bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The business model canvas of women owned micro enterprises in the urban informal sector
Authors: Mukherjee Sujata
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the motives and the business model canvas adopted by urban poor women to set up microenterprises in the informal sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The qualitative analysis used in the paper is based on empirical findings from field work conducted in Mumbai and Pune district in the state of Maharashtra situation on the western coast of the Indian sub-continent. In total, 63 women microentrepreneurs were interviewed using an interview guide, which contained open-ended questions regarding choices made to become an entrepreneur, business canvas mechanics, family and community support to start and manage their businesses. The paper presents findings across the sample and two selected case studies.

Findings

In contrast to the view that women’s informal sector micro entrepreneurship is a result of “involuntary exclusion” or “poverty”, this paper found that women’s motives are a result of a wide variety of factors including supplementing family income, gain social recognition and a variety of other reasons. The business canvas of the entrepreneurs focussed on key partners, resource planning, customer orientation and sales promotion.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation of the study is that it focussed on women micro entrepreneurs in the urban informal sector in Mumbai and Pune. Similar studies can be carried out in other mega-metro cities with a large urban poor population in India.

Social implications

Venturing in the microenterprise sector is an important way for employment generation amongst women from the low-income groups in the urban informal sector. Women are becoming important players in the microenterprise sector and have tremendous relevance in India as the contribution of this sector to the Indian economy is significant.

Originality/value

There are very few studies in the Indian context, which focus upon the business canvas of women micro entrepreneurs in the urban informal sector. This study, therefore, presents new knowledge around women’s micro entrepreneurship in India.
Understanding material and supplier networks in the construction of disaster-relief shelters: the feasibility of using social network analysis as a decision-making tool
Authors: Copping Alex , Kuchai Noorullah , Hattam Laura , Paszkiewicz Natalia , Albadra Dima , Shepherd Paul , Sahin Burat Esra , Coley David
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Understanding the supply network of construction materials used to construct shelters in refugee camps, or during the reconstruction of communities, is important as it can reveal the intricate links between different stakeholders and the volumes and speeds of material flows to the end-user. Using social network analysis (SNA) enables another dimension to be analysed – the role of commonalities. This is likely to be particularly important when attempting to replace vernacular materials with higher-performing alternatives or when encouraging the use of non-vernacular methods. This paper aims to analyse the supply networks of four different disaster-relief situations.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from interviews with 272 displaced (or formally displaced) families in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Turkey, often in difficult conditions.

Findings

The results show that the form of the supply networks was highly influenced by the nature/cause of the initial displacement, the geographical location, the local availability of materials and the degree of support/advice given by aid agencies and or governments. In addition, it was found that SNA could be used to indicate which strategies might work in a particular context and which might not, thereby potentially speeding up the delivery of novel solutions.

Research limitations/implications

This study represents the first attempt in theorising and empirically investigating supply networks using SNA in a post-disaster reconstruction context. It is suggested that future studies might map the up-stream supply chain to include manufacturers and higher-order, out of country, suppliers. This would provide a complete picture of the origins of all materials and components in the supply network.

Originality/value

This is original research, and it aims to produce new knowledge.
A discriminant analysis of high and low-innovative firms: the role of IT, human resources, innovation strategy, intellectual capital and environmental dynamism
Authors: Popa Simona , Soto-Acosta Pedro , Palacios-Marqués Daniel
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the effect of technological, organizational and environmental factors on the level of innovation outcomes in manufacturing small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the technology-organization-environment theory this paper conducts a discriminant analysis of firms’ innovation level based on a data set of manufacturing SMEs.

Findings

The results show that low- and high-innovative firms can be distinguished in terms of information technology (IT) knowledge and infrastructure, commitment-based human resources (HR) selection practices, exploitative innovation and organizational capital.

Practical implications

The study findings support the idea that innovation is a complex phenomenon explained by multiple factors. As a consequence, firms need to devote extra efforts to develop IT knowledge and infrastructure, commitment-based HR selection practices and organizational capital because these are crucial for obtaining greater innovation outcomes. In addition, the identification of exploitative innovation as a strong discriminant variable highlights that the most effective way to be a highly innovative SME is through incremental innovation, which permits the firm to capitalize as much as possible on previous exploratory efforts.

Originality/value

Although many studies have highlighted that innovation is more challenging for SMEs than for their larger counterparts, the vast majority of studies has been conducted in large companies. This paper extends prior literature by analyzing the discriminant variables that may distinguish between low- and high-innovative manufacturing SMEs.
Understanding regulatory trends: digital assets & anti-money laundering
Authors: Kirkpatrick Katherine , Stephens Aaron , Gerber Jacob , Nettesheim Margaret , Bellm Sebastian
Published: September 2021

Purpose

To evaluate the global anti-money laundering regulation of digital assets and cryptocurrencies.

