bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonlinearities between inhibition and T-type calcium channel activity bidirectionally regulate thalamic network oscillations
Authors: Lu Adam C , Lee Christine K , Kleiman-Weiner Max , Truong Brian , Wang Megan , Huguenard John R , Beenhakker Mark P
Published: June 2020

Absence seizures result from 3-5 Hz generalized thalamocortical oscillations that depend on highly regulated inhibitory neurotransmission in the thalamus. Efficient reuptake of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA is essential, and reuptake failure worsens seizures. Here, we show that blocking GABA transporters (GATs) in acute brain slices containing key parts of the thalamocortical seizure network modulates epileptiform activity. As expected, we found that blocking either GAT1 or GAT3 prolonged oscillations. However, blocking both GATs unexpectedly suppressed oscillations. Integrating experimental observations into single-neuron and network-level computational models shows how a non-linear dependence of T-type calcium channel opening on GABABreceptor activity regulates network oscillations. Receptor activity that is either too brief or too protracted fails to sufficiently open T-type channels necessary for sustaining oscillations. Only within a narrow range does prolonging GABABreceptor activity promote channel opening and intensify oscillations. These results have implications for therapeutics that modulate GABA transporters.
RAVE: comprehensive open-source software for reproducible analysis and visualization of intracranial EEG data
Authors: Magnotti John F. , Wang Zhengjia , Beauchamp Michael S.
Published: June 2020

Direct recording of neural activity from the human brain using implanted electrodes (iEEG, intracranial electroencephalography) is a fast-growing technique in human neuroscience. While the ability to record from the human brain with high spatial and temporal resolution has advanced our understanding, it generates staggering amounts of data: a single patient can be implanted with hundreds of electrodes, each sampled thousands of times a second for hours or days. The difficulty of exploring these vast datasets is the rate-limiting step in discovery. To overcome this obstacle, we created RAVE (“R Analysis and Visualization of iEEG”). All components of RAVE, including the underlying “R” language, are free and open source. User interactions occur through a web browser, making it transparent to the user whether the back-end data storage and computation is occurring on a local machine, a lab server, or in the cloud. Without writing a single line of computer code, users can create custom analyses, apply them to data from hundreds of iEEG electrodes, and instantly visualize the results on cortical surface models. Multiple types of plots are used to display analysis results, each of which can be downloaded as publication-ready graphics with a single click. RAVE consists of nearly 50,000 lines of code designed to prioritize an interactive user experience, reliability and reproducibility.
Patient Similarity Network of Multiple Myeloma Identifies Patient Sub-groups with Distinct Genetic and Clinical Features
Authors: Bhalla Sherry , Melnekoff David T. , Keats Jonathan , Onel Kenan , Madduri Deepu , Richter Joshua , Richard Shambavi , Chari Ajai , Cho Hearn Jay , Dudley Joel T. , Jagannath Sundar , Laganà Alessandro , Parekh Samir
Published: June 2020

The remarkable genetic heterogeneity of Multiple Myeloma (MM) poses a significant challenge for proper prognostication and clinical management of patients. Accurate dissection of the genetic and molecular landscape of the disease and the robust identification of homogeneous classes of patients are essential steps to reliable risk stratification and the development of novel precision medicine strategies. Here we introduce MM-PSN, the first multi-omics Patient Similarity Network of newly diagnosed MM. MM-PSN has enabled the identification of three broad patient groups and twelve distinct sub-groups defined by five data types generated from genomic and transcriptomic patient profiling of 655 patients. The MM-PSN classification uncovered novel associations between distinct MM hallmarks with significant prognostic implications and allowed further refinement of risk stratification. Our analysis revealed that gain of 1q is the most important single lesion conferring high risk of relapse, and its association with an MMSET translocation is the most significant determinant of poor outcome. We developed a classifier and validated these results in an independent dataset of 559 pts. Our findings suggest that gain of 1q should be incorporated in routine staging systems and risk assessment tools. The MM-PSN classifier is available as a free resource to allow for an easy implementation in most clinical settings.
Nicotinamide combined with gemcitabine is an immunomodulatory therapy that restrains pancreatic cancer in mice
Authors: Selvanesan Benson Chellakkan , Meena Kiran , Beck Amanda , Meheus Lydie , Lara Olaya , Rooman Ilse , Gravekamp Claudia
Published: June 2020

