bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural Changes in Japanese Firms
Authors: Hong Gee Hee , Ito Arata , Saito Yukiko Umeno , Nguyen Anh Thi Ngoc
Published: October 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed a serious threat to the survival of Japanese firms, highlighting the importance of understanding how and why firms exit. In this paper, we use a rich firm-level dataset of Japanese firms to document how firm exit patterns have evolved between 2007 and 2017. Firm exit patterns have been heavily influenced by Japan’s demographic trends, as a majority of exits in recent years were voluntary exits of firms
(business closures) owned by CEOs aged 65 years or older without business successors. In contrast to this increase in voluntary exits, other “traditional” firm exits (such as bankruptcies), have declined. These findings underscore the importance of addressing business transition issues in a rapidly aging society.
Monetary Policy Under an Exchange Rate Anchor
Authors: El Hamiani Khatat Mariam , Buessings-Loercks Mark , Fleuriet Vincent
Published: October 2020

This paper argues that there is scope for monetary policy under an exchange rate anchor, and discusses the related monetary policy design and implementation. It shows that the exchange rate can be used as the main monetary policy instrument while the policy rate can target the exchange rate. An exchange rate anchor is compatible with an inflation objective, provided fiscal dominance is not an issue, monetary conditions are supportive
of the peg, and the level of international reserves is adequate. The paper argues that, while an exchange rate anchor is more prone to policy inconsistencies, there is ample scope for strengthening monetary policy design and implementation under soft pegs. In that context, the principles of dichotomy and interest rate parity are critical.
Will the AI Revolution Cause a Great Divergence?
Authors: Alonso Cristian , Berg Andrew , Kothari Siddharth , Papageorgiou Chris , Rehman Sidra
Published: October 2020

This paper considers the implications for developing countries of a new wave of technological change that substitutes pervasively for labor. It makes simple and plausible assumptions: the AI revolution can be modeled as an increase in productivity of a distinct type of capital that substitutes closely with labor; and the only fundamental difference between the advanced and developing country is the level of TFP. This set-up is minimalist, but the resulting conclusions are powerful: improvements in the productivity of “robots” drive divergence, as advanced countries differentially benefit from their initially higher robot intensity, driven by their endogenously higher wages and stock of complementary traditional capital. In addition, capital—if internationally mobile—is pulled “uphill”, resulting in a transitional GDP decline in the developing country. In an extended model where robots substitute only for unskilled labor, the terms of trade, and hence GDP, may decline permanently for the country relatively well-endowed in unskilled labor.
Impact of Remittances on Natural Rate of Dollarization—Trends in Caucasus and Central Asia
Authors: Gondo Rocio , Aidarova Altynai , Singh Manmohan
Published: October 2020

This paper discusses migration and remittances trends, and calculates the natural (or benchmark) level of dollarization in Caucasus, Central Asia and others in the region. This natural level of dollarization is conceptually linked to the currency allocation in a portfolio of deposits to maximize welfare, in line with Ize and Levy Yeyati (2003). The fall in remittances due to the economic slowdown since the spread of COVID-19 affects the macroeconomic fundamentals that determine demand for foreign currency deposits. We calculate the natural dollarization level by integrating structural macroeconomic characteristics. We show that despite the reduction in deposit dollarization, there is still a gap with respect to the natural level of dollarization, especially in a scenario of (persistent) lower remittance inflows.
Benchmark-Driven Investments in Emerging Market Bond Markets
Authors: Arslanalp Serkan , Drakopoulos Dimitris , Goel Rohit , Koepke Robin
Published: October 2020

This paper reviews the role of benchmark-driven investments in EM local bond markets. We provide an overview of how key EM bond benchmark indices are constructed, how they affect the behavior of investment funds, and what are the likely implications for capital flows and policy-making. Several methods are presented suggesting that the amount of assets benchmarked against widely followed EM local-currency bond indices have risen fivefold since the mid-2000s to around $300 billion. Our review suggests that the benefits of index membership may be tempered by portfolio outflow risks for some countries. This is because benchmark-driven investments may increase the importance of external factors at the expense of domestic factors, raising the risks of outflows unrelated to recipient country fundamentals. Some countries may be disproportionately exposed to these risks, reflecting the way the indices are constructed.
Fintech Credit Risk Assessment for SMEs
Authors: Huang Yiping , Zhang Longmei , Li Zhenhua , Qiu Han , Sun Tao , Wang Xue
Published: October 2020

Promoting credit services to small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) has been a perennial challenge for policy makers globally due to high information costs. Recent fintech developments may be able to mitigate this problem. By leveraging big data or digital footprints on existing platforms, some big technology (BigTech) firms have extended short-term loans to millions of small firms. By analyzing 1.8 million loan transactions of a leading Chinese online bank, this paper compares the fintech approach to assessing credit risk using big data and machine learning models with the bank approach using traditional financial data and scorecard models. The study shows that the fintech approach yields better prediction of loan defaults during normal times and periods of large exogenous shocks, reflecting information and modeling advantages. BigTech’s proprietary information can complement or, where necessary, substitute credit history in risk assessment, allowing unbanked firms to borrow. Furthermore, the fintech approach benefits SMEs that are smaller and in smaller cities, hence complementing the role of banks by reaching underserved customers. With more effective and balanced policy support, BigTech lenders could help promote financial inclusion worldwide.
To Pass (or Not to Pass) Through International Fuel Price Changes to Domestic Fuel Prices in Developing Countries
Authors: Kpodar Kangni , Imam Patrick
Published: October 2020