Design/methodology/approach

This article provides an analysis of macro trends in digital asset money laundering regulation and explores the regulatory frameworks in some of the leading international crypto markets.

Findings

As the popularity and public adoption of digital assets have grown, global regulators have turned their attention to the risks of anti-money laundering. Monitoring the evolving international regulatory landscape is essential for organizations looking to successfully take advantage of digital asset-related investment opportunities.

Practical implications

Market participants should understand all applicable laws and procedures before they decide to enter the digital asset market. These considerations can become even more complex as businesses interact with multiple international regulators.

Originality/value

This article is designed to help investors understand the global anti-money laundering regulatory landscape regarding digital assets, particularly for those institutions interested in diversifying with crypto-related investment opportunities.
Dividend policy and the downside risk in stock prices: evidence from the MENA region
Authors: Farooq Omar , Satt Harit , Bendriouch Fatima Zahra , Lamiri Diae
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to document the impact of dividend policies on the downside risk in stock prices.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use the data for non-financial firms from the MENA region to test our arguments by estimating the pooled OLS regressions. The data cover the period between 2010 and 2018.

Findings

This paper shows that firms with higher dividend payouts have significantly lower downside risk in their stock prices than the other firms. The findings of this paper are robust across various proxies of dividend policy and across various sub-samples. This paper contends that lower downside risk associated with the stock prices of firms paying high dividends is due to the fact that these firms have lower agency problems. Lower agency problems reduce the downside risk in stock prices.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, most of the prior research (covering the MENA region) overlooks the impact of dividend policy on the downside risk in stock prices. This paper fills this gap by documenting the relationship between the two by using the data for firms from the MENA region.
Psychological capital and strategic decision outcomes
Authors: Kiegler Sina , Wulf Torsten , Nolzen Niklas , Meissner Philip
Published: September 2021

Purpose

A large body of research has analyzed individual psychological characteristics as antecedents of strategic decision-making. However, this research has mainly focused on trait-based characteristics that explain impaired strategic decision outcomes. Recently, PsyCap has been proposed as an alternative driver of strategic decision outcomes that, in contrast to other drivers, can be influenced by management.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on research on psychological capital (PsyCap), a psychological construct conceptualized as a state-like individual strength that is malleable, the authors argue that PsyCap exerts an inverted curvilinear effect on strategic decision outcomes. The authors use a computerized strategic decision simulation involving 102 managers to empirically test our hypotheses.

Findings

The authors show that PsyCap improves strategic decision outcomes up to an inflection point, after which it negatively affects those outcomes. The authors also show that this effect is mediated by heuristic information processing.

Research limitations/implications

For the empirical study the authors relied on a sample of 102 practicing managers from the financial services industry in Germany.

Practical implications

PsyCap has been shown to be malleable through, for instance, micro-interventions and dedicated web-based trainings. Therefore, depending on managers' PsyCap levels, either further increases in PsyCap or a regulation of this characteristic might be appropriate in order to optimize strategic decision outcomes.

Social implications

As a state-like individual strength that is malleable, PsyCap might serve as a management characteristic that is particularly important in challenging situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to research on strategic decision making by introducing PsyCap as an important antecedent of strategic decision outcomes that – in contrast to other individual characteristics – is state-like and, hence, malleable.
Developing a Web-based repository of evaluation tools for health-related software
Authors: Khezri Hero , Rezaei Peyman , Askarian Fateme , Ferdousi Reza
Published: September 2021

Purpose

One of the great strides to develop a health information system is to define the requirements of the systems. This paper aims to identify and collect the requirements for designing a Web-based repository of evaluation tools for health-related software products.

Design/methodology/approach

The current qualitative-review study is conducted in four phases including searching databases, reviewing websites and similar repositories, holding focus group discussions with a group of experts and determining the essential requirements for designing a Web-based repository, and also drawing the unified modeling language diagrams using Visual Paradigm software for displaying the necessities which were gathered.

Findings

The requirements for designing a Web-based repository are provided in five main categories: technical, structural, content, legal and others. In general, creating a repository takes considerable time and effort, as well as going through the steps of the system’s life cycle.

