bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optogenetic therapy: High spatiotemporal resolution and pattern recognition compatible with vision restoration in non-human primates
Authors: Gauvain Gregory , Akolkar Himanshu , Chaffiol Antoine , Arcizet Fabrice , Khoei Mina A. , Desrosiers Mélissa , Jaillard Céline , Caplette Romain , Marre Olivier , Bertin Stephane , Fovet Claire-Maelle , Demilly Joanna , Fradot Valérie , Brazhnikova Elena , Hantraye Philippe , Pouget Pierre , Douar Anne , Pruneau Didier , Chavas Joël , Sahel José-Alain , Dalkara Deniz , Duebel Jens , Benosman Ryad , Picaud Serge
Published: May 2020

Restoring vision using optogenetics is an ideal medical application because the eye offers a direct window to access and stimulate the pathological area: the retina. Optogenetic therapy could be applied to diseases with photoreceptor degeneration such as retinitis pigmentosa. Here, we select the specific optogenetic construct that is now used in the clinical trial and assess the opsin functional efficacy on non-human primate’s retinal ganglion cells (RGCs).

We chose the microbial opsin ChrimsonR and showed that the vector AAV2.7m8 produced greater transfection in RGCs compared to AAV2, and that ChrimsonR attached to tdTomato (ChR-tdT) is more efficiently expressed than ChrimsonR. The 600 nm light activates the RGCs transfected with the vector AAV2.7m8-ChR-tdT from an irradiance of 1015photons.cm-2.s-1. Vector doses of 5.1010and 5.1011vg/eye transfect up to 7000 RGCs/mm2in the perifovea, with no significant immune reaction. Furthermore, using a multielectrode array we recorded RGCs responses starting from 1ms stimulus duration. Using the recorded activity we were able to decode stimulus information and estimate a theoretical visual acuity of 20/249, above legal blindness. Altogether, our results pave the way for the ongoing clinical trial with the AAV2.7m8-ChrimsonR-tdT vector for vision restoration in patients affected by retinitis pigmentosa.

One Sentence Summary

We select here the vector and genetic construct best suited to provide vision restoration in patients suffering from retinopathies, we demonstrate temporal resolution compatible with high dynamic visual scenes and a visual acuity above legal blindness.
Tracking Single Particles for Hours via Continuous DNA-mediated Fluorophore Exchange
Authors: Stein Johannes , Stehr Florian , Bauer Julian , Niederauer Christian , Jungmann Ralf , Ganzinger Kristina , Schwille Petra
Published: May 2020

Fluorophores are commonly used to covalently label biomolecules for monitoring their motion in single particle tracking experiments. However, photobleaching is still a major bottleneck in these experiments, as the fluorophores’ finite photon budget typically limits observation times to merely a few seconds. Here, we overcome this inherent constraintviacontinuous fluorophore exchange based on DNA-PAINT, whereby fluorescently-labeled oligonucleotides bind to a 54 bp single-stranded DNA handle attached to the molecule of interest. When we assayed our approachin vitroby tracking single DNA origami, first surface-immobilized and subsequently diffusing on supported lipid bilayers, we were able to observe these origami for up to hours without losing their fluorescence signals. Our versatile and easily implemented labeling approach allows monitoring single-molecule motion and interactions over unprecedented observation periods, opening the doors to advanced quantitative studies.
A Novel Set of Cas9 Fusion Proteins to stimulate Homologous Recombination: Cas9-HRs
Authors: Hackley Chris R.
Published: May 2020

CRISPR/Cas9 has revolutionized genetic engineering, however, the inability to control double strand break (DSB) repair has severely limited both therapeutic and academic applications. Many attempts have been made to control DSB repair choice, however particularly in the case of larger edits, none have been able to bypass the rate-limiting step of Homologous Recombination (HR): long-range 5’ end resection. Here we describe a novel set of Cas9 fusions, Cas9-HRs, designed to bypass the rate-limiting step of HR repair by simultaneously coupling initial and long-range end resection. Cas9-HRs can increase the rate HR by 2-2.5 fold and decrease cellular toxicity by 2-4 fold compared to Cas9 in mammalian cells with minimal apparent editing site bias, thus making Cas9-HRs an attractive option for applications demanding increased HDR rates for long inserts and/or reduced p53 pathway activation.

