bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A cross-cultural analysis of perceived product quality, perceived risk and purchase intention in e-commerce platforms
Authors: Rosillo-Díaz Elena , Blanco-Encomienda Francisco Javier , Crespo-Almendros Esmeralda 
Published: November 2019

Purpose
While there have always been cultural differences between countries and between individuals, the virtualisation of markets is rendering the impact of these differences even more salient. There is clear evidence that cultural dimensions are relevant in the adoption and use of e-commerce. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the significant effects of individual cultural dimensions on perceived product quality, perceived risk and purchase intention in e-commerce platforms.

Design/methodology/approach
A questionnaire was developed to serve as a tool of measurement. A confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to examine whether all the indicators for the constructs are reliable. A multiple regression analysis was carried out to test the hypotheses.

Findings
The results reveal that, in the case of e-commerce platforms, the cultural dimensions uncertainty-avoidance and collectivism exert a significant influence on perceived product quality, perceived risk and purchase intention.

Research limitations/implications
The present study is based on real well-known e-commerce platforms which could have influenced the responses of the sample due to potential past experiences of use. An experimental design based on fictitious platforms could offer more objective findings.

Practical implications
This research contributes to the understanding of e-commerce and the behaviour of consumers during online purchasing, taking into account the cultural differences that may exist between them.

Originality/value
The literature on individual cultural dimensions – that is, non-national cases – and the variables analysed in the present study suffers from great limitations. This study complements a growing interest in analysing the individual cultural dimensions and their effects on the sphere of e-commerce, specifically on perceived product quality, purchase intention and perceived risk during browsing, measured in terms of the six types of risk prevalent in e-commerce platforms.
Conceptualising digital transformation in SMEs: an ecosystemic perspective
Authors: Pelletier Claudia , Cloutier L. Martin 
Published: November 2019

Purpose
Supported by a service ecosystem that is increasingly immersed into digital transformation, small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have access to turnkey information technology (IT) applications, which may come free of charge but not free of concerns. The purpose of this paper is to explore a group conceptualisation and associated perceptions of IT issues within an ecosystem that includes three subgroup profiles: entrepreneurs, IT professionals and socioeconomic support professionals.

Design/methodology/approach
Using group concept mapping, a bottom-up and participatory mixed methods-based approach, a concept map was estimated, based on a list of items, to define seven clusters pertaining to issues and challenges of adoption and use of turnkey IT applications in SMEs of less than 20 employees. Perceptions measures of relative importance and feasibility were obtained by subgroup profiles.

Findings
The relative importance and relative feasibility measures for the seven clusters indicate significant statistical differences in ratings among the subgroup profiles. A discussion on the importance of relational capital in addressing challenges of digital transformation in SMEs is developed.

Originality/value
Results highlight signifiant differences concerning key dimensions in the adoption and use of IT from the perspective of three subgroup profiles of actors within the ecosystem. First, the results stress the need to develop a shared understanding of IT challenges. Second, they suggest policymakers could use these conceptual representations to further develop and strengthen the IT-related support agenda for SMEs, especially the smaller ones (e.g. training programs, business support and coaching initiatives, etc.).
The influence of organisational culture on leadership style in higher education institutions
Authors: Akanji Babatunde , Mordi Chima , Ituma Afam , Adisa Toyin Ajibade , Ajonbadi Hakeem 
Published: November 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of organisational culture (OC) on leadership styles in Nigerian universities. The study utilises the cultural dimensions theory (Hofstede’s insights) and the social exchange concept as theoretical lenses to examine the phenomena.

Design/methodology/approach
Using an exploratory qualitative approach, 40 interviews were conducted with senior academics and non-teaching staff working in Nigerian universities.

Findings
The findings reveal hierarchical, patriarchal, servile, and interdependent values as the underlying characteristics of organisation culture, shaping the choice of leadership styles in the management of Nigerian universities. As a result, it emerged from the study that positional, formalised exchanges, paternalism, relational approach and gendered reactions to leadership were typically adopted in university administration in this context.