Treatments for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) are poorly effective, at least partly due to the tumor’s immune-suppressive stromal compartment. New evidence of positive effects on immune responses in the tumor microenvironment, compelled us to test the combination of gemcitabine (GEM), a standard chemotherapeutic for pancreatic cancer, with nicotinamide (NAM), the amide form of niacin (vitamin B3), in various mouse tumor models of pancreatic cancer, i.e. peritoneal or orthotopic of Panc-02 (KrasG12D) and orthotopic KPC (KrasG12D, p53R172H, Pdx1-Cre) grafts. A significant reduction in tumor weight and number of metastases was found, as well as a significant improved survival of the NAM+GEM group compared to all control groups. Immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry of pancreatic tumors showed a significant decrease in tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC), an increase in the number of CD4 and CD8 T cells and the production of granzyme B in the NAM+GEM group. Moreover, T cell responses to tumor-associated antigen survivin were observed in spleens of the mice that received NAM+GEM but not in those that received single agents or saline. In addition, remodeling of the tumor stroma was observed with decreased collagen I and expression of hyaluronic acid binding protein, reorganization of the immune cells into lymph node like structures, and CD31 positive vessels. Expression profiling for a panel of immuno-oncology genes revealed significant changes in genes involved in migration and activation of T cells, attraction of dendritic cells, and epitope spreading. This study highlights the potential of NAM+GEM as immunotherapy for advanced pancreatic cancer.
An Hourglass Circuit Motif Transforms a Motor Program via Subcellularly Localized Muscle Calcium Signaling and Contraction
Authors: Sando Steven R. , Bhatla Nikhil , Lee Eugene L. Q. , Horvitz H. Robert
Published: June 2020

Neural control of muscle function is fundamental to animal behavior. Many muscles can generate multiple distinct behaviors. Nonetheless, individual muscle cells are generally regarded as the smallest units of motor control. We report that muscle cells can alter behavior by contracting subcellularly. We previously discovered that noxious tastes reverse the net flow of particles through theC. eleganspharynx, a neuromuscular pump, resulting in spitting. We now show that spitting results from the subcellular contraction of the anterior region of the pm3 muscle cell. Subcellularly localized calcium increases accompany this contraction. Spitting is controlled by an “hourglass” circuit motif: parallel neural pathways converge onto a single motor neuron that differentially controls multiple muscles and the critical subcellular muscle compartment. We conclude that subcellular muscle units enable modulatory motor control and propose that subcellular muscle contraction is a fundamental mechanism by which neurons can reshape behavior.
Structural basis for polarized elongation of actin filaments
Authors: Zsolnay Vilmos , Katkar Harshwardhan H. , Chou Steven Z. , Pollard Thomas D. , Voth Gregory A.
Published: June 2020

Actin filaments elongate and shorten much faster at their barbed end than their pointed end, but the molecular basis of this difference has not been understood. We use all-atom molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the properties of subunits at both ends of the filament. The terminal subunits tend towards conformations that resemble actin monomers in solution, while contacts with neighboring subunits progressively flatten the conformation of internal subunits. At the barbed end the terminal subunit is loosely tethered by its DNase-1 loop to the third subunit, because its monomer-like conformation precludes stabilizing contacts with the penultimate subunit. The motions of the terminal subunit make the partially flattened penultimate subunit accessible for binding monomers. At the pointed end, unique contacts between the penultimate and terminal subunits are consistent with existing cryo-EM maps, limit binding to incoming monomers, and flatten the terminal subunit, which likely promotes ATP hydrolysis and rapid phosphate release. These structures explain the distinct polymerization kinetics of the two ends.

Significance Statement

Eukaryotic cells utilize actin filaments to move, change shape, divide, and transport cargo. Decades of experiments have established that actin filaments elongate and shorten significantly faster from one end than the other, but the underlying mechanism for this asymmetry has not been explained. We used molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the structures of the actin filament ends in the ATP, ADP plusγ-phosphate, and ADP nucleotide states. We characterize the structures of actin subunits at both ends of the filament, explain the mechanisms leading to these differences, and connect the divergent structural properties of the two ends to their distinct polymerization rate constants.
Extra-hypothalamic oxytocin neurons drive stress-induced social vigilance and avoidance
Authors: Duque-Wilckens Natalia , Torres Lisette Y. , Yokoyama Sae , Minie Vanessa A. , Tran Amy M. , Petkova Stela P. , Hao Rebecca , Ramos-Maciel Stephanie , Rios Roberto A. , Jackson Kenneth , Flores-Ramires Francisco J. , Garcia-Carachure Israel , Pesavento Patricia A. , Iñiguez Sergio D. , Grinevich Valery , Trainor Brian C.
Published: June 2020

