bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mental Health Problems in Nepalese Migrant Workers and their Families
Authors: Mahat Pashupati , Thorley Kevan , Kunwar Karuna , Ghirime Smriti
Published: August 2020

Background

Nepal has an economy increasingly dependent on remittences from migrant wokers. Mental health problems affect a significant number of these workers and the prevalence of mental health problems in the left behind families of migrant workers is high. Facilities for the psychosocial support of migrant workers and their families are scarce. A project to provide such support is described.

Objective

We aim to describe the mental health problems of Nepalese migrant workers and their family members remaining at home in Nepal.

Methods

Families of migrant workers from nine project districts were interviewed and offered appropriate psychosocial counseling. The psychosocial problems experienced by families left behind in Nepal (women, children and elderly parents) were assessed.

Results

Social isolation, excessive worry, low mood, fearfulness and sleep disturbances were frequently reported. Wives and mothers of migrant workers experienced anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation as well as suicide attempts.. Domestic violence, death of migrant workers, health problems of migrant workers and their families and the difficulties of communication when working overseas were found to be contributing factors for psychosocial and mental health problems.
The windblown: possible explanations for dinophyte DNA in forest soils
Authors: Gottschling Marc , Czech Lucas , Mahé Frédéric , Adl Sina , Dunthorn Micah
Published: August 2020

Dinophytes are widely distributed in marine- and fresh-waters, but have yet to be conclusively documented in terrestrial environments. Here we evaluated the presence of these protists from an environmental DNA metabarcoding dataset of Neotropical rainforest soils. Using a phylogenetic placement approach with a reference alignment and tree, we showed that the numerous sequencing reads that were assigned to the dinophytes did not associate with taxonomy, environmental preference, nutritional mode, or dormancy. All the dinophytes in the soils are most likely windblown dispersal units of aquatic species, and are not biologically active residents of terrestrial environments.
Screening of yeast display libraries of enzymatically-cyclized peptides to discover macrocyclic peptide ligands
Authors: Bowen John , Schneible John , Labar Collin , Menegatti Stefano , Rao Balaji M.
Published: August 2020

We present the construction and screening of yeast display libraries of cyclic peptides wherein site-selective enzymatic cyclization of linear peptides is achieved using bacterial transglu-taminase. To this end, we developed two alternative routes, namely(i)yeast display of linear peptides followed by treatment with recombinant transglutaminase in solution; or(ii)intracellular co-expression of linear peptides and transglutaminase to achieve cyclization in the endoplasmic reticulum prior to yeast surface display. The cyclization yield was evaluated via orthogonal detection of epitope tags integrated in the yeast-displayed peptides by flow cytometry, and via comparative cleavage of cyclicvs.linear peptides by tobacco etch virus (TEV) protease. Subsequently, yeast display libraries of transglutaminase-cyclized peptides were screened to isolate binders to the N-terminal region of the Yes-Associated Protein (YAP) and its WW domains using magnetic selection and fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS). The identified cyclic peptide cyclo[E-LYLAYPAH-K] featured a KDof 1.67 µM for YAP and 0.84 µM for WW as well as high binding selectivity against albumin and lysozyme. These results demonstrate the usefulness of yeast surface display for screening transglutaminase-cyclized peptide libraries, and efficient identification of cyclic peptide ligands.
Independent respiratory and locomotor rhythms in running mice
Authors: Hérent Coralie , Diem Séverine , Fortin Gilles , Bouvier Julien
Published: August 2020

Examining whether and how the rhythms of limb and breathing movements interact is highly informative about the mechanistic origin of hyperpnoea to exercise. However, studies have failed to reveal regularities. In particular, whether breathing frequency is inherently proportional to limb velocity and/or imposed by a synchronization of breaths to strides is still unclear. Here, we examined the specifications of respiratory changes during running in mice, the premier model for investigating, in a standardized manner, complex integrative tasks including adaptive breathing. We show that respiratory rate increases during running to a fixed and stable value, irrespective of trotting velocities and of inclination. Yet, respiratory rate was further enhanced during gallop. We also demonstrate the absence of temporal coordination of breaths to strides at any speed, intensity or gait. Our work thus highlights a hardwired mechanism that sets respiratory frequency independently of limb movements but in relation with the engaged locomotor program.
Rapid discovery of novel prophages using biological feature engineering and machine learning
Authors: Sirén Kimmo , Millard Andrew , Petersen Bent , Gilbert M Thomas P , Clokie Martha RJ , Sicheritz-Pontén Thomas
Published: August 2020

