bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemogenetic evidence that rapid neuronal de novo protein synthesis is required for consolidation of long-term memory
Authors: Shrestha Prerana , Ayata Pinar , Herrero-Vidal Pedro , Longo Francesco , Gastone Alexandra , Ledoux Joseph E. , Heintz Nathaniel , Klann Eric
Published: July 2019

Translational control of memory processes is a tightly regulated process where the coordinated interaction and modulation of translation factors provides a permissive environment for protein synthesis during memory formation. Existing methods used to block translation lack the spatiotemporal precision to investigate cell-specific contributions to consolidation of long-term memories. Here, we have developed a novel chemogenetic mouse resource for cell type-specific and drug-inducible protein synthesis inhibition (ciPSI) that utilizes an engineered version of the catalytic kinase domain of dsRNA-activated protein (PKR). ciPSI allows rapid and reversible phosphorylation of eIF2α causing a block on general translation by 50% in vivo. Using this resource, we discovered that temporally structured pan-neuronal protein synthesis is required for consolidation of long-term auditory threat memory. Targeted protein synthesis inhibition in CamK2α expressing glutamatergic neurons in lateral amygdala (LA) impaired long-term memory, which was recovered with artificial chemogenetic reactivation at the cost of stimulus generalization. Conversely, genetically reducing phosphorylation of eIF2α in CamK2α positive neurons in LA enhanced memory strength, but was accompanied with reduced memory fidelity and behavior inflexibility. Our findings provide evidence for a finely tuned translation program during consolidation of long-term threat memories.
Structures of the ATP-fueled ClpXP proteolytic machine bound to protein substrate
Authors: Fei Xue , Bell Tristan A. , Jenni Simon , Stinson Benjamin M. , Baker Tania A. , Harrison Stephen C. , Sauer Robert T.
Published: July 2019

ClpXP is an ATP-dependent protease in which the ClpX AAA+ motor binds, unfolds, and translocates specific protein substrates into the degradation chamber of ClpP. We present cryo-EM studies of the E. coli enzyme that show how asymmetric hexameric rings of ClpX bind symmetric heptameric rings of ClpP and interact with protein substrates. Subunits in the ClpX hexamer assume a spiral conformation and interact with two-residue segments of substrate in the axial channel, as observed for other AAA+ proteases and protein-remodeling machines. Strictly sequential models of ATP hydrolysis and a power stroke that moves two residues of the substrate per translocation step have been inferred from these structural features for other AAA+ unfoldases, but biochemical and single-molecule biophysical studies indicate that ClpXP operates by a probabilistic mechanism in which five to eight residues are translocated for each ATP hydrolyzed. We propose structure-based models that could account for the functional results.
In silico identification of a molecular circadian system with novel features in the crustacean model organism Parhyale hawaiensis
Authors: Hunt Benjamin James , Mallon Eamonn , Rosato Ezio
Published: July 2019

The amphipod Parhyale hawaiensis is a model organism of growing importance in the fields of evolutionary development and regeneration. A small, hardy marine crustacean that breeds year-round with a short generation time, it has simple lab culture requirements and an extensive molecular toolkit including the ability to generate targeted genetic mutant lines. Here we identify canonical core and regulatory clock genes using genomic and transcriptomic resources as a first step in establishing this species as a model in the field of chronobiology. The molecular clock of P. hawaiensis lacks orthologs of the canonical circadian genes cryptochrome 1 and timeless, in common with the mammalian system but in contrast to many arthropods including Drosophila melanogaster. Furthermore the predicted CLOCK peptide is atypical and CRY2 shows an extended 5’ region of unknown function. These results appear to be shared by two other amphipod species.
Ethylene-mediated nitric oxide depletion pre-adapts plants to hypoxia stress
Authors: Hartman Sjon , Liu Zeguang , van Veen Hans , Vicente Jorge , Reinen Emilie , Martopawiro Shanice , Zhang Hongtao , van Dongen Nienke , Bosman Femke , Bassel George W. , Visser Eric J.W. , Bailey-Serres Julia , Theodoulou Frederica L. , Hebelstrup Kim H. , Gibbs Daniel J. , Holdsworth Michael J. , Sasidharan Rashmi , Voesenek Laurentius A.C.J.
Published: July 2019