Oxytocin increases the salience of both positive and negative social contexts and it is thought that these diverse actions on behavior are mediated in part through circuit-specific action. This hypothesis is based primarily on manipulations of oxytocin receptor function, leaving open the question of whether different populations of oxytocin neurons mediate different effects on behavior. Here we inhibited oxytocin synthesis in a social stress-sensitive population of oxytocin neurons specifically within the medioventral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNSTmv). Oxytocin knock-down prevented stress-induced increases in social vigilance and decreases in social approach. Viral tracing of BNSTmv oxytocin neurons revealed fibers in regions controlling defensive behaviors including lateral hypothalamus, anterior hypothalamus, and anteromedial BNST (BNSTam). Oxytocin infusion into BNSTam in stress naïve mice increased social vigilance and reduced social approach. These results show that a population of extra-hypothalamic oxytocin neurons play a key role in controlling stress-induced social anxiety behaviors.
Increasing flow rate reduces biofouling and colonization by filamentous bacteria in drippers fed with reclaimed wastewater
Authors: Lequette Kévin , Ait-Mouheb Nassim , Wéry Nathalie
Published: June 2020

The clogging of drippers due to the development of biofilms reduces the benefits and is an obstacle to the implementation of drip irrigation technology. The geometry of the dripper channel has an impact on the flow behaviours and head loss. The objective of this study was to analyse the influence of hydrodynamic parameters of three types of drippers (flow rates of 1, 2 and 4 l.h-1) fed by reclaimed wastewater on biofilm development kinetics and on the bacterial community. Using optical coherence tomography, we demonstrated that the inlet of the drippers (mainly the first baffle) and vortex zones are the most sensitive area for biofouling. Drippers with the lowest flow rate (1 l.h-1) and the smallest channel section were the favourable areas to biofouling. The low inlet velocity (0.34 m.s-1) in this type of dripper compared to 2 l.h-1(0.61 m.s-1) and 4 l.h-1(0.78 m.s-1) drippers can favour the deposition and development of biofilms. In addition, the water velocity influenced the structure of the bacterial communities in the biofilm. Low velocity (0.34 m.s-1) favoured the presence ofHydrogenophagaandPseudoxanthomonasgenera at the early stage of biofilm formation and filamentous bacteria belonging to Chloroflexi phylum at the end. So, maintaining a high flow rate and using drippers with a large flow cross-section is an effective way to control the development of biofilms by limiting the presence of filamentous bacteria.
Control of filament length by a depolymerizing gradient
Authors: Datta Arnab , Harbage David , Kondev Jane
Published: June 2020

Cells assemble microns-long filamentous structures from protein monomers that are nanometers in size. These structures are often highly dynamic, yet in order for them to function properly, cells maintain precise filament lengths. In this paper, we investigate length dependent depolymerization as a mechanism of length control. This mechanism has been recently proposed for flagellar length control in the single cell organisms Chlamydomonas and Giardia. Length dependent depolymerization can arise from a concentration gradient of a depolymerizing protein, such as kinesin-13 in Giardia, along the length of the flagellum. Two possible scenarios are considered, that of a linear and an exponential gradient of depolymerizing proteins. We compute analytically the probability distributions of filament lengths for both scenarios and show how these distributions are controlled by key biochemical parameters through a dimensionless number that we identify. In Chlamydomonas cells it has been well documented that the assembly dynamics of its two flagella are coupled via a shared pool of molecular components, and so we investigate the effect of a limiting monomer pool on the length distributions. Finally, we compare our calculations to experiments. While the computed mean lengths are consistent with observations, the noise is two orders of magnitude smaller than the observed length fluctuations.
The plasticity of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex confers a labile structure that is associated with its catalytic activity
Authors: Lee Jaehyoun , Oh Seunghee , Bhattacharya Saikat , Zhang Ying , Florens Laurence , Washburn Michael P. , Workman Jerry L.
Published: June 2020

The pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC) is a multienzyme complex that plays a key role in energy metabolism by converting pyruvate to acetyl-CoA. An increase of nuclear PDC has been shown to be correlated with an increase of histone acetylation that requires acetyl-CoA. PDC has been reported to form a ~ 10 MDa macromolecular machine that is proficient in performing sequential catalytic reactions via its three components. In this study, we show that the PDC displays size versatility in an ionic strength-dependent manner using size exclusion chromatography of yeast cell extracts. Biochemical analysis in combination with mass spectrometry indicates that yeast PDC (yPDC) is a salt-labile complex that dissociates into sub-megadalton individual components even under physiological ionic strength. Interestingly, we find that each oligomeric component of yPDC displays a larger size than previously believed. In addition, we show that the mammalian PDC also displays this uncommon characteristic of salt-lability, although it has a somewhat different profile compared to yeast. We show that the activity of yPDC is reduced in higher ionic strength. Our results indicate that the structure of PDC may not always maintain its ~ 10 MDa organization, but is rather variable. We propose that the flexible nature of PDC may allow modulation of its activity.
DNA binding reorganizes the intrinsically disordered C-terminal region of PSC inDrosophilaPRC1
Authors: Kang Jin Joo , Faubert Denis , Boulais Jonathan , Francis Nicole J.
Published: June 2020