Research limitations/implications
The study relies on a small qualitative sample size, which makes the generalisation of findings difficult. However, the study provides a good understanding of cultural hegemony, framing leadership styles different from those of western cultures.

Originality/value
The findings of this study help to bridge the research gap concerning the implications of OC, and its influence on leadership behaviours in the Sub-Saharan African context. Research within this subfield in Africa is rare. Specifically, the study also enriches our understanding of cultural dimensions, informing the leadership methods adopted in higher education institutions.
An exploration of quality management practices in the manufacturing industry of Ethiopia
Authors: Addis Sisay 
Published: November 2019

PurposeTotal quality management (TQM) has long been viewed as a strategy to attain business excellence. However, it is relatively a new concept in the context of emerging economies. Particularly, this is far beyond the reality in the context of African countries, in general. The purpose of this paper is to study the current state of TQM implementation in the manufacturing industry of Ethiopia (MIE). The study also focuses on several comparisons, between large and medium companies, and ISO and non-ISO companies with regard to the adoption of TQM practices.Design/methodology/approachThe study draws on top- and middle-level managers from sample companies. Data were collected using a structured survey questionnaire. After testing scale reliability and validity, descriptive and factor analysis were used for the data analysis.FindingsThe findings, in general, indicated that Ethiopian manufacturers have implemented TQM at a moderate level (grand mean value of 2.86 on 0–5 scale). It is revealed that ISO companies are significantly adopted TQM practices than non-ISO companies, whereas no difference was found between large and medium companies.Originality/valueGiven the importance of understanding TQM and paucity of research on the topic in Ethiopia, the study provides practical insights and groundwork that can guide practitioners to understand the drivers of TQM in the region. Particularly, the study is useful to plan corrective actions on practices that are likely to obstruct TQM implementation in the MIE. Moreover, the study adds to the empirical literature that may yield important insights on TQM for under-researched emerging economies, particularly for the eastern part of Africa, where nations share similar cross-cultural norms, economic, social and ethnic settings.
Involving patients in quality improvements – a case study
Authors: Robinson Åsa , Finizia Caterina , Gustavsson Susanne 
Published: November 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to illuminate strengths and limitations in quality improvement work, when involving patients.Design/methodology/approachThe experience-based co-design (EBCD) method was used when improving care for patients undergoing otosclerosis surgery. Individual interviews and focus groups were interpreted using qualitative content analysis.FindingsStrengths mentioned by patients were that their participation made a difference. The first steps were found effective in giving an in-depth view of patients’ experiences and the staff got an increased understanding about specific patient needs. However, weaknesses were found in the latter phases, those of improving and follow-up, health care staff had difficulties to keep their focus on patients’ experiences and invite patients to be involved. Patients’ participation decreased, and there was a lack of tools to support the process.Research limitations/implicationsThe content in this paper is mainly based on one case. However, the findings are in congruence with earlier research and add further knowledge to the research area.Practical implicationsThe findings can be used in healthcare when involving patients in improvement work.Originality/valueThere is no earlier study which involves patients with otosclerosis when using EBCD. Furthermore, this paper illuminates that there is a need to increase collaboration with patients. The latter phases often seem to be handled by health care professionals without involving patients; this paper suggest a development using dedicated quality tools.
Population history explains the performance of an annual herb – Within and beyond its European species range
