bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance of serum apolipoprotein-A1 as a sentinel of Covid-19
Authors: Poynard Thierry , Deckmyn Olivier , Rudler Marika , Peta Valentina , Ngo Yen , Vautier Mathieu , Akhavan Sepideh , Calvez Vincent , Franc Clemence , Castille Jean Marie , Drane Fabienne , Sakka Mehdi , Bonnefont-Rousselot Dominique , Lacorte Jean Marc , Saadoun David , Allenbach Yves , Benveniste Olivier , Gandjbakhch Frederique , Mayaux Julien , Lucidarme Olivier , Fautrel Bruno , Ratziu Vlad , Housset Chantal , Thabut Dominique , Cacoub Patrice
Published: September 2020

Background

Since 1920, a decrease in serum cholesterol has been identified as a marker of severe pneumonia. We have assessed the performance of serum apolipoprotein-A1, the main transporter of HDL-cholesterol, to identify the early spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in the general population and its diagnostic performance for the Covid-19.

Methods

We compared the daily mean serum apolipoprotein-A1 during the first 30 weeks of 2020 in a population that is routinely followed for a risk of liver fibrosis risk in the USA (183,112 sera) and in France (18,316 sera) in relation to a local increase in confirmed cases, and in comparison to the same period in 2019 (respectively 234,881 and 26,056 sera). We prospectively assessed the sensitivity of this marker in an observational study of 136 consecutive hospitalized cases and retrospectively evaluated its specificity in 7,481 controls representing the general population.

Results

The mean serum apolipoprotein-A1 levels in these populations began decreasing in January 2020, compared to the same 30 weeks in 2019. This decrease was highly correlated to and in parallel with the daily increase in confirmed Covid-19 cases in the following 30 weeks, in both France and USA, including the June and mid-July recovery periods in France. Apolipoprotein-A1 at the 1.25 g/L cutoff had a sensitivity of 90.6% (95%CI84.2-95.1) and a specificity of 96.1% (95.7-96.6%) for the diagnosis of Covid-19. The area under the characteristics curve was 0.978 (0.957-0.988), and outperformed haptoglobin and liver function tests. The adjusted risk ratio for survival without transfer to intensive care unit was 5.61 (95%CI 1.02-31.0;P=0.04).

Conclusion

Apolipoprotein-A1 could be both a sentinel of the pandemic in existing routine surveillance of the general population with no new blood sample, as well as a candidate predictor of suspected Covid-19 in multivariate analysis in cases with a negative virological test. NCT01927133, CER-2020-14.

Key Points

Question

Does serum apolipoprotein-A1 decrease could be a very early biomarker of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic?

Findings

During the 30 weeks of 2020 we observed in two large cohorts of patients at risk of liver fibrosis a highly significant decrease of serum apolipoprotein-A1, not observed in previous years. This decrease was highly correlated to and in parallel with the daily increase in confirmed Covid-19 cases, including the recovery period.

Meaning

Apolipoprotein-A1 could be used as a sentinel of the pandemic in existing routine surveillance of the general population.
Longitudinal single-cell immune profiling revealed distinct innate immune response in asymptomatic COVID-19 patients
Authors: Zhao Xiang-Na , You Yue , Wang Guo-Lin , Gao Hui-Xia , Cui Xiao-Ming , Duan Li-Jun , Zhang Sheng-Bo , Wang Yu-Ling , Lin-Yao  , Li Li , Lu Jian-Hua , Wang Hai-Bin , Fan Jing-Fang , Zheng Huan-Wei , Dai Er-Hei , Tian Lu-Yi , Ma Mai-Juan
Published: September 2020

Recent studies have characterized the single-cell immune landscape of host immune response of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), specifically focus on the severe condition. However, the immune response in mild or even asymptomatic patients remains unclear. Here, we performed longitudinal single-cell transcriptome sequencing and T cell/B cell receptor sequencing on 3 healthy donors and 10 COVID-19 patients with asymptomatic, moderate, and severe conditions. We found asymptomatic patients displayed distinct innate immune responses, including increased CD56briCD16−NK subset, which was nearly missing in severe condition and enrichment of a new Th2-like cell type/state expressing a ciliated cell marker. Unlike that in moderate condition, asymptomatic patients lacked clonal expansion of effector CD8+T cells but had a robust effector CD4+T cell clonal expansion, coincide with previously detected SARS-CoV-2-reactive CD4+T cells in unexposed individuals. Moreover, NK and effector T cells in asymptomatic patients have upregulated cytokine related genes, such asIFNGandXCL2. Our data suggest early innate immune response and type I immunity may contribute to the asymptomatic phenotype in COVID-19 disease, which could in turn deepen our understanding of severe COVID-19 and guide early prediction and therapeutics.
GUN1-independent retrograde signaling targets the ethylene pathway to repress photomorphogenesis
Authors: Gommers Charlotte M. M. , Ruiz-Sola María Águila , Ayats Alba , Pereira Lara , Pujol Marta , Monte Elena
Published: September 2020