While many developing countries limit the international fuel price pass through to domestic fuel prices, others do not. Against this backdrop, we examine the factors that determine whether governments allow international fuel price changes to be passed through to domestic prices in developing countries using a dataset spanning 109 developing countries from 2000 to 2014. The paper finds that the pass-through is higher when changes in international prices are moderate and less volatile. In addition, the flexibility of the pricing mechanism allows for higher pass-through while exchange rate depreciation and lower retail fuel prices in neighboring countries inhibit it. The econometric results also underscore the fact that countries with inflation tend to experience lower pass-through, whereas those with high public debt exhibit larger pass-through. Finally, no evidence is found that political variables or environmental policies matter with regard to fuel price dynamics in the short-term. These findings, which are consistent across fuel products (gasoline, diesel and kerosene), allow us to draw important policy lessons for fuel subsidy reforms.
Do FX Interventions Lead to Higher FX Debt? Evidence from Firm-Level Data
Authors: Kim Minsuk , Mano Rui , Mrkaic Mico
Published: October 2020

Central banks often buy or sell reserves-–-so called FX interventions (FXIs)---to dampen sharp exchange rate movements caused by volatile capital flows. At the same time, these interventions may entail unintended side effects. In this paper, we investigate whether FXIs incentivize firms to take on more unhedged FX debt, thereby increasing medium-term corporate vulnerabilities. Using a novel dataset with close to 5,000 nonfinancial firms across 19 emerging markets covering 2002--2017, we find that the firm-level share of FX debt rises following intensive use of FXIs, particularly for non-exporting firms in shallow financial markets with no FX debt to begin with. The magnitude of this effect is economically significant, with one standard deviation increase in FXI leading to an average 2 percentage points increase in the FX debt share. For reference, the median share of FX debt in the sample is zero.
Beyond the COVID-19 Crisis
Authors: Prady Delphine , Tourpe Herve , Davidovic Sonja , Nunhuck Soheib
Published: October 2020

During the 2020 pandemic, the majority of countries have provided income support to households at an unprecedented speed and scale. Social distancing measures and the large penetration of mobile phones in emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs) have encouraged government-to-person (G2P) transfers through mobile platforms. This paper presents a comprehensive framework for sustainable money solutions in support of social assistance. The framework consists of eight building blocks that may help policymakers i) take stock and assess emergency fixes taken to scale up mobile money in a crisis context and ii) develop sustainable long-term solutions for mobile G2P transfers.
The Monetary Policy Credibility Channel and the Amplification Effects in a Semi-structural Model
Authors: Chansriniyom Thitipat , Epstein Natan , Nalban Valeriu
Published: October 2020

The paper extends a standard semi-structural model to account for nonlinear and asymmetric effects of monetary policy credibility. In our setting, central bank credibility is proportional to the deviation of inflation expectations from the announced inflation target, with positive deviations being more costly compared to negative ones. A loss in policy credibility as a result of shocks leads to a more persistent, backward-looking inflation process, and is associated with lower output. We find that the extended model with credibility effects matches well the key macroeconomic data over specific past episodes for Indonesia and Philippines and consider its adaptation to integrated policy frameworks as an area for further exploration.
IT Shields
Authors: Pierri Nicola , Timmer Yannick
Published: October 2020

We study the economic effects of information technology (IT) adoption during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using data on IT adoption covering almost three million establishments in the US, we find that technology adoption can partly shield the economy from the impact of the pandemic. In areas where firms adopted more IT the unemployment rate rose less in response to social distancing. Our estimates imply that if the pandemic had hit the world 5 years ago, the resulting unemployment rate would have been 2 percentage points higher during April and May 2020 (16% vs. 14%), due to the lower availability of IT. Local IT adop-tion mitigates the labor market consequences of the pandemic for all individuals, regardless of gender and race, except those with the lowest level of educational attainment.
Characterising organic carbon sources in Anthropocene
affected Arctic upland lake catchments, Disko Island, West
Greenland
Authors: Stevenson Mark A. , McGowan Suzanne , Pearson Emma J. , Swann George E. A. , Leng Melanie J. , Jones Vivienne J. , Bailey Joseph J. , Huang Xianyu , Whiteford Erika
Published: October 2020