Originality/value

In this study, the first and the most significant step is creating an developing a reasonable system identifying the system requirements, which is successfully conducted. The requirements given in this study will be used in the next steps, which make use of programming languages such as PHP and HTML, so as to design a Web-based repository for health product software evaluation tools.
Disentangling the effect of perceived performance management system accuracy on intrinsic and extrinsic motivation
Authors: Berdicchia Domenico , Bracci Enrico , Masino Giovanni
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study aims to explore the effects of performance management systems’ (PMS) perceived accuracy on employees’ motivation. More specifically, this study draws on motivation crowding theory and self-determination theory to hypothesize the relationships between perceived PMS accuracy and intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and introduce two contextual moderating factors: participation in decision-making and task uncertainty.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through a questionnaire distributed to a sample of local government employees. Data were collected longitudinally over two measurement waves (T1 and T2), each separated by a four-month lag.

Findings

The results revealed that perceived PMS accuracy is positively associated with both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and participation in decision-making and task uncertainty both positively moderate the relationship between perceived PMS accuracy and extrinsic motivation.

Originality/value

This study contributes to clarifying the relevance of perceived PMS accuracy and the role played by significant contextual variables and offers recommendations to help design and implement PMS more effectively.
Evaluation index system for public participation in post-disaster housing reconstruction in Dujiangyan
Authors: Zhong Lingyan , Bai Ligang , Xiang Mingming
Published: September 2021

Purpose

By using an integrated theoretical analysis model and a practice analysis model, this study constructed an evaluation indicator system for public participation in post-disaster housing reconstruction.

Design/methodology/approach

This study investigated and summarised the public participation of earthquake victims in house building in Dujiangyan. A total of 16 analysis elements were proposed, including the subject and object for evaluation. A mixed qualitative and quantitative evaluation model was established.

Findings

The implementation results indicated that this evaluation index system was objective oriented and had public policy attributes. The index can effectively reflect the diverse needs of disaster victims, address multiple social aspects and evaluate and rate public participation.

Originality/value

This paper proposed a mixed research method that integrates analysis processes, such as theories and practical investigation, which are the pillars of public participation evaluation. The evaluation indicators had quantitative characteristics.
Approaching informal learning about #feminism on Twitter
Authors: Valcarce de Veer Verónica , Valdivia-Vizarreta Paloma
Published: September 2021

Purpose

In a socio-educational context impregnated by social networks, feminist organizations and individuals have turned to social media to spread their knowledge. This paper aims to approach how feminist tweets are produced to ignite meaningful informal learning (IL) processes.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses an interdisciplinary mixed methodology. By using Twitter tracking tools, a database has been enabled to catalogue feminist hashtags into topics and categories for further analysis. These data have been contrasted with surveys to the managers of the most followed feminist accounts in Spain and Catalonia.

Findings

From an educational perspective, the analysed feminist hashtags have been organized in 13 different topic categories. The different propagation processes on Twitter – tweeting and retweeting – imply diverse learning processes. Moreover, tweets with complementary information such as images or links generate the most interaction, being the preferred format for IL.

Research limitations/implications

Researching with Big Data in educational sciences is a field in development, and Twitter data collection tools are mostly addressed to marketing and economic sectors; thus, free tools with limited services were used, offering the analysis of a brief and concrete situation of a platform in constant change. Although this ephemeral data and its relevance does not prevail over time, it has an impact on citizens’ learning.

Originality/value

It is the first study in Spain that illustrates the informal education that feminism offers to the community, facing the complexity of measuring Twitter with an educational perspective through the use of marketing tools.
Designing a tourist experience for numen seekers
Authors: Bideci Mujde , Bideci Caglar
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Although tourist experience has been considerably studied, there is a dearth of research on spiritual cognitive stages in tourism literature. Therefore, this paper aims to reveal the dimensions of the tourist experience based on numinosity context.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative method is used by the etic and emic approach with an ethnographic background. After observation and active participation in the field, data was collected from 44 participants with semi-structured interviews to reveal their numinous experiences dimensions.

Findings

The results show that numinous experience in three categories (mysterium, tremendum and fascinans) can be evaluated in seven dimensions including history, story, awe, reverence, atmosphere, place-based and nature-based dimensions.

Practical implications

This study provides managerial and practical implications for tourism stakeholders to be aware of numinous experiences and to better manage sacred places.

Originality/value

This paper offers a novel tourist experience design in the numinous context to the best of the authors’ knowledge.
Management accounting change as a learning process: a longitudinal analysis
Authors: Giannetti Riccardo , Cinquini Lino , Miolo Vitali Paola , Mitchell Falconer
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how a substantial organization gradually builds a management accounting system from scratch, changing its accounting routines by learning processes. The paper uses the experiential learning theory and the concept of learning style to investigate the learning process during management accounting change. The study aims to expand the domain of management accounting change theory to emphasize the learning-related aspects that can constitute it.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides an interpretation of management accounting change based on the model of problem management proposed by Kolb (1983) and the theory of experiential learning (Kolb, 1976, 1984). The study is based on a 14-year longitudinal case study (1994‐2007). The case examined can be considered a theory illustration case. Data were obtained from a broad variety of sources including interviews, document analysis and adopting an interventionist approach during the redesign of the costing system.