Timely perception of adverse environmental changes is critical for survival. Dynamic changes in gases are important cues for plants to sense environmental perturbations, such as submergence. In Arabidopsis thaliana, changes in oxygen and nitric oxide (NO) control the stability of ERFVII transcription factors. ERFVII proteolysis is regulated by the N-degron pathway and mediates adaptation to flooding-induced hypoxia. However, how plants detect and transduce early submergence signals remains elusive. Here we show that plants can rapidly detect submergence through passive ethylene entrapment and use this signal to pre-adapt to impending hypoxia. Ethylene can enhance ERFVII stability prior to hypoxia by increasing the NO-scavenger PHYTOGLOBIN1. This ethylene-mediated NO depletion and consequent ERFVII accumulation pre-adapts plants to survive subsequent hypoxia. Our results reveal the biological link between three gaseous signals for the regulation of flooding survival and identifies novel regulatory targets for early stress perception that could be pivotal for developing flood-tolerant crops.
Continuum descriptions of spatial spreading for heterogeneous cell populations: theory and experiment
Authors: Matsiaka Oleksii M , Baker Ruth E , Simpson Matthew J
Published: July 2019

Variability in cell populations is frequently observed in bothin vitroandin vivosettings. Intrinsic differences within populations of cells, such as differences in cell sizes or differences in rates of cell motility, can be present even within a population of cells from the same cell line. We refer to this variability as cellheterogeneity. Mathematical models of cell migration, for example, in the context of tumour growth and metastatic invasion, often account for both undirected (random) migration and directed migration that is mediated by cell-to-cell contacts and cell-to-cell adhesion. A key feature of standard models is that they often assume that the population is composed of identical cells with constant properties. This leads to relatively simple single-specieshomogeneousmodels that neglect the role of heterogeneity. In this work, we use a continuum modelling approach to explore the role of heterogeneity in spatial spreading of cell populations. We employ a three-species heterogeneous model of cell motility that explicitly incorporates different types of experimentally-motivated heterogeneity in cell sizes: (i) monotonically decreasing; (ii) uniform; (iii) non-monotonic; and (iv) monotonically increasing distributions of cell size. Comparing the density profiles generated by the three-species heterogeneous model with density profiles predicted by a more standard single-species homogeneous model reveals that when we are dealing with monotonically decreasing and uniform distributions a simple and computationally efficient single-species homogeneous model can be remarkably accurate in describing the evolution of a heterogeneous cell population. In contrast, we find that the simpler single-species homogeneous model performs relatively poorly when applied to non-monotonic and monotonically in-creasing distributions of cell sizes. Additional results for heterogeneity in parameters describing both undirected and directed cell migration are also considered, and we find that similar results apply.
Comparison of Illumina MiSeq and the Ion Torrent PGM and S5 platforms for whole-genome sequencing of picornaviruses and caliciviruses
Authors: Marine Rachel L. , Magaña Laura C. , Castro Christina J. , Zhao Kun , Montmayeur Anna M. , Schmidt Alexander , Diez-Valcarce Marta , Ng Terry Fei Fan , Vinjé Jan , Burns Cara C. , Nix W. Allan , Rota Paul A. , Oberste M. Steven
Published: July 2019

Next-generation sequencing is a powerful tool for virological surveillance. While Illumina® and Ion Torrent® sequencing platforms are used extensively for generating viral RNA genome sequences, there is limited data comparing different platforms. We evaluated the Illumina MiSeq, Ion Torrent PGM and Ion Torrent S5 platforms using a panel of sixteen specimens containing picornaviruses and human caliciviruses (noroviruses and sapoviruses). The specimens were processed, using combinations of three library preparation and five sequencing kits, to assess the quality and completeness of assembled viral genomes, and an estimation of cost per sample to generate the data was calculated. The choice of library preparation kit and sequencing platform was found to impact the breadth of genome coverage and accuracy of consensus viral genomes. The Ion Torrent S5 outperformed the older Ion Torrent PGM platform in data quality and cost, and generated the highest proportion of reads for enterovirus D68 samples. However, indels at homopolymer regions impacted the accuracy of consensus genome sequences. For lower throughput sequencing runs (i.e., Ion Torrent 510 or Illumina MiSeq Nano V2), the cost per sample was lower on the MiSeq platform, whereas with higher throughput runs (Ion Torrent 530 or Illumina MiSeq V2) the cost per sample was comparable. These findings suggest that the Ion Torrent S5 and Illumina MiSeq platforms are both viable options for genomic sequencing of RNA viruses, each with specific advantages and tradeoffs.
Controlling evolutionary dynamics to optimize microbial bioremediation
Authors: Shibasaki Shota , Mitri Sara
Published: July 2019