A novel Cas9 fusion protein designed to increase HDR rates through bypassing the rate limiting step of homologous recombination repair.
Architecture and self-assembly of the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein
Authors: Ye Qiaozhen , West Alan M.V. , Silletti Steve , Corbett Kevin D.
Published: May 2020

The COVID-2019 pandemic is the most severe acute public health threat of the twenty-first century. To properly address this crisis with both robust testing and novel treatments, we require a deep understanding of the life cycle of the causative agent, the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Here, we examine the architecture and self-assembly properties of the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein, which packages viral RNA into new virions. We determined a 1.4 Å resolution crystal structure of this protein’s N2b domain, revealing a compact, intertwined dimer similar to that of related coronaviruses including SARS-CoV. While the N2b domain forms a dimer in solution, addition of the C-terminal spacer B/N3 domain mediates formation of a homotetramer. Using hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry, we find evidence that at least part of this putatively disordered domain is structured, potentially forming an α-helix that self-associates and cooperates with the N2b domain to mediate tetramer formation. Finally, we map the locations of amino acid substitutions in the N protein from over 38,000 SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences. We find that these substitutions are strongly clustered in the protein’s N2a linker domain, and that substitutions within the N1b and N2b domains cluster away from their functional RNA binding and dimerization interfaces. Overall, this work reveals the architecture and self-assembly properties of a key protein in the SARS-CoV-2 life cycle, with implications for both drug design and antibody-based testing.
Ebselen as a highly active inhibitor of PLProCoV2
Authors: Węglarz-Tomczak Ewelina , Tomczak Jakub M. , Talma Michał , Brul Stanley
Published: May 2020

Since December 2019 a novel a coronavirus identified as SARS-CoV-2 or COV2 has been spreading around the world. On the 16th of May around 4.5 million people got infected and over 300,000 died due to the infection of COV2. The effective treatment remains a challenge. Targeted therapeutics are still under investigation. The papain-like protease (PLPro) from the human SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus is a cysteine protease that plays a critical role in virus replication. Its activity is required to process the viral polyprotein into functional, mature subunits. Moreover, COV2 uses this enzyme to modulate the host’s immune system to its own benefit. Therefore, it represents a highly promising target for the development of antiviral drugs.

In this work, we discovered that ebselen, a synthetic organoselenium drug molecule with anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and cytoprotective activity in mammalian cells and cytotoxicity in lower organisms, is a highly active inhibitor of PLProCoV2. We proved that ebselen is a covalent, fast-binding inhibitor of PLProCoV2 exhibiting a low micromolar potency. Furthermore, we identified a difference between PLProfrom SARS-CoV-1 (the corona virus which caused the 2002–2004 outbreak, SARS) and SARS-CoV-2 that allows to explain the difference in dynamics of the replication, and, thus, the disease progression. Namely, we present that they show differences in the binding affinity of substrates that we observed through kinetics and molecular docking studies. Using a novel Approximate Bayesian Computation method we were able to find kinetic constants for both enzymes. Molecular modeling study on the structure of the active site and binding mode of the ebselen with SARS and COV2 showed also significant differences that could explain our observation that ebselen is less active and slower bounding with SARS than COV2.

In conclusion, we show that ebselen inhibits the activity of the essential viral enzyme papain-like protease (PLpro) from SARS-COV-2 in low micromolar range.
Diazotrophic bacteria from maize exhibit multifaceted plant growth promotion traits in multiple hosts
Authors: Higdon Shawn M. , Pozzo Tania , Tibbett Emily J. , Chiu Colleen , Jeannotte Richard , Weimer Bart C. , Bennett Alan B.
Published: May 2020

Sierra Mixe maize is a geographically remote landrace variety grown on nitrogen-deficient fields in Oaxaca, Mexico that meets its nutritional requirements without synthetic fertilizer by associating with free-living diazotrophs comprising the microbiota of its aerial root mucilage. We selected nearly 500 diazotrophic bacteria isolated from Sierra Mixe maize mucilage and sequenced their genomes. Comparative genomic analysis demonstrated that isolates represented diverse genera and possessed multiple marker genes for mechanisms of direct plant growth promotion (PGP). In addition to nitrogen fixation, we examined deamination of 1-amino-1-cyclopropanecarboxylic acid, biosynthesis of indole-3-acetic acid, and phosphate solubilization. Implementingin vitrocolorimetric assays revealed each isolate’s potential to confer the alternative PGP activities that corroborated genotype and pathway content. We examined the ability of mucilage diazotrophs to confer PGP by direct inoculation of clonally propagated potato plantsin planta, which led to the identification of bio-stimulant candidates that were tested for PGP by inoculating a conventional maize variety. The results indicate that, while many diazotrophic isolates from Sierra Mixe maize possessed genotypes andin vitrophenotypes for targeted PGP traits, a subset of these organisms promoted the growth of potato and conventional maize using multiple promotion mechanisms.
Genome-wide CRISPR screening reveals genes essential for cell viability and resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses in Bombyx mori
Authors: Chang Jiasong , Wang Ruolin , Yu Kai , Zhang Tong , Chen Xiaoxu , Liu Yue , Shi Run , Wang Xiaogang , Xia Qingyou , Ma Sanyuan
Published: May 2020