Authors: Douda Jan , Doudová Jana , Hodková Eva , Vít Petr , Krak Karol , Mandák Bohumil 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe centre–periphery hypothesis (CPH) predicts a decrease in population performance from the centre of the species range towards the edge, hindering further species expansion. To overcome ecological limitation, local adaptation of peripheral populations is assumed necessary to extend niche space and thus to potentially facilitate species’ range expansion. However, adaptive changes do not necessarily correspond to current ecological marginality. Instead, population history may provide a fuller context for understanding patterns of local adaptation within the species range. Here, we test whether local adaptation to current conditions or population history explains current species distribution in an annual heterocarpic species,Atriplex tatarica,in Europe.The ecological marginality and population history were estimated using species distribution modelling (SDM) and 13 microsatellite markers. To test for local adaptation, we evaluated the population performance of both currently central and currently peripheral populations by examining germination and growth traits under three temperature regimes which correspond to climates within, and also beyond, the species’ current range. In addition, we compared Bayesian estimates of population differentiation in neutral genetic markers and quantitative traits to test whether phenotypic differentiation evolved by local adaptation and/or by genetic drift.We found population performances were not higher under temperature regimes corresponding to their own habitats, suggesting that patterns of local adaptation inA. tataricado not correspond to current centre–periphery gradient. In contrast, population genetic structure indicated a strong influence of population history on variation in the germination phenotype. Species distribution modelling suggested a more cold–tolerant genetic lineage was located at the species' range periphery during the last glacial period. Meanwhile, a less cold‐tolerant lineage occurred in more suitable areas of the Balkan Peninsula and southeastern Europe. Thus, the strong adaptive divergence of evolutionary lineages may reflect a past spatial arrangement of populations, suggesting evolutionary processes were ongoing before the species expansion in the Holocene.Synthesis. There is continuing debate concerning the speed of trait evolution during range expansion with climate change. Our results indicate that even though organisms expand rapidly, the accompanying evolutionary changes in phenotype may be much slower.
Involvement of miR‐200b–PKCα signalling in pulmonary hypertension in cor pulmonale model
Authors: Qian Xiaojun , Zhao Hongqin , Feng Qiuting 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe right ventricle (RV) enlargement and pulmonary fibrosis are involved in cor pulmonale. The role of miR‐200b in cor pulmonale is less well understood. This study was designed to evaluate the regulatory roles of miR‐200b in cor pulmonale. Cor pulmonary mouse model was built via monocrotaline injection of monocrotaline (MCT). The expression of miR‐200b in the lungs, RV and left ventricle (LV) are using real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The transthoracic echocardiography was employed to determine the effects of miR‐200b mimics and Gö6976 injection on MCT mice. The protein levels of protein kinase C α (PKCα), collagen, and fibronectin in the lung, RV, and LV in the mice with and without miR‐200b mimics and Gö6976 injection were evaluated using western blot. The expression of miR‐200b decreased in MCT mice, while there was no difference in LV. Both the miR‐200b mimics and Gö6976 injection reversed the muscularization in the pulmonary artery, reversed RV hypertrophy, reduced RV systolic pressure, wall thickness and pulmonary fibrosis. The injection of miR‐200b can reduce the PKCα expression in the lung, RV, and LV. This study confirmed the down‐regulation of miR‐200b in cor pulmonale. The reverse effects of miR‐200b in the present study may provide a potential tool for cor pulmonary treatment.
Corporate social responsibility and strategic trade policy: An endogenous timing game and its policy implications
Authors: Cho Sumi , Lee Sang‐Ho , Hoang Xoan T. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThis study incorporates the corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives of a domestic firm and analyses strategic trade policy towards a foreign firm in a different market structure. We show that the tariff rate under a foreign (domestic) firm's leadership is lowest when the degree of CSR is large (small). We also show that the foreign firm's leadership yields the highest welfare when the degree of CSR is intermediate, while the domestic firm's leadership yields the highest welfare otherwise. In an endogenous‐timing game, we show that a simultaneous‐move outcome is the unique equilibrium when the degree of CSR is small; thus, it is never socially desirable. We also show that the domestic firm's leadership can be an equilibrium, which results in the highest welfare when the degree of CSR is large. Finally, when the degree of CSR is large, collusive behaviours between the domestic and foreign firms can increase welfare.
A deletion spanning the promoter and first exon of the hair cycle‐specific ASIP transcript isoform in black and tan rabbits
Authors: Letko A. , Ammann B. , Jagannathan V. , Henkel J. , Leuthard F. , Schelling C. , Carneiro M. , Drögemüller C. , Leeb T. 
Published: November 2019