Some microbes have a fascinating ability to degrade compounds that are toxic for humans in a process called bioremediation. Although these traits help microbes survive the toxins, carrying them can be costly if the benefit of detoxification is shared by all surrounding microbes, whether they detoxify or not. Detoxification can thereby be seen as a public goods game, where non-degrading mutants can sweep through the population and collapse bioremediation. Here, we constructed an evolutionary game theoretical model to optimize bioremediation in a chemostat initially containing “cooperating” (detoxifying) microbes. We consider two types of mutants: “cheaters” that do not detoxify, and mutants that become resistant to the toxin through private mechanisms that do not benefit others. By manipulating the concentration and flow rate of a toxin into the chemostat, we identified conditions where cooperators can exclude cheaters that differ in their private resistance. However, eventually, cheaters are bound to invade. To overcome this inevitable outcome and maximize detoxification efficiency, cooperators can be periodically reinoculated into the population. Our study investigates the outcome of an evolutionary game combining both public and private goods and demonstrates how environmental parameters can be used to control evolutionary dynamics in practical applications.
Does Sleep Protect Memories Against Interference? A Failure to Replicate
Authors: Bailes Carrie , Caldwell Mary , Wamsley Erin J. , Tucker Matthew A.
Published: July 2019

Across a broad spectrum of memory tasks, retention is superior following a night of sleep compared to a day of wake. However, this result alone does not clarify whether sleep merely slows the forgetting that would otherwise occur as a result of information processing during wakefulness, or whether sleep actually consolidates memories, protecting them from subsequent retroactive interference. Two influential studies (Ellenbogen, et al., 2006, 2009) suggested that sleep protects memories against the subsequent retroactive interference that occurs when participants learn new yet overlapping information (interference learning). In these studies, interference was much less detrimental to memory following a night of sleep compared to a day of wakefulness, a finding that provided strong evidence that sleep supports this important aspect of memory consolidation. In the current well-powered replication study, we repeated the protocol of Ellenbogen, et al. (2009) and, additionally, we examined the impact of intrinsic motivation on performance in sleep and wake participants. We were unable to replicate the finding that sleep protects memories against retroactive interference, with the detrimental effects of interference learning being essentially the same in wake and sleep participants. We also found that while intrinsic motivation benefitted task acquisition it was not a modulator of sleep-wake differences in memory processing. These finding of this replication study draw into question the claim that sleep protects memories against the effects of retroactive interference, and moreover, they highlight the importance of replicating key findings in the study of sleep’s impact on memory processing before drawing strong conclusions that drive the direction of future research.
CRISPR-Cas9 modified bacteriophage for treatment of Staphylococcus aureus induced osteomyelitis and soft tissue infection
Authors: Horstemeyer Leah K. , Park JooYoun , Swanson Elizabeth A. , Beard Mary Catherine , McCabe Emily M. , Rourke Anna S. , Seo Keun Seok , Olivier Alicia K. , Priddy Lauren B.
Published: July 2019

Osteomyelitis, or bone infection, is often induced by antibiotic resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains of bacteria. Although debridement and long-term administration of antibiotics are the gold standard for osteomyelitis treatment, the increase in prevalence of antibiotic resistant bacterial strains limits the ability of clinicians to effectively treat infection. Bacteriophages (phages), viruses that effectively lyse bacteria, have gained recent attention for their high specificity, non-toxicity, and the low likelihood of resistance development by pathogens. Previously, we have shown that CRISPR-Cas9 genomic editing techniques could be utilized to expand bacteriophage host range and enhance bactericidal activity through modification of the tail fiber protein, as well as improve safety with removal of major virulence genes. In a dermal infection study, these CRISPR-Cas9 phages reduced bacterial load relative to unmodified phage. Thus, we hypothesized this bacteriophage would be effective to mitigate infection from a biofilm forming S. aureus strain in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, qualitative fluorescent imaging demonstrated superiority of phage to conventional vancomycin and fosfomycin antibiotics against S. aureus biofilm. Quantitative antibiofilm effects increased over time for fosfomycin, phage, and fosfomycin-phage (dual) therapeutics delivered via alginate hydrogel. We developed an in vivo rat model of osteomyelitis and soft tissue infection that was reproducible and challenging and enabled longitudinal monitoring of infection progression. Using this model, phage (with and without fosfomycin) delivered via alginate hydrogel were successful in reducing soft tissue infection but not bone infection, based on bacteriological, histological, and scanning electron microscopy analyses. Notably, the efficacy of phage at mitigating soft tissue infection was equal to that of high dose fosfomycin. Future research may utilize this model as a platform for evaluation of therapeutic type and dose, and alternate delivery vehicles for osteomyelitis mitigation.
The influence of visual cortex on perception is modulated by behavioural state
Authors: Russell Lloyd E. , Yang Zidan , Tan Pei Lynn , Fişek Mehmet , Packer Adam M. , Dalgleish Henry W.P. , Chettih Selmaan , Harvey Christopher D. , Häusser Michael
Published: July 2019