Polycomb Group (PcG) proteins regulate gene expression by modifying chromatin. A key PcG complex, Polycomb Repressive Complex 1 (PRC1), has two activities: a ubiquitin ligase activity for histone H2A, and a chromatin compacting activity. InDrosophila, the Posterior Sex Combs (PSC) subunit of PRC1 is central to both activities. The N-terminal homology region (HR) of PSC assembles into PRC1, including partnering with dRING to form the ubiquitin ligase for H2A. The intrinsically disordered C-terminal region of PSC (PSC-CTR) compacts chromatin, and inhibits chromatin remodeling and transcriptionin vitro. Both the PSC-HR and the PSC-CTR are essentialin vivo. To understand how these two activities may be coordinated in PRC1, we used cross-linking mass spectrometry (XL-MS) to analyze the conformations of the PSC-CTR in PRC1 and how they change on binding DNA. XL-MS identifies interactions between the PSC-CTR and the core of PRC1, including between the PSC-CTR and PSC-HR. New contacts and overall more compacted PSC-CTR conformations are induced by DNA binding. Protein footprinting of accessible lysine residues in the PSC-CTR reveals an extended, bipartite candidate DNA/chromatin binding surface. Our data suggest a model in which DNA (or chromatin) follows a long path on the flexible PSC-CTR. Intramolecular interactions of the PSC-CTR detected by XL-MS can bring the high affinity DNA/chromatin binding region close to the core of PRC1 without disrupting the interface between the ubiquitin ligase and the nucleosome. Our approach may be applicable to understanding the global organization of other large IDRs that bind nucleic acids.

Highlights

An intrinsically disordered region (IDR) in Polycomb protein PSC compacts chromatin

Cross-linking mass spectrometry (XL-MS) was used to analyze topology of the PSC IDR

Protein footprinting suggests a bipartite DNA binding surface in the PSC IDR

A model for the DNA-driven organization of the PSC IDR

Combining XL-MS and protein footprinting is a strategy to understand nucleic acid binding IDRs

Abstract Figure
Proteomics reveals commitment to germination in barley seeds is marked by loss of stress response proteins and mobilisation of nutrient reservoirs
Authors: Osama Sarah K. , Kerr Edward D. , Yousif Adel M. , Phung Toan K. , Kelly Alison M. , Fox Glen P. , Schulz Benjamin L.
Published: June 2020

Germination is a critical process in the reproduction and propagation of flowering plants, and is also the key stage of industrial grain malting. Germination commences when seeds are steeped in water, followed by degradation of the endosperm cell walls, enzymatic digestion of starch and proteins to provide nutrients for the growing plant, and emergence of the radicle from the seed. Dormancy is a state where seeds fail to germinate upon steeping, but which prevents inappropriate premature germination of the seeds before harvest from the field. This can result in inefficiencies in industrial malting. We used Sequential Window Acquisition of all THeoretical ions Mass Spectrometry (SWATH-MS) proteomics to measure changes in the barley seed proteome throughout germination. We found a large number of proteins involved in desiccation tolerance and germination inhibition rapidly decreased in abundance after imbibition. This was followed by a decrease in proteins involved in lipid, protein and nutrient reservoir storage, consistent with induction and activation of systems for nutrient mobilisation to provide nutrients to the growing embryo. Dormant seeds that failed to germinate showed substantial biochemical activity distinct from that of seeds undergoing germination, with differences in sulfur metabolic enzymes, endogenous alpha-amylase/trypsin inhibitors, and histone proteins. We verified our findings with analysis of germinating barley seeds from two commercial malting facilities, demonstrating that key features of the dynamic proteome of germinating barley seeds were conserved between laboratory and industrial scales. The results provide a more detailed understanding of the changes in the barley proteome during germination and give possible target proteins for testing or to inform selective breeding to enhance germination or control dormancy.
China’s trade policy towards Latin America: an analysis of free trade agreements policy
Authors: Lopez Dorotea , Munoz Felipe
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The emergence of China in the international trading system has shifted its gravity center, as the country has become one of the mayor actors in international economic relations. Through the subscription of preferential agreements, China is building a network of strategic partnerships worldwide, including Latin America. The purpose of this paper is to answer the questions: Do free trade agreements (FTAs) between China and Latin American countries contribute to expand trade flows and enhance products diversification?

