bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Describing the design thinking and extreme programming activities during a technology innovation academic workshop
Authors: Freitas da Silva Ivonei 
Published: June 2020

PurposeThis paper aims to describe the students’ experience in adopting design thinking (DT) and extreme programming (XP) throughout a course of technology innovation workshop in a master of business administration (MBA) degree program.Design/methodology/approachThis study analyzes data (performed process and achieved results) from the students’ reports and the instructor’s observations about three courses held in 2016, 2017 and 2018. In each course, there were students conducting activities to understand, develop, and validate the market, customer, user and prototype.FindingsThis paper identifies that the processes of DT and XP promote active and collaborative learning relationships. The adopted activities along with a mix of different backgrounds from the students can promote good insights to understand the user problem and build a technological solution with incremental innovation.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper describes only a unique view from the instructor’s knowledge; therefore, others might present different scenarios and results.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the characterization of DT and XP activities when teaching technological innovation in a MBA.
Why future friends matter: impact of expectancy of relational growth on online gamer loyalty
Authors: Liao Gen-Yih , Huang Tzu-Ling , Cheng T.C.E. , Teng Ching-I 
Published: June 2020

PurposeRelational cohesion theory posits that relational cohesion helps build relationships among communication partners, implying that users would expect a growth in relations or making more friends in the future. However, little is known about expectancy of a better future state of relations, i.e. expectancy of relational growth, and its impact on users' continued engagement in online communication. Our study extends relational cohesion theory to explain how expectancy of relational growth impacts online gamer loyalty.Design/methodology/approachWe test the framework using structural equation modeling to analyze a large sample of 1,429 responses from online gamers.FindingsWe find that expectancy of relational growth is positively related to norm compliance and relational cohesion, which are further related to network convergence and interdependence, fostering online gamer loyalty.Originality/valueThe findings contribute to relational cohesion theory by identifying novel sources of relational cohesion, i.e. expectancy of relational growth and norm compliance. Hence, game providers should create gamers' expectancy of growth in online relationships. Such expectancy could motivate continued gaming communication, even when gamers are not satisfied with the current state of online relationships. Moreover, we propose the new concept of expectancy of relational growth, which should have a strong impact on online communication in various areas.
The impact of business strategy on corporate cash policy
Authors: Magerakis Efstathios , Tzelepis Dimitris 
Published: June 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore the association between cash holdings and business strategy for nonfinancial and nonutility US firms over the period from 1970 to 2016.Design/methodology/approachThe authors have used Miles and Snow's (1978, 2003) theoretical background and followed Bentley et al. (2013) to construct a strategy index. Thus, the authors have distinguished two extreme corporate strategies, prospectors and defenders, based on a firm's resource allocation and investment behavior patterns. Following the methodology of Bates et al. (2009), the authors have used the multiple regression analysis to explore the relationship between business strategy and corporate cash holdings.FindingsThe empirical results show that business strategy is positively related to cash holdings. Prospectors are more likely to hold higher cash levels than defenders. Furthermore, the authors have found that cash holding's speed of adjustment (SOA) is slower for prospectors than for defenders, suggesting that business strategy influences cash holding's trend. Interestingly, the results show that the market value of cash increases significantly only for the firms that pursue a defender strategy.Research limitations/implicationsThe results of this work have valuable implications for researchers, by unveiling the relationship between corporate strategy and firm's cash holdings. This study, however, is limited to a sample of US firms; empirical evidence based on international samples of firms would add value to the current literature.Practical implicationsThe findings could be useful to financial managers and investment strategists, who seek to maximize firm value through the adoption of an effective liquidity policy. What is more, this study provides support for the view that strategic choice and optimal cash management are of great importance for firms' market value.Originality/valueThis study enriches the knowledge of business strategy's impact on financing policy of firms and contributes to the empirical literature of cash holdings' determinants. In addition, it complements previous studies on US firms by documenting the effect of business strategy on the SOA in cash holdings and firm value.
Consumers' adoption of AR-based virtual fitting rooms: from the perspective of theory of interactive media effects
Authors: Lee Hanna , Xu Yingjiao , Porterfield Anne 
Published: June 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between consumers' perceived media characteristics, telepresence, attitudes and adoption intention towards augmented reality (AR)-based virtual fitting rooms (VFRs). Additionally, the mediating effect of telepresence was examined.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from 352 university students and analysed using structural equation modelling.FindingsEmpirical results suggest significant positive influences of media characteristics, including perceived interactivity and augmentation, on telepresence, which, in turn, influenced attitudes and adoption intention towards AR-based VFRs. Also, telepresence mediated the relationship between media characteristics and consumers' attitudes.Research limitations/implicationsData for this study were collected based on the subjects' one-time experience with a particular AR-based VFR. Therefore, the generalisation of the findings may be limited.Practical implicationsAn important implication is that the enhancement of rendering interactive and augmented features is crucial for adoption of AR-based VFRs considering the key role of interactivity and augmentation in inducing telepresence, attitudes and adoption intention.Originality/valueThe paper empirically tested the importance of unique media characteristics, telepresence and attitudes in consumers' adoption of AR-based VFRs through the lens of the theory of interactive media effects.
Motivating factors for consumers to participate in takāful: a survey by Indian insurance policyholders
Authors: Salman Syed Ahmed , Hassan Rusni 
Published: June 2020