Abstract. The Arctic is rapidly changing, disrupting biogeochemical cycles and the processing, delivery and sedimentation of carbon (C), in linked terrestrial-aquatic systems. In this investigation, we coupled a hydrogeomorphic assessment of catchment soils, sediments and plants with a recent lake sediment sequence to understand the source and quality of organic carbon present in three Arctic upland lake catchments on Disko Island, located just south of the Low-High Arctic transition zone. This varied permafrost landscape has exposed soils with less vegetation cover at higher altitudes, and all lakes received varying extent of glacial meltwater inputs. We provide improved isotope and biomarker source identifications for palaeolimnological studies in high latitude regions, where terrestrial vegetation is at or close to its northerly and altitudinal range limit. The poorly developed catchment soils lead to lake waters with low dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations (≤ 1.5 mg L−1). Sedimentary Carbon / Nitrogen (C / N) ratios, the C isotope composition of organic matter (δ13Corg) and biomarker ratios (n-alkanes, n-alkanols, n-alkanoic acids and sterols) showed that sedimentary organic matter (OM) in these lakes is mostly derived from aquatic sources (algae and macrophytes). We used a 210 Pb dated sediment core to determine how carbon cycling in a lake-catchment system (Disko 2) had changed over recent centuries. Recent warming since the end of the Little Ice Age (LIA ~1860 AD), which accelerated after ca. 1950, led to melt of glacier ice and permafrost releasing nutrients and DOC to the lake, stimulating pronounced aquatic algal production, as shown by a > 10 fold increase in β-carotene, indicative of a major regime shift. Our findings highlight that in Arctic lakes with sparsely developed catchment vegetation and soils, recent Anthropocene warming results in pronounced changes to in-lake C processing and the deposition of more reactive, predominately autochthonous C, compared with extensively vegetated low Arctic systems.
Numerical investigation on spectral geometries and their relation to
non-Gaussianity in sea states with occurrence of rogue waves: wind-sea dominated
events
Authors: Jiang Xingjie , Zhang Tingting , Gao Dalu , Wang Daolong
Published: October 2020

Abstract. The occurrence of rogue waves is closely related to the non-Gaussianity of sea states, and the non-Gaussianity is sensitive to the combination of three spectral geometries: wave steepness, bandwidth, and directional spreading. This paper presents a set of non-Gaussianity references that allow quantitative comparison of the non-Gaussianity of sea states with various combinations of the three geometries. In addition, an approach to introduce arbitrary 2D wave spectra into the references is presented, which allows quantitative investigation of the non-Gaussianity and the corresponding geometries in given sea states. Application in relation to certain rogue waves that occurred in wind-sea dominated sea states showed that the non-Gaussianity of skewness presented high values when those events occurred. However, abnormal values of kurtosis could not be found within the same period, indicating that third-order modulational instabilities were inactive in those events. Quantitative analyses based on the newly presented references revealed that the rogue waves that occurred in wind-sea dominated sea states, and presented extreme height and extreme destructive power, could hardly be formed from the modulational instabilities. This was because of not only the broad energy distribution in terms of direction, but also the broad bandwidth attributable to the developed wind-sea state.
La Crisis migratoria europea en El País e Izvestia: estudio ético y deontológico
Authors: Mukhortikova Tatiana
Published: October 2020

El objetivo de este estudio es analizar desde la perspectiva ética y deontológica la cobertura informativa de la crisis migratoria europea en las versiones digitales de los diarios El País (España) e Izvestia (Rusia). El estudio aborda textos informativos, se realiza en perspectiva sincrónica, se basa en la revisión de los principales documentos de referencia en el ámbito a nivel nacional e internacional y combina las aproximaciones cuantitativa y cualitativa al análisis de contenido de la prensa. El análisis revela numerosos casos del incumplimiento de las normas éticas en ambos periódicos con significativas diferencias y similitudes a nivel cualitativo.
El reto de la igualdad en la formación universitaria en Comunicación. De la concienciación a la capacitación en perspectiva de género
Authors: Iturregui Mardaras Leire , Cantalapiedra González María José , Moure Peñín Leire , Merchán Mota Iker , Elorriaga Illera Angeriñe
Published: October 2020

El objetivo principal de esta investigación es conocer la concienciación, formación y capacitación en igualdad de los y las futuras profesionales del área de Comunicación. Para ello, se ha medido la importancia que otorgan a la incorporación de la perspectiva de género en la práctica profesional y se ha testado su formación en este ámbito, así como la importancia que los y las estudiantes otorgan a distintas instituciones en la lucha por la igualdad para contextualizar el papel atribuido a la Universidad. Para lograr los objetivos planteados se ha diseñado una encuesta, a partir de pautas e indicadores propuestos por organizaciones internacionales, asociaciones profesionales e investigaciones académicas, y se ha distribuido a 465 estudiantes. Entre las conclusiones destaca que el alumnado universitario del área de comunicación muestra una clara conciencia de género, ha adquirido formación a lo largo de su vida académica (en la escuela, el instituto o en la universidad, incluso formación no reglada) pero su capacidad para identificar sesgos machistas en las informaciones es limitada.
Twitter, servicios sociales y participación social. Análisis del discurso político e interacciones ciudadanas
Authors: Chaves Montero Alfonso , Relinque-Medina Fernando , Fernández-Borrero Manuela
Published: October 2020