Our understanding of the link between neural activity and perception remains incomplete. Microstimulation and optogenetic experiments have shown that manipulating cortical activity can influence sensory-guided behaviour or elicit artificial percepts. And yet, some perceptual tasks can still be solved when sensory cortex is silenced or removed, suggesting that cortical activity may not always be essential. Reconciling these findings, and providing a quantitative framework linking cortical activity and behaviour, requires knowledge of the identity of the cells being activated during the behaviour, the engagement of the local and downstream networks, and the cortical and behavioural state. Here, we performed two-photon population calcium imaging in L2/3 primary visual cortex (V1) of headfixed mice performing a visual detection task while simultaneously activating specific groups of neurons using targeted two-photon optogenetics during low contrast visual stimulation. Only activation of groups of cells with similar tuning to the relevant visual stimulus led to a measurable bias of detection behaviour. Targeted photostimulation revealed signatures of centre-surround, predominantly inhibitory and like-to-like connectivity motifs in the local network which shaped the visual stimulus representation and partially explained the change in stimulus detectability. Moreover, the behavioural effects depended on overall performance: when the task was challenging for the mouse, V1 activity was more closely linked to performance, and cortical stimulation boosted perception. In contrast, when the task was easy, V1 activity was less informative about performance and cortical stimulation suppressed stimulus detection. Altogether, we find that both the selective routing of information through functionally specific circuits, and the prevailing cortical state, make similarly large contributions to explaining the behavioural response to photostimulation. Our results thus help to reconcile contradictory findings about the involvement of primary sensory cortex in behavioural tasks, suggesting that the influence of cortical activity on behaviour is dynamically reassigned depending on the demands of the task.
Proliferation in the epiblast-hypoblast layers of the primitive-streak chick embryoblast in response to epidermal growth factor
Authors: Cunningham Francis O.
Published: July 2019

The reaction of twenty four hour old primitive streak chick embryoblasts exposed to epidermal growth factor was compared with non-exposed controls. After 24-36 hours incubation, proliferation up to 5-6 cell layers in thickness of the epiblast-hypoblast layers was evident in the EGF exposed embryo blasts. This compared with the normally expected one cell layer in thickness at this stage of development.
Readability of integrated reports: an exploratory global study
Authors: Stone Gerard William , Lodhia Sumit
Published: July 2019

Purpose

A goal of integrated reporting (IR) under the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC)’s leadership is to provide clearly written, comprehensible and accessible information. In light of this objective, the purpose of this paper is to explore the readability and accessibility of integrated reports, an issue magnified by the IIRC’s continual commitment to clear and readable report language, and its intention for IR to become the corporate reporting norm.

Design/methodology/approach

In a whole text software facilitated analysis, the study utilises readability measures and supplementary measures of reader accessibility in a multi-year analysis of a large sample of global integrated reports sourced from the IIRC examples database.

Findings

The findings highlight the low readability of analysed integrated reports and indicate that readability is not improving. The supplementary measures suggest sub-optimal use of visual communication forms and overuse of structural presentation techniques which may contribute to reader accessibility of the analysed reports.

Research limitations/implications

The study extends readability analysis to an emerging corporate reporting phenomenon and its findings contribute to the growing IR literature. The study applies supplementary measures of reader accessibility which advance the methods available to assess the communication efficacy of integrated and other corporate reports.

Practical implications

The analysis of the readability and accessibility of integrated reports in the study indicates that the IIRC’s goal of clear, comprehensible and accessible reporting is not reflected by reporters’ practices. This has implications for the IIRC, reporting organisations, report readers and regulators.

Originality/value

The study represents the first large-scale analysis of the readability and accessibility of global integrated reports.
Climate-responsive design strategy for Erbil city
Authors: Vatan Kaptan Meltem
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate passive techniques used in traditional and indigenous architecture in order to decrease energy use in the buildings and to increase thermal and users’ comfort. The city of Erbil is explored where in the rapid transformation and import of Western architectural styles and materials have resulted in ignorance of climate-responsive tradition existing in the city since thousands of years.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to propose a design strategy for modern residential buildings in Erbil city, a descriptive and interpretative approach is used as a methodology of this study. A literature review is done to explore the traditional use of passive techniques, and Waziran district of the city is analyzed and used as a pilot site in this study.