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine the perception and acceptability of insurance policyholders to introduce takāful in India. The primary focus of this research is insurance policyholders because they currently have insurance policies and it is believed that they are familiar with the concept of insurance, compared to the people who do not have any insurance policy.

Design/methodology/approach
New product diffusion theory is used in developing the hypothesis and a questionnaire. In this research, the population is unknown, and hence, the non-probability sample is used. Quota sampling and snowball sampling methods are used in this survey, with a sample size of 909 respondents, including Muslim and non-Muslim policyholders. The external factors that motivate potential policyholders to participate in takāful are the independent variable here; while the respondents’ actual willingness to participate in takāful is the dependent variable. Regression analysis is performed to analyse the data.

Findings
Based on 909 respondents, it is found that the factors such as cost vs benefits, marketing and promotion and social and religion play a significant role in a consumers’ decision-making at 1% significant level overall. The attribute of agents can influence the consumers at a 10% significant level overall. However, other factors, namely, accessibility, availability and service quality, product features and reputation of the company cannot pursue the consumers in India.

Research limitations/implications
The questionnaires are distributed in 10 cities from nine states out of 28 states in India. Thus, it covers only one-third of the states. Future research can expand the respondents from other states that have not been researched.

Practical implications
India is opening to foreign investments in the Indian insurance industry, and thus, the findings are useful for industrial players, investors, policymakers for the development of takāful in India.

Originality/value
Limited research has been done in previous studies and this research is the pinnacle within-depth survey regarding takāful in India.
The effectiveness of Human Givens Rewind treatment for trauma
Authors: Adams Shona , Allan Steven 
Published: June 2020

Purpose
Rewind is a trauma-focussed exposure technique that is part of Human Givens (HG) therapy. However, there have been no controlled studies examining the effectiveness or acceptability of Rewind, and a previous study comparing HG therapy outcomes with cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) benchmarks has yet to be replicated. The paper aims to address these issues.

Design/methodology/approach
This preliminary investigation used an observational, quasi-experimental design. Using both between-subject and within-subject designs, the outcome measures of those who had Rewind in the second session and participants who had treatment-as-usual (TAU) in the second session followed by Rewind in the third session were compared. Pre–post treatment scores were used to evaluate the overall HG therapy and to compare with benchmarks.

Findings
Rewind was more effective than control treatment sessions, with 40 per cent recovered and 57 per cent having reliably improved or recovered after the Rewind treatment session. Rewind sessions were rated as acceptable as other treatment sessions. The effect size of HG therapy was above the CBT Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation Outcome-10 (CORE-10) benchmark of 1.22. The recovery rate for treatment completers was 63 per cent, with 91 per cent recovered or reliably improved and was equivalent to the top quartile of services.

