational rewards on two forms of knowledge sharing – explicit knowledge sharing and tacit knowledge sharing in virtual communities, and further to explore the mediating effect of intrinsic motivation on the effect of virtual community rewards on implicit knowledge sharing.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on relevant knowledge sharing theories, this study develops an integrated framework to explore virtual community rewards and tacit and explicit knowledge sharing in a virtual context. This study then collected data from 429 virtual community users in four virtual communities via an online survey. Hierarchical regression analyzes were used to test the proposed research model.

Findings

The results of this study show that virtual rewards have a significantly positive linear relationship with explicit knowledge sharing but have an inverse U-shape relationship with tacit knowledge sharing in virtual communities. In addition, intrinsic motivations including enjoyment and self-efficacy mediate the relationship between rewards and tacit knowledge sharing.

Practical implications

This study suggests more virtual community rewards may not always lead to more tacit knowledge sharing. Instead, too many rewards may weaken the motivation for tacit knowledge sharing. Knowledge management practitioners should make full use of the positive impact of self-efficacy and enjoyment to set up appropriate reward incentives to encourage knowledge-sharing, in particular, tacit knowledge sharing and to better manage virtual communities.

Originality/value

This study explores knowledge-sharing behavior in virtual communities, an important step toward more integrated knowledge-sharing theories. While online communities have become increasingly important for today’s knowledge economy, few studies have explored knowledge and knowledge sharing in a virtual context and this study helps to bridge the gap. In addition, this study develops an integrated framework to explore the mechanism through which virtual community rewards affect knowledge sharing with intrinsic motivation mediating this relationship in online communities, which further enriches the understanding on how to use virtual rewards to motivate knowledge sharing behaviors in the virtual context.
Understanding relationship commitment and continuous knowledge sharing in online health communities: a social exchange perspective
Authors: Zhang Xing , Liu Shan
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Online health communities (OHCs) have become increasingly popular sources of health information in recent years. However, little is known about the factors that affect the relationship commitment and continuous knowledge sharing intention among OHC members. Thus, this study aims to integrate social exchange and commitment-trust theories to establish a theoretical model to fill the gap.

Design/methodology/approach

A research model that integrates social exchange theory and commitment-trust theory is developed. Quantitative data from 519 valid questionnaires are collected via an offline survey. Statistical product and service solutions 20.0 and analysis of a moment structures 20.0 software are used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Relationship commitment directly influences continuous knowledge sharing intention, partially mediates the relationship between social support and continuous knowledge sharing intention, and fully mediates the relationship between perceived health risks and continuous knowledge sharing intention. Informational and emotional supports are identified as benefit factors that positively affect relationship commitment and perceived health risks are regarded as cost factors that negatively influence relationship commitment. Informational and emotional supports of OHC members produce different effects on relationship commitment when members obtain social support from different sources. Moreover, trust moderates the influences of informational support and perceived health risks on relationship commitment.

Originality/value

The findings provide additional insights that can augment the knowledge management literature by indicating how people are driven to share knowledge continuously in the context of OHCs. This study empirically clarifies the relationships of benefits (i.e. social support) and costs (i.e. perceived health risks) to continuous knowledge sharing intention by demonstrating the significant mediating effect of relationship commitment. In addition, the findings of this study highlight the importance of the social support source in OHCs and provide additional insights into commitment–trust theory by integrating the moderating effect of trust on the relationships between relationship commitment and its antecedents.
Cold chain vulnerability assessment through two-stage grey comprehensive measurement of intuitionistic fuzzy entropy
Authors: Xu Lan , Tang Qian
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the vulnerability of cold chain logistics through a comprehensive assessment and provide targeted control measures.

Design/methodology/approach

The index system of the cold chain vulnerability assessment was established with knowledge obtained from three different dimensions, namely, exposure, sensitivity and adaptability. The final index weight was determined through combination of the intuitionistic fuzzy (IF) entropy and compromise ratio approaches, followed by the comprehensive vulnerability assessment through the two-stage grey comprehensive measurement model. The feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method were verified by evaluation with SF, HNA, China Merchants and COFCO as target examples.

Findings

The results revealed that the most influential factors in the cold chain vulnerability problem were the temperature reaching the standard, as well as the storage and preservation levels; through their analysis combined with the overall cold chain vulnerability assessment, the targeted control measures were obtained.

Originality/value

Based on the research perspective of cold chain vulnerability assessment, a novel assessment model of cold chain logistics vulnerability was proposed, which is based on IF entropy two-stage grey comprehensive measurement. It provides more powerful theoretical support to improve the quality management of cold chain products.