Prophages are phages that are integrated into bacterial genomes and which are key to understanding many aspects of bacterial biology. Their extreme diversity means they are challenging to detect using sequence similarity, yet this remains the paradigm and thus many phages remain unidentified. We present a novel, fast and generalizing machine learning method based on feature space to facilitate novel prophage discovery. To validate the approach, we reanalyzed publicly available marine viromes and single-cell genomes using our feature-based approaches and found consistently more phages than were detected using current state-of-the-art tools while being notably faster. This demonstrates that our approach significantly enhances bacteriophage discovery and thus provides a new starting point for exploring new biologies.
DEER-PREdict: Software for Efficient Calculation of Spin-Labeling EPR and NMR Data from Conformational Ensembles
Authors: Tesei Giulio , Martins João M. , Kunze Micha B. A. , Wang Yong , Crehuet Ramon , Lindorff-Larsen Kresten
Published: August 2020

Owing to their plasticity, intrinsically disordered and multidomain proteins require descriptions based on multiple conformations, thus calling for techniques and analysis tools that are capable of dealing with conformational ensembles rather than a single protein structure. Here, we introduce DEER-PREdict, a software to predict Double Electron-Electron Resonance distance distributions as well as Paramagnetic Relaxation Enhancement rates from ensembles of protein conformations. DEER-PREdict uses an established rotamer library approach to describe the paramagnetic probes which are bound covalently to the protein. DEER-PREdict has been designed to operate efficiently on large conformational ensembles, such as those generated by molecular dynamics simulation, to facilitate the validation or refinement of molecular models as well as the interpretation of experimental data. The performance and accuracy of the software is demonstrated with experimentally characterized protein systems: HIV-1 protease, T4 Lysozyme and Acyl-CoA-binding protein. DEER-PREdict is open source (GPLv3) and available atgithub.com/KULL-Centre/DEERpredictand as a Python PyPI packagepypi.org/project/DEERPREdict.
The lncRNAMARSmodulates the epigenetic reprogramming of the marneral cluster in response to ABA
Authors: Roulé Thomas , Ariel Federico , Hartmann Caroline , Hussain Nosheen , Benhamed Moussa , Gutierrez-Marcos Jose , Crespi Martin , Blein Thomas
Published: August 2020

Clustered organization of biosynthetic non-homologous genes is emerging as a characteristic feature of plant genomes. The co-regulation of clustered genes seems to largely depend on epigenetic reprogramming and three-dimensional chromatin conformation. Here we identified the long noncoding RNA (lncRNA)MARneral Silencing(MARS), localized inside the Arabidopsis marneral cluster, which controls the local epigenetic activation of its surrounding region in response to ABA.MARSmodulates the POLYCOMB REPRESSIVE COMPLEX 1 (PRC1) component LIKE-HETEROCHROMATIN PROTEIN 1 (LHP1) binding throughout the cluster in a dose-dependent manner, determining H3K27me3 deposition and chromatin condensation. In response to ABA,MARSdecoys LHP1 away from the cluster and promotes the formation of a chromatin loop bringing together theMARNERAL SYNTHASE 1(MRN1) locus and a distal ABA-responsive enhancer. The enrichment of co-regulated lncRNAs in clustered metabolic genes in Arabidopsis suggests that the acquisition of novel noncoding transcriptional units may constitute an additional regulatory layer driving the evolution of biosynthetic pathways.
Computational Tool for Ensemble Averaging of Single-Molecule Data
Authors: Blackwell Thomas , Stump W. Tom , Clippinger Sarah R. , Greenberg Michael J.
Published: August 2020

Molecular motors couple chemical transitions to conformational changes that perform mechanical work in a wide variety of biological processes. Disruption of this coupling can lead to diseases, and therefore there is a need to accurately measure mechanochemical coupling in motors in both health and disease. Optical tweezers, with nanometer spatial and millisecond temporal resolution, have provided valuable insights into these processes. However, fluctuations due to Brownian motion can make it difficult to precisely resolve these conformational changes. One powerful analysis technique that has improved our ability to accurately measure mechanochemical coupling in motor proteins is ensemble averaging of individual trajectories. Here, we present a user-friendly computational tool, Software for Precise Analysis of Single Molecules (SPASM), for generating ensemble averages of single-molecule data. This tool utilizes several conceptual advances, including optimized procedures for identifying single-molecule interactions and the implementation of a change point algorithm, to more precisely resolve molecular transitions. Using both simulated and experimental data, we demonstrate that these advances allow for accurate determination of the mechanics and kinetics of the myosin working stroke with a smaller set of data. Importantly, we provide our open source MATLAB-based program with a graphical user interface that enables others to readily apply these advances to the analysis of their own data.