Findings

Due to the shortage of electric power in the city, residential buildings have limited access to electric power. Therefore, thermal comfort and reduction of the energy use in residential buildings have become vital for Erbil. The use of passive techniques in architectural design will help to reduce energy dependency.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited to residential function in Erbil. Waziran district is used for the design proposals where dwellings are in a row context. The proposals are made on a geometrical basis and plan organization; however, the selection of construction materials is not included.

Originality/value

There is a proposal to reduce the use of electricity, which currently has limited access in Erbil city.
How do CEOs communicate on Twitter? A comparative study between Fortune 200 companies and top startup companies
Authors: Yue Cen April , Thelen Patrick , Robinson Katy , Men Linjuan Rita
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare Fortune 200 and top startup chief executive officers’ (CEOs) communication strategies on Twitter and the effectiveness of these strategies in influencing public engagement. Specifically, guided by the dialogic communication theory and social presence theory, this study explored CEOs’ use of dialogic communication, social presence strategies and message tactics. Additionally, public engagement on Twitter measured by total number of likes, retweets and comments was associated with communication strategies utilized by CEOs.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed the quantitative content analysis. A total sample of 720 posts from 36 CEOs were selected and analyzed. Drawing from prior studies, a coding scheme was developed and employed during the coding process. Two authors of this study served as coders and reached satisfactory inter-coder reliability. A series of χ2 tests and negative binomial regressions were conducted for data analysis.

Findings

Neither Fortune 200 CEOs nor top startup CEOs fully utilized dialogic principles for Twitter communication. Although Fortune CEOs seemed to be experts in strategically tailoring messages and therefore present themselves on Twitter in a friendly manner, startup CEOs demonstrated a higher level of authenticity, animation and informality. Findings are mixed regarding the direction of associations between dialogic principles and public engagement.

Originality/value

This study expands the application of dialogic principles in examining online executive communication and its influence in public engagement on Twitter. This study was among the first that examined executive leadership communication in the context of social media setting. In this sense, the study shifted the internal focus of leadership research to investigating leaders’ interaction with a variety of online publics.
Government compensation and costs of non-competition guarantee for PPP rental retirement villages
Authors: Liu Shijing , Jin Hongyu , Liu Chunlu , Xie Benzheng , Mills Anthony
Published: July 2019

Purpose

Targeting public–private partnership (PPP) rental retirement villages, the purpose of this paper is to bring forward the solution of insufficient research in a non-competitive guarantee (a restrictive agreement) towards the compensation and guarantee costs in consideration of benefit redistribution if the governments are unable to keep the promise on guarantee provision.

Design/methodology/approach

Real option principles are applied to assess the public–private investment proportions and the expected return rates of the private sector in a non-competitive guarantee and analyse their effects on the public–private benefit and risk allocations as well as the success of the project. Instead of granting direct capital support, this research accomplishes the compensation of non-competition guarantee by adjusting the project benefit distribution ratios between the government and the private sector to achieve the option value of the guarantee. An empirical example with alternative scales, which is developed from an existing rental village in Geelong, is used to numerically verify the research process.

Findings

The results illustrate that the option value of the non-competition guarantee plays an important role in supporting the implementation of the PPP rental retirement village projects. The option value of the non-competition guarantee has a close relationship with the guarantee level and the government guarantee cost, which is positively correlated with the guarantee level and negatively correlated with the government guarantee cost. To reduce the government guarantee cost, the government should carefully determine the public–private investment proportion, appropriately control the return rate of the private sector and approve the construction of the new project after the investment recovery of the private sector.

Research limitations/implications

This research mainly focusses on the economic loss of the government due to the guarantee responsibility. Further research could be conducted to determine the guarantee level more precisely and take the social cost of the government guarantees into consideration.

Originality/value

This research is the first attempt to investigate the government compensation and costs of non-competition guarantee for PPP rental retirement village projects and will enhance the understanding of the nature of PPP applications. The evaluation process and the implementation of the compensation through the adjustment of benefit distribution provides a comprehensive method to analyse the non-competition guarantee of PPP projects and help the parties negotiate in good faith to agree on a method of redress.
Simulation of Fe3O4-H2O nanoliquid in a triangular enclosure subjected to Cattaneo–Christov theory of heat conduction
Authors: Dogonchi A.S. , Waqas Muhammad , Gulzar M. Mudassar , Hashemi-Tilehnoee M. , Seyyedi Seyyed Masoud , Ganji D.D.
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to describe the importance of the Cattaneo–Christov theory of heat conduction in a triangular enclosure with a semi-circular heater. Analysis subjected to Fe3O4-H2O nanofluid is reported. Viscosity dependent on magnetic field is taken into consideration to simulate ferrofluid viscosity. Besides, heat generation and shape factor of nanoparticles are also considered.

