bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deviation from mendelian transmission of autosomal SNPs can be used to estimate germline mutations in humans exposed to ionizing radiation
Authors: Leite Filho Hugo Pereira , Pinto Irene Plaza , Oliveira Lorraynne Guimarães , Alves Costa Emília Oliveira , da Cruz Alex Silva , de Melo e Silva Daniela , da Silva Claudio Carlos , Caetano Alexandre Rodrigues , da Cruz Aparecido Divino
Published: May 2020

We aimed to estimate the rate of germline mutations in the offspring of individuals accidentally exposed to Cesium-137 ionizing radiation. Performed analysis considered two distinct groups: a group males and females accidentally exposed to low doses of ionizing radiation from Cs137, the case group, and a control group of non-exposed participants. The case group included 37 participants (11 couples and 15 children born after the accident). The dose absorbed by exposed participants ranged from 0.2 to 0.5 Gray. The control group included 15 families from the state of Goiás, with no history of radiation exposure. DNA samples from peripheral blood were analyzed with the Affymetrix GeneChip®CytoScanHD™to assessde novoSNP-type mutations. A set of scripts previously developed was used to detectde novomutations by comparing parent and offspring genotypes in each SNP marker. Overall numbers of observed Mendelian deviations were statistically significant between the exposed and control groups. Offspring from the population accidentally exposed to low IR doses showed ∼ 46.5% morede novoMendelian deviations than the control group. Parent-of-origin and type of nucleotide substitution were also inferred. Estimates of age-adjustedde novogermline mutation rates were obtained and correlated to Cs-137 radiation dose exposure to evaluate the usefulness of the rate of Mendelian deviations observed in polymorphic SNPs as a biomarker for exposure. This proved useful in a retrospective estimation of the rate ofde novogermline mutations in a human population accidentally exposed to low doses of radiation from Cs-137. Obtained results suggest that observed burden of germline mutations identified in offspring could potentially be a useful biomarker to estimate levels of parental exposure to ionizing radiation.
Learning receptive field properties of complex cells in V1
Authors: Lian Yanbo , Almasi Ali , Grayden David B. , Kameneva Tatiana , Burkitt Anthony N. , Meffin Hamish
Published: May 2020

The authors have withdrawn their manuscript due to a duplicate posting on our website. Please visit doi.org/10.1101/2020.05.18.101881 to access the current version of this preprint on bioRxiv
Neutralizing antibody and soluble ACE2 inhibition of a replication-competent VSV-SARS-CoV-2 and a clinical isolate of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Case James Brett , Rothlauf Paul W. , Chen Rita E. , Liu Zhuoming , Zhao Haiyan , Kim Arthur S. , Bloyet Louis-Marie , Zeng Qiru , Tahan Stephen , Droit Lindsay , Ilagan Ma. Xenia G. , Tartell Michael A. , Amarasinghe Gaya , Henderson Jeffrey P. , Miersch Shane , Ustav Mart , Sidhu Sachdev , Virgin Herbert W. , Wang David , Ding Siyuan , Corti Davide , Theel Elitza S. , Fremont Daved H. , Diamond Michael S. , Whelan Sean P.J.
Published: May 2020

Antibody-based interventions against SARS-CoV-2 could limit morbidity, mortality, and possibly disrupt epidemic transmission. An anticipated correlate of such countermeasures is the level of neutralizing antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, yet there is no consensus as to which assay should be used for such measurements. Using an infectious molecular clone of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) that expresses eGFP as a marker of infection, we replaced the glycoprotein gene (G) with the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 (VSV-eGFP-SARS-CoV-2) and developed a high-throughput imaging-based neutralization assay at biosafety level 2. We also developed a focus reduction neutralization test with a clinical isolate of SARS-CoV-2 at biosafety level 3. We compared the neutralizing activities of monoclonal and polyclonal antibody preparations, as well as ACE2-Fc soluble decoy protein in both assays and find an exceptionally high degree of concordance. The two assays will help define correlates of protection for antibody-based countermeasures including therapeutic antibodies, immune γ-globulin or plasma preparations, and vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. Replication-competent VSV-eGFP-SARS-CoV-2 provides a rapid assay for testing inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 mediated entry that can be performed in 7.5 hours under reduced biosafety containment.
Molecular and crystal structure, lattice energy and DFT calculations of two 2′-(nitrobenzoyloxy)acetophenone isomers
Authors: Bogdanov Georgii , Bustos Jenna , Glebov Viktor , Oskolkov Evgenii , Tillotson John P. , Timofeeva Tatiana V.
Published: May 2020

The two isomers 2′-(4-nitrobenzoyloxy)acetophenone (systematic name: 2-acetylphenyl 4-nitrobenzoate) (I) and 2′-(2-nitrobenzoyloxy)acetophenone (systematic name: 2-acetylphenyl 2-nitrobenzoate) (II), both C15H11NO5, with para and ortho positions of the nitro substituent have been crystallized and studied. It is evident that the variation in the position of the nitro group causes a significant difference in the molecular conformations: the dihedral angle between the aromatic fragments in the molecule of I is 84.80 (4)°, while that in the molecule of II is 6.12 (7)°. Diffraction analysis revealed the presence of a small amount of water in the crystal of I. DFT calculations of the molecular energy demonstrate that the ortho substituent causes a higher energy for isomer II, while crystal lattice energy calculations show that the values are almost equal for two isomers.
Synthesis and crystal structure of two manganese-based 12-metallacrown-4 complexes: Na2(3-chlorobenzoate)2[12-MCMn(III)N(shi)