High-throughput genetic screens are powerful methods to interrogate gene function on a genome-wide scale and identify genes responsible to certain stresses. Here, we developed a piggyBac strategy to deliver pooled sgRNA libraries stably into cell lines. We used this strategy to conduct a screen based on genome-wide clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat technology (CRISPR)-Cas9 in Bombyx mori cells. We first constructed a single guide RNA (sgRNA) library containing 94,000 sgRNAs, which targeted 16,571 protein-coding genes. We then generated knockout collections in BmE cells using the piggyBac transposon. We identified 1006 genes that are essential for cell viability under normal growth conditions. Of the identified genes, 82.4% (829 genes) were homologous to essential genes in seven animal species. We also identified 838 genes whose loss facilitated cell growth. Next, we performed context-specific positive screens for resistance to biotic or nonbiotic stresses using temperature and baculovirus separately, which identified several key genes and pathways from each screen. Collectively, our results provide a novel and versatile platform for functional annotations of B. mori genomes and deciphering key genes responsible for various conditions. This study also shows the effectiveness, practicality, and convenience of genome-wide CRISPR screens in nonmodel organisms.
“When other people try to understand”: exploring the experiences of people with intellectual disabilities, who also have mental health problems
Authors: Mattock Sasha Martine , Beard Kieron , Baddeley Amy
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Recent guidelines from the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence highlight that service users (SUs) with intellectual disabilities and co-occurring mental health problems rarely get the opportunity to share their experiences of mental health services. Over the past 20 years, policy documents have stated that these individuals (SUs) must be included in decisions about their care. Research suggests that often this is not the case. Therefore, this paper aims to create a space for SUs to share their experiences of mental health services, and what they found helpful.

Design/methodology/approach

A focus group was held with five SUs, two psychologists and two researchers. The audio recording of the discussion was transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings

Three main themes were identified, namely, “relationships with others”, “inclusion and communication” and “challenges”. This focus group highlighted that although some SUs felt supported, they reported having little control in their lives and wanted to be listened to.

Research limitations/implications

Including a SU in the planning and facilitation of the focus group would have made this research more inclusive.

Practical implications

The implications of this research suggest that by listening to and involving SUs and developing more person-centred services, recovery rates may increase as the services provided would be more targeted.

Originality/value

Very little research has previously been conducted to explore SUs’ experiences. This paper highlights the value of being heard and the knowledge that is often lost if the authors do not take the time to listen to the people for whom a service is designed.
To toy or not to toy in supermarket instant reward programs
Authors: Lambert Claire , Goh Edmund
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This industry viewpoint paper provides a comprehensive overview and critical viewpoint on the use of collectable toy premiums via instant reward programs (IRP) within the retail industry as a marketing tool.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws upon the uses of a “free” collectable toy premium promotion with a fixed purchase spend (via an IRP) in the supermarket industry as a marketing instrument to increase customer basket spend and repeat visits. Reflections on the recent use of toy premiums by Australian supermarket retailers are also utilised to highlight the ingredients for a successful promotion but also the controversies associated with such promotions.

Findings

One of the key findings suggest that the role of toy premiums is a successful marketing tool by retailers to increase customer total basket spending. However, notable points of caution regarding offering IRPs incorporating collectable toy premiums promotions are established, including environmental concerns and the social, ethical dilemma as to whether these promotions are indirectly targeted at children rather than adult consumers.

Practical implications

The findings have important implications for retailers to attract customer attention, increased market spend and repeat purchases through a desired collectable premium promotion (via an IRP).

Originality/value

This is the first paper to critically review the usage of collectable toy premiums within the supermarket retail industry.
Does macroeconomic uncertainty really matter in predicting stock market behavior? A comparative study on China and USA
Authors: Abbas Ghulam , Wang Shouyang
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The study aims to analyze the interaction between macroeconomic uncertainty and stock market return and volatility for China and USA and tries to draw some invaluable inferences for the investors, portfolio managers and policy analysts.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirically the study uses GARCH family models to capture the time-varying volatility of stock market and macroeconomic risk factors by using monthly data ranging from 1995:M7 to 2018:M6. Then, these volatility series are further used in the multivariate VAR model to analyze the feedback interaction between stock market and macroeconomic risk factors for China and USA. The study also incorporates the impact of Asian financial crisis of 1997–1998 and the global financial crisis of 2007–2008 by using dummy variables in the GARCH model analysis.