Design/methodology/approach

The well-known control volume finite element method is used for simulations.

Findings

The outcomes reveal that the magnetic field can be introduced to the system as a controlling element.

Originality/value

No such analysis exists in the literature.
Hybrid dispute resolution model for migrant-host communities
Authors: Pely Doron , Luzon Golan
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to locate, describe and analyze the differences between the way migrants from communal cultures and local communities in Western Europe resolve intra-communal and inter-communal conflicts, and to use the findings to propose a hybrid alternative model that may be able to bridge across identified differences. Such a hybrid model will facilitate enhanced integration and adaptation between host and migrant communities, contributing to improved conflict resolution outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper starts with an exploration, review and analysis of existing relevant literature describing refugee/migrant–host community interactions and their consequences. The second stage includes review and analysis of relevant alternative dispute resolution (ADR) literature. The third stage undertakes an examination and analysis of the practices identified in stage two, and the fourth stage proposes a method that uses potentially “bridging” practices by incorporating useful and relevant elements from host and refugee communities’ ADR mechanisms, in a way that may help resolve inter-communal disputes.

Findings

The paper demonstrates significant differences between host and migrant communities’ dispute resolution practices and the integrability of relevant ADR approaches toward creating a usable, hybrid, bridging approach to handle inter-communal conflicts.

Research limitations/implications

The paper proposes a hybrid “bridging” host–refugee inter-communal conflict management model. The proposed model should be tested to prove feasibility and viability.

Practical implications

Should the proposed model prove useful, the practical implications may lead to the construction and use of different (hybrid) conflict management mechanisms in appropriate communities. Such mechanisms may lead to a reduction in the number and severity of inter-communal conflicts.

Social implications

A reduction in inter-communal conflicts within the framework of a host–migrant interface may have strong positive outcome to inter (and intra) communal relations and may reduce friction, crime, marginalization, hostility and radicalization.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the challenges to both migrant and host communities when it comes to finding a common ground for resolving inter-communal disputes and offers a pragmatic hybrid model to bridge cultural and functional gaps and help promote mutually satisfactory outcomes.
Towards an alternative economic development framework for Algeria
Authors: Cherikh Moula , Karagiannis Nikolaos
Published: July 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a national development framework for Algeria while considering the country’s historical, social, cultural, institutional and political factors. The main focus of this paper is to sketch out the policy framework that might be advisable to develop and diversify the production lines of Algeria – given the country’s excessive reliance on oil and natural gas exports – while helping the country move to the next level of socioeconomic progress.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is based on the developmental state analysis.

Findings

A developmental state argument is proposed here as a necessary basis for the support of selected industries of high potential and achievability while leaving space for further social and political advancement.

Practical implications

It can help greatly Algeria’s policymakers.

Social implications

Socio-economic progress.

Originality/value

This paper makes a significant contribution to the development efforts of Algeria.
Court referral and Nigeria's Financial Regulation Advisory Council of Experts (FRACE)
Authors: Mustapha Zakariya , Kunhibava Sherin , Muneeza Aishath
Published: July 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to highlight resolution of Islamic finance dispute by common law-oriented courts in Nigeria with respect to Sharīʿah non-compliance and legal risks thereof, as well as the lesson to learn from Malaysia in that regard. This is with view to ensuring Sharīʿah compliance and legal safety of Islamic finance practice as prerequisites for sustainability of the Nigerian Islamic finance industry.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative method was used; interviews were conducted with different categories of experts and primary data collected in relation to Sharīʿah non-compliance and legal risks in adjudicating Islamic finance dispute by civil courts and the role of expert advice as basis for court referral to Financial Regulation Advisory Council of Experts. A doctrinal approach was adopted to analyse relevant legislative provisions and content analysis of secondary data relevant to applicable provisions in matters of finance before civil courts.

Findings

The paper discovers an indispensable role of conventional financial regulations in sustaining Islamic finance industry. Appropriate laws for Islamic finance under the conventional framework foster legal safety and Sharīʿah compliance of Islamic finance activities in related cases handled by courts. Nigeria civil courts can aid sustainability of Islamic finance when so equipped and enabled by laws that address apparent Sharīʿah non-compliance and legal risks in judicial dispute resolution. Inadequate legal provisions for dispute resolution breeds Sharīʿah non-compliance and legal risks in Islamic finance, undermine its prospects and stand inimical to its sustainability.