Statement of Significance

Single molecule optical trapping experiments have given unprecedented insights into the mechanisms of molecular machines. Analysis of these experiments is often challenging because Brownian motion-induced fluctuations introduce noise that can obscure molecular motions. A powerful technique for analyzing these noisy traces is ensemble averaging of individual binding interactions, which can uncover information about the mechanics and kinetics of molecular motions that are typically obscured by Brownian motion. Here, we provide an open source, easy-to-use computational tool, SPASM, with a graphical user interface for ensemble averaging of single molecule data. This computational tool utilizes several conceptual advances that significantly improve the accuracy and resolution of ensemble averages, enabling the generation of high-resolution averages from a smaller number of binding interactions.
Unification of Sparse Bayesian Learning Algorithms for Electromagnetic Brain Imaging with the Majorization Minimization Framework
Authors: Hashemi Ali , Cai Chang , Kutyniok Gitta , Müller Klaus-Robert , Nagarajan Srikantan S. , Haufe Stefan
Published: August 2020

Methods for electro- or magnetoencephalography (EEG/MEG) based brain source imaging (BSI) using sparse Bayesian learning (SBL) have been demonstrated to achieve excellent performance in situations with low numbers of distinct active sources, such as event-related designs. This paper extends the theory and practice of SBL in three important ways. First, we reformulate three existing SBL algorithms under themajorization-minimization(MM) framework. This unification perspective not only provides a useful theoretical framework for comparing different algorithms in terms of their convergence behavior, but also provides a principled recipe for constructing novel algorithms with specific properties by designing appropriate bounds of the Bayesian marginal likelihood function. Second, building on the MM principle, we propose a novel method calledLowSNR-BSIthat achieves favorable source reconstruction performance in low signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) settings. Third, precise knowledge of the noise level is a crucial requirement for accurate source reconstruction. Here we present a novel principled technique to accurately learn the noise variance from the data either jointly within the source reconstruction procedure or using one of two proposed cross-validation strategies. Empirically, we could show that the monotonous convergence behavior predicted from MM theory is confirmed in numerical experiments. Using simulations, we further demonstrate the advantage of LowSNR-BSI over conventional SBL in low-SNR regimes, and the advantage of learned noise levels over estimates derived from baseline data. To demonstrate the usefulness of our novel approach, we show neurophysiologically plausible source reconstructions on averaged auditory evoked potential data.
Fish predation on corals promotes the dispersal of coral symbionts
Authors: Grupstra Carsten G.B. , Rabbitt Kristen M. , Howe-Kerr Lauren I. , Correa Adrienne M.S.
Published: August 2020

Predators drive top-down effects that shape prey communities, but the role of predators in dispersing prey microbiomes is rarely examined. We tested whether coral-eating (corallivorous) fish disperse the single-celled dinoflagellate symbionts (family Symbiodiniaceae) of their prey. Our findings demonstrate that: (1) coral-eating fish egest feces containing live Symbiodiniaceae at densities up to seven orders of magnitude higher than other environmental reservoirs such as sediments and water; (2) Symbiodiniaceae communities in the feces of most corallivores are compositionally similar to those in corals; (3) some obligate corallivore species release over 100 million Symbiodiniaceae cells per 100 m2per day; and (4) after being egested, corallivore feces often come in direct contact with coral colonies (potential hosts for Symbiodiniaceae). These findings suggest that fish predators can play an important role in symbiont acquisition by corals; such predators may have a previously unrecognized, indirect positive effect on prey health.
Deeply sequenced infectious clones of key cassava begomovirus isolates from Cameroon
Authors: Hoyer J. Steen , Fondong Vincent N. , Dallas Mary M. , Aimone Catherine Doyle , Deppong David O. , Duffy Siobain , Hanley-Bowdoin Linda
Published: August 2020

We deeply sequenced two pairs of widely used infectious clones (4 plasmids) of the bipartite begomoviruses African cassava mosaic virus (ACMV) and East African cassava mosaic Cameroon virus (EACMCV). The sequences of the ACMV clones were quite divergent from our expectations. We have made raw reads, consensus plasmid sequences, and the infectious clones themselves publicly available.
Data Integration with SUMO Detects Latent Relationships Between Patients in Lower-Grade Gliomas
Authors: Sienkiewicz Karolina , Chen Jinyu , Chatrath Ajay , Lawson John T , Sheffield Nathan C , Zhang Louxin , Ratan Aakrosh
Published: August 2020

Joint analysis of multiple genomic data types can facilitate the discovery of complex mechanisms of biological processes and genetic diseases. We present a novel data integration framework based on non-negative matrix factorization that uses patient similarity networks. Our implementation supports continuous multi-omic datasets for molecular subtyping and handles missing data without using imputation, making it more efficient for genome-wide assays in large cohorts.