Findings

The empirical results of GARCH models indicate volatility persistence in the stock markets and the macroeconomic variables of both countries. The study finds relatively weak and inconsistent unidirectional causality for China mainly running from the stock market to the macroeconomic variables; however, the volatility spillover transmission reciprocates when the impact of Asian financial crisis and Global financial crisis is incorporated. For USA, the contemporaneous relationship between stock market and macroeconomic risk factors is quite strong and bidirectional both at first and second moment level.

Originality/value

This study investigates the interaction between stock market and macroeconomic uncertainty for China and USA. The researchers believe that none of the prior studies has made such rigorous comparison of two of the big and diverse economies (China and USA) which are quite contrasting in terms of political, economic and social background. Therefore, this study also tries to test the presumed conception that macroeconomic uncertainty in China may have different impact on the stock market return and volatility than in USA.
Diversity management: a systematic review
Authors: Yadav Shatrughan , Lenka Usha
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Diversity management plays a significant role in the organization’s outcomes. This study seeks to provide a brief review of the history of diversity management and to identify the articles published on diversity management since 1991. A systematic review of the literature has been carried out to understand the literature in more detail to know the future scope of research.

Design/methodology/approach

This study provides a comprehensive systematic review of quantitative, qualitative and theoretical studies published in leading peer-reviewed management journals from 1991 to 2018 and identifies 123 articles that fall within its established search inclusion criteria.

Findings

The literature review highlighted several aspects related to diversity management. The findings of the study revealed that there is a high concentration of researches in the USA and most number of articles published in the Academy of Management Journal. Although diversity management is a very emerging topic across the globe in management literature yet there is a lack of research in developed countries. Furthermore, most studies are found empirical in nature and the majority of the studies were published during the period of 1996–2000. This finding suggests that age, gender and racial diversity have been repeatedly discussed in diversity management research while other forms of diversity have given less attention

Originality/value

This study is one of the first systematic studies that describe the in-depth analysis of diversity management literature. The significant contribution of this study is to propose the integrated model with contemporary trends and patterns of results reported in diversity research, as well as contextual factors that have received more attention to date.
Rip current occurrence probability at selected recreational beaches along Pahang coastline
Authors: Hamsan Muhammad Amirul Syafiq , Ramli Muhammad Zahir
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Pahang beaches draw more than thousand visitors throughout the year. From the year 2006 to 2018, more than 30 drowning and near-drowning cases were recorded mainly from rip currents. Rip currents are defined as unexpected currents that carried beachgoers away to seaward direction more than approximately 50 m from shore. The prediction of rip current development is very important for the protection of human life. This study aims to conduct preliminary survey and field works to identify rip current hazards.

Design/methodology/approach

The output would be an early warning preventative mitigation to public in Pahang. Beach state model, dimensionless fall velocity, littoral environment observation and relative tidal range were recorded for five recreational beaches during two different months (March and April 2018). The morphodynamic parameters such sediment fall velocity, sediment grain size and beach slope are then analysed using software PROFILER. Classification of risks was done based on beach morphodynamic model. The morphodynamics are classified as low tide bar rip, barred and low tide terrace associated with rip current, bar dissipative, reflective, non-bar dissipative, low tide terrace and ultra-dissipative.

Findings

Result shows three out of five recreational beaches may develop high-risk rip currents. During the first month of the survey, Batu Hitam (BH) was recorded the only one recreational beach that may develop high-risk rip current followed by Teluk Cempedak (TC) and Kempadang (KEM) as middle-risk rip current beaches, while Balok (BA) and Sepat (SEP) as low-risk rip current beaches. Different during second month of the survey, BA, BH and SEP were recorded as high-risk rip current beaches while TC and KEM as low-risk rip current beaches.

Originality/value

The results are consistent with beach incidents (drowning and near-drowning) reported.
From service engagement to product purchase: cross-buying behavior in hospitality contexts
Authors: Ma Shuang , Zhang Chao , Wang Yonggui
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the transformation from service engagement through hotel consumption behavior to subsequent product purchases and identify marketing strategies to facilitate this transformation.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a 1.5-year data set of transactional data from a typical hotel firm, the authors examined 4,999 valid purchase events via ordinary least squares regression to test the hypotheses proposed.

Findings

Contrary to studies indicating that heavy hospitality users are resistant to external change, the authors found that hotel service engagement (in terms of recency, frequency and monetary value) significantly informed subsequent product purchases. Effects varied based on customized solutions and product purchase channel.

Practical implications

Product managers in hospitality should target customers who have recently patronized hotels as well as hotel customers with high monetary value and frequency. Managers can adopt distinct marketing strategies (e.g. customized solutions and purchase channels) to sell hotel customers more products.