Research limitations/implications

This research is limited by its focus on Sharīʿah non-compliance and legal risks alone, which emanate mainly from judicial resolution of Islamic finance dispute by Nigerian civil courts.

Practical implications

This research seeks to motivate a determined and deliberate regulatory action and change in approach towards addressing apparent risks associated with Islamic finance while resolving disputes therein by civil courts. It has implications on common law jurisdictions generally that adopt similar approach as Nigeria's while introducing Islamic finance into their conventional finance framework.

Originality/value

Dispute resolution and other regulatory functions of civil courts are important to Islamic finance though apparently overlooked while introducing Islamic finance in Nigeria as in other emerging jurisdictions. This research ascertains the role of the civil courts as indispensable for Islamic Financial Institution (IFIs) operations and demonstrates that such courts are needed for the development and sustainability of Islamic finance industry. The research demonstrates the end-to-end requirement of Sharīʿah compliance of Islamic financial transactions as absolute and needs be ensured and guarded at dispute resolution level by properly equipped courts.
A model of projects as a source of stress at work
Authors: Darling Eric John , Whitty Stephen Jonathan
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the relationship between project work and stress. It examines how the conditions of project work negatively impact on an individual’s mental and physical state of well-being, consequentially reducing organisational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors systematically review the project management literature for sources of stress or stressors as it relates to Cooper and Marshall’s (1976) model of stress at work. The authors perform a thematic analysis on these stressors to reveal the “sub-stressor” conditions of project work.

Findings

A “model of projects as a source of stress at work” is developed. It shows the relationship between the sub-stressors of project work and the ill effects they have on mental and physical well-being of the project workforce.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this study are constrained by the limits of a literature review process. This study has implications for research on stress in project work, as studies can benefit from the “model of projects as a source of stress at work”, which can be continually advanced to gain insights on the minimisation of physical and mental distress.

Practical implications

Many sectors including health, education, policing, aviation and military provide scenario-based training. In project management, a greater understanding of stressful scenarios and counter measures would improve health outcomes for project staff, human relations and project outcomes.

Originality/value

The study presents a comprehensive model of projects as a source of stress at work. It draws attention to the burden and cost of anxiety and stress placed on the project workforce. It makes the case for organisations and employees to take responsibility for the well-being of project staff.
Variety perception and attitude toward digital assortments
Authors: Piris Yolande , Guibert Nathalie
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate consumers’ variety perception for online grocery assortments and, more generally, to better understand consumers’ attitude toward digital assortments. In particular, this research examines the influence of the organization of products that results from assortment structure and display.

Design/methodology/approach

Starting from the observation that previous work on traditional assortments is not sufficient to understand consumers’ perceptions and attitudes, the paper adopts a hypothetico-deductive approach and develops four hypotheses. These hypotheses are tested using an experimental approach.

Findings

This research enables us to see that both attitude and variety perception are affected by the way products are organized on a website. Furthermore, contrary to what the literature on traditional assortments allows one to assume, the assortment corresponding to a more positive attitude is not perceived as being the more varied. As a result, our findings reconsider the link between variety perception and consumer assortment evaluation for digital assortments.

Research limitations/implications

The work is based on data collected for only one product category. It would be interesting to explore other categories also, to determine if the structure of the assortment and variety perception have stable effects.

Practical implications

The results inform retailers that they must carefully design the display of their digital assortments. If a retailer wants to enhance variety perception, the authors recommend using an assortment organized by brand, or presenting all the products together. If, instead, the goal is to encourage a positive attitude, the retailer should opt for assortments sorted by attribute or that present all products together.

Originality/value

This research adopts a new orientation on assortment perception and evaluation, considering the specificities involved in digitizing assortments. In addition, this research studies a real product category and puts respondents in experimental conditions close to reality.
Institutionalising emergent organisation in health and social care
Authors: Allen D.
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to argue for the institutionalisation of emergent forms of organisation in health and social care and offer a conceptual framework for this purpose.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on ethnographic research on the organising work of nurses and Translational Mobilisation Theory, this paper extends two classic Straussian sociological concepts – illness trajectory and articulation work – to conceptualise emergent organisation as Care Trajectory Management.

Findings

Failures of coordination are well-recognised threats to quality and safety and recent decades have witnessed an explosion of neoliberal technologies and governance arrangements designed to “measure and manage” these risks. Yet in a significant and growing proportion of health and social care provision successful service integration depends not on rational planning, but iterative negotiations and adjustments in response to contingencies. While ubiquitous in health and social care systems, these emergent forms of organisation lack legitimacy, the work involved is relatively invisible and practice is poorly served by prevailing management discourses.