Applying our approach to gene expression, microRNA expression, and methylation data from patients with lower grade gliomas, we identify a subtype with a significantly poorer prognosis. Tumors assigned to this subtype are hypomethylated genome-wide with a gain of AP-1 occupancy in the demethylated distal enhancers. These tumors’ genomic profiles are similar to Grade IV gliomas: they are enriched for somatic chr7 gain, chr10 loss, and other molecular events that have yet to be used in the diagnosis of lower-grade gliomas as per the current WHO guidelines.
Two modes of PRC1-mediated mechanical resistance to kinesin-driven microtubule network disruption
Authors: Alfieri April , Gaska Ignas , Forth Scott
Published: August 2020

The proper structural organization of the microtubule-based spindle during cell division requires the collective activity of many different types of proteins. These include non-motor microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) whose functions include crosslinking microtubules to regulate filament sliding rates and assembling microtubule arrays. One such protein is PRC1, an essential MAP that has been shown to preferentially crosslink overlapping antiparallel microtubules at the spindle midzone. PRC1 has been proposed to act as a molecular brake, but insight into the mechanism of how PRC1 molecules function cooperatively to resist motor-driven microtubule sliding and to allow for the formation of stable midzone overlaps has been lacking. Here we employ a modified microtubule gliding assay to rupture PRC1-mediated microtubule pairs using surface-bound kinesins. We discovered that PRC1 crosslinks always reduce bundled filament sliding velocities relative to single microtubule gliding rates, and do so via two distinct emergent modes of mechanical resistance to motor-driven sliding. We term these behaviors braking and coasting, where braking events exhibit substantially slowed microtubule sliding compared to coasting events. Strikingly, braking behavior requires the formation of two distinct high-density clusters of PRC1 molecules near microtubule tips. Our results suggest a cooperative mechanism for PRC1 accumulation when under mechanical load that leads to a unique state of enhanced resistance to filament sliding and provides insight into collective protein ensemble behavior in regulating the mechanics of spindle assembly.
International accounting standards in French companies in the 1990s: an institutionalization contested by US GAAP
Authors: Touron Philippe , Daly Peter
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The paper analyzes four cases of IAS adoption (Aérospatiale in 1989; Usinor in 1991; Coflexip in 1993; and Péchiney in 1995) to better understand the instructional logics behind the use of alternative or additional standards by French companies in the early 1990s.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs multiple case studies to explain how and why the heterogeneity of adoption (IAS versus US GAAP) is a response to institutional complexity.

Findings

This research shows that French companies adopted IAS as long as they were not required to use US GAAP by their financial backers. The results highlight how the companies combine logics to respond to the complexification of the field. The authors outline how endorsement of logics by outside carriers (auditors, financial analysts, stock exchange commissions) and framing of logics by managers evolve in time and space within this complexification process.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to the institutional complexity literature in that it focuses on distinct organizational responses to multiple institutional logics. More precisely, the choice of standards in primary consolidated accounts are viewed as an organizational response to compatible and conflicting demands from several levels: home countries, transnational areas and host countries with the aim of raising funds in the US.

Originality/value

This research makes a distinct link between institutional complexity and international accounting standards and US GAAP.
Re-visiting traditional trust measurement: using artefactual field experiments to measure trust and predict micro-lending decisions
Authors: Buck Steven , Kusunose Yoko , Alwang Jeffrey
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this work is to experimentally measure trust and study its relationship to group loan allocation within a community bank.

Design/methodology/approach

An artefactual field experiment is run to capture a measure of trust that mimics aspects of trusting behavior in a community bank. The experimental design and empirical setting take into account risk and altruism, two known confounders of trust measures. Regression analysis is used to estimate the relationship between a novel measure of trust and the loan amount a borrower receives from their rural community bank.

Findings

The trust measure has a statistically significant, positive relationship with loan size. A one standard deviation increase in the trust measure corresponds to a 13.3 percent increase in the loan amount.

Social implications

Results of the study suggest that, for community banks, trust in a borrower plays a large role in screening applicants and therefore determining loan size. Several such banks have considered graduating to commercial credit. However, given the outsize role of trust in lending decisions, it is not clear if commercial lending models – which rely less on social capital – will work.

Originality/value

A new trust game is developed that captures relationship-specific measures of directed trust that community bank members have towards each borrower. The trust measure is also context-specific as play in the game is analogous to how community bank members trust some borrowers (more than others) with larger loans. The emphasis on relationship- and context-specific trust measures is key to interpreting results from artefactual field experiments.
Learning disability, autism and the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act
Authors: Williams Fionnuala , Warwick Mike , McKay Colin , Macleod Callum , Connolly Moira
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the use of Part VI of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 (CPSA) for people with Learning Disability (LD) and/or Autism. This is in the context of a recent review commissioned by the Scottish Government into whether the provisions in the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 (MHA) meet the needs of these groups which would also affect associated legislation such as CPSA.

Design/methodology/approach

All CPSA orders active on the 3 January 2018 were identified and analysed for a number of variables including diagnoses, detention length, level of hospital security and medication use.