Originality/value

Prior studies have framed the cross-selling of hospitality services as a vital revenue management strategy from hotel firms’ or frontline employees’ perspectives. However, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to test how hotels cross-sell tangible products by targeting customers engaging in hotel consumption and by examining two major product marketing strategies that may facilitate or hinder this cross-selling process.
DEPSOSVM: variant of differential evolution based on PSO for image and text data classification
Authors: Dixit Abhishek , Mani Ashish , Bansal Rohit
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Feature selection is an important step for data pre-processing specially in the case of high dimensional data set. Performance of the data model is reduced if the model is trained with high dimensional data set, and it results in poor classification accuracy. Therefore, before training the model an important step to apply is the feature selection on the dataset to improve the performance and classification accuracy.

Design/methodology/approach

A novel optimization approach that hybridizes binary particle swarm optimization (BPSO) and differential evolution (DE) for fine tuning of SVM classifier is presented. The name of the implemented classifier is given as DEPSOSVM.

Findings

This approach is evaluated using 20 UCI benchmark text data classification data set. Further, the performance of the proposed technique is also evaluated on UCI benchmark image data set of cancer images. From the results, it can be observed that the proposed DEPSOSVM techniques have significant improvement in performance over other algorithms in the literature for feature selection. The proposed technique shows better classification accuracy as well.

Originality/value

The proposed approach is different from the previous work, as in all the previous work DE/(rand/1) mutation strategy is used whereas in this study DE/(rand/2) is used and the mutation strategy with BPSO is updated. Another difference is on the crossover approach in our case as we have used a novel approach of comparing best particle with sigmoid function. The core contribution of this paper is to hybridize DE with BPSO combined with SVM classifier (DEPSOSVM) to handle the feature selection problems.
Promoting language education for sustainable development: a program effects case study in Japanese higher education
Authors: Jodoin Joshua John
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of education for sustainable development (ESD) approaches in English as a foreign language (EFL) in Japanese higher education.

Design/methodology/approach

A content and language integrated learning (CLIL) University-level course was run over two separate semesters: the first as a lecture-based course and the second was a similar course that integrated ESD best-practice. A program effects case study was used to see if any significant changes could be measured between the separate semesters. A mixed-methods approach to data collection was used and student marks, survey results using values, beliefs and norms (VBN) model and reflection tasks were collected across the two courses.

Findings

A meaningful change in the ascription of responsibility and personal norms was present in the ESD best-practice course. This shows that ESD best-practice integration into language teaching has a positive impact on student environmental VBN and more research is necessary for this area.

Practical implications

ESD integrated into language teaching correlates positively with environmental behavior change according to the VBN-model. A new field of study is proposed, language education for sustainable development, to better integrate the disciplines of EFL and ESD.

Originality/value

This study is looking at the integration of ESD in language teaching and CLIL based courses in Higher Education and, at present, there are no other studies of this kind.
Integration, implementation and reporting outlooks of sustainability in higher education institutions (HEIs): index and case base validation
Authors: Zahid Muhammad , Ur Rahman Haseeb , Ali Wajahat , Habib Muhammad Nauman , Shad Fazaila
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The integration of sustainability is more matured in the corporate sector. However, the topic received less attention in higher education institutions (HEIs). Therefore, this study aims to conceptualize an integration framework and proposes sustainability integration and implementation index in the HEIs.

Design/methodology/approach

The index was developed from previous literature. For the implementation of the index, three universities were selected. The required data collected from websites, internal documents and interviews with the high officials of these universities.

Findings

Sample universities have somehow inclination toward the broad agenda of sustainable development, but still, they lack integration, implementation and reporting of their sustainable practices. Moreover, the departments have positive and practical intent toward sustainability especially regarding the environment, designing curriculum, teaching, research activities and volunteerism. However, in assessment, the social and economic contributions of these universities revealed to be somewhat mild. The findings also evidenced heterogeneity among the sample institutions to follow the said agenda which reflects a lack of awareness and policy or a centralized or regulatory push from the top.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to three universities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Hence, in the future, the framework and index may be tested in other universities of the country or region. Nevertheless, the study carries theoretical significance in the literature of sustainability.

Practical implications

The study has practical implications for academia, regulatory bodies and universities to integrate, implement and report sustainability in HEIs.