Design/methodology/approach

Three countries have an FTA with China, Chile (2005), Peru (2009) and Costa Rica (2010). Through an econometric estimation based on a gravity model, the authors expect to determine the impact of these agreements over both trade flows and products.

Findings

The study shows that FTAs have a positive impact on both bilateral trade flows and on the number of exchanged products. Nevertheless, this impact is positive but diminishes in time. The authors confirm that these agreements allowed for a substantive expansion of trade between Latin American economies and China, becoming relevant for policymakers regarding the bi-regional relation.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the understanding of the bilateral trade relations between China and Latin American countries, giving evidence of the magnitude of the impact of FTAs. Through new data, at a six-digit level of detail, this study improves current knowledge regarding bilateral economic relations.
Satisfaction and purchase intention of imported fresh fruits based on familiarity: a case of Korean pears in Taiwan
Authors: Seo Sunhee (Sunny) , Kim Kawon , Nurhidayati Vieta Annisa
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the influence of image and reputation of imported fresh fruits on consumer satisfaction and purchase intentions. The moderating role of familiarity with imported fruits was also assessed.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 332 Taiwanese consumers who had purchased imported Korean pears participated using an online survey and were grouped based on their familiarity to Korean pears. Multi-group analysis with structural equation modeling was used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Image and reputation of imported Korean pears were identified as predictors of the satisfaction and purchase intention. Multi-group analysis results found the moderating effect of familiarity between image and satisfaction. Images were identified as predictors of the satisfaction and purchase intention of imported Korean pears for consumers with low familiarity, whereas image did not show any influence on satisfaction for consumers with high familiarity.

Originality/value

This study can contribute to the limited understanding of imported fresh fruit markets and provides insights into familiarity for consuming imported fresh fruits.
UK consumers' willingness to pay for laying hen welfare
Authors: Dunne Chloe , Siettou Christie
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This study investigates UK consumers’ perception and willingness to pay (WTP) for egg attributes associated with laying hen welfare, namely with beak-trimming practices and injurious feather pecking (IP). The aim is to examine any change in WTP after improved consumer awareness.

Design/methodology/approach

Building upon existing literature, the authors designed an online survey in which the method of discrete choice experiment (DCE) was employed. The study includes two identical DCEs with the second being introduced after respondents were presented with an educational excerpt about beak-trimming practices, on farm IP occurrence and the docile nature of white egg laying hens – reducing IP.

Findings

The mixed logit regression model demonstrated that consumers' WTP for egg attributes associated with beak trimming and IP decreased in the second DCE (12.6% for organic and 2.55% for free-range). For eggshell colour, the analysis revealed a shift from a preference to brown eggs to indifference between eggshell colours.

Originality/value

Overall, UK consumers have a preference in higher hen welfare resulting in a decrease in WTP once they are aware of welfare losses in current systems; however, more insights are required in terms of the promotion of white shelled eggs as a means of reducing IP on UK farms.
Conceptions of digital libraries: an African perspective
Authors: Owusu-Ansah Christopher M.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to explore African conceptions of digital libraries from the perspective of the historical literature. This paper argues that the concept of digital libraries is a western creation and that there was a need for developing societies to develop their own conceptions to guide their own digital library development agenda.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a literature review. The paper makes use of publicly-available literature on the theme of digital libraries from both the Western and African perspectives. The search terms used were “digital libraries”, “Africa digital libraries”, “electronic libraries”, “information communication technologies/libraries” and “institutional repositories”. A total of 89 publications were examined for this purpose.

Findings

The analysis revealed that most of the initial digital library initiatives in Africa emanated from the west with African countries benefiting from international initiatives to expand access to information resources to bridge the global digital divide. However, due to a number of contextual challenges such as lack of sustainable funding and inadequate capacity and strategy, the development of digital libraries was hampered. Thus, even though digital libraries enjoy considerable goodwill, there remain negative conceptions of digital libraries in Africa.

Practical implications

Information institutions in African countries must evolve a unified conception of digital libraries as this would largely drive the direction of digital library development towards achieving the developmental goals of the continent.

Originality/value

The study applies the attributes of innovation to explain contextual factors shaping African conceptions of digital libraries.
A neglected issue: informal settlements, urban development, and disaster risk reduction in Latin America and the Caribbean
Authors: Sandoval Vicente , Sarmiento Juan Pablo
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This paper introduces the state of informal settlements in Latin America and the Caribbean, and it explores potential relationships between informal settlements and national policies on urban development and disaster risk reduction, especially on how risk governance and disaster resilience are conceived and practiced by governments.