Findings

Of the 580 people on CPSA orders, 69 (11.9%) had LD and 27 (4.7%) had possible/definite Autism. Most people with LD (56.5%) did not have a mental illness or personality disorder. Most (81.2%) had mild LD. There were two patients whose only diagnosis was Autism. Mean duration of detention was longer for those with LD than for those without. Most patients with LD alone were prescribed medication (61.5%) and, if in hospital, were managed in low secure units (59%).

Originality/value

The results indicate that people with LD or Autism are differently affected by the application of the CPSA from other people with mental disorders, and that this is potentially discriminatory, if it is not objectively justified . It supports the stance from the recent review that to reduce the potential for discrimination, substantial changes to MHA and CPSA should be considered in the wider review of the MHA in Scotland.
Battle of Forms: Butler Machine Tool Company Limited v. Ex-Cell-O Corporation
Authors: Pathak Akhileshwar
Published: August 2020

All business-to-business contracts have now come to be done on standard contract terms. Every company has its General Conditions of Contract on which it would deal with its customers. Business parties negotiate, converge and do business with each other. However, if a dispute arises, both the parties claim that there is a contract between them. And each party also claims that the contract is on its terms. The claim is important, for each party sets terms favourable to itself. This is called the ‘battle of forms’. The Butler Machine Tool Case of the Court of Appeal explores the rules of this battle.
Termination by Mistake, Contract Terms and Damages: Bunge SA v Nidera BV
Authors: Pathak Akhileshwar
Published: August 2020

Business contracts are done on General Conditions of Contracts (GCC). The GCCs have detailed terms to displace general principles of contract law and bring certainty in commercial dealings. Bunge SA v Nidera BV, is a judgment of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom, on damages terms in GCCs. A term on damages may not be a comprehensive code, answering all questions on damages. In this case, the general principles will survive and interact and interface with the contract terms to settle the rights and obligations of the parties.
Drivers420.com: Organising Transporters
Authors: Ghura Amarpreet K. Singh , Karna Amit
Published: August 2020

This case describes a situation in which Malkit Singh Bal (Bal) partner of Bal Roadlines shares with Mr. Ghura, who was about to be hired as consultant for Bal Roadlines, about the rise in issue of fraud and crime done by the fleet drivers and asked him to help a way out to solve the problem. The purpose of this case is to provide an opportunity to the participants of an MBA or Management Executive Education Programme to step into the shoes of Ghura, a consultant and to explore the options and to select the best possible option to offer a solution to Bal. The context for this involvement is the rise in fraud and crime done by the fleet drivers.
Container Train Operations: Introducing Competition (B)
Authors: Raghuram G , Gangwar Rachna , Morris Sebastian , Pandey Ajay
Published: August 2020

In October 2005, the representatives of the Planning Commission, Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and Ministry of Shipping met to discuss the RITES recommendations to work towards framing a policy document for running container trains by private and public sector operators on the IR network. Starting with this meeting until January 2006, various aspects of the RITES report were debated by the Planning Commission and Ministry of Railways to evolve a policy statement. There were concerns raised by the Planning Commission on the proposals by RITES which had implications such as entry barriers and denial of a level playing field with the incumbent, CONCOR. Other specific issues including entry criteria, entry fees and revenue share, and maintenance were questioned. In January 2006, a policy statement titled ‘Policy to permit various operators to move container trains on Indian Railways’ was released by the Ministry of Railways which stated the terms and conditions for running container trains by private and public sector operators on IR network. Subsequent to this, 14 parties signed up with the IR for container train operations. The empowered subcommittee of the Committee on Infrastructure was to meet in February 2006 to discuss the process for finalizing a Model Concession Agreement between Indian Railways and the container train operators. This case provides a background for this meeting.
Information security frameworks for assisting GDPR compliance in banking industry
Authors: Serrado João , Pereira Ruben Filipe , Mira da Silva Miguel , Scalabrin Bianchi Isaías
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Data can nowadays be seen as the main asset of organizations and data leaks have a considerable impact on the organization’s image, revenues and possible consequences to the affected clients. One of the most critical industries is the bank. Information security frameworks (ISF) have been created to assist organizations and other frameworks evolved to update these domain practices. Recently, the European Union decided to create the general data protection regulation (GDPR), applicable to all organizations dealing with personal data of citizens residing in the European Union. Although considered a general regulation, GDPR implementation needs to align with some industries’ laws and policies. Especially in the Bank industry. How these ISF can assist the implementation of GDPR is not clear.

Design/methodology/approach

The design science research process was followed and semi-structured interviews performed.

Findings

A list of practices to assist the bank industry in GDPR implementation is provided. How each practice map with assessed ISF and GDPR requirements is also presented.

Research limitations/implications

As GDPR is a relatively recent subject, it is hard to find experts in the area. It is more difficult if the authors intend to find experienced people in the GDPR and bank industry. That is one of the main reasons this study does not include more interviews.