Originality/value

The study proposes and validates the sustainability integration and implementation index in HEIs. The index is unique and has originality or value particularly for HEIs of the developing countries.
Social development versus economic growth: current contradictions and perspectives of convergence
Authors: Bogoviz Aleksei V. , Lobova Svetlana V. , Alekseev Alexander N.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of the research is to determine the current contradictions and perspectives of convergence of social development and economic growth for the purpose of formation of the scientific and methodological basis of targeted and efficient state regulation of these processes, which would allow for their harmonization and systemic acceleration.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use correlation analysis for calculating the correlation of the rate of economic growth (according to the forecast of the IMF) and the indicators of qualify of life, calculated by Numbeo, and the index of economy digitization, calculated by the IMD. The research is performed based on the 2020 data. On the basis of the established dependencies, the authors use the method of hierarchy analytics of T.L. Saaty for determining the contribution of social development into economic growth.

Findings

The authors substantiate the existence of close interconnection between social development and economic growth and determine substantial differences in this interconnection in developed countries (correlation – 52%), where only purchasing power of population and society's digitization contribute into acceleration of economic growth, and in developing countries (correlation – 48%), where quality of life, environment protection, living standards and society's development level contribute to acceleration of economic growth.

Originality/value

It is proved that in the course of the increase of the level of social development, it contradicts economic growth – due to which the possibilities of state regulation of the interconnection of these processes are limited. The authors develop a conceptual model of convergence of these processes through the prism of phases of the economic cycle. The compiled model reflects the authors' recommendations at each phase of the economic cycle, due to which state regulation of socioeconomic development will become targeted and efficient.
Professional and qualification potential of the digital society: indicative evaluation and systemic management
Authors: Bodiako Anna V. , Ponomareva Svetlana V. , Rogulenko Tatiana M. , Melnik Margarita V. , Gorlov Viktor V.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of the research is to develop scientific and methodological recommendations for indicative evaluation and systemic management of the professional and qualification potential of the digital society and to approbate them by the example of modern Russia.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use the proprietary algorithm of the creation and implementation of the professional and qualification potential of the digital society. Based on the new algorithm, a proprietary methodology of indicative evaluation of the professional and qualification potential of the digital society is developed.

Findings

The authors offer a complex of recommendations for systemic management of the professional and qualification potential of the digital society and their approbation by the example of Russia in 2020, which allow achieving high effectiveness of this management. The results of approbation of the proprietary methodology and recommendations by the example of Russia in 2020 showed that the professional and qualification potential of the digital society is rather high and well-balanced; it is normal but has perspectives for an increase. There is an imbalance, which is caused by the domination of the development of the education market over the market of labor and entrepreneurship. Based on this, managerial measures are recommended for the development of the professional and qualification potential of the digital society in Russia.

Originality/value

The offered algorithm sets the foundation of an expanded view of the studied process, according to which the professional and qualification potential of the digital society is not only limited by the educational market but also covers the labor market and entrepreneurship. This view is revolutionary for modern Russia. The advantages of the authors’ methodology of indicative evaluation of the professional and qualification potential of the digital society include the usage of the complete set of qualitative and quantitative indicators, delimitation of indicators as to the stages of the algorithm, and the improved matrix for treatment of the results.
Models of interethnic relations management in a multicultural society in the context of social consequences of globalization
Authors: Lyausheva Svetlana A. , Shadzhe Azamat M. , Igosheva Marina A. , Kotlyarova Victoria V.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The goal of this paper is associated with the study of global processes which change the world order and are accompanied with the aggravation of economic competition and geopolitical confrontation, which cause large-scale migration, radicalization of ethnicity and the rise of ethnic separatism. These processes contribute to the aggravation of interethnic antagonisms in multicultural countries and regions; therefore, it is necessary to search for adequate models of interethnic relations management in a multicultural society.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodological foundation of this research consists in activity, civilization, and transformation approaches, which allow understanding the specificity of global processes, the causes of the actualization of ethnic factor in the modern world and the search for new methods of interethnic relations management.

Findings

This paper presents an overview of models of interethnic relations management established in the western countries in the second half of the 20th century. The authors identify specific features of the assimilation and multiculturalism models for managing ethnic differences, their methods of regulation of interethnic relations in a multicultural environment. Their potential in solving the issues of adaptation of migrants and their integration in political and cultural space of the host society in the face of new global challenges and threats is assessed.

Originality/value

The authors of the paper justify the need for a new model of interethnic relations management which is able to forecast the global development trends and adequately respond to negative consequences of global processes.
Modeling the relationship between service quality, destination attachment and eWOM intention in heritage tourism
Authors: Pandey Ashutosh , Sahu Rajendra
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to empirically investigate the relationship between service quality (SQ) in heritage tourism, destination attachment (DA), and electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) intention.

Design/methodology/approach

This study followed cross-sectional survey-based research design and surveyed 327 foreign tourists visiting the Golden Triangle, a heritage tourist circuit in India through mall interception method. The data were analysed using structural equation modelling.