Findings

The paper contributes to two important aspects of management accounting change. First, it becomes apparent that the costing information change was not a discrete event but a process of experience and learning conducted through several iterations of trial-and-error loops that extended over the years. Second, the findings reveal that the learning process can alter management accounting system design in a radical or incremental way according to the learning style of the people involved in the process of change.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the adopted research approach, results could be extended only to other organizations presenting similar characteristics. Several further areas of research are suggested by the findings of this paper. In particular, it would be of interest to investigate the links between learning styles and communication and its effect on management accounting change.

Practical implications

The paper includes implications for the management of learning during management accounting change, to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of this process.

Originality/value

This paper is one response to the call for an interdisciplinary research approach to the management accounting change phenomena using a “method theory” taken from the discipline of management to provide an explanation of the change in management accounting. In respect of the previous literature, it provides two main contributions, namely, the proposal of a model useful both to interpret and manage learning processes; the effect of learning style on management accounting routines change.
Developmental challenges to internationalizing the higher education sector: a critical inquiry of business schools in Kerala
Authors: John Kishore Thomas , Kumar K. Shreekrishna
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Kerala is one of India's most advanced states in human development and other social indices. This study aims to look at the management education scenario in Kerala from a macro-perspective and examines the existing trends, major issues and present challenges facing the sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is driven by previously unexplored secondary data published by India's apex technical education regulator–All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). Qualitative and quantitative assessments are assimilated from the organization, dissection and categorization of unit-level data.

Findings

Business schools (B-schools) in the state are facing acute distress in enrolments. There are intra-regional variations in institution count and occupancy rates. The vast majority of the institutions have no accreditation at all. The entire sector is facing a protracted decline.

Research limitations/implications

The study has relied primarily on descriptive statistics considering a single discipline within the higher education sector in Kerala. Future studies should look at other disciplines (engineering, medicine) simultaneously. Use of statistical methods like panel data regression would be beneficial to find hidden trends in cross-sectional and longitudinal time-series data.

Practical implications

Management education in Kerala is facing an existential crisis. This has implications for the state's economic development. The paper creates strong imperatives for government policymaking to forestall the complete decline of the sector.

Social implications

A highly literate state with advanced human development indices need not be a suitable location for building a knowledge-based economy. Government policy has strong implications for the development and sustenance of higher education. The relationship between government and business schools are symbiotic.

Originality/value

The paper maps the progression of B-schools from local to global. A typology of privately funded B-schools is proposed. The conceptual framework advanced in this study can contribute to further literature development. The suggested policy initiatives are applicable not only to Kerala but also to other tightly regulated markets.
Barriers and Motivations to Integrating Environmental Performance in the BSC: a case study in health care
Authors: Khalid Salim Khaleel , Beattie Claire , Sands John Stehpen
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study aims to explore the barriers and motivations to integrating environmental performance into balanced scorecards (BSCs).

Design/methodology/approach

This research adopted a qualitative case study approach with semi-structured interviews within an Australian public health service organisation. Secondary document analysis was performed using annual reports, strategic plans and website data.

Findings

The internal barriers creating resistance to incorporating environmental performance dimensions into the BSC include the existing role of environmental disclosure, insufficient sustainability BSC knowledge, lack of BSC champion support, organisational culture and limited environmental commitment practices. Solutions revealed to support decisions to integrate environmental performance in the BSC include recruiting sustainability expertise, articulating financial motivations and recognising external pressures.

Practical implications

The findings provide suggested actions for other organisations facing similar challenges regarding integrating environmental performance into a BSC.

Social implications

In the current business environment, organisations face growing pressure to consider environmental performance in their BSCs. This study provides insights into the potential problems that prevent or delay the integration of environmental issues into BSCs.

Originality/value

This study provides evidence on how institutional and external factors influence barriers and motivations to embed environmental performance measures into a BSC. This study demonstrates how health-care organisations can effectively overcome barriers by modifying specific institutional artefacts. This is an important contribution to the body of knowledge because there is limited empirical research regarding integrating environmental issues into a public sector BSC that projects key organisational commitment indicators.
Haier: ecosystem leadership
Authors: Schoemaker Paul J.H. , Kuhn Jeffrey S.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Given their immense value-creating potential, ecosystems?and whether to build, buy, or join one?have become a top agenda item in boardrooms around the world.

Design/methodology/approach

Haier, a highly successful Chinese multinational corporation has developed an effective set of practices for managing an emergent, ecosystem-based business model.