Practical implications
Rewind is a promising alternative trauma treatment, as people need not discuss details of the trauma, multiple traumas can be treated in one session and fewer treatment sessions may be needed.

Originality/value
There are few HG studies reported in the peer-reviewed literature. This preliminary study is the first controlled study of Rewind. The findings are also in line with previous research on HG therapy.
Phytosterols and their derivatives: Potential health‐promoting uses against lipid metabolism and associated diseases, mechanism, and safety issues
Authors: Feng Simin , Belwal Tarun , Li Li , Limwachiranon Jarukitt , Liu Xingquan , Luo Zisheng 
Published: June 2020

AbstractConsumption of phytosterols (PSs), the plant‐based analogs of cholesterol, can reduce serum cholesterol levels. This review discusses the current state of the art into the research of the structural features and dietary sources of PSs and their derivatives. The effect of PSs on individual lipid metabolites is summarized in the present review. PS‐related nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), obesity, and the alleviation of inflammatory bowel diseases are discussed. PSs reduce the risk of having NAFLD by improving the blood biochemical parameters related to lipid transport and metabolism. However, current research on the circulating PSs indicates its safety concern regarding fatty liver disease induction. In addition, PS oxidation products exhibit pro‐atherogenic properties, cytotoxicity oxidative stress, apoptosis, and pro‐inflammatory properties. Further research is needed to investigate the bioavailability and safety issues of PSs and their derivatives in animal models and clinical trials.
Enhancement of gel properties of Scomberomorus niphonius myofibrillar protein using phlorotannin extracts under UVA irradiation
Authors: Jiang Di , Shen Ping , Pu Yuan , Jin Meiran , Yu Chenxu , Qi Hang 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe effect of phlorotannin extracts (PTE) (from sporophyll of Undaria pinnatifida) added at different levels (0, 25, 125, 625 µmol/g protein) on the gel properties of mackerel (Scomberomorus niphonius) myofibrillar protein (MP) was studied with and without ultraviolet A (UVA) irradiation. The results showed that the gel strength and cooking yield increased in a PTE dose‐dependent manner, and at the level of 625 µmol/g protein PTE, the highest gel strength of 308.43 ± 8.12 (mN·cm) and cooking yield of 76.16 ± 1.40% were obtained in the samples treated with UVA irradiation. The same samples also showed increased carbonyl content, decreased total sulfhydryl, unwinding of α‐helix, and quenching of fluorescence intensity of endogenous tryptophan, all of which indicated that elevated protein oxidation in these samples led to enhanced protein cross‐linking. Results of sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) indicated aggregation of myosin heavy chains (MHCs) in the UVA‐treated gels with PTE, also evidenced by the dense three‐dimensional network structure in these samples visualized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Electron spin resonance (ESR) and spin trapping results indicated that free radicals were produced during the gelation process, possibly originated from UVA‐treated PTE, which played a critical role of oxidizing fish MPs, and eventually led to the improvement of the textural properties of the mackerel MP gel.Practical ApplicationBrown algae are a family of high‐yield marine algae. Phlorotannin extracts are highly active natural substances extracted from brown algae that can have many applications. Ultraviolet A (UVA) as a green and environmentally friendly physical processing method has been widely used in food processing in recent years. The method proposed in this study could be utilized to improve properties of fish protein gel made from poorly performing low‐priced fishes, and provide workable guidance for industry to expand the application of brown algae in food processing to better meet consumer's demand for high‐quality marine foods.
Water and power in South Arabia: the excavation of “Monumental Building 1” (MB1) at Sumhuram (Sultanate of Oman)
Authors: Degli Esposti Michele , Pavan Alexia 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe ancient port city of Sumhuram (Dhofar Governorate, Sultanate of Oman) has been the focus of over 20 years of research by the Italian Mission to Oman (IMTO), University of Pisa, in collaboration with the Office of the Adviser to His Majesty the Sultan for Cultural Affairs (Muscat‐Salalah, Sultanate of Oman). Excavation has revealed most of the town layout, leading to the identification of several buildings, alleyways, squares and workshops, among which two massive buildings stand out, significantly named by the excavators as “Monumental Building” 1 and 2 (MB1 and MB2). This paper presents the results of the excavation inside MB1, characterised by the presence of the only well discovered within the city walls, which was previously interpreted alternatively as a palace or as a temple. The architectural development of the building, its distinctive features, the archaeological material discovered inside it, and its chronology will be discussed. These results highlight the absence of fitting parallels from other ancient South Arabian towns. Overall, it is clear that access to, management of, and control over the water supply of the town represented a key asset which justified the huge investment in workforce and building materials that is reflected in the monumental architecture of this edifice.
The NSD2/WHSC1/MMSET methyltransferase prevents cellular senescence‐associated epigenomic remodeling
Authors: Tanaka Hiroshi , Igata Tomoka , Etoh Kan , Koga Tomoaki , Takebayashi Shin‐ichiro , Nakao Mitsuyoshi 
Published: June 2020