Originality/value

This research provides a novel artefact to the body of knowledge. The proposed artefact lists which ISF practices banks should implement to comply with GDPR. By doing it the artefact provides a centralized view about which ISF frameworks (or part of them) could be implemented to help banks comply with GDPR.
Use and social value in peer-to-peer prosumption communities
Authors: Alhashem Mohammed , Moraes Caroline , Szmigin Isabelle T.
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to examine how prosumption manifests in an online community, Instructables.com, and its value for those who engage with it. The paper emphasizes its distinctiveness compared to similar phenomena, particularly co-creation.

Design/methodology/approach

This work uses a netnography-informed research approach, involving Instructables community observations, participation and 15 online interviews with members of the community.

Findings

Prosumption provides personal benefits including hedonic elements of enjoyment and fun, functional elements of monetary saving and self-sufficiency, and cognitive benefits such as problem solving and learning. Further, extra-personal benefits include community-, environment-, market-, family- and friends-oriented benefits.

Research limitations/implications

Personal and extra-personal prosumption benefits generate use and social value, progressing understanding of value through a type of prosumption that the authors term peer-to-peer.

Practical implications

An understanding of the differences among concepts can set expectations, responsibilities and opportunities for both firms and prosumers in an increasingly collaborative marketplace.

Originality/value

By critically analyzing the nature of value through a particular kind of prosumption, the paper makes three theoretical contributions. First, it transforms and broadens the scope of empirical research by clarifying critical distinctions between co-creation and prosumption and establishing them as higher-order concepts. Second, the paper determines the benefits, use and social value participants derive from particular forms of participation in the marketplace. Finally, the paper establishes a new concept, namely peer-to-peer prosumption, which the authors define as a type of prosumption that prioritizes collective, peer-to-peer use and social value over exchange value. The paper contributes to marketing literature on the ongoing evolution of consumer roles and participation in the marketplace, by furthering theorization in this field.
An analysis of growth-accelerating factors for the Indian automotive industry using modified TISM
Authors: Meena Abhilasha , Dhir Sanjay , Sushil
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This study aims to identify and prioritize various growth-accelerating factors in the Indian automotive industry. It further develops a hierarchical model to examine the mutual interactions between the factors, their dependence and their driving power.

Design/methodology/approach

This study first identifies the growth-accelerating factors and then uses the modified total interpretive structural modeling (m-TISM) framework, which is an extended version of TISM. It further uses MICMAC analysis to analyze the mutual interrelation between the identified factors.

Findings

This study highlights the interrelation amongst the factors using m-TISM model. A hierarchical model shows the level of autonomous, dependence, linkage and independent factors considering the Indian automotive industry. This study also provides the understanding related to the interdependence of growth-accelerating factors.

Research limitations/implications

The government and practitioners could evaluate the growth-accelerating factors which have higher driving power for implementing efficient policies and strategy formulation. By implementing m-TISM model in the Indian automotive industry, auto manufacturers can become more productive and profitable. Future studies could use other methods such as expert opinion to derive the factors, and further model could be verified using structural equation modeling technique.

Originality/value

This study uses a novel m-TISM framework for the analysis of growth-accelerating factors in the context of the Indian automotive industry. It further provides a detailed theoretical and conceptual understanding relating to the philosophy and establishes an interrelation amongst these under-researched growth-accelerating factors.
Linking ISO 9000 certification to firm performance and financial crisis: a matched sample longitudinal analysis
Authors: Siougle Efrosini , Dimelis Sophia
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This is a longitudinal study exploring the effect of ISO 9000 certification on firm's financial performance in the pre-crisis period and the 2008 financial crisis period.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical analysis is based on a 22-year dataset with balance sheet data from 136 Greek listed firms covering the period 1992–2013. A matching technique is applied to properly estimate potential differences in the impact of ISO 9000 on firm's financial performance between the groups of certified and matched non-certified (control) firms in the entire period but, most importantly, in pre-crisis vs crisis periods, using the difference-in-differences econometric approach.

Findings

The findings indicate that certified firms exhibit significantly higher financial performance relative to the matched non-certified group in both the pre-crisis and crisis periods, which tends to persist for several years post-certification. The financial crisis has a negative and statistically significant effect on firm performance in both the certified and matched non-certified groups, which nevertheless did not differ significantly between them. Controlling for sectoral and technological differences did not harm the higher performance of certified firms relative to the matched control peers. The results remain in the same direction when the authors test the ISO 9000 effect in the sub-group of certified firms that obtained the certification at the firm-level.