Este artículo se centra en el estudio de los mensajes emitidos en la red social Twitter en torno a los tópicos asociados a los servicios sociales, tanto en el discurso político como en las aportaciones de la ciudadanía.
Se ha trabajado con una muestra de 4.326 tuits generados en los años 2015-2018 del tópico “servicios sociales”, realizando un análisis cualitativo en Atlas.ti 8 previa codificación del contenido de los mensajes al objeto de analizar las relaciones y redes entre los códigos generados. El objetivo de este estudio es conocer las percepciones sobre los servicios sociales de los diferentes agentes que participan en Twitter y analizar los discursos, a fin de definir las temáticas prioritarias que abarcan el ideario sobre servicios sociales de los perfiles que participan activamente en dicha red social.
En los resultados se observa que los/as usuarios/as utilizan Twitter fundamentalmente para una comunicación informal, centrada en mensajes de difusión, denuncias y valoraciones positivas para darles mayor visibilidad e impacto. Además, de la relación entre los tuits publicados y los partidos políticos más representativos a nivel nacional se desprende que el uso de Twitter tiene enfoques diferentes según cada fuerza política.
Situación actual de los géneros periodísticos inmersivos. Análisis de las producciones informativas en RV y vídeo en 360º entre 2018 y 2020
Authors: Rodríguez Fidalgo Mª Isabel , Paíno-Ambrosio Adriana
Published: October 2020

Desde finales de 2015 y, especialmente a comienzos de 2016, el denominado ‘Periodismo Inmersivo’ experimentó un importante desarrollo en el panorama mediático internacional. El uso de la Realidad Virtual (RV) y el vídeo en 360º para la realización de contenidos de no ficción se ha convertido en una novedosa práctica que está introduciendo diferentes cambios desde el punto de vista narrativo de los contenidos informativos. En relación a estos aspectos surge el estudio que aquí se plantea y que se centra en un análisis cualitativo-cuantitativo, con el fin de analizar la situación actual de los géneros periodísticos cuando se utiliza la narración inmersiva. Para ello, se ha realizado un estudio de estas producciones disponibles en una de las principales plataformas de contenidos en RV y vídeo en 360º, como es Samsung VR, entre enero de 2018 y marzo de 2020.
Los programas culturales de TVE y el cine español: Análisis de Historia de nuestro cine
Authors: Aranzubía Asier , Aguilar Santiago
Published: October 2020

Los programas culturales de TVE dedicados al cine español han jugado históricamente un papel relevante en la formación de públicos, en la construcción del canon y en la difusión del patrimonio cinematográfico. De entre todos, Historia de nuestro cine(Francisco Quintanar, 2016-) es, por sus dimensiones e impacto, el más importante. Ante la falta de un estudio pormenorizado sobre el citado programa, este artículo tiene por objeto el análisis de dicho espacio en el contexto general de los programas de TVE centrados en el cine español. Para este propósito se ha llevado a cabo un análisis de las 863 emisiones que conforman la primera etapa del programa, emitidas entre el 12/05/2015 y el 21/09/2018. En este artículo se presta también atención a las circunstancias económicas que lo hicieron posible, a su repercusión pública y a las condiciones materiales en las que se emitieron las películas. Entre los hallazgos obtenidos cabe destacar, por un lado, el elevado grado de sintonía que el programa muestra con el último gran proyecto de revisión del canon del cine español impulsado, fundamentalmente, desde el ámbito académico y, por otro, la irregular asunción por parte del programa de unos estándares mínimos de calidad en lo que atañe a las condiciones de emisión de las películas.
El lenguaje sexista en la prensa española: un estudio de los cien primeros días de mandato de Manuela Carmena en el Ayuntamiento de Madrid
Authors: Carrascosa Puertas Lara
Published: October 2020

Esta investigación analiza el discurso emitido por los periódicos ABC, El País, La Razón y El Mundo durante los primeros cien días de mandato de la ex alcaldesa de Madrid Manuela Carmena con el objetivo de rastrear usos o expresiones sexistas. Mediante el análisis de contenido realizado en los 1.306 textos referidos a esta política, se han hallado resistencias a la utilización del lenguaje inclusivo en los medios (la juez vs. la jueza) originadas en los manuales de estilo de los medios, una tendencia marcada de determinados columnista a ridiculizar de forma sistemática a esta mandataria y minusvalorar sus aptitudes y destrezas para el cargo, así como el reforzamiento de los estereotipos de género a través de la concesión de voz en los medios y del nivel de mediación de los verbos elegidos para introducir sus palabras. No menos relevante es la marcada tendencia detectada a utilizar recursos retóricos propios de géneros de opinión en textos informativos y una hibridación entre los géneros que contribuye al empobrecimiento de la prensa española y a la polarización de la opinión pública.
Elecciones 2018 en Brasil: análisis de las imágenes en Facebook de los candidatos en la segunda vuelta
Authors: Reis Longhi Carla , Santos Oliveira Ivanilce
Published: October 2020