Design/methodology/approach

17 Habitat III National Reports issued during the preparatory process toward the New Urban Agenda in 2016 are analyzed using statistics and qualitative methods. Some quantitative variables, such as access to drinking water and sewerage in the region, are combined with qualitative data from references to the Sendai Framework and national urban policies in the mentioned reports. Countries in the study include Argentina, Barbados, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay.

Findings

Results show that the situation of informal settlements in the region is complex and presents two different realities that coexist: one group of countries in which provision of basic urban services poses great challenges for a significant proportion of the urban population, while the other group in which urban informality and precariousness persists despite better statistics. Risk governance and disaster resilience principles are scarcely articulated in existing urban development discourses in the region.

Originality/value

The preparatory process toward the New Urban Agenda allowed to conduct an original updated cross-country analysis and to identify cross-cutting issues on informality, risk reduction, and urban development in the region.
Contributory role of dynamic capabilities in the relationship between organizational learning and innovation performance
Authors: Farzaneh Mandana , Ghasemzadeh Peivand , Nazari Jamal A. , Mehralian Gholamhossein
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The direct impact of organizational learning (OL) on organizational performance has been studied over the past two decades. However, how OL contributes to organizational innovation still remains under-researched. Based on the knowledge-based view of the firm and dynamic capability theory, we developed a theoretical framework in order to empirically examine how OL offers organizations the essential tools for creating dynamic capabilities (DCs), which pave the way for innovation performance (IP).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors apply a time-lagged, multisource and survey-based research designed to test the proposed model in the pharmaceutical industry where knowledge is a source of innovation. The data collected from companies operating in such an industry were analyzed by utilizing hierarchical regression analysis to explore how OL could lead to IP through DC.

Findings

The results indicated that OL is positively, significantly associated with DCs, as well as its dimensions of learning, integrating and reconfiguring capabilities. The findings showed that these capabilities are significant predictors of innovation performance. In addition, the findings revealed that innovation culture significantly moderates the relationship between DCs and innovation performance.

Originality/value

By dedicating more time and resources, managers can reinforce dynamic capabilities as a strategic tool to generate new knowledge and distribute it across the organization, which can go a long way toward boosting innovation performance in the pharmaceutical industry. This study offers researchers and practitioners invaluable insights into how effective OL can enhance firm-level innovation performance through dynamic capabilities.
Psycho-emotional disability in the marketplace
Authors: Higgins Leighanne
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Through adoption of the psycho-emotional model of disability, this study aims to offer consumer research insight into how the marketplace internally oppresses and psycho-emotionally disables consumers living with impairment.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws insight from the interview data of a wider two-year interpretive research study investigating access barriers to marketplaces for consumers living with impairment.

Findings

The overarching contribution offers to consumer research insight into how the marketplace internally oppresses and psycho-emotionally disables consumers living with impairment. Further contributions offered by this paper: unearth the emotion of fear to be central to manifestations of psycho-emotional disability; reveal a broader understanding of the marketplace practices, and core perpetrators, that psycho-emotionally disable consumers living with impairment; and uncover psycho-emotional disability to extend beyond the context of impairment.

Research limitations/implications

This study adopts a UK-only perspective. However, findings uncovered that the model of psycho-emotional disability has wider theoretical value to marketing and consumer research beyond the context of impairment.

Practical implications

The insight offered into the precise marketplace practices that disable consumers living with impairment leads this paper to call for a revising of disability training within marketplace and service contexts.

Originality/value

Extending current consumer research and consumer vulnerability research on disability, the empirical adoption of the psycho-emotional model of disability is a fruitful framework for extrapolating insight into marketplace practices that internally oppress and psycho-emotionally disable consumers living with impairment.
E-learning training in work corporations: a review on instructional planning
Authors: Kaizer Betânia Mafra , Sanches da Silva Carlos Eduardo , Zerbini Thaís , Paiva Anderson Paulo
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is a bibliometric and descriptive review of the literature on instruction planning of training offered in the e-learning modality in work corporations to identify methodologies and experiences that will serve as a model for professionals working in planning e-learning training in the corporate context.

Design/methodology/approach

The timeline from 2010 to 2020 was adopted. Data were extracted from five databases and were compiled in the software Zotero. Based on defined criteria, 260 productions were identified. The interrelation and metric presentation of the data from these studies were done in the software VosViewer. Subsequently, were selected only free access papers, resulting in 64 publications. From these, the authors chose six empirical studies for a descriptive analysis based on specific criteria.