Findings

The results reveal that heritage SQ has a significant positive effect on DA and eWOM intention and DA has a significant positive effect on eWOM intention.

Originality/value

The research findings make the theoretical and practical contribution in the domain, focussing explicitly on heritage tourism, in which such relation has not been studied yet, in sense of the foreign tourists.
The antecedents and consequences of the perceived positive eWOM review credibility
Authors: Chih Wen-Hai , Hsu Li-Chun , Ortiz Jaime
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This study explores the effects of interpersonal determinants (tie strength and homophily) and informational determinants (source trustworthiness and customer endorsement) on perceived positive electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) review credibility (PPERC), which subsequently affects attitude toward the product (ATP), attitude toward the Fan Page (ATFP), and eWOM review adoption (ERA) based on the cognition-affection-behavior (CAB) model.

Design/methodology/approach

The research sample consists of 402 subjects who used the Fan Page of Fashion Guide for more than one year. This research adopts a Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to test the proposed model, which shows a good fit.

Findings

The results indicate that tie strength, homophily, source trustworthiness and customer endorsement each have a significant and positive effect on PPERC, respectively. In addition, homophily has a significant and positive effect on the strength and source trustworthiness. Furthermore, the results reveal that PPERC has a significant and positive effect on ATP, ATFP and ERA.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by integrating multi perspectives and factors from informational determinants and interpersonal determinants. In addition, this study proposes that these determinants affect ERA via PPERC and dual attitudes (ATP and ATFP).
Exploring “high tech” and “high touch” interaction capabilities: aligning the IT portfolio with customer and supplier relationships
Authors: Ekman Peter , Dahlin Peter , Erixon Cecilia , Thompson Steven
Published: May 2020

Purpose

To explore the emergent characteristics of IT portfolios in business-to-business (B2B) firms. The goal is to develop a model that clarifies what interaction capabilities B2B firms develop and to what form of IT this corresponds to.

Design/methodology/approach

We apply ana prioriconceptual framework that is based on the Industrial Marketing and Purchasing (IMP) Group's theoretical focus on business relationships. The framework depicts the business relationship as dealing with uncertainty and equivocality as well as building and upholding reliance and trust. We utilize a case study approach involving a focal firm and ten of its customers and suppliers. Building on 60 interviews, field observations and archival data, we analyze interviewee responses and the complementary data to evaluate the role of IT in supporting or automated various aspects of organizational relationships.

Findings

Results show how “high tech” and “high touch” relate to different interaction capabilities, which firms develop based on the characteristics of their business relationships. Although IT is associated with “high tech” and “high touch” interaction capabilities, some forms of IT are deployed to support the former, while other forms support the later. Both forms of technology-enabled interaction capabilities require investment, and firms must balance investment costs against the value created by improved interaction capabilities.

Originality/value

Our findings emphasize the interorganizational perspective (dyadic or network) rather than a solely organizational perspective for understanding IT portfolio development. This perspective is presented through an emergent tech–touch interaction capability model that shows how B2B firms can align their IT portfolio based on the specific characteristics of their business relationships.
The role of foreign direct investment, financial development, democracy and political (in)stability on economic growth in West Africa
Authors: Yusuf Hammed Agboola , Shittu Waliu Olawale , Akanbi Saad Babatunde , Umar Habiba MohammedBello , Abdulrahman Idris Abdulganiyu
Published: May 2020

Purpose

In this research, we examine the role of financial development, FDI, democracy and political instability on economic growth in West Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses the dynamic fixed effects technique on the secondary data obtained from 1996 to 2016.

Findings

Our empirical findings suggest that even though no significant relationship is established in the short run, the long-run coefficient of FDI is found to be significant and positive; a 1% increase in FDI inflow into the West African sub-region results in a 0.26% increase in economic growth. The coefficient of democracy is significant neither in the short run nor in the long run, but political instability is found to significantly and negatively impact the growth of the countries. Finally, the estimate of financial development–growth nexus follows the supply-leading hypothesis.

Research limitations/implications

This research affirms the proposition that FDI is a relevant means of technology and knowledge transfers, thus resulting in increasing returns to production as a result of productive spillovers, which drives the growth of the economy. Consequently, an efficient institution – where the rule of law, political stability and economic freedom are top priorities – is a key to accelerate the growth of the West African economy. Similarly, we confirm the validity of the supply-leading hypothesis in West Africa. As such, by deepening the financial system, the growth of the subregion is propelled because an efficient financial system is a basis for sustainable development.

Practical implication

The applicable policies are those that promote growth through FDI, financial development, democracy and political instability. The governments of West African countries are enjoined to promote policies that attract FDI into the subregion and promote financial sector credits so that economic performances may be enhanced. In addition, the governments of West African subregion should fully entrench democratic practices and enhance a stable and sustainable political environment. This will not only restore investor confidence but will also facilitate the inflow of FDI into the West African economy.

