Bonding and Spreading: Co-Creative Relationships and Interaction with Consumers in South Korea's Indie Music Industry

Purpose: Although social media proficiency and use are key business and marketing practices in today's digital environment, research has failed to offer sufficient insights into what drives small firms to use social media and how they vitalise co-creative social media environments with consumers. In response, we conducted a qualitative research study to examine how small firms utilise social media to interact and build bonds with consumers. These bonds become an important tool in the development of successful, profitable businesses and marketing practices in the digital age.  Design/methodology/approach: To examine how small firms use social media to engage with consumers and vice versa, we utilised a case-study approach and collected qualitative data by conducting semi-structured interviews.  Findings: Our results showed that the small firms in this research seek to establish relationships and facilitate interactions with their core consumers in order to co-create value. In particular, our data demonstrate that producers engage in two distinctive practices: bonding (i.e. cultivating emotional ties with music fans) and spreading (i.e. encouraging expressive circulation by fans). Altogether, our findings indicate that the representative firms in this research use social media to develop synergistic relationships with consumers and to tap into the collective energy of consumers in their business environments.  Originality/value: We show that small companies use social media to establish relationships and interact with fans in order to co-create value and vitalise collective consumption, engagement and participation. The case blurs the traditional distinction between production and consumption and suggests that the value of goods is a social creation, not merely a manufactured product

Value co-creation through social media: a case study of a start-up company

This research examines social media users’ value-creation processes and the drivers of a start-up company’s successful social media strategy. This research primarily aims to understand start-ups’ effective utilization of social media and value co-creation processes. Although utilizing social media has become key for many organizations, start-ups and small businesses often suffer from a lack of understanding and knowledge of the utilization of social media tools. Therefore, this article uses a case study on the relationship between a social media platform and users’ value co-creation to offer a conceptual framework for start-ups to consider in utilizing social media. Our research reveals that four core drivers of social media success include experience, satisfaction, expression, and sharing ability. Each of these drivers in turn contains conditions for understanding users’ value-creation process and the creation of drivers for successful social media strategies. The research contributes to literature by providing a detailed review of users’ value co-creation as a part of a start-up’s successful social media strategy

Market Legitimation in Countercultural Market Change

Drawing on concepts of institutional work, legitimacy, and institutional logics, we investigate why countercultural markets experience institutional change and the actions institutional work market actors perform to inform institutional logics and ensure the legitimacy of countercultural markets. Although previous research suggests market changes and disruption, little attention has been paid to markets that originate from different institutional backgrounds, changes in the market experience in relation to its legitimization, and institutional work to attain legitimacy. The case of indie music in South Korea illustrates the evolution of a cultural market from the introduction of its ethos, the crisis caused by legitimacy pressures, and the transformation of the market. Using data gathered through in-depth interviews with indie labels and music consumers in South Korea, and archival sources, our research illuminates the source of market struggle and theorizes approaches that market actors perform to overcome the struggle

Human oxygen sensing may have origins in prokaryotic elongation factor Tu prolyl-hydroxylation

Significance The Fe(II)- and 2-oxoglutarate (2OG)-dependent hypoxia-inducible transcription factor prolyl-hydroxylases play a central role in human oxygen sensing and are related to other prolyl-hydroxylases involved in eukaryotic collagen biosynthesis and ribosomal modification. The finding that a PHD-related prolyl-hydroxylase in Pseudomonas spp. regulates pyocyanin biosynthesis supports prokaryotic origins for the eukaryotic prolyl-hydroxylases. The identification of the switch I loop of elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu) as a Pseudomonas prolyl-hydroxylase domain containing protein (PPHD) substrate provides evidence of roles for 2OG oxygenases in both translational and transcriptional regulation. A structure of the PPHD:EF-Tu complex, the first to the authors' knowledge of a 2OG oxygenase with its intact protein substrate, reveals that major conformational changes occur in both PPHD and EF-Tu and will be useful in the design of new prolyl-hydroxylase inhibitors. </jats:p

Investigation on the molecular mechanism of 2OG-oxygenases and serine β-lactamases through computational chemistry