Findings

The Haier case illuminates the unique challenges of leading a sprawling, ecosystem-based enterprise that must continually evolve.

Practical/implications

Haier employees fall into three categories? platform owners, microenterprise owners and entrepreneurs.

Originality/value

As a strategic innovator, Haier grouped its independent microenterprises into “Ecosystem Micro-Communities” (ECMs) of loosely connected, multi-disciplinary capability clusters organized around end users.
Impact of corporate social responsibility intensity on firm-specific risk and innovation: evidence from Japan
Authors: Suto Megumi , Takehara Hitoshi
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate investors’ perception of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and its risk-mitigating effects on firm-level innovation in Japan from 2006 to 2017. The authors examine the influence of CSR intensity on firm-specific risks, focusing on the risk-moderating effect of CSR on innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a simple slope analysis and panel data regressions with input and output innovation measures and idiosyncratic risk based on an asset-pricing model.

Findings

The results demonstrate that CSR intensity not only reduces firm-specific risk directly but also indirectly by negatively moderating the relationship between firm-level innovation and idiosyncratic risk.

Research limitations/implications

Signaling trust to capital markets, CSR engagements in the manufacturing industry are clearly important for innovative firms with active research and development undertakings.

Practical implications

Corporate managers should further expand their efforts to make non-financial disclosures available, considering the interactions between CSR intensity and research and development financial risk.

Originality/value

In the context of Japanese firms, this study demonstrates the interaction between CSR practices and innovation activities from the perspective of long-term management of corporate sustainability.
Proteolytic activation of SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein
Authors: Takeda Makoto
Published: September 2021

Spike (S) protein cleavage is a crucial step in coronavirus infection. In this review, this process is discussed, with particular focus on the novel coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). Compared with influenza virus and paramyxovirus membrane fusion proteins, the cleavage activation mechanism of coronavirus S protein is much more complex. The S protein has two cleavage sites (S1/S2 and S2′), and the cleavage motif for furin protease at the S1/S2 site that results from a unique four‐amino acid insertion is one of the distinguishing features of SARS‐CoV‐2. The viral particle incorporates the S protein, which has already undergone S1/S2 cleavage by furin, and then undergoes further cleavage at the S2′ site, mediated by the type II transmembrane serine protease transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2), after binding to the receptor angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) to facilitate membrane fusion at the plasma membrane. In addition, SARS‐CoV‐2 can enter the cell by endocytosis and be proteolytically activated by cathepsin L, although this is not a major mode of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. SARS‐CoV‐2 variants with enhanced infectivity have been emerging throughout the ongoing pandemic, and there is a close relationship between enhanced infectivity and changes in S protein cleavability. All four variants of concern carry the D614G mutation, which indirectly enhances S1/S2 cleavability by furin. The P681R mutation of the delta variant directly increases S1/S2 cleavability, enhancing membrane fusion and SARS‐CoV‐2 virulence. Changes in S protein cleavability can significantly impact viral infectivity, tissue tropism, and virulence. Understanding these mechanisms is critical to counteracting the coronavirus pandemic.
‘It's just a matter of playing the odds’: Navigating risks associated with sexual behaviour in the COVID‐19 era
Authors: Braksmajer Amy , Cserni Robert T.
Published: September 2021

Since the outbreak of the COVID‐19 pandemic, scholars and popular media outlets have been speculating on the pandemic's effects on sexual relationships. While research differs as to whether COVID‐19 is associated with sexual behaviour changes, none has focused on how sexual risk‐taking during the pandemic is perceived and accomplished. Drawing on semi‐structured interview data collected from 30 sexual minority men in the US, this study explores how men make sense of and manage risk during sexual activity taking place outside the bounds of lockdown. Four themes arose from these interviews: (a) the commonality of sexual activity despite COVID‐19 risk; (b) sexual motivations rooted in emotions such as desire, longing for connection, and the wish to live fully in the face of the pandemic; (c) varied perceptions regarding the possibility of preventing COVID‐19 infection; and (d) risk assessment and management strategies that were similar to those used for HIV prevention. Assuming or calling for abstinence neglects questions of risk navigation and omits the experiences of large swaths of the population. Addressing these issues might minimize COVID‐19 transmission associated with sexual risk‐taking among sexual minority men.
Respectable conviviality: Orthodox Christianity as a solution to value conflicts in southern Ethiopia
Authors: Sommerschuh Julian
Published: September 2021