AbstractSenescent cells may possess the intrinsic programs of metabolic and epigenomic remodeling, but the molecular mechanism remains to be clarified. Using an RNAi‐based screen of chromatin regulators, we found that knockdown of the NSD2/WHSC1/MMSET methyltransferase induced cellular senescence that augmented mitochondrial mass and oxidative phosphorylation in primary human fibroblasts. Transcriptome analysis showed that loss of NSD2 downregulated the expression of cell cycle‐related genes in a retinoblastoma protein (RB)‐mediated manner. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses further revealed that NSD2 was enriched at the gene bodies of actively transcribed genes, including cell cycle‐related genes, and that loss of NSD2 decreased the levels of histone H3 lysine 36 trimethylation (H3K36me3) at these gene loci. Consistent with these findings, oncogene‐induced or replicative senescent cells showed reduced NSD2 expression together with lower H3K36me3 levels at NSD2‐enriched genes. In addition, we found that NSD2 gene was upregulated by serum stimulation and required for the induction of cell cycle‐related genes. Indeed, in both mouse and human tissues and human cancer cell lines, the expression levels of NSD2 were positively correlated with those of cell cycle‐related genes. These data reveal that NSD2 plays a pivotal role in epigenomic maintenance and cell cycle control to prevent cellular senescence.
Normal Ethanol Sensitivity and Rapid Tolerance Require the G Protein Receptor Kinase 2 in Ellipsoid Body Neurons in Drosophila
Authors: Kang Yuan Yuan , Wachi Yusuke , Engdorf Elizabeth , Fumagalli Emiliano , Wang Youyou , Myers Jennifer , Massey Shebna , Greiss Antony , Xu Shiyu , Roman Gregg 
Published: June 2020

BackgroundG protein signaling pathways are key neuromodulatory mechanisms for behaviors and neurological functions that affect the impact of ethanol (EtOH) on locomotion, arousal, and synaptic plasticity. Here, we report a novel role for the Drosophila G protein–coupled receptor kinase 2 (GPRK2) as a member of the GRK4/5/6 subfamily in modulating EtOH‐induced behaviors.MethodsWe studied the requirement of Drosophila Gprk2 for naïve sensitivity to EtOH sedation and ability of the fly to develop rapid tolerance after a single exposure to EtOH, using the loss of righting reflex (LORR) and fly group activity monitor (FlyGrAM) assays.ResultsLoss‐of‐function Gprk2 mutants demonstrate an increase in alcohol‐induced hyperactivity, reduced sensitivity to the sedative effects of EtOH, and diminished rapid tolerance after a single intoxicating exposure. The requirement for Gprk2 in EtOH sedation and rapid tolerance maps to ellipsoid body neurons within the Drosophila brain, suggesting that wild‐type Gprk2 is required for modulation of locomotion and alertness. However, even though Gprk2 loss of function leads to decreased and fragmented sleep, this change in the sleep state does not depend on Gprk2 expression in the ellipsoid body.ConclusionOur work on GPRK2 has established a role for this GRK4/5/6 subfamily member in EtOH sensitivity and rapid tolerance.
Cerebellar thickness changes associated with heavy cannabis use: A 3‐year longitudinal study
Authors: Wang Yanpei , Zuo Chenyi , Xu Qinfang , Hao Lei 
Published: June 2020