Este artículo tiene como objetivo analisar las imágenes publicadas en las fanpages de Facebook de los candidatos a la segunda vuelta de las  elecciones presidenciales en Brasil en el año 2018, Jair Bolsonaro (PSL) y Fernando Haddad (PT), aplicando la metodología de análisis del discurso y categorización de acuerdo con Bardin (1977). Para eso, fueron trabajadas 214 publicaciones de fotos en las dos fanpages, en el período de 7 a 28 de octubre de 2018, respectivamente los días de las votaciones en la primera y segunda vuelta de las elecciones, el escenario del cual emerge la temática en discución. Considerando el desarrollo del item 1, se discuten las intersecciones entre comunicación, internet y control; en el item 2 se abordan las particularidades del voto, de campañas electorales y de comunicación política. En el item 3, se presentan el análisis cualitativo y cuantitativo de los datos recogidos, terminando con las consideraciones finales.
Simultaneous determination of sweeteners and preservatives in beverages by HPLC-DAD-ELSD
Authors: Diviš Pavel , Jurečková Zuzana , Vespalcová Milena , Poří­zka Jaromí­r , Punčochářová Lenka
Published: October 2020

People suffering from diabetes or being overweight must severely reduce their sugar use, often seeking food with sweeteners. Often, sugar is replaced by non-nutritious sweeteners in beverages, which also contain several other substances like vitamins, caffeine, amino acids, phenolic compounds and thus increasing the shelf life of the beverages is additionally treated with the addition of preservatives. As the concentration of additives in food (including beverages) is determined by the legislation in force, it is necessary to have an appropriate analytical method for food control. Since artificial sweeteners and preservatives are very different substances, they are determined separately using different HPLC methods. In this work HPLC method combining the advantages of specific (diode array detector, DAD) and universal (evaporative light scattering detector, ELSD) detector was validated and used for simultaneous determination of benzoic acid, sorbic acid, aspartame, acesulfame K, saccharin, sucralose and steviol glycosides in sugar-free beverages. The proposed analytical method showed good linearity, precision, and accuracy. Measured limits of detection (0.6 – 11.8 mg.dm-3 depending on the analyte) were sufficient to analyze 5-times diluted beverage samples. The validated method has been successfully used for the simultaneous analysis of artificial sweeteners and preservatives in beverage samples (energy drinks, ice teas, carbonated drinks). Except for steviol glycosides, the concentration of monitored substances in beverages did not exceed the maximum permitted concentrations given in the valid legislation.
Monitoring the stability of fortified cold-pressed sunflower oil under different storage conditions
Authors: Dordevic Dani , Jancikova Simona , Lankovova Alexandra , Tremlova Bohuslava
Published: October 2020

The aim of the study was to evaluate the stability of cold-pressed sunflower oil mixed with different seeds and herb. The seeds and herb were added at 1% and 5% concentrations; samples were divided into 2 groups: stored in the dark and light. The primary products of oxidation and chlorophyll content were monitored during 3 months of storage. The results showed very low oxidation stability of experimentally produced cold-pressed oil mixtures/dressings, especially during storage on the light. The samples with 5% of hemp herb addition showed the best stability since they have peroxide value under 20 mekv O2.kg-1, both in the dark and on the light. Other samples, both stored in the dark and on light, were declared as not for human consumption due to high oxidative product development. The research represents an important storability evaluation of products that can be found on the market and that can be found very attractive for consumers.
Flow cytometry as a rapid test for detection of tetracycline resistance directly in bacterial cells in Micrococcus luteus
Authors: Zayko Elena , Bataeva Dagmara , Yushina Yuliya , Makhova Anzhelika , Grudistova Mariya
Published: October 2020