This article explains the recent emergence of Orthodox Christianity in a majoritarian Evangelical Protestant community in southern Ethiopia. Examining conversion motives and forms of religious engagement, I show that Orthodoxy is attractive to erstwhile followers of traditional practice because it affords them the solution to a value conflict. Joining an institutionalized ‘religion’ associated with national elites, converts attain the respectability formerly denied them by Evangelicals. And since Orthodoxy is less puritan than local Evangelicalism, conversion does not come at the expense of conviviality. An ethnographic discussion of this process of value harmonization provides the basis for a conceptual contribution to anthropological value theory, while also offering new insights for the debate about different modalities of Christian change.
Who's to blame? How performance evaluation and partisanship influence responsibility attribution in grand coalition governments
Authors: PLESCIA CAROLINA , KRITZINGER SYLVIA , SPOON JAE‐JAE
Published: September 2021

This article examines a neglected but fundamental facet of electoral accountability: responsibility attribution under grand coalition governments. Contrary to much of the existing literature that focuses on retrospective voting, this article focuses on responsibility attribution testing the effect of perceived performance of the government and partisan attachments for parties in grand coalition governments. Novel survey questions on responsibility attribution from Austria and Germany show that when the lines of responsibility are blurred, partisanship functions as an important heuristic for all voters including supporters of opposition parties. These findings have important implications for our understanding of electoral accountability and political representation in grand coalition governments.
Is the left right? The creeping embourgeoisement of social democracy through homeownership
Authors: HADZIABDIC SINISA , KOHL SEBASTIAN
Published: September 2021

Recent decades have been marked by the rise of populism, the emergence of New Labour and decline of social democratic parties. The dominant explanation for these trends is a shift in cultural attitudes but leaves open where such a sudden shift comes from. Advancing recent cross‐sectional work on the political economy of housing, this paper suggests that slow‐moving underlying processes as materialized in the expansion of homeownership can help explain the observable cultural shift and recent macrotrends. Taking a longitudinal micro‐perspective of individuals’ housing and political trajectories in Germany, Switzerland and the United Kingdom since the 1980s, we find that the transition into homeownership has made voting for social democrats and populists more likely. The influence never comes as a shock but extends over decade‐long anticipation and socialization intervals. Rather than strengthening traditional conservative parties, expanding homeownership, we argue, has contributed to the gradual embourgeoisement of the left.
‘Americanization’ and the drivers of the establishment and use of works councils in three post‐socialist countries
Authors: Croucher Richard , Gooderham Paul N. , Sandvik Alexander Madsen
Published: September 2021

We question notions of the ‘Americanization’ of employment relations in Slovenia, Slovakia and Croatia. First, we examine the roles of unions, the use of US strategic approach to Human Resource Management (SHRM), and management perceptions of their organisations' innovativeness in the establishment of Works Council (WCs). Second, we employ the same variables in relation to the use of WCs for downward communication in these countries in comparison with what Amable (2003, https://doi.org/10.1093/019926113X.001.0001) terms the Continental European Coordinated Market Economy (CECME) of Austria, adding the CECMEs Germany and Norway as control variables. Union influence drives the adoption of WCs and their use for management downward communication. Hence, on our measures the three countries share features of the CECME category and have not been ‘Americanized’.
Changes in Amenity Values after COVID‐19 Lockdowns in Auckland, New Zealand
Authors: Cheung Lydia , Fernandez Mario Andres
Published: September 2021

In the fight against the COVID‐19 pandemic, New Zealand stood out with its ambitious elimination goal and the small death count per capita. The country’s strategy included full lockdown measures that were strict by international standards. In this paper we investigate whether New Zealand’s strict lockdowns brought significant changes to the dwelling price capitalisation of environmental amenities. Our results show a nuanced landscape. While before the pandemic, Auckland homebuyers were willing to pay a premium for dwellings located adjacent to open spaces, such premium either vanished or became a penalty during the lockdown phases. There was also a significant premium for dwellings within 300 m of beaches. But again such premium either decreases or becomes a penalty across the lockdown phases. In addition, we find a preference for dwellings located further away from Auckland CBD. Hence, some amenities that used to have a positive (or neutral) impact on the price of a property have now become disamenities from homebuyers’ perspective after the experience of the pandemic. This paper informs planners, policy‐makers and private actors with a better understanding of the behaviour of Auckland’s housing market under the disruptions due to the pandemic and lockdowns.
Quantifying fixed individual heterogeneity in demographic parameters: Performance of correlated random effects for Bernoulli variables
Authors: Fay Rémi , Authier Matthieu , Hamel Sandra , Jenouvrier Stéphanie , van de Pol Martijn , Cam Emmanuelle , Gaillard Jean‐Michel , Yoccoz Nigel G. , Acker Paul , Allen Andrew , Aubry Lise M. , Bonenfant Christophe , Caswell Hal , Coste Christophe F. D. , Larue Benjamin , Le Coeur Christie , Gamelon Marlène , Macdonald Kaitlin R. , Moiron Maria , Nicol‐Harper Alex , Pelletier Fanie , Rotella Jay J. , Teplitsky Celine , Touzot Laura , Wells Caitlin P. , Sæther Bernt‐Erik
Published: September 2021

An increasing number of empirical studies aim to quantify individual variation in demographic parameters because these patterns are key for evolutionary and ecological processes. Advanced approaches to estimate individual heterogeneity are now using a multivariate normal distribution with correlated individual random effects to account for the latent correlations among different demographic parameters occurring within individuals. Despite the frequent use of multivariate mixed models, we lack an assessment of their reliability when applied to Bernoulli variables.