Findings

The range of hardware and software platforms has stimulated the use of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality and artificial intelligence (AI) resources in corporative training. The use of management tools such as voice of customer (VOC) and quality function deployment (QFD), can support those responsible for instructional planning. The literature presented important elements that should be considered for the proper planning of an e-learning training: learner: feedback, control of self-learning process, classification of cultural profiles in the case of courses in which participants are geographically distant and training management: content and delivery mode of instruction.

Originality/value

The authors selected six empirical studies that presented models, systems or experiences on training planning to support decisions in this area. This study contributes to the area of T&D showing an updated context of practices for the implementation of training systems that have been adopted in several countries. The authors present quantitative indicators of scientific production using two additional software to support the bibliometric review, namely, Zotero and VosViewer. This study used five databases and a research equation to systematically present the current panorama of research on training planning from the perspective of the areas of management and organizational psychology.
Introducing artificial intelligence into a human resources function
Authors: Niehueser Wilfried , Boak George
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the attitudes of employees in a company dedicated to strategic recruitment towards the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) into their work processes and to consider the implications for training and development.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were carried out with seven employees who were using the new technology. Survey data was gathered from 109 employees who had not, at the time of the research, used the new technology.

Findings

The introduction of AI considerably improved the speed and efficiency of the work processes. The research found that those employees who had used the new technology were positive about its effects, indicating that it was easy to use, robust and highly productive. A proportion of employees who had not, at the time of the research, used the new system, were less sure that it would improve their ability to do their job. Implications for introducing such a system and for employee training are discussed.

Research limitations/implications

This is a relatively small sample in one organisation; further research should be undertaken to assess whether these findings apply more widely.

Practical implications

If these attitudes are found elsewhere, there are a number of simple, practical suggestions for how to introduce AI into similar work processes.

Originality/value

The use of AI is a topic attracting increasing interest and speculation, but there is as yet little empirical research on factors affecting its introduction and use.
Financial performance and safety in the aviation industry
Authors: Fardnia Pedram , Kaspereit Thomas , Walker Thomas , Xu Sizhe
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This paper investigates whether financial factors, which are presumed to influence an airline's maintenance, purchasing, and training policies, are associated with the air carrier's safety performance.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, we employ a series of univariate and multivariate tests (OLS and Poisson regressions) to examine whether an airline's financial well-being as well as a country's legal and economic environment affect the airline's accident rate. Our study is the first to employ an international sample that covers 110 airlines in 26 countries over the period 1990–2009.

Findings

We document an inverse relationship between the profitability of air carriers and their accident propensity. Other financial variables such as liquidity, asset utilization, and financial leverage also appear to affect an airline's safety record, although these findings do not reach significance in all models. Flight equipment maintenance and overhaul expenditures are negatively related to accident rates. In addition, our results show that country-level variables related to the legal and economic environment have a significant effect on airline safety. Specifically, airlines in countries with strong law enforcement, more stringent regulatory systems, and better economic performance have superior safety performance. A series of robustness tests confirms our results.

Originality/value

The unique contributions of the study are (1) that it is the first to explore the drivers of safety performance in a cross-country context and (2) that it introduces a novel index of capacity when computing accident rates. By using data from 110 airlines in 26 countries, the study does not only provide insights into the firm-level but also the country-level determinants of an airline’s safety performance. The results of this research should be of interest both to academics and to regulators who develop, oversee, and implement policies targeted at improving aviation safety on a national and supranational level.
Next-generation leadership development: a management succession perspective
Authors: Tang Joseph Kie Kuong , Hussin Wan Sabri
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This research study focusses on the succession challenges in small-medium outboard marine businesses of Malaysian Chinese family ownership. The founder-owners face challenges in convincing the next-generation members to establish their careers within the family business and to ensure successions are in place to safeguard the family's wealth. A gap exists in the research literatures concerning such family business owners; and their experiences would provide valuable information to other Malaysian Chinese family businesses planning to start the succession journey.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory case study methodology to research five Malaysian Chinese family businesses cases in Klang Valley, Selangor, Malaysia, is used in this study. The primary qualitative data were obtained through in-depth, semi-structured interviews and observations. The research data lead to the identification of the following themes: generational change affects the survival of small-medium Malaysian Chinese family-owned businesses; the founder-owners' intention and desire for business to pass to the next generation give rise to the imperative of succession; the founder-owners' motive and goals, family context and the business nature would determine a large part to how the succession plans are carried out and the upbringing, expectation and obligations would determine how the next generations of children would view the prospect of taking over the family business. From this, a succession model that detailed an inclusive approach to succession planning process between the two generations is established.