Correct effective doses of antibiotics are important in the treatment of infectious diseases. The most frequently used methods for determination of the antibiotic susceptibility of bacterial pathogens are slow. The detection of multidrug-resistant bacteria currently relies on primary isolation followed by phenotypic detection of antibiotic resistance by measuring bacterial growth in the presence of the antibiotic being tested. The basic requirements for methods of detection of resistance to antibiotics include speed and accuracy. We studied the speed and accuracy of flow cytometry for the detection of tetracycline resistance in the Gram-positive bacteria Micrococcus luteus. Detection of cell viability and reliability of antibiotic resistance was carried out on the Guava EasyCyte flow cytometer (Merck Millipore, Germany) with SYBR Green and PI dyes. M. luteus was exposed to tetracycline (at 30, 90, 180 and 270 μg.mL-1) over 24 hours. Concentrations of live and dead cells were measured after 4 and 24 hours of incubation. The results revealed that the use of mixed dyes PI and SYBR Green allowed the division of cells into large subpopulations of live and dead cells and the DNA of destroyed cells. After 4 h exposure to tetracycline 30 μg.mL-1, the subpopulation of live cells decreased by 47% compared to the positive control. Tetracycline at 90 μg.mL-1 decreased the subpopulation of live cells by 59% compared to the positive control. A continued increase in concentration caused a shift in the population and an increase in dead cells, indicating damage to the cells of the microorganism. Incubation of M. luteus with 180 and 270 μg.mL-1 tetracycline decreased the subpopulation of live cells by 82% and 94%, respectively, in comparison with the positive control. After incubation with 30 μg of tetracycline over 24 h the number of living cells decreased by 70% in comparison with the positive control. Tetracycline treatment (90 μg.mL-1 for 24 h) killed 71% of cells. After exposure to 90 μg.mL-1 tetracycline 29% cells were viable. The viability of living cells was confirmed by a microbiological test.
Research of selected physical indicators of table eggs in the small-scale breedings from the aspect of health safety
Authors: Angelovičová Mária , Angelovič Michal , Zeleňáková Lucia
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this study was to investigate selected indicators of the table eggs in small-scale breedings, focusing mainly on the eggshell and its contamination and damage. Our object of study was eggs, shell, damage, and contamination of table eggs. Four small-scale breedings were randomly selected in Slovakia. These breeds were alternatively with an outdoor free-range. Laying hens Dominant was bred under conditions small-scale breeds No.1, No. 2 and No. 3 in the 1st laying cycle, and No. 4 in the 2nd laying cycle. Egg weight was balanced in three small-scale breedings. Egg weight was significantly higher in the fourth small-scale breeding, statistically significant (p <0.05) compared to egg weight in the studied 3 small-scale breedings. Shell weight and shell thickness in the equatorial plane of the egg were balanced in three small-scale breedings and in the fourth small-scale breedings were significantly higher, statistically significant (p <0.05). The higher egg weight per breeding is related to the higher laying hens age that was in the 2nd laying cycle compared to laying hens 3 small-scale breedings in the 1st laying cycle. Higher eggshell weight in three farms may be related to improved conditions in breeding hygiene, as confirmed by the results of investigations into contamination and damage to table eggs. These differences may also be related to nutrition.
Perception of sensory attributes and marketing tools of selected milk brands
Authors: Krivoší­ková Alexandra , Nagyová Ľudmila , Géci Andrej
Published: October 2020

The research has shown that in the last 5,000 years the human evolution has made the greatest leap in the human history. As a result of these changes, thanks to relatively recent discovery of a specific gene, even adult Europeans can digest milk. In their nutritional guidelines based on the scientific evidence, the official health organizations and institutions recommend drinking milk and eating low-fat dairy products such as yoghurts or cheese. The human body absorbs the necessary amount of calcium in the easiest form from cow's milk. Calcium is the essential element not only for healthy bones and teeth but it is also the important factor for the transmission of nerve impulses, it supports heart activity, helps reduce high blood pressure and "bad" LDL cholesterol levels and alleviate allergic reactions. It has impact on proper blood clotting, affects sperm mobility, helps prevent arthritis or can also contribute to better sleep. Milk is a valuable food not only for calcium content but also for selenium which slows down the aging process and contributes to the protection of the immune system. Acid dairy products prevent the digestive disorders, protect against gastrointestinal infections and improve skin condition. Despite all these positive aspects the consumption of milk, as well as dairy products, has the downward trend in Slovakia. In the last decade, the consumption was at a historical minimum and below the recommended annual dose, which is 91 liters of milk per person. Therefore, the main objective of this research paper was to examine the quality of milk produced by two selected competing companies and identify the various factors affecting consumers´ decision-making process when purchasing milk and dairy products. The attention was concentrated on the sensory attributes (colour, appearance, smell, taste and quality) and marketing tools (brand, packaging, label and price). The primary data were obtained by the questionnaire survey, which was conducted in the Slovak Republic with 284 respondents. For a deeper analysis, the data were evaluated by the statistical methods. Based on the results of the blind testing it was determined that even though the quality of monitored milk is the same, the respondents prefer the sensory attributes of Rajo semi-skimmed milk. When it comes to brand, packaging, label and price Tami semi-skimmed milk also lagged behind.
Substantiation of foamy structure formation in a gluten-free biscuit
Authors: Stadnyk Igor , Kolomiiets Olena , Dziana Oksana
Published: October 2020

A promising way to create gluten-free foods based on purposeful use of ingredients with a wide range of technological properties is analyzed. Steps to regulate the structural and mechanical properties of gluten-free dough have been determined. These steps allow to improve the structural-mechanical and organoleptic characteristics of the biscuit semi-finished product, to adjust the nutritional value. To determine the technological effect, we considered the connection between the recipe components and the properties of the dough when forming a foamy structure of gluten-free cupcake products. The influence of the design parameters of the mixer (independent factors xi) on the foaming process (Q) has been determined, that is, determining the productivity magnitude from the changes of three main factors: from the attack angle of the frontal surface of the plate working body α, the distance between the plates (step) t and the rotation frequency of working body n. The stability of the foam formed and the rate of its settling and the role of the liquid phase of the dough during short storage before baking were investigated. The comparative characteristics of the microstructure of wheat flour (WF) and extruded corn flour (ECF) in the ratios are presented: a) WF – 100 wt.%; b) WF: ECF – 80:20 wt.%; c) ECF – 100 wt.%. In the tested mixtures, the moisture-holding capacity increases for the sample containing 20% by weight of extruded corn flour two and a half times, and three times for the sample with extruded flour to 100% by weight. With an increasing proportion of extruded corn flour in the flour mixture, the dough density increases and the optimum value is in the range of 0.444 – 0.446 kg.m-3. The comparative characteristic of the microstructure of the samples is given, which has the appearance of foam with the existing and even distribution of air bubbles which later form the porous structure of the biscuit of the semi-finished product. Thus, the size of the formed bubbles of air with the content of wheat flour and starch have a large difference in diameters, in the sample of biscuit dough using ECF 100 wt.% – almost the same size, and between the channels are formed that promote the equalization of air pressure in the middle of the foam system of biscuit dough. It was found that the use of 20 wt.% and 100 wt.% of corn extruded flour contributes to the formation of a fine porous structure of biscuit dough.
Non recursive model of consumer satisfaction and trust
Authors: Napitupulu Runggu Besmandala , Gultom Lilis Suriani , Hutabarat Lamminar , Simatupang Sabar LT.
Published: October 2020