SummaryBlack and tan animals have tan‐coloured ventral body surfaces separated by sharp boundaries from black‐coloured dorsal body surfaces. In the at mouse mutant, a retroviral 6 kb insertion located in the hair cycle‐specific promoter of the murine Asip gene encoding agouti signalling protein causes the black and tan phenotype. In rabbits, three ASIP alleles are thought to exist, including an at allele causing a black and tan coat colour that closely resembles the mouse black and tan phenotype. The goal of our study was to identify the functional genetic variant causing the rabbit at allele. We performed a WGS‐based comparative analysis of the ASIP gene in one black and tan and three wt agouti‐coloured rabbits. The analysis identified 75 at‐associated variants including an 11 kb deletion. The deletion is located in the region of the hair cycle‐specific ASIP promoter and thus in a region homologous to the site of the retroviral insertion causing the at allele in mice. We observed perfect association of the genotypes at this deletion with the coat colour phenotype in 49 rabbits. The comparative analysis and the previous knowledge about the regulation of ASIP expression suggest that the 11 kb deletion is the most likely causative variant for the black and tan phenotype in rabbits.
Difficult Airway Society guidelines for awake tracheal intubation (ATI) in adults
Authors: Ahmad I. , El‐Boghdadly K. , Bhagrath R. , Hodzovic I. , McNarry A. F. , Mir F. , O'Sullivan E. P. , Patel A. , Stacey M. , Vaughan D. 
Published: November 2019

SummaryAwake tracheal intubation has a high success rate and a favourable safety profile but is underused in cases of anticipated difficult airway management. These guidelines are a comprehensive document to support decision making, preparation and practical performance of awake tracheal intubation. We performed a systematic review of the literature seeking all of the available evidence for each element of awake tracheal intubation in order to make recommendations. In the absence of high‐quality evidence, expert consensus and a Delphi study were used to formulate recommendations. We highlight key areas of awake tracheal intubation in which specific recommendations were made, which included: indications; procedural setup; checklists; oxygenation; airway topicalisation; sedation; verification of tracheal tube position; complications; management of unsuccessful awake tracheal intubation; post‐tracheal intubation management; consent; and training. We recognise that there are a range of techniques and regimens that may be effective and one such example technique is included. Breaking down the key practical elements of awake tracheal intubation into sedation, topicalisation, oxygenation and performance might help practitioners to plan, perform and address complications. These guidelines aim to support clinical practice and help lower the threshold for performing awake tracheal intubation when indicated.
Number of episodes in bipolar disorder: The case for more thoughtful conceptualization and measurement
Authors: Tremain Hailey , Fletcher Kathryn , Murray Greg 
Published: November 2019

AbstractObjectivesNumber of mood episodes (NoE) may be an important prognostic indicator in bipolar disorder, with implications for treatment. However, NoE has been conceptualized and measured inconsistently throughout the literature. This review examines the construct of NoE in bipolar disorder, with the aim of enhancing its conceptualization and measurement.MethodsA critical evaluation of literatures on important correlates of NoE, conceptually and phenomenologically overlapping features, and previous studies considering and measuring this construct was undertaken.ResultsThe literature indicates that despite frequent use, NoE has been inconsistently defined and measured. Multiple studies have linked NoE with important clinical factors, including relapse, functioning, cognitive impairment and the effectiveness of both pharmacological and psychosocial interventions, yet conclusions are limited by its inconsistent treatment. Additionally, it seems evident that that NoE may best be treated as a fuzzy construct (rather than precise figure), with yet to be defined overlaps with clinical variables such as age at onset and severity. Attempts to measure this construct have varied in comprehensiveness and structure.ConclusionsThe NoE construct may have important implications for individuals with bipolar disorders. However, more consistent and systematic definition and assessment of NoE is required to advance this literature and clarify its role. Recommendations aimed at advancing the conceptualization and the measurement of NoE are provided. Conceptualization may be advanced by considering and exploring relationships between NoE and factors with which it overlaps, while measurement may best be improved with increased consistency and balancing accuracy with feasibility.
The association between haemorrhage and markers of endothelial insufficiency and inflammation in patients with hypoproliferative thrombocytopenia: a cohort study
Authors: Ypma Paula F. , van Geloven Nan , Kerkhoffs Jean Louis H. , te Boekhorst Peter , Zwaginga Jaap J. , Beckers Erik A. M. , Brand Anneke , van der Meer Pieter F. , Eikenboom Jeroen C. J. 
Published: November 2019