Originality/value

The study is original in its sample design and hypothesis testing. The matched sample created from a sufficiently long and continuous time dataset enabled the authors to properly estimate firm performance differences of ISO 9000 between pre-crisis and crisis periods. Of additional value is the testing of sectoral/technological differences and the distinction between firm-level and plant-level certification.
Image congruence between sports event and host city and its impact on attitude and behavior intention
Authors: Zhang Yinghui , Kim Euisoo , Xing Zunming
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Image congruence is one central metrics that significantly influences image transfer. Nevertheless, studies on impact of image congruence on consumers' attitudinal and behavioral components in the context of sport tourism remain few. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the relationship among image congruence between sport event and host city, spectators' attitude toward the event and city and their intention to revisit and recommend the event and city. A mediating role of attitude in the relationship between image congruence and behavioral intention was also examined.

Design/methodology/approach

The study selected non-local spectators of the F1 Chinese Grand Prix and Shanghai ATP Masters 1000 as the participants. A total of 491 valid questionnaires were obtained from the survey of two events, including 222 from F1 Chinese Grand Prix and 269 from Shanghai ATP Masters 1000. Among respondents, 360 were Chinese spectators from other regions (73.3%) and 131 were international spectators (26.7%). The data were analyzed via descriptive statistics, correlations, factor analysis, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), hierarchical regression analysis and ANOVA.

Findings

The results showed that image congruence between sports event and host city had a positive impact on spectators' attitude toward and intention to recommend the city; but it had no significant impact on attitude toward event, intention to revisit and recommend the event and intention to revisit the city. Attitude toward event had a positive impact on intention to revisit and recommend the event, and attitude toward host city had a positive impact on intention to revisit and recommend the city. In addition, attitude toward host city fully mediated the relationship between image congruence and intention to recommend the city.

Originality/value

The current study provides a meaningful contribution to the existing literature by examining the impact of image congruence on spectators' attitudinal and behavioral components in the context of sport tourism.
The effects of network hospitality on women empowerment
Authors: Lim Sonia Ern Yi , Bouchon Frederic
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This concept paper aims to discuss the effects of network hospitality on women empowerment in the city of Kuala Lumpur.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a qualitative approach to analyse women engaged in Airbnb activity as hosts or guests.

Findings

Findings show new types of entrepreneurs, hospitality services, and socio-cultural expectations under this change.

Originality/value

The recent growth of Network Hospitality platforms such as Airbnb around the world has generated multiple impacts on urban destinations worldwide. Network hospitality is transforming the way tourism is produced and consumed. Several studies have analysed the impact of network hospitality on destinations’ accommodation and housing markets, the gentrification effects and users’ experience. However, studies on the social impacts of Airbnb in developing economies remain scarce. Network hospitality is creating entrepreneurship and mobility opportunities for women. In the case of Malaysia, there is a noticeable empowerment trend of women through network hospitality.
The thermal oxidation mechanism of TMPTO with antioxidants investigated by ReaxFF MD
Authors: Zhan Wen , Zhan Shengpeng , Duan HaiTao , Li Xinxiang , Li Jian , Cheng Bingxue , Yuan Chengqing
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to study the thermal oxidation performance of antioxidant additives in ester base oils deeply.

Design/methodology/approach

ReaxFF molecular dynamics was used to simulate the thermal oxidation process of butyl octyl diphenylamine and octadecyl 3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) propanoate as two antioxidant additives act on the Trimethylolpropane trioleate (TMPTO) base oil. Meanwhile, combining with the infrared spectroscopy characterization results of the thermal oxidation test, this paper provides theoretical support for the development of high-performance synthetic lubricants and their antioxidant additives.

Findings

The results show that butyl octyldiphenylamine easily removes the hydrogen atom on the secondary amine, which promotes the formation of more long carbon chain diene radicals or polyene hydroperoxides from TMPTO. Octadecyl 3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) propanoate could easily decompose into octadecyl hydroperoxide and 2,6-di-tert-butyl 4-propionylphenol, which could convert into 2-tert-butyl-4-peroxyethyl-6-hydroperoxy-tert-butylphenol in the middle of the thermal oxidation reaction, prompting TMPTO to form more short-chain alkenyl and olefin hydroperoxide or other oxide.

Originality/value

The main change characteristics of base oil molecules are the first thermal decomposition to form oleic acid groups and ethane cyclopropane methyl oleate. Under the action of butyl octyldiphenylamine and octadecyl 3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) propanoate, the deep oxidation and decomposition reaction are slowed down.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-01-2020-0037/
Management accounting in supply chains – what we know and what we teach
Authors: Taschner Andreas , Charifzadeh Michel
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Despite growing interest in the intersection of supply chain management (SCM) and management accounting (MA) in the academic debate, there is a lack of understanding regarding both the content and the delimitation of this topic. As of today, no common conceptualization of supply chain management accounting (SCMA) exists. The purpose of this study is to provide an overview of the research foci of SCMA in the scholarly debate of the past two decades. Additionally, it analyzes whether and to what extent the academic discourse of MA in SCs has already found its way into both SCM and MA higher education, respectively.