This study was designed to identify and analyze the effect of perceived value, differentiation, and emotional branding on customer satisfaction and trust; non-recursive influence between customer satisfaction and customer trust of the vivo smartphone in Medan. Respondents consist of adults who use vivo smartphones domiciled in Medan. The analysis technique uses a structural equation model with the robust maximum likelihood method. Data processing is assisted by Lisrel software and the results indicate in case the direct effect coefficient of the same latent variable is positive in the non-recursive and recursive models, the coefficient will be higher in the recursive model. Therefore, it is important for vivo smartphone management to verify first, whether the relationship between customer satisfaction and trust is reciprocal. In case it is one way, where satisfaction affects customer trust, then the strategy or program of increasing perceived value and differentiation directly at customer satisfaction is more optimal. Furthermore, it will have an impact on customer trust since the satisfaction mediating effect is higher than the customer trust mediating effect in the recursive model. The program of increasing consumer trust with emotional branding through customer satisfaction is good, since the mediation of satisfaction is significant in both non-recursive and recursive contexts.
The mediating effect of employee happiness on the relationship between quality of work-life and employee intention to quit: A study on fast-food restaurants in Jordan
Authors: Alserhan Hayel , Al-Adamat Abdullah , Al-Adamat Omar
Published: October 2020

This study aims to investigate the mediating role of employee happiness in the effect of the quality of work-life on employee intention to quit. Data were collected using a questionnaire developed regarding prior related works. It was administered to a sample consisted of 122 employees selected from four fast-food restaurants in Jordan. Data analysis was conducted using structural equation modelling via Smart-PLS3; the results revealed that the quality of life had significant direct effects on both employee happiness and employee intention to quit. The first effect was positive, while the second was negative. Employee happiness had a significant impact on employee intention to quit. Consequently, the results indicated that employee happiness played a significant mediating role in the effect of the quality of work-life on employee intention to quit. It was concluded that the quality of work-life is not enough to reduce employee intention to quit, which means that organization should pay great attention to employee happiness to ensure the positive effect of the quality of life and to reduce employee intention to quit.
The effect of sharia experience quality on customer loyalty
Authors: Prastiwi Estik Hari , Surachman Surachman , Sunaryo Sunaryo , Hussein Ananda Sabil
Published: October 2020

This study aims to validate the dimensions of sharia experience quality and to determine the effect of sharia experience quality on customer loyalty by customer satisfaction as mediation variable. The sample technique of this study was a purposive sampling of 150 respondents who conducted financing at Islamic banks. SEM-PLS is used to test hypotheses. The results of the second order evaluation show that integration quality, physical environment quality, outcome quality, compliance sharia knowledge, and responsive religious experience had strong effects on sharia experience quality. Sharia experience quality had a significant effect on customer loyalty and customer satisfaction as a partial mediation of sharia experience quality on customer loyalty.
Enhancing innovation performance of small and medium enterprises in Malaysia
Authors: Yuen Yee Yen , Ng Xiang Ping
Published: October 2020

Small medium enterprises (SMEs) hold 98.5% of businesses and serve as economy backbone in Malaysia. However, the global competitiveness of Malaysia in innovation has been declined recently. The declining innovation index has been reflected a low level of innovation in SMEs. This study serves as one of the pioneer studies conducted to foster the achievement of Malaysia Master Plan (2012-2020), focusing on a fresh approach to bring SMEs to the next level through innovation. The study aims to examine which innovation factors affect innovation performance, as there are relatively little empirical evidences in previous researches and very little innovative activities in SMEs Malaysia. This study uses quantitative research methodology, 300 sample sets have been collected from Malaysia SMEs and the data was analyzed by using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). All proposed factors in this study (absorptive capacity, internal R&D collaboration and knowledge sharing) are significantly affect innovation performance, except technology transfer. The findings of this study provide theoretical contribution and practical contribution for small medium enterprise, stakeholder, academic institution, policy makers as well as a reference for government to help SME achieve higher innovation.
The impact of green productivity strategy on environmental sustainability through measurement of the management support: A field study in industry sector in Jordan
Authors: Omoush Majd Mohammad
Published: October 2020