When germinating in the light,Arabidopsisseedlings undergo photomorphogenic development, characterized by short hypocotyls, greening and expanded cotyledons. Stressed chloroplasts emit retrograde signals to the nucleus that induce developmental responses and repress photomorphogenesis. The nuclear targets of these retrograde signals are not yet fully known. Here, we show that lincomycin-treated seedlings (which lack developed chloroplasts) show strong phenotypic similarities to seedlings treated with ethylene (ET) precursor 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC), as both signals inhibit cotyledon separation in the light. We show that the lincomycin-induced phenotype partly requires a functioning ET signaling pathway, but could not detect increased ET emissions in response to lincomycin treatment. The two treatments show overlap in up-regulated gene transcripts, downstream of transcription factors ETHYLENE INSENSITIVE3 (EIN3) and EIN3-LIKE1 (EIL1). The induction of the ethylene signaling pathway is triggered by an unknown retrograde signal acting independently of GENOMES UNCOUPLED1 (GUN1). Our data show how two apparently different stress responses converge to optimize photomorphogenesis.

One Sentence Summary

Chloroplast retrograde signaling targets the ethylene-regulated gene network to repress photomorphogenesis in Arabidopsis
Blocking IL-10 signaling with soluble IL-10 receptor restores specific lymphoproliferative response in dogs with leishmaniasis caused byLeishmania infantum
Authors: de Oliveira Santos Catiule , Costa Sidnei Ferro , Souza Fabiana Santana , Mendes Jessica Mariane Ferreira , de Pinheiro Cristiane Garboggini Melo , de Magalhães Moreira Diogo Rodrigo , Silva Luciano Kalabric , de Lima Valeria Marçal Felix , de Sá Oliveira Geraldo Gileno
Published: September 2020

rIL-10 plays a major role in restricting exaggerated inflammatory and immune responses, thus preventing tissue damage. However, the restriction of inflammatory and immune responses by IL-10 can also favor the development and/or persistence of chronic infections or neoplasms. Dogs that succumb to leishmaniasis caused byL. infantum(CanL) develop exhaustion of T lymphocytes and are unable to mount appropriate cellular immune responses to control the infection. These animals fail to mount specific lymphoproliferative responses and produce interferon gamma and TNF-alpha that would activate macrophages and promote destruction of intracellular parasites. Blocking IL-10 signaling may contribute to the treatment of CanL. In order to obtain a tool for this blockage, the present work endeavored to identify the canine casIL-10R1 amino acid sequence, generate a recombinant baculovirus chromosome encoding this molecule, which was expressed in insect cells and subsequently purified to obtain rcasIL-10R1. In addition, rcasIL-10R1 was able to bind to homologous IL-10 and block IL-10 signaling pathway, as well as to promote lymphoproliferation in dogs with leishmaniasis caused byL. infantum.
Alcohol dependence promotes systemic IFN-γ and IL-17 responses in mice
Authors: Frank Kayla , Abeynaike Shawn , Nikzad Rana , Patel Reesha R. , Roberts Amanda J. , Roberto Marisa , Paust Silke
Published: September 2020

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic relapsing disorder characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences. AUD is associated with a variety of physiological changes and is a substantial risk factor for numerous diseases. We aimed to characterize systemic alterations in immune responses using a mouse model of chronic intermittent alcohol exposure to induce alcohol dependence. We exposed mice to chronic intermittent ethanol vapor for 4 weeks and used multiparametric flow cytometry to analyze the expression of cytokines IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-10, IL-12 and IL-17 by different immune cells in the blood, spleen and liver of alcohol dependent and non-dependent control mice. We found increases in IFN-γ and IL-17 expression in a cell type- and organ-specific manner. Often, B cells and neutrophils are primary contributors to increased IFN-γ and IL-17 levels while other cell types play a secondary role. We conclude that chronic alcohol exposure promotes systemic pro-inflammatory IFN-γ and IL-17 responses in mice. These responses are likely important in the development of alcohol-related diseases, but further characterization is necessary to understand the initiation and effects of systemic inflammatory responses to chronic alcohol exposure.
SUMO Modifies GβL and Mediates mTOR Signaling
Authors: Park Sophia Louise Lucille , Ramírez-Jarquín Uri Nimrod , Shahani Neelam , Rivera Oscar , Sharma Manish , McManus Francis P , Thibault Pierre , Subramaniam Srinivasa
Published: September 2020