Design/methodology/approach

A content analysis is conducted including 114 higher education textbooks written in English or in German language.

Findings

The study finds that SC-specific concepts of MA are seldom covered in current textbooks of both disciplines. The authors conclude that although there is an extensive body of scholarly research about SCMA concepts, there is a significant discrepancy with what is taught in higher education textbooks.

Practical implications

There is a large discrepancy between the extensive knowledge available in scholarly research and what we teach in both disciplines. This implies that graduates of both disciplines lack important knowledge and skills in controlling and accounting for SCs. To bring about the necessary change, MA and SCM in higher education must be more integrative.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors knowledge, this study is first of its kind comprising a large textbook sample in both English and German languages. It is the first substantiated assessment of the current state of integration between SCM and MA in higher education.
Exploring the socio-cultural factors in the implementation of public financial management information system in Ghana
Authors: Simpson Samuel Nana Yaw , Tetteh Lexis Alexander , Agyenim-Boateng Cletus
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the socio-cultural factors that emerge in the implementation of integrated financial management information systems (IFMIS) in Ghana, a developing country.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative research approach was used with a case study design. The data were collected from archival documents and semi-structured face-to-face interviews with participants who played a significant role in the implementation of IFMIS in the Ghanaian public sector.

Findings

The findings show that although IFMIS was considered by the World Bank, Department for International Development (DFID), European Union and Danish International Development Agency to be rational, technical, universal and unproblematic, the use of the system in the Ghanaian public institutions was constrained by socio-cultural factors. These factors included power struggles between various technocrats; and negative attitudes such as opportunism and rent-seeking interest towards the IFMIS.

Research limitations/implications

The research is grounded in a single case study, but the findings can be theoretically generalised to information technology (IT)-based financial management system exhibiting the same characteristics.

Practical implications

This study offers a practical implication for governments, consultants and donor agencies.

Originality/value

This study provides additional insight through the application of the sociology and duality of information technology theory to study a particular IT-based public financial management initiative.
Exploring AAC graphic symbol choices: a preliminary study
Authors: Pampoulou Eliada , Fuller Donald R.
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Graphic symbols have been used widely in the field of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). The advancement of technology in recent years has stimulated their development even further, thereby providing speech-language pathologists (SLPs) a wide range of options to choose for the individuals they support. However, existing literature on graphic symbols is scant and clinicians must base their decisions almost solely on clinical judgment. This paper aims to investigate the factors SLPs consider when choosing corpuses of graphic symbols for their clients.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was used that allowed multiple-choice responses. Data were analyzed and presented primarily as percentages.

Findings

Most respondents used graphic symbols with people having developmental disorders, and the corpuses of symbols they drew upon were based predominantly on availability, characteristics of the individual’s impairment or disability and intelligibility to the user and his or her communication partners. Existing policies related to graphic symbols also influence clinicians’ choices. SLPs search for support mainly from professional associations and training providers. In terms of use with technology, ready-made symbol packages for clinicians to use were found to be attractive.

Practical implications

Professional associations and institutions that focus on AAC need to provide adequate support to clinicians with a foundation based on evidence-based practice.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first research that focuses on current practices concerning the factors SLPs take into consideration when choosing the optimum graphic symbol corpus(es) for their clients.
Corporate governance: on the crossroads of meta-regulation and social responsibility
Authors: Al-Tawil Tareq Na'el , Younies Hassan
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss incongruities in the corporate entity over the matter of agency. In lieu of the traditional notion of moral agency theory, the stakeholder model offers congruent grounding to corporate governance. Socially irresponsible or unethical corporate activities are perceived to increase expenses, diminish shareholder value and tarnish business reputations. In contrast, socially responsible corporate practices contribute to positive attitudes to the company and contribute to the creation of competitive advantage.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper follows the ongoing evolution of the regulatory changes instituted after the scandalous corporate fiascos of the present century, such as those of Enron and WorldCom in the USA, Polly Peck in the UK, HIH Insurance and One.Tel in Australia, and Siemens in Germany, inter alia. The exposition also touches on the regulatory metamorphosis of corporate governance in its convergence towards “meta-regulation” with corporate social responsibility at the core.

Findings

While meta-regulation has so far worked in many countries, caution is expressed over the perils of over-reliance on a meta-regulatory approach. Industries or market sectors should also attempt to operate from the start within the confines of self-regulation and government regulation. Market sectors and industries need to find the framework of regulation that is best suited to their operations.

Originality/value

The paper concludes by discussing the observed challenges and implications of such convergence, as well as future directions for law practitioners, academics and researchers in the realm of corporate conduct.