This thesis describes studies on the molecular mechanisms of 2OG-oxygenases and serine β-lactamases, and work towards the decomposition of the thermodynamics of solvation processes using Quantum Mechanics (QM), Molecular Dynamics (MD), and Free Energy Perturbation (FEP) methods.The first chapter gives a brief introduction to quantum chemistry and free energy perturbation methods as applied to the concept of potential energy surface and transition state theory. Chapter 2 describes QM and MD calculations to investigate recyclisation and hydrolysis in avibactam mediated serine β-lactamase inhibition. β-Lactams inhibit penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) and serine β-lactamases by acylation of a nucleophilic active site serine. Avibactam is approved for clinical use in combination with a cephalosporin, and is a breakthrough non β-lactam inhibitor, which also inhibits via serine acylation. QM and MD calculations on the avibactam-mediated inhibition of a clinically relevant cephalosporinase reveal recyclisation of the avibactam derived carbamoyl complex is favored over hydrolysis. In contrast, analogous recyclization in β- lactam mediated inhibition is disfavored. Avibactam recyclization is promoted by a proton shuttle, a 'structural' water protonating the nucleophilic serine, and stabilization of negative charge on the avibactam derived carbonyl oxygen. The results reveal the potential of calculations for distinguishing between bifurcating pathways and in generating hypotheses for predicting resistance. The inability of β- lactams to undergo recyclization may be an Achilles heel, but one that might be addressed by reversibly binding inhibitors.Chapter 3 describes work using DFT calculation on the selectivity of the hydroxylation of ankyrin repeat domain substrates as catalyzed by a 2-oxoglutarate (2OG) dependent oxygenase. Factor inhibiting hypoxia inducible factor (FIH) is a promiscuous protein hydroxylase that typically catalyses hydroxylations at the C-3 position of protein residues. Amongst residues hydroxylated by FIH, leucine has drawn special interest from a stereochemical perspective. Based on ab initio density functional calculations at the B3LYP/def2-TZVP level of theory, structural and energetic features of the FIH catalysed hydroxylation of L- and D-leucine were investigated. The DFT and experimental results show that L- and D-leucine are oxidized to (3R)-β-hydroxy-L-leucine and (3S)-β- hydroxy-D-leucine, respectively. D-, but not L, -leucine undergoes a double hydroxylation to form β,γ-dihydroxy-D-leucine. The results imply that the difference in the catalytic actions of FIH on L- and D-leucine stems from the different complexation modes in the active site caused by a change in C-α stereochemistry. X-ray crystallography analyses provide evidence for the proposed catalytic mechanisms. Despite the importance of molecular hydration entropy (ΔShyd) in chemical and biological processes, the accurate calculation of ΔShyd is difficult due to the complexities of solute-water interactions. The studies in chapter 4 concerned a novel method for accurately estimating ΔShyd based on a modified thermodynamic decomposition approach. The key feature of the method is that solute-water interactions are decomposed into hydrophobic and electrostatic parts to calculate their respective contributions to ΔShyd. Although free energy perturbation (FEP) methods have been employed widely, the poor convergent behavior of the van der Waals interaction term in the potential function limits its accuracy and robustness. The new method combines the FEP approach and the scaled particle theory (or information theory) to separately calculate the electrostatic solute-water interaction term (ΔSelec) and the hydrophobic contribution (the cavity formation) entropy (ΔScav). The method appears to be effective with a substantial accuracy enhancement in ΔShyd estimation compared to conventional FEP calculations. ΔScav appears to dominate over ΔSelec in magnitude even in the case of polar solutes, implying that the major contribution to the entropic cost for hydration comes from the formation of a solvent-excluded volume. The method thus enhances the accuracy of ΔShyd prediction by complementing the conventional full FEP method.</p

Investigation on the molecular mechanism of 2OG-oxygenases and serine β-lactamases through computational chemistry

This thesis describes studies on the molecular mechanisms of 2OG-oxygenases and serine β-lactamases, and work towards the decomposition of the thermodynamics of solvation processes using Quantum Mechanics (QM), Molecular Dynamics (MD), and Free Energy Perturbation (FEP) methods.The first chapter gives a brief introduction to quantum chemistry and free energy perturbation methods as applied to the concept of potential energy surface and transition state theory. Chapter 2 describes QM and MD calculations to investigate recyclisation and hydrolysis in avibactam mediated serine β-lactamase inhibition. β-Lactams inhibit penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) and serine β-lactamases by acylation of a nucleophilic active site serine. Avibactam is approved for clinical use in combination with a cephalosporin, and is a breakthrough non β-lactam inhibitor, which also inhibits via serine acylation. QM and MD calculations on the avibactam-mediated inhibition of a clinically relevant cephalosporinase reveal recyclisation of the avibactam derived carbamoyl complex is favored over hydrolysis. In contrast, analogous recyclization in β- lactam mediated inhibition is disfavored. Avibactam recyclization is promoted by a proton shuttle, a 'structural' water protonating the nucleophilic serine, and stabilization of negative charge on the avibactam derived carbonyl oxygen. The results reveal the potential of calculations for distinguishing between bifurcating pathways and in generating hypotheses for predicting resistance. The inability of β- lactams to undergo recyclization may be an Achilles heel, but one that might be addressed by reversibly binding inhibitors.Chapter 3 describes work using DFT calculation on the selectivity of the hydroxylation of ankyrin repeat domain substrates as catalyzed by a 2-oxoglutarate (2OG) dependent oxygenase. Factor inhibiting hypoxia inducible factor (FIH) is a promiscuous protein hydroxylase that typically catalyses hydroxylations at the C-3 position of protein residues. Amongst residues hydroxylated by FIH, leucine has drawn special interest from a stereochemical perspective. Based on ab initio density functional calculations at the B3LYP/def2-TZVP level of theory, structural and energetic features of the FIH catalysed hydroxylation of L- and D-leucine were investigated. The DFT and experimental results show that L- and D-leucine are oxidized to (3R)-β-hydroxy-L-leucine and (3S)-β- hydroxy-D-leucine, respectively. D-, but not L, -leucine undergoes a double hydroxylation to form β,&gamma;-dihydroxy-D-leucine. The results imply that the difference in the catalytic actions of FIH on L- and D-leucine stems from the different complexation modes in the active site caused by a change in C-α stereochemistry. X-ray crystallography analyses provide evidence for the proposed catalytic mechanisms. Despite the importance of molecular hydration entropy (&Delta;Shyd) in chemical and biological processes, the accurate calculation of &Delta;Shyd is difficult due to the complexities of solute-water interactions. The studies in chapter 4 concerned a novel method for accurately estimating &Delta;Shyd based on a modified thermodynamic decomposition approach. The key feature of the method is that solute-water interactions are decomposed into hydrophobic and electrostatic parts to calculate their respective contributions to &Delta;Shyd. Although free energy perturbation (FEP) methods have been employed widely, the poor convergent behavior of the van der Waals interaction term in the potential function limits its accuracy and robustness. The new method combines the FEP approach and the scaled particle theory (or information theory) to separately calculate the electrostatic solute-water interaction term (&Delta;Selec) and the hydrophobic contribution (the cavity formation) entropy (&Delta;Scav). The method appears to be effective with a substantial accuracy enhancement in &Delta;Shyd estimation compared to conventional FEP calculations. &Delta;Scav appears to dominate over &Delta;Selec in magnitude even in the case of polar solutes, implying that the major contribution to the entropic cost for hydration comes from the formation of a solvent-excluded volume. The method thus enhances the accuracy of &Delta;Shyd prediction by complementing the conventional full FEP method.</p