Originality/value

Our study is the first to jointly examine these important growth determinants, especially in the context of West Africa. This becomes necessary in order to open the eyes of policy makers to the need for entrenched full democracy and to proffer sustainable cures to the frequent unrests in the subregion. The use of Pesaran (2007) technique of unit root is also a deviation from several existing studies. One advantage of this technique over others is that being a second-generation test, it tests variable unit root in the presence of cross-sectional dependence.
Fiji's participation in the global coconut value chain: opportunities and challenges
Authors: Lin Jessie
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This paper explores the institutional challenges and opportunities in Fiji's integration into the global value chain. Fiji is naturally endowed with coconut palms across its many islands. However, the coconut sector remains rudimentary with little value-addition. Coconut products of high-value are now being produced and exported throughout the world. While many coconut producing countries have benefitted from this coconut demand surge, Fiji has been unable to benefit from the international market.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilizes a mixed-methods approach to analyze the challenges and opportunities. First, an analysis is done on a macro-level at the link between institutional quality and Fiji's export of coconut products. Then, primary data is collected with semi-structured interviews with key stakeholder groups in regions of Fiji. The goal is to gain an understanding of the perceived challenges and opportunities from each actor.

Findings

The empirical results show that institutional quality matters for Fiji's coconut exports. Increased scores in the government effectiveness and voice and accountability indicators enhance coconut exports from Fiji, suggesting that domestic institutions play an important role. Interviews with key actors reveal that communications among each stakeholder group are fragmented. The main institutional actors and the producers have different perceptions of the industry's challenges, thus resulting in different ideas on how to address the issues.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited by the data availability of coconut production and trade volume of more specific products. Furthermore, due to the transportation and weather constraints during our visit to Fiji, certain parts of the island were not accessible.

Originality/value

This paper uses a mixed-methods approach to assess a specific case study.
Digital marketing for Saudi Arabian university student recruitment
Authors: Al-Thagafi Abdulelah , Mannion Mike , Siddiqui Noreen
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a digital marketing capability maturity model (CMM) as a guiding framework in support of increasing international student recruitment to the public universities in Saudi Arabia (SAPUs).

Design/methodology/approach

The CMM was constructed by comparing the common practices of Web 2.0 usage for international student recruitment from five SAPUs and from five Scottish universities. The stages of the awareness, interest, desire and action (AIDA) marketing model were used to guide the analysis of the data and used as the business processes for the CMM.

Findings

All SAPUs use Web 2.0 for the recruitment of international students focusing on awareness and interest, but the content often lacks consistency and depth. Scottish universities use Web 2.0 across all stages of the AIDA model, and the content often has greater consistency and depth.

Research limitations/implications

The analysis draws on published content from a small sample of SAPUs and Scottish universities but did not solicit the views of the staff about the content's effectiveness.

Practical implications

This study extends the knowledge about the strategic use of Web 2.0 in SAPUs for addressing international student recruitment marketing challenges.

Social implications

Increasing the international student population at SAPUs is one strategy in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's 2030 vision to reduce its dependency on oil exports.

Originality/value

This study applies the AIDA model to develop a CMM for the use of Web 2.0 in SAPUs explicitly for international student recruitment.
Split-share reforms and capital structure adjustment in China: a dynamic panel fractional estimation
Authors: Ahsan Tanveer , Mirza Sultan Sikandar , Al-Gamrh Bakr , Tauni Muhammad Zubair
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explain the adjustment rate toward the target capital structure of Chinese nonfinancial listed firms and to investigate the impacts of the split-share reforms (2005–2006) on the capital structure adjustment rate.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors control for the unobserved heterogeneity and the fractional nature of the adjustment rate by applying an unbiased dynamic panel fractional estimator on the unbalanced panel data of 27,545 firm-year observations of Chinese nonfinancial firms listed during 1998–2015.

Findings

The authors find that Chinese firms adjust at an annual rate of 19–27% to reach their capital structure targets. The authors also find a positive impact of the split-share reforms on the adjustment rates of Chinese nonfinancial firms toward their target capital structure. Split-share reforms also helped Chinese firms to increase the use of equity financing in their capital structure.

Practical implications

The authors argue that the government should strengthen capital markets to enable easy access to more financing options so that Chinese firms can acquire cheaper external financing.

Originality/value

To the best of authors' knowledge, this is the first study that applies an unbiased dynamic panel fractional estimator on an extended data set of 27,545 firm-year observations of Chinese nonfinancial firms listed during 1998–2015.