Originality/value

The Care Trajectory Management Framework provides an alternative discourse and logic on which to develop strategies and technologies to support emergent organisational processes in acute and community care contexts.
Behavioural and operational outcomes of a Master’s programme on improvement knowledge and leadership
Authors: Nordin Annika Maria Margareta , Areskoug-Josefsson Kristina
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate behavioural changes and operational outcomes resulting from a Master’s programme on improvement knowledge and leadership in the Swedish welfare sector. The welfare sector is the collective term for tax-funded services the state, county councils and municipalities are responsible to provide.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey combined open-ended and closed questions using a five-point Likert scale. The questions were based on the learning objectives of the Master’s programme. The survey was sent to 139 graduates and achieved a response rate of 41 per cent (57 respondents). Responses were entered into a survey programme to enable the descriptive presentation of data; open-ended responses were analysed using conventional content analysis.

Findings

Respondents reported their increased knowledge and changed behaviours had impacted operational outcomes, e.g. processes efficiency, compliance with guidelines and quality. They said the programme was of value to themselves and society but requested more leadership knowledge. All respondents recommended the programme to others.

Originality/value

By operationalizing the Kirkpatrick framework, the paper describes outcomes on levels three and four, and the use of numerous best practice techniques for adult learning. This is valuable knowledge for organisers of improvement knowledge educations.
Empty container movements arising from cargo seasonality: Turkish terminals
Authors: Basarici Ahmet Selcuk , Satir Tanzer
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to reveal the magnitude of empty container movements (ECM) arising from cargo seasonality by means of long-term datasets of Turkish terminals. Trade imbalance is one of the well-known major reasons of ECM. Cargo seasonality apart from some other operational drivers and market effect, i.e. commercial decisions of the ship operators, is the major operational driver in Turkish terminals effecting ECM. Furthermore, this study highlights the significance of market effect, leading to take measures for more effective empty container operations in terms of decision makers leading the ship operators.

Design/methodology/approach

Time series analysis of full container datasets was performed through X-13ARIMA-SEATS methodology, implementing seasonal adjustment.

Findings

The results indicate that 17 of 112 time series in hand, based on a terminal/hinterland, container type and “in and out” foreign trade, exhibit cargo seasonality. Roughly, the amount of ECM originating from cargo seasonality in Turkish terminals represents 10 per cent of total ECM except trade imbalance in those terminals where seasonality is present. This reveals that ECM arising from market effect should not be underestimated.

Research limitations/implications

Reefer container traffic could not be sorted from the datasets.

Originality/value

This paper focuses on one of the major reasons of ECM, cargo seasonality. It brings a novel point of view and interpretations which were not suggested previously about ECM, motivating to overcome inefficiency in container operations.
Individual cultural orientation as a determinant of psychological contract fulfilment
Authors: Rao Bramhani , Kunja Sambashiva Rao
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of individualism-collectivism (IC) in determining psychological contract fulfillment (PCF) at individual level, thus attempting to establish that cultural orientation of each individual may differentially predict the fulfillment of his/her psychological contract.

Design/methodology/approach

Structural equation modeling was conducted on the cross-sectional data collected from 465 IT professionals working at different multi-national software companies.

Findings

Model fit between the dimensions of IC and PCF was found to be good, indicating a significantly positive relationship between within-culture cultural orientation of an individual and his/her perception of PCF. The analyses revealed that collectivist beliefs, values and norms have a significant relationship with the perception of delivery, fairness and trust toward PCF. The relationship between collectivist values and fairness of the deal was found to be insignificant.

Research limitations/implications

A major theoretical implication of the study is its contribution to evidence that people with collectivist orientation have a relatively positive perception toward the fulfillment of a psychological contract between them and the employer. It also clarifies why employees working in the same work environment tend to develop unique psychological contracts owing to their tendency to orient toward a particular cultural state of mind in the form of beliefs, values and norms guiding their day-to-day work-life.

Originality/value

The study is a valuable addition to the current literature in two ways. First, it contributes to the area of personality by examining the individual cultural orientation as an individual difference predictor of PCF. This helps in understanding the role of differences in emotions, cognition and behavior among individuals in predicting the fulfillment of hidden expectations of employees. In the domain of psychological contract, it contributes to evidence that explains why employees in same job conditions and employment relationships experience breach or fulfillment owing to their difference in cultural orientation.