Broadcasting and Telecommunications Industries in the Convergence Age: Toward a Sustainable Public-Centric Public Interest

The emergence of new digital technologies, such as the Internet and new business models such as over-the-top (OTT) operators that utilize them, has transformed the media and broadcasting industries. As advanced technologies and business models are adopted, convergence between the broadcasting and telecommunication (“telecom”) sectors has become a common business practice. Using the South Korean case study of a failed acquisition attempt of CJ HelloVision by SK Telecom, this research identifies the three essential features (economic, sociocultural, and industrial structure issues) related to convergence in the broadcasting and media industries. Further, this study reveals the potential consequences of convergence to the public, industry, and society, and offers critical implications for future policy direction. Finally, this study suggests the need for a change in the policy direction in the age of convergence in the broadcasting and media industries. In addition, it calls for the importance of a public-centric public benefit. Social and consumer welfare, and not profit or industrial growth, should dictate the public interest orientation in the broadcasting and media industries. Therefore, the meaning of public interest in broadcasting and media should not be limited in the industrial context of media; rather, it should consider the access to service by the public, the condition of consumption, and its consequences in the perspective of social and consumer welfare

How consumers contribute to the development and continuity of a cultural market

This article examines the &ldquo;indie&rdquo; music industry in South Korea. It describes a consumer-led market where network of consumers aided by social media take responsibility for its maintenance and development, specifically the market for indie music in South Korea. With the emergence of digital technology and a participatory culture, the roles of consumers have expanded. Through their commitment and passion for independent music, aided by social media, these consumers have developed a virtual indie music community, which uses a variety of mechanisms, such as producing podcasts, to promote its music. These non-traditional producers regard indie music as an important part of their lives and their existence, which is why they take responsibility for developing the indie community rather than leaving this to a profit-orientated music industry. Therefore, we demonstrate how in South Korea the production of indie music has ceased to be dominated by traditional actors, such as record labels, and is driven by the enthusiasm of music fans. Previous research on cultural markets suggests that consumers play critical roles in the formation and evolution of the market. This study sheds light on this process by depicting a cultural market that is governed by pro-social consumers (rather than anti-market resistance) who pursue a balanced approach between resistance to and negotiated harmony with commercial and social norms rather than drawing a simple boundary between &ldquo;us&rdquo; and &ldquo;other&rdquo;

The internet and value co-creation: The case of the popular music industry

The paper explores the importance of internet-facilitated value co-creation, especially in cultural industries. Through an extensive review of the literature, it shows that in many industries, a transformational shift is taking place from value creation to value co-creation, which is fundamentally changing the relationship between consumers and producers. In particular, the paper examines value creation and co-creation in the popular music industry. This reveals that though much of the research on music and the internet has revolved around the issue of music piracy, evidence is now emerging that the internet is enabling some record labels, musicians and fans to work together to co-create value for mutual benefit. The paper concludes by arguing that value co-creation is an important development that can transform the relationship between consumers and producers, and that in the popular music industry value co-creation can promote new, more positive, relationships among record labels, artists and fans