Using simulations, we estimated the reliability of multivariate mixed effect models for estimating correlated fixed individual heterogeneity in demographic parameters modelled with a Bernoulli distribution. We evaluated both bias and precision of the estimates across a range of scenarios that investigate the effects of life‐history strategy, levels of individual heterogeneity and presence of temporal variation and state dependence. We also compared estimates across different sampling designs to assess the importance of study duration, number of individuals monitored and detection probability.

In many simulated scenarios, the estimates for the correlated random effects were biased and imprecise, which highlight the challenge in estimating correlated random effects for Bernoulli variables. The amount of fixed among‐individual heterogeneity was frequently overestimated, and the absolute value of the correlation between random effects was almost always underestimated. Simulations also showed contrasting performances of mixed models depending on the scenario considered. Generally, estimation bias decreases and precision increases with slower pace of life, large fixed individual heterogeneity and large sample size.

We provide guidelines for the empirical investigation of individual heterogeneity using correlated random effects according to the life‐history strategy of the species, as well as, the volume and structure of the data available to the researcher. Caution is warranted when interpreting results regarding correlated individual random effects in demographic parameters modelled with a Bernoulli distribution. Because bias varies with sampling design and life history, comparisons of individual heterogeneity among species is challenging. The issue addressed here is not specific to demography, making this warning relevant for all research areas, including behavioural and evolutionary studies.
Building a rural workforce through identifying supports for rural, mature‐aged nursing and allied health students: A systematic scoping review
Authors: Quilliam Claire , Crawford Nicole , McKinstry Carol , Wong Shee Anna , Harvey Pamela , Glenister Kristen , Sutton Keith
Published: September 2021

Introduction

There is a long‐standing undersupply of nursing and allied health professionals in rural Australia. Rural, mature‐aged people form an untapped section of rural communities that could help to address these workforce needs. There is little understanding of the supports required to assist rural, mature‐aged nursing and allied health students to complete their studies and enter the rural health workforce.

Objective

To scope factors influencing rural, mature‐aged nursing and allied health students’ ability to access, participate, and succeed in higher education.

Design

A scoping review of the international rural nursing and allied health and education literature was undertaken. Five databases (CINAHL Complete, MEDLINE, Education Resources Information Center [ERIC], Embase, and Education Research Complete), key peer‐reviewed journals, and Australian grey literature were searched.

Findings

Fourteen articles were included in the review. Ten studies described rural, mature‐aged nursing and allied health student characteristics, 6 described barriers to students participating and succeeding in higher education, and 4 described student supports.

Discussion

This review found limited evidence to guide higher education providers in attracting, supporting and retaining rural, mature‐aged nursing and allied health students. In particular, evidence of student supports is required beyond those manifested by students themselves or their family, to include offerings from university and government sources.

Conclusion

Substantially more research attention is needed to understand the experiences of rural, mature‐aged nursing and allied health students, and supports required for this cohort to access, participate and successfully complete higher education.
Comparative analysis of macular microstructure in eyes treated with human amniotic membrane plug or internal limiting membrane transplant for Failed Macular Hole
Authors: Pacini Bianca , Bacherini Daniela , Savastano Alfonso , Rizzo Stanislao , Caporossi Tomaso
Published: September 2021

Objective

To document comparative analysis of macular microstructures of eyes treated with autologous internal limiting membrane (ILM) transplant and human Amniotic Membrane (hAM) plug transplant for failed macular holes (FMH).

Materials and Methods

Six patients who underwent successful surgeries for FMH were evaluated. The first three patients had undergone autologous ILM transplant, the others had undergone hAM plug transplant. They were examined using Adaptive Optics (AO) at baseline and at 6 months after surgery; OCT and OCT‐Angiography were performed at 6 months. All images were evaluated morphologically; AO images were also analysed using the internal software.