AbstractCannabis is the most frequently used illicit drug in the world. Cross‐sectional neuroimaging studies have revealed that chronic cannabis exposure and the development of cannabis use disorders may affect cerebllar morphology. However, cross‐sectional studies cannot make a conclusive distinction between causes and consequences, and there is a lack of longitudinal neuroimaging studies. In the current study, we used longitudinal neuroimaging data to explore whether persistent cannabis use and higher levels of cannabis exposure in young adults are related to cerebellar thickness alterations. Twenty heavy cannabis users (CBs) and 22 non‐cannabis‐using controls (HCs) completed a comprehensive psychological assessment and a T1‐structural MRI scan at baseline and a 3‐year follow‐up. Except for lobuleVIIB, all cerebellar subregions showed significant effects of age in both the CB and HC groups. Both VI and CrusI had higher rates of increase in CBs than in HCs. In addition, we examined the relationship between changes in cerebellar thickness and cannabis use characteristics. We found that alterations in lobule VI and CrusI were related to the age at onset first cannabis use but not the age at onset frequent cannabis use. The changes in lobule VI and CrusI were associated with the CUDIT score, even when controlling for the AUDIT score. The results indicated that an increased rate of cerebellar thickness is a risk factor for heavy cannabis use in early adulthood. Cannabis use affects the cerebellar structure, and monitoring cerebellar structural alterations that could be used as biomarkers may help guide the development of clinical tools.
Prices, alcohol use initiation and heavy episodic drinking among Chilean youth
Authors: Paraje Guillermo R. , Guindon G. Emmanuel , Chaloupka Frank J. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAimsTo examine the association between alcohol prices and age of initiation of alcohol use and the association between age of alcohol use initiation and heavy episodic drinking (HED) among adolescents in Chile.DesignWe estimated discrete‐time hazard models using retrospective data and generalized ordered probit models with repeated cross‐sectional data.SettingChile.ParticipantsA total of 248 336 urban youth who attended secondary school between 2003 and 2015 and self‐reported ever having tried alcohol.MeasurementsWe created drinking histories from self‐reported responses of age, age of alcohol use initiation and year/month of survey. From two self‐reported responses, we created a four‐category ordinal variable of heavy episodic drinking: none, one to two, three to nine and more than 10 HED episodes in the past 30 days. We constructed a monthly measure of real alcohol prices using the all‐items and alcohol component of the Consumer Price Index compiled by Chile's statistical agency, the Instituto Nacional de Estadísticas.FindingsFirst, we found negative, statistically significant and policy‐meaningful associations between alcohol prices and the age of alcohol use initiation. The estimated price elasticity of delay was −0.99 [95% confidence interval (CI) = –1.30, −0.69]. A 10% increase in real alcohol prices was associated with delayed alcohol use initiation of approximately 6.6 months. Secondly, we found that youth who had started drinking alcohol at a later age had statistically significant and substantially lower probabilities of having reported HED during the previous month. For example, youth who started drinking at 16 were 4.9 (95% CI = 4.2–5.6) percentage points more likely to have reported no HED in the previous month relative to youth who started drinking alcohol when aged 12 years or younger.ConclusionsIncreasing the price of alcohol products may delay alcohol initiation among young people in Chile. Chilean youth who start drinking alcohol later may engage in less harmful drinking practices.