Research limitations/implications

A small purposive sample is included, and it is recommended that a larger and more diverse sample be collected in future studies. This study follows a nuclear family structure of parents and children. If more Chinese family businesses are selected based on a wider set of family members such as uncles and cousins, the findings may differ.

Social implications

This research study could also facilitate other Malaysian family businesses to rethink and refocus on the importance of undertaking an inclusive approach to succession planning and also help potential next-generation successors in understanding and working towards attaining the qualities that family firms look for in future leaders.

Originality/value

The researcher summarizes the study findings into a management succession model. An inclusive succession approach is needed to overcome these challenges and would enable sustainability, continuity and longevity of the family business. This would help the family business to understand that succession is not a single event but a process that needs to be planned together with the next-generation family members over a certain period of time.
The effect of emotions, eWOM quality and online review sequence on consumer intention to follow advice obtained from digital services
Authors: Ruiz-Mafe Carla , Bigné-Alcañiz Enrique , Currás-Pérez Rafael
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This paper analyses the interrelationships between emotions, the cognitive information cues of online reviews and intention to follow the advice obtained from digital platforms, paying special attention to the moderating effect of the sequencing of review valence.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected from 830 Spanish Tripadvisor users. In a two-step approach, a measurement model was estimated and a structural model analysed to test the proposed hypotheses. SmartPLS 3.0 software was used. The moderating effect of sequencing of reviews is tested.

Findings

The data analysis showed a bias effect of review sequence on the impact of online information cues and emotions on intention to follow advice obtained from Tripadvisor. When the online reviews of a restaurant begin with positive commentaries, their perceived persuasiveness is a stronger driver of the pleasure and arousal elicited by online reviews than when they begin with negative reviews. On the other hand, the perceived helpfulness of online reviews only triggers arousal when the user reads negative, followed by positive, comments. The impact of pleasure on intention to follow the advice provided in an online travel community is higher with positive-negative than with negative-positive sequences.

Originality/value

While researchers have demonstrated the benefits of customer reviews on company sales, a largely uninvestigated issue is the interplay between emotions and cognitive information cues in the processing of online reviews. This is one of the first studies to examine the moderating effect of conflicting reviews on the impact of emotions and cognitive information cues on consumer intention to follow the advice obtained from digital services.
How important is family involvement for small companies’ growth?
Authors: Garcés-Galdeano Lucia , García-Olaverri Carmen
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Our paper seeks to further understand how family involvement in management influences firm growth.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of small high-tech firms, we classify three different types of firms: family firms managed by family-CEOs, family firms managed by non-family CEOs and non-family firms.

Findings

Consistent with our expectations, we show that firms managed by family-CEOs have less firm growth in comparison with the other two groups. When the family firm is managed by non-family CEOs, the presence of another family member in management positions has a negative impact on firm growth. Finally, we found that founder-led family firms have better firm growth than descendant-led family firms.

Research limitations/implications

Implications for the theory of family firms are discussed.

Originality/value

The value of the present study is to analyse in depth the heterogeneity of the family business trying to close the gap by exploring the effect of family involvement on small firm growth. Thus, we will find different behaviours of these family companies, depending on the family member’s presence in management positions.
Customer-to-customer interaction quality, promotion emotion, prevention emotion and attitudinal loyalty in mass services
Authors: Choi Beomjoon , Kim Hyun Sik
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The current study aims to explore the relationships between three kinds of customer-to-customer (C2C) interaction quality and brand loyalty via customer promotion and prevention emotions.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to test the model, we gathered self-administered data through an online survey. The relationships were examined using structural equation modelling (SEM).

Findings

The findings show that the influence of customer-to-customer interaction quality on promotion/prevention emotion varies: friend-interaction quality evokes both promotion emotion (high-arousal feelings) and prevention emotion (low-arousal feelings), whereas neighbouring customer-interaction quality elicits promotion emotion, and audience-interaction quality elicits prevention emotion. Moreover, the findings show that enhancing both promotion and prevention emotions is crucial to improve customer attitudinal loyalty in mass service settings, and the strength of the link from promotion emotion to attitudinal loyalty is stronger than that from prevention emotion.

Practical implications

The authors suggest that marketers should focus on facilitating effective friend- and neighbouring customer-interaction to enhance promotion emotion.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to a stream of research on customer-to-customer interaction by exploring the relative influences of three kinds of customer-to-customer interaction quality on customer attitudinal loyalty via post-consumption emotions.