This study intends to distinguish the green productivity concepts, its strategy and the roadmap of its implementation throughout the adaption of green products, green production, and green innovation process dimensions. Further, it studies the impact of green productivity on environmental sustainability by identifying the mediating role of the management support to these green practices in the Jordanian factories. Methodology population of this study en-tails industry mining firms listed in the Amman Stock Exchange (ASE). A purposive sample was adapted in this study and consisted of specialized employees in terms of operating factories in general and in green production specifically. 100 questionnaires were precisely collected and analyzed via Smart Partial Least Square (PLS) statistics in order to analysis the mediation role. The study results point out a statistically significant impact of the independent variables, namely, the green productivity on environmental sustainability as a dependent variable in the existence of the mediating variable. Further, the results demonstrate the partial mediating effect of the dependent variable. However, there is no mediating effect of the independent to the mediator variable. Accordingly, the study recommends companies to concentrate on the roles played by the top management in the efforts towards green productivity adoption and strategic implementation in the Jordanian environment. The implementation of green productivity is considered at the early stages in Jordan. Thus, the value of the study lies in the search for issues that are eco-friendly practices.
The effects of financial and non-financial incentives on job tenure
Authors: Alnsour Ahmad Suliman , Kanaan Omar Ali
Published: October 2020

This paper studies the effects of financial and non-financial incentives on job tenure of academics in Jordanian universities. The purpose of this research is to help Jordanian universities find solutions to the job tenure challenge that they face and to explore the role of incentives in job tenure. The study follows the incentives typology of Buchan and incentives are divided into two categories; financial incentive, including salary, other direct financial incentives, and indirect financial incentives, and non-financial incentives including training and education, recreational facilities, occupational health, and flexible working hours, breaks, and sabbatical. Job tenure is measured by the period that the questionnaire respondents were working with the current employers. The study considers two hypotheses and two questions to test the effect of incentives on job tenure. Results show that financial and non-financial incentives had positive significant effects on job tenure. The study recommends universities in Jordan to pay more attention to incentive given to their academics when they aim to increase job tenure.
Do strategic planning dimensions and transformational leadership contribute to performance? Evidence from the banking sector
Authors: Samad Sarminah , Ahmed Waleed Abdulkafi
Published: October 2020

While some organizations realize the important role of strategic planning (SP) and leadership in influencing their business performance, it is unknown what SP dimensions and leadership style are required to improve the performance of banking institutions. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of transformational leadership (TL) style and SP dimensions (strategic planning level, implementation and barriers) on organizational performance. To this end, a self-administered questionnaire is distributed to a sample of 246 managerial employees from private banks in Yemen. The analysis with structural equation modelling using partial least squares indicates that TL style and SP dimensions significantly influence the performance of Yemeni banks. The results reveal that TL and SP dimensions are profoundly needed to enable Yemeni banks to propel to improved bank performance. The results draw several pertinent implications for decision makers that will help enhance the performance of the banking sector. Limitations from the findings and recommendations for further research are put forward.
Six sigma application for raising student academic achievement
Authors: Arafeh Mazen , Khader Mais , Desouky Tamer F. , Azzam Nour , Aljundi Aishah
Published: October 2020

This paper presents a case study on how Six Sigma methodology can be used to improve student academic performance in three main subjects (Math, Arabic, and English) in a private secondary school located in the Middle East. The Six Sigma methodology of Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control (DMAIC) was used to improve student performance along with several improvement tools such as Fishbone diagram, Pareto charts, and Critical-To-Quality (CTQ) tree. Introducing quality improvement concepts and tools resulted in a series of improvements leading to an increase in student academic achievement quantified by Sigma Quality Level (SQL). The SQL improved in Math from (2.01) to (2.37) and in Arabic from (1.86) to (2.38). On the other hand, English grades did not increase from baseline. The results of this study provide a clear, step-by-step approach to systematically approaching and solving educational problems using the DMAIC model. Practically speaking, the results of this study provides clear evidence that the DMAIC can be used in the educational sector by school administrators and teachers to improve student grades.
The role of strategic agility towards the firm performance of logistics service providers in Indonesia
Authors: Nurjaman Risris , Rahayu Agus , Wibowo Lili Adi , Widjajani Widjajani
Published: October 2020

Competition in various companies encourages practitioners, entrepreneurs, and academics to examine the dynamization of business models. The dynamic study of this business model was driven by its dynamic environment. Dynamic moving environments require companies to be adaptive as quickly as possible. This adaptation encourages different firms to perform a certain strategy of excellence in the face of competition. Strategy Agility becomes a study of practitioners and academics due to its ability to predict and capture opportunities. One of the service industries faced with the dynamic environment within the company is the Logistic Service Provider. Fierce competition, the dynamic type of service, and rapidly changing technol-ogy encourage enterprises to always be agile in determining the direction to the business. The purpose of this research is to get a model of the relationship between strategic agility and competitive strategy as a moderator for the improvement of the firm performance. Methods used are quantitative methods. The research results describe the direct relationship between strategic agility and competitive strategy to the firm performance. However, when the competitive strategy is made as a moderator, strategic agility shows a negative effect.