The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling is influenced by multiple regulatory proteins and post-translational modifications, however, underlying mechanisms remains unclear. Here, we report a novel role of small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) in mTOR complex assembly and activity. By investigating the SUMOylation status of core mTOR components, we observed that the regulatory subunit, GβL, is modified by SUMO1, 2, and 3 isoforms. Using mutagenesis and mass spectrometry, we identified that GβL is SUMOylated at lysine sites K86, K215, K245, K261 and K305. We found that SUMO depletion reduces mTOR-Raptor and mTOR-Rictor complex formation and diminishes nutrient-induced mTOR signaling. Furthermore, we found that reconstitution with WT GβL but not SUMOylation defective KR mutant GβL promote mTOR signaling in GβL-depleted cells. Taken together, we report for the very first time that SUMO modifies GβL, influences the assembly of mTOR protein complexes, and regulates mTOR activity.
preciseTAD: A transfer learning framework for 3D domain boundary prediction at base-pair resolution
Authors: Stilianoudakis Spiro C. , Marshall Maggie A. , Dozmorov Mikhail G.
Published: September 2020

Chromosome conformation capture technologies (Hi-C) revealed extensive DNA folding into discrete 3D domains, such as Topologically Associating Domains and chromatin loops. The correct binding of CTCF and cohesin at domain boundaries is integral in maintaining the proper structure and function of these 3D domains. 3D domains have been mapped at the resolutions of 1 kilobase and above. However, it has not been possible to define their boundaries at the resolution of boundary-forming proteins. To predict domain boundaries at base-pair resolution, we developed preciseTAD, an optimized transfer learning framework trained on high-resolution genome annotation data. In contrast to current TAD/loop callers, preciseTAD-predicted boundaries are strongly supported by experimental evidence. Importantly, this approach can accurately delineate boundaries in cells without Hi-C data. preciseTAD provides a powerful framework to improve our understanding of how genomic regulators are shaping the 3D structure of the genome at base-pair resolution.
A highly rifampicin resistantMycobacterium tuberculosisstrain emerging in Southern Brazil
Authors: Rossetti Maria Lucia , da Silva Pedro Eduardo Almeida , Salvato Richard Steiner , Reis Ana Júlia , Schiefelbein Sun Hee , von Groll Andrea , Barcellos Regina Bones , Maschmann Raquel , Esteves Leonardo , Spies Fernanda , Trespach Rubia Raubach , Costa Elis Regina Dalla , de Amorim Hermes Luís Neubauer
Published: September 2020

Here we described phenotypical, molecular and epidemiological features of a highly rifampicin-resistantMycobacterium tuberculosisstrain emerging in Southern Brazil, that carries an uncommon insertion of 12 nucleotides at the codon 435 in therpoBgene. Employing a whole-genome sequencing-based study on drug-resistantMycobacterium tuberculosisstrains, we identified this emergent strain in 16 (9.19%) from 174 rifampicin-resistant clinical strains included. Nine of these 16 strains were available to minimum inhibitory concentration determination and for all of them was found a high rifampicin-resistance level (≥ to 32 mg/L). This high resistance level could be explained by structural changes into the RIF binding site of RNA polymerase caused by the insertions, and consequent low-affinity interaction with rifampicin complex confirmed through protein modeling and molecular docking simulations. Epidemiological investigation showed that most of the individuals (56.25%) infected by the studied strains were prison inmate individuals or that spent some time in prison. The phylogenomic approach revealed that all strains carrying on the 12 nucleotide insertion belonged to the same genomic cluster, evidencing a communal transmission chain involving inmate individuals and community. We stress the importance of tuberculosis genomic surveillance and the introduction of measures to interrupt theMycobacterium tuberculosistransmission chain in this region.
Serum metabolomic biomarkers of perceptual speed in cognitively normal and mildly impaired subjects with fasting state stratification
Authors: Borkowski Kamil , Taha Ameer Y. , Pedersen Theresa L. , De Jager Philip L. , Bennett David A. , Kaddurah-Daouk Rima , Newman John W.
Published: September 2020

Cognitive decline is associated with both normal aging and early pathologies leading to dementia. Here we used quantitative profiling of metabolites involved in the regulation of inflammation, vascular function, neuronal function and energy metabolism, including oxylipins, endocannabinoids, bile acids, and steroid hormones to identify metabolic biomarkers of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Serum samples (n =210) were obtained from subjects with or without MCI opportunistically collected with incomplete fasting state information. To maximize power and stratify the analysis of metabolite associations with MCI by the fasting state, we developed an algorithm to predict subject fasting state when unknown (n =71). In non-fasted subjects, linoleic acid and palmitoleoyl ethanolamide levels were positively associated with perceptual speed. In fasted subjects, soluble epoxide hydrolase activity and tauro-alpha-muricholic acid levels were negatively associated with perceptual speed. Other cognitive domains showed associations with bile acid metabolism, but only in the non-fasted state. Importantly, this study shows unique associations between serum metabolites and cognitive function in the fasted and non-fasted states and provides a fasting state prediction algorithm based on measurable metabolites.
Effect of polyethylene glycol on growth ofEscherichia coliDH5α andBacillus subtilisNRS-762
Authors: Ng Wenfa
Published: September 2020

Polyethylene glycol is commonly used in fermentation as an anti-foam for preventing the rise of foam to the top plate of the bioreactor, which increases contamination risk. However, its potential toxicity to growth of various microorganisms is not well understood at the species and strain level. Hence, the objective of this study was to understand the impact of different concentrations of polyethylene glycol at the 1, 5 and 10 g/L level on the aerobic growth ofEscherichia coliDH5α andBacillus subtilisNRS-762 in LB Lennox medium in shake flasks. Experiment results revealed that polyethylene glycol (PEG) (molecular weight ∼8000 Da), at all concentrations tested, did not affect biomass formation and metabolism inE. coliDH5α at 37 °C. This came about through the observation of similar maximal optical density obtained during growth ofE. coliDH5α under differing concentrations of PEG. Furthermore, the anti-foam did not affect the pH profile. On the other hand, PEG did exhibit some toxicity towards the growth ofB. subtilisNRS-762 in LB Lennox medium. Specifically, maximal optical density obtained decline with higher exposure to PEG in a concentration dependent manner, up to a threshold concentration of 5 g/L. For example, maximal optical density obtained inB. subtilisNRS-762 without addition of PEG was 4.4, but the value obtained with 1 g/L of the anti-foam decreased to 4.1 and a further 3.8 on exposure to 5 g/L and 10 g/L PEG. pH variation in culture broth, however, told a different story, where the profiles for exposure to PEG at all concentrations coincide with each other and was similar to the one without exposure to the anti-foam; thereby, suggesting that metabolic processes inB. subtilisNRS-762 were not significantly affected by exposure to PEG. Collectively, PEG anti-foam exerted species-specific toxicity effect on biomass formation, and possibly metabolism. The latter may not be sufficiently significant to affect the types of metabolites secreted by the bacterium, and thus, be detected by measurement of pH of culture broth.E. coliDH5α was better able to cope with PEG at all concentrations compared toB. subtilisNRS-762, which showed dose-dependent toxicity effect on biomass formation.

Highlights

Polyethylene glycol (molecular weight ∼ 8000 Da) did not affect aerobic growth ofEscherichia coliDH5α at 37 °C in LB medium at all concentrations tested: 0, 1, 5, 10 g/L.

Growth curves of the bacterium at different concentrations of polyethylene glycol (PEG) coincided with each other.

Similar pH profiles were also obtained forE. coliDH5α growth in LB medium with different PEG concentrations.

However, PEG exerted toxicity effect onBacillus subtilisNRS-762 during growth in LB medium at 30 °C, with reduction of biomass formation in a dose dependent manner.

Similar to the case forE. coliDH5α. pH profiles ofB. subtilisNRS-762 coincided with each other irrespective of the concentrations of PEG used.
Long-read sequencing for non-small-cell lung cancer genomes
Authors: Sakamoto Yoshitaka , Xu Liu , Seki Masahide , Yokoyama Toshiyuki T. , Kasahara Masahiro , Kashima Yukie , Ohashi Akihiro , Shimada Yoko , Motoi Noriko , Tsuchihara Katsuya , Kobayashi Susumu S. , Kohno Takashi , Shiraishi Yuichi , Suzuki Ayako , Suzuki Yutaka
Published: September 2020

Here, we report the application of a long-read sequencer, PromethION, for analyzing human cancer genomes. We first conducted whole-genome sequencing on lung cancer cell lines. We found that it is possible to genotype known cancerous mutations, such as point mutations. We also found that long-read sequencing is particularly useful for precisely identifying and characterizing structural aberrations, such as large deletions, gene fusions, and other chromosomal rearrangements. In addition, we identified several medium-sized structural aberrations consisting of complex combinations of local duplications, inversions, and microdeletions. These complex mutations occurred even in key cancer-related genes, such as STK11, NF1, SMARCA4, and PTEN. The biological relevance of those mutations was further revealed by epigenome, transcriptome, and protein analyses of the affected signaling pathways. Such structural aberrations were also found in clinical lung adenocarcinoma specimens. Those structural aberrations were unlikely to be reliably detected by conventional short-read sequencing. Therefore, long-read sequencing may contribute to understanding the molecular etiology of patients for whom causative cancerous mutations remain unknown and therapeutic strategies are elusive.
High-throughput single-cell functional elucidation of neurodevelopmental disease–associated genes reveals convergent mechanisms altering neuronal differentiation
Authors: Lalli Matthew A. , Avey Denis , Dougherty Joseph D. , Milbrandt Jeffrey , Mitra Robi D.
Published: September 2020

The overwhelming success of exome- and genome-wide association studies in discovering thousands of disease-associated genes necessitates developing novel high-throughput functional genomics approaches to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of these genes. Here, we have coupled multiplexed repression of neurodevelopmental disease–associated genes to single-cell transcriptional profiling in differentiating human neurons to rapidly assay the functions of multiple genes in a disease-relevant context, assess potentially convergent mechanisms, and prioritize genes for specific functional assays. For a set of 13 autism spectrum disorder (ASD)–associated genes, we show that this approach generated important mechanistic insights, revealing two functionally convergent modules of ASD genes: one that delays neuron differentiation and one that accelerates it. Five genes that delay neuron differentiation (ADNP, ARID1B, ASH1L, CHD2, and DYRK1A) mechanistically converge, as they all dysregulate genes involved in cell-cycle control and progenitor cell proliferation. Live-cell imaging after individual ASD-gene repression validated this functional module, confirming that these genes reduce neural progenitor cell proliferation and neurite growth. Finally, these functionally convergent ASD gene modules predicted shared clinical phenotypes among individuals with mutations in these genes. Altogether, these results show the utility of a novel and simple approach for the rapid functional elucidation of neurodevelopmental disease-associated genes.
Business continuity management: use and approach’s effectiveness
Authors: Sawalha Ihab Hanna
Published: September 2020

Purpose

This is an exploratory study that aims to explore the use (practice) of business continuity management (BCM) and the effectiveness of the BCM approach adopted by organizations from a variety of sectors.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample of this study consisted of 250 organizations from a variety of sectors: 80 industrial; 15 banking; 25 insurance; 130 services organizations. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data.

Findings

The findings indicated that there is an increased awareness about the use of BCM across different sectors including the industrial, service, banking and insurance and that the current use of BCM is irrespective of a number of organizational characteristics.

Practical implications

This research investigates the current use/practice of BCM across a variety of sectors. It is therefore considered a significant preliminary study that paves the way for further future research studies related to the use of BCM in the Middle East. It also clarifies the current levels of application of BCM which subsequently facilitates and supports the wider adoption of BCM and commitment to adopt the best practices related to it across different sectors.

Originality/value

To the best of author's knowledge, this is one of very few studies which focus on the use/practice of BCM and approach’s effectiveness that have been conducted in the Middle East and in Jordan in particular. It reveals the extent to which BCM is being adopted across the various sectors which in turn reflects the levels of understanding and awareness of the significance of this process for today's organizations and for the continuity of their critical business functions during the occurrence of different sorts of disruptive incidents.
From slavery and colonialism to Black Lives Matter: new mood music or more fundamental change?
Authors: Cornelius Nelarine
Published: September 2020

Purpose

2020 has proved to be a challenging year. In addition to the challenges of COVID-19, yet again, the USA has witnessed police brutality leading to the death of a Black man, George Floyd. The Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, founded in the US but now an international organisation which challenges white supremacy and deliberates harm against Black people, mobilised hundreds of thousands of people to take to the streets across the globe. Increasingly, the protests focus not only on George Floyd's murder but also the continued failure to challenge the celebrity of those involved in the transatlantic slave trade and European imperialism. In this article, the author will contend that many organisations are now reexamining their association with these historical wrongs against Black Africa and its diaspora. Further, the author will contend but that the failure to highlight the role of Black chattel slavery and imperialism in the accumulation of economic, commercial and political benefits reaped by the global north is a source of shame not only for many firms and institutions but also for universities.

Design/methodology/approach

The author has reviewed the online media for the latest developments in response to Black Lives Matter's George Floyd campaign in 2020 and reviewed the literature on the link between European global ambition and its impact on the Americas and sub-Saharan Africa.

Findings

Internationally, there is a discernible change in outlook towards the importance of the evils of slavery and colonialism on the Black experience today. These small steps will require scholars to embark on a fresh reexamination of race, society and work.

Originality/value

For decades, the slave trade and colonialism were issues rarely raised in government, firms and business schools. This will inevitably change especially in those countries that are the main beneficiaries of Black chattel slavery and colonial exploitation. Much Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) practice is fundamentally tokenism. A root and branch reappraisal will be needed to create more effective EDI policy and practice in support of race equality and anti-racism.
Two Englands? Blokishness, masculine habitus and the North-South divide in the advertising industry
Authors: Topić Martina
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the position of women in the advertising industry with the lens of organisational theory and Bourdieuian concept of habitus, to explore whether women are expected to embrace masculine characteristics to succeed and whether advertising industry can be seen as a masculine habitus.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative interviews were conducted with 37 women working in the advertising industry in England. The data was analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings

Women report masculine expectations as a condition to succeed in their careers and show large internalisation of masculine habitus. While women recognise that the position of men is better, they do not report challenging organisational structures that enforce masculine expectations of them, and they generally report having to communicate and behave like men to succeed. Women in the north show more work satisfaction and report less sexism and career barriers.

Practical implications

Employers wishing to present their brand as inclusive should consider the impact of organisational structure and design internal policies that promote inclusivity.

Social implications

Advertising industry has a mass reach, similar to one of the media, and reshaping organisational structure to foster inclusivity would enable more supportive and less stereotypical campaigns. Class origin and early socialisation influence communication and behaviour in adulthood, which influences career opportunities.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study addressing blokishness and masculine habitus in the context of the advertising industry in England. Besides, the study identified a regional divide in work experiences, which are linked to early socialisation.
School engagement as a mediator in students’ social relationships and academic performance: a survey based on CiteSpace
Authors: Li Yin , Qiu Leiju , Sun Baowen
Published: September 2020

Purpose

In studies related to education, sociology and economics, the relationship between students’ social relationships and their academic performance is one of the most important research topics; a large number of research studies have focused on it. This study aims to analyze the previous studies about social interaction and academic performance and attempts to reveal the underlying mechanism.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses CiteSpace to analyze 1,843 articles on social relationships and academic performance from 2001 to 2019. According to the co-cited literature network results in CiteSpace, this study proposes an adapted conceptual framework of the relationship between social relationships and academic performance. This paper further examines more studies about the two most-cited articles in the co-cited literature network for better understanding.

Findings

From the results of the co-cited literature network, this study determines that school engagement is an important mediator between social relationships and academic performance. This paper further examines studies on school engagement and determine that, along with the self-determination theory, school engagement is influenced by multiple components of self-determination theory: autonomy, competence and relatedness.

Originality/value

According to the visual result in CiteSpace, this study examines a research trend in which researchers scholars start to conduct micro and detailed empirical research on the impact of the specific social networks on academic performance because of the progress of information technology. Therefore, based on the previous literature that we have analyzed, this study predicts that the trend of using information technology, such as data mining or data analysis, in this academic field will become a mainstream practice in the future.
Predictors of blended learning deployment in institutions of higher learning: theory of planned behavior perspective
Authors: Anthony Jnr Bokolo , Kamaludin Adzhar , Romli Awanis , Mat Raffei Anis Farihan , A_L Eh Phon Danakorn Nincarean , Abdullah Aziman , Leong Ming Gan , A Shukor Nurbiha , Shukri Nordin Mohd , Baba Suria
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Blended learning (BL) has been increasing in popularity and demand and has developed as a common practice in institutions of higher learning. Therefore, this study develops a model to evaluate the critical predictors that determine students' acceptance and deployment of BL in institutions of higher education based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB).

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical analysis entails data collected from 1,811 responses from an online survey questionnaire from students in Malaysian universities, colleges and polytechnics. Partial least square–structural equation modeling (PLS–SEM) was employed for data analysis.

Findings

The results reveal that the attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control and self-efficacy were found to influence students' intention to accept BL. Moreover, results suggest that the intention of students to accept BL approach is significantly influenced by actual BL deployment.

Research limitations/implications

Data were collected from students in universities, colleges and polytechnics only. Besides, this research is one of the limited studies that explored BL deployment in a Malaysian perspective.

Practical implications

Findings from this research not only add scientific evidence to BL literature but also provide a better understanding of the predictors that may motivate or discourage learners to deploy BL in institutions of higher learning.

Social implications

Respectively, findings from this study aid students to acquire and apply knowledge on how to effectively improve BL initiatives in learning activities.

Originality/value

This study is one of the fewer studies that investigate students' behavioral intentions toward BL deployment in Malaysia. Additionally, this study contributes to the understanding of the predictors that influence students' intention to accept and deploy BL in their respective institutions.
Stuck at a crossroads? The duration of the Italian school-to-work transition
Authors: Pastore Francesco , Quintano Claudio , Rocca Antonella
Published: September 2020

Purpose

There is a long period from completing studies to finding a permanent or temporary (but at least satisfactory) job in all European countries, especially in Mediterranean countries, including Italy. This paper aims to study the determinants of this duration and measure them, for the first time in a systematic way, in the case of Italy.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper provides several measures of duration, including education level and other criteria. Furthermore, it attempts to identify the main determinants of the long Italian transition, both at a macroeconomic and an individual level. It tests for omitted heterogeneity of those who are stuck at this important crossroads in their life within the context of parametric survival models.

Findings

The average duration of the school-to-work transition for young people aged 18–34 years was 2.88 years (or 34.56 months) in 2017. A shorter duration was found for the highly educated; they found a job on average 46 months earlier than those with compulsory education. At a macroeconomic level, the duration over the years 2004–2017 was inversely related to spending in the labour market policy and in education, gross domestic product growth and the degree of trade union density; however, it was directly related to the proportion of temporary contracts. At the individual level, being a woman, a migrant or living in a densely populated area in the South are the risk factors for remaining stuck in the transition. After correcting for omitted heterogeneity, there is clear evidence of positive duration dependence.

Practical implications

Positive duration dependence suggests that focusing on education and labour policy, rather than labour flexibility, is the best way to smooth the transition.

Originality/value

This study develops our understanding of the Italian school-to-work transition regime by providing new and detailed evidence of its duration and by studying its determinants.
How innovative climate leads to project success: the moderating role of gender and work culture
Authors: Sarwar Ambreen , Imran Muhammad Kashif , Anjum Zafar-Uz-Zaman , Zahid Umer
Published: September 2020

Purpose

In modern times, innovation is considered as a vital component of sustainable competitive advantage. The purpose of this paper is to identify how innovation at the individual level [innovative work behavior (IWB)] and at the organizational level [innovative organizational climate (IOC)] affects the chances of success of a particular project. Additionally, the moderating effect of gender and work culture on the relation between innovative climate and behavior is tested in the study.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey technique was used to collect data from 425 employees working in project departments at the executive, middle level and senior level management in the paint manufacturing industry of Pakistan. Multiple regression, as well as Preacher and Hayes (2004) tests, were applied to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The result of the data analysis showed that IWB acts as a mediator between IOC and project success (PS), thereby supporting the hypothesized model of innovation and PS. Work culture was supported as a moderator; however, no moderating effect of gender was validated by the results.

Research limitations/implications

The management must make sure that to maximize the rate of success of projects, innovative work climate within the organizations and departments be given due importance. In addition to this, personnel’s individual innovation capabilities must also be enhanced by taking steps toward improvement through training and development.

Originality/value

Though attention has been given to research in innovation in light of other related variables, its relation to PS remains yet to be studied. The effect of gender and work culture on innovation in Pakistani paint industry was long over-due which has been addressed by this study.
Achieving mass customization capability: the roles of flexible manufacturing competence and workforce management practices
Authors: Ullah Inayat , Narain Rakesh
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of flexible manufacturing competence (FMC) and workforce management practices (WMP) in facilitating the development of mass customization capability (MCC). More specifically, this research analyzes not only the direct effects of FMC and WMP on MCC but also the moderating effect of WMP on the relationship between FMC and MCC.

Design/methodology/approach

Building on the resource-based view, a research framework depicting the linkages among the variables of interest has been proposed. The examination of the proposed research model and hypotheses are conducted by applying partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) on a dataset of Indian manufacturing organizations.

Findings

The findings suggest that both FMC and WMP significantly and positively affect the development of MCC. Also, the results show that the relationship between FMC and MCC is strengthened by the implementation of WMP.

Practical implications

The study identifies several crucial practices for enhancement of flexible manufacturing competence and effective management of the workforce and also highlights the complementarities among them to develop superior MCC.

Originality/value

While the research on the antecedent of MCC has increased substantially, the understanding of the interactions among FMC, WMP, and MCC is still limited. This is the first study that sheds light on the interconnectedness among the variables of interest.
Assessing the influence of exchange rate on agricultural commodity export price: evidence from Vietnamese coffee
Authors: Dang Trung Tuyen , Zhang Caihong , Nguyen Thi Hong , Nguyen Ngoc Trung
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the influence of VND/USD exchange rate on Vietnamese coffee export price (PVN).

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses cointegration test, Granger causality test and vector autoregression (VAR) model.

Findings

The results reveal that there is no co-integrating equation between two variables. It means the exchange rate does not have an effect on PVN in the long run. Furthermore, there is one Granger causality relationship between VND/USD exchange rate and PVN in the short run, but not vice versa. The study suggests that the first previous period of PVN is the most closely related variable which has the greatest impact on the variation of PVN among the selected variables, meanwhile the effect of VND/USD exchange rate on it, contrarily, is positive and very trivial.

Originality/value

In overall, the impact of VND/USD exchange rate on Vietnamese coffee export price (PVN) has been analyzed deeply in this research by applying new approaches.
Teaching business ethics in a digital world
Authors: Magrizos Solon
Published: September 2020

Purpose

While teaching of business ethics has been increasing in business schools worldwide, universities still face increasing pressure to do more to proactively defend and help avoid unethical business practices and scandals calling for more responsible education. This study aims to examine teaching business ethics in light of recent technological advances (i.e. teaching via the use of digital devices) and well-established pedagogical practices.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a 2 × 2 experimental design examining the effect of active (vs passive) and presence (vs absence) of digital devices in student learning of 192 US students.

Findings

The findings suggest that the active learning scenario, the usage of laptops and phones helped students get higher results in the test compared to active learning with no digital devices or passive learning with digital devices.

Originality/value

Active learning practices such as group discussions and peer assessment or the flipped classroom approach make a difference for business ethics teaching where students need to develop inquiry and interest for the subject and engage in ethical dilemmas and real-life examples. Further, students in the active learning scenario performed better in knowledge tests when they were asked to use their digital devices.
Spatial ability differences between students with a math learning disability and their other normal colleagues
Authors: Shawky Amr , Elbiblawy Ehab , Maresch Guenter
Published: September 2020

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the differences in spatial ability between students with a math learning disability and their normal peers.

Design/methodology/approach

To investigate these differences two groups, (60 students with a math learning disability) and (60 normal students) from fifth grade with a mean age (10.6 years) were administered with spatial ability test along with an IQ test. Students with a math learning disability were chosen using measures of the following: math learning disability questionnaire developed from learning disability evaluation scale – renormed second edition (LDES-R2) (McCarney and Arthaud, 2007) and the Quick Neurological Screening Test (Mutti et al., 2012), in addition to their marks in formal math tests in school.

Findings

Comparison between the two groups in four aspects of spatial ability resulted in obvious differences in each aspect of spatial ability (spatial relations, mental rotation, spatial visualization and spatial orientation); these differences were clear, especially in mental rotation and spatial visualization.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to gain more insights into the characteristics of pupils with a math learning disability, the nature of spatial abilities and its effect on a math learning disability. Moreover, the results suggest spatial ability to be an important diagnose factor to distinguish and identify students with a math learning disability, and that spatial ability is strongly relevant to math achievement. The results have significant implications for success in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics domain.
Improving schedule adherence based on dynamic signal control and speed guidance in connected bus system
Authors: Hao Mingjie , Bie Yiming , Zhang Le , Mao Chengyuan
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a dynamic control method to improve bus schedule adherence under connected bus system.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors developed a dynamic programming model that optimally schedules the bus operating speed at road sections and multiple signal timing plans at intersections to improve bus schedule adherence. First, the bus route was partitioned into three types of sections: stop, road and intersection. Then, transit agencies can control buses in real time based on all collected information; i.e. control bus operating speed on road sections and adjust the signal timing plans through signal controllers to improve the schedule adherence in connected bus environment. Finally, bus punctuality at the downstream stop and the saturation degree deviations of intersections were selected as the evaluation criteria in optimizing signal control plans and bus speeds jointly.

Findings

An illustrative case study by using a bus rapid transit line in Jinan city was performed to verify the proposed model. It revealed that based on the proposed strategy, the objective value could be reduced by 73.7%, which indicated that the punctuality was highly improved but not to incur excessive congestion for other vehicular traffic.

Originality/value

In this paper, the authors applied speed guidance and the adjustment of the signal control plans for multiple cycles in advance to improve the scheduled stability; furthermore, the proposed control strategy can reduce the effect on private traffics to the utmost extend.
Sharing rides and strides toward sustainability: an investigation of carpooling in an emerging market
Authors: Abutaleb Soha , El-Bassiouny Noha , Hamed Sara
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine consumer intentions toward carpooling as a collaborative consumption practice. The paper uses the theory of planned behavior (TPB) in studying consumer intentions toward carpooling. It extends the theory to add personal norms as a major component in examining consumer intentions. It also adds two main motivational factors for collaborative consumption, which are economic benefits and sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is a conclusive descriptive study using surveys. The research sample consists of 500 respondents from millennials. The study uses structural equation modeling to analyze the survey results.

Findings

Results showed that subjective norms and attitudes had the most significant impact on intentions toward carpooling, followed by perceived behavioral control (PBC) and personal norms. Economic benefits and sustainability also showed a significant impact on attitudes toward carpooling practice. Measurement and structural models showed a good model fit.

Originality/value

The paper provides original data on consumer intentions toward carpooling as a type collaborative consumption behavior using the TPB with the inclusion of personal norms. The research also contributes to the growing nuances of sustainability in the context of the sharing economy. The study is considered the first of its kind to combine the TPB, personal norms and motivators of collaborative consumption, including economic benefits and sustainability, to examine their impact on intentions toward carpooling.
Considering nonlinearity and structural changes in the convergence of clean energy consumption: the case of OECD countries
Authors: Yilanci Veli , Gorus Muhammed Sehid
Published: September 2020

Purpose

In this study, we aim to test the stochastic convergence of per capita clean energy use in 30 OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries for the period of 1965–2017.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed both linear and nonlinear panel unit root tests, and unlike other studies, this study allowed fractional values in addition to integer values for frequencies in the Fourier functions. Integer values of frequency indicate temporary breaks, while fractional values show permanent breaks.

Findings

The results of the linear panel unit root test indicate that clean energy use does not converge to group average for almost all OECD countries. However, the results of nonlinear panel unit root tests provide evidence that the stochastic convergence hypothesis of clean energy consumption cannot be rejected for most countries. This study does not find any evidence for stochastic convergence of clean energy use in Australia, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, Norway or Sweden. Therefore, the policies regarding clean energy are mandatory in these countries due to their effectiveness. This study also reveals that there are permanent structural breaks in the convergence process of clean energy consumption in approximately half of OECD countries.

Originality/value

This study considers temporary and permanent smooth structural shifts in addition to nonlinearity when testing the stationarity of clean energy consumption in a country i relative to the group average. This new method eliminates deficiencies of the previous panel data techniques. Thus, it provides more reliable results compared to existing literature.