SummaryIn daily haematological practice, predicting bleeding in thrombocytopenic patients is difficult, and clinicians adhere to transfusion triggers to guide patients through the aplastic phase of chemotherapy. Platelet count is not the only determinant of bleeding and additional mechanisms for impending haemostasis are likely. Beside clot formation, platelets are essential for the maintenance of integrity of vascular beds. We therefore prospectively investigated associations between biomarkers for endothelial damage (urine albumin excretion) and inflammation (C‐reactive protein) and bleeding (WHO grading) in 88 patients with 116 on‐protocol episodes. We found an increase in grade 2 bleeding with a higher urine albumin/creatinine ratio one day after the measurement [odds ratio (OR) 1·24 for every doubling of the ratio, 95% CI 1·05–1·46, P‐value 0·01] and a 29% increase in the odds of grade 2 bleeding for every doubling of serum C‐reactive protein (CRP) (95% CI 1·04–1·60, P‐value 0·02) after correction for morning platelet count. The 24 h post‐transfusion corrected count increment (CCI24) showed a significant association with these biomarkers: increasing urine albumin/creatinine ratio and CRP were associated with lower CCI24. We report two inexpensive and easy‐to‐apply biomarkers that could be useful in designing a prediction model for bleeding risk in thrombocytopenic patients.
Reduction in the neuronal surface of post and presynaptic GABABreceptors in the hippocampus in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Martín‐Belmonte Alejandro , Aguado Carolina , Alfaro‐Ruíz Rocío , Moreno‐Martínez Ana Esther , de la Ossa Luis , Martínez‐Hernández José , Buisson Alain , Früh Simon , Bettler Bernhard , Shigemoto Ryuichi , Fukazawa Yugo , Luján Rafael 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe hippocampus plays key roles in learning and memory and is a main target of Alzheimer's disease (AD), which causes progressive memory impairments. Despite numerous investigations about the processes required for the normal hippocampal functions, the neurotransmitter receptors involved in the synaptic deficits by which AD disables the hippocampus are not yet characterized. By combining histoblots, western blots, immunohistochemistry and high‐resolution immunoelectron microscopic methods for GABABreceptors, this study provides a quantitative description of the expression and the subcellular localization of GABAB1in the hippocampus in a mouse model of AD at 1, 6 and 12 months of age. Western blots and histoblots showed that the total amount of protein and the laminar expression pattern of GABAB1were similar in APP/PS1 mice and in age‐matched wild‐type mice. In contrast, immunoelectron microscopic techniques showed that the subcellular localization of GABAB1subunit did not change significantly in APP/PS1 mice at 1 month of age, was significantly reduced in thestratum lacunosum‐moleculareof CA1 pyramidal cells at 6 months of age and significantly reduced at the membrane surface of CA1 pyramidal cells at 12 months of age. This reduction of plasma membrane GABAB1was paralleled by a significant increase of the subunit at the intracellular sites. We further observed a decrease of membrane‐targeted GABABreceptors in axon terminals contacting CA1 pyramidal cells. Our data demonstrate compartment‐ and age‐dependent reduction of plasma membrane‐targeted GABABreceptors in the CA1 region of the hippocampus, suggesting that this decrease might be enough to alter the GABAB‐mediated synaptic transmission taking place in AD.