Results

Regarding the AO analysis in ILM‐patients, the average cone density inside the lesion was 7684.44 ± 362.96 and the total spacing was 10.86 ± 0.97. In hAM‐patients, the average cone density inside the plug area was 10197.9 ± 326.62 and the total spacing was 10.6 ± 0.72. It was not possible to analyse cone density in the area outside the lesion on any patients. All patients were also evaluated morphologically. OCT analysis in ILM‐patients showed a subverted anatomical situation, while in hAM‐patients revealed the regrowth of tissue layers and a resumption of foveal depression. OCT‐Angiography analysis revealed an enlargement of the FAZ in ILM‐patients and a fairly normal appearance and size of the FAZ in hAM‐patients, in comparison to the fellow eye.

Conclusions

Our findings require validation with a longer follow‐up in a larger quantity of patients, but already suggest important differences in the cellular mechanism that underlies the tissue remodelling in these two techniques.
Genomic analysis of Burkholderia cenocepacia isolated from a liver abscess in a patient with cystic fibrosis
Authors: de Freitas Vianna Edgard , Menezes Nicoli Izzy Miotto , de Almeida Mila Muraro , de Freitas Flávia Alvim Dutra , da Costa Ferreira Leite Cassiana , Firmida Monica Cassia , de Medeiros Davi Ribeiro Iglesias , Souza Leão Robson , Mattos Albano Rodolpho , Andrade Marques Elizabeth
Published: September 2021

Burkholderia cenocepacia complex is associated with high transmissibility, virulence, and poor prognosis in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. However, extrapulmonary infections are rare. We investigated the genome of a B. cenocepacia IIIA isolated from a liver abscess in a Brazilian CF patient and compared it to strain J2315. The whole genome was sequenced, and contigs were annotated by Rapid Annotation using Subsystem Technology. The Pathosystems Resource Integration Center was used to map antimicrobial and virulence genes. The genomic island (GIs) analysis was performed using two prediction methods, and the presence of putative plasmids and insertion sequences (ISs) was investigated. The isolate was confirmed as B. cenocepacia IIIA to ST‐28 (ET12 lineage). A total of 64 genes for antimicrobial resistance and 47 genes related to virulence were identified. Among the virulence factors, there was a predominance of factors related to the invasion mechanism, to the flagellar biosynthesis protein, and to the RNA polymerase sigma factor for flagellar operon (cdpA). Two IS families (IS3 and IS5) and only one plasmid were found. On average 56 GIs were predicted by at least one of the methods applied. Comparative analysis showed resistance mechanisms and virulence factors revealing invasive determinants used by B. cenocepacia IIIA (ET12) in the process of disease spread to other infection sites (extrapulmonary) of highly virulent strains in CF patients.
Randomised clinical trial: dose optimising strategy by NUDT15 genotyping reduces leucopenia during thiopurine treatment of Crohn's disease
Authors: Chao Kang , Huang Yibiao , Zhu Xia , Tang Jian , Wang Xueding , Lin Lang , Guo Huili , Zhang Caibin , Li Miao , Yang Qingfan , Huang Jie , Ye Lingna , Hu Pinjin , Huang Min , Cao Qian , Gao Xiang
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Thiopurine S‐methyltransferase (TPTM) is a well known biomarker for thiopurine‐induced leucopenia, which has limited value in Asia. Instead, NUDT15 C415T is a promising predictor in Asia.

Aims

To explore whether an optimised strategy based on NUDT15 C415T genotypes affects thiopurine‐induced leucopenia, as well as efficacy in Chinese patients with Crohn's disease.

Methods

Patients with Crohn's disease and indications for thiopurines were included from two hospitals in China. They were randomly assigned to either the intervention or the control group. In the intervention group, those with genotype CC received a standard dose (control group), those with CT genotype received 50% of the standard dose, those with TT genotype received alternative drugs. The primary endpoint was thiopurine‐induced leucopenia (<3.5 × 109/L). Secondary outcomes were the incidence of other adverse events and the efficacy for maintaining steroid‐free remission at week 36.

Results

The rate of thiopurine‐induced leucopenia was lower in the intervention group (n = 52) than in the control group (n = 66) (23.7% vs 32.4%, P = 0.049, RR = 0.73, 95% CI 0.53‐1.00). In CT subgroup, the incidence of leucopenia in the intervention group (n = 10) was significantly lower than in the control group (n = 28) (31.3% vs 65.1%, RR = 0.48, 95% CI 0.28‐0.84). Neither other adverse events nor treatment efficacy was significantly different between the two groups during follow‐up.

Conclusions

Among Chinese patients with Crohn's disease, dose optimisation by NUDT15 C415T reduced the rate of thiopurine‐induced leucopenia, without significant influence on efficacy. Using 50% dose reduction for heterozygotes, and alternative drugs for homozygotes, are practicable strategies.

Clinical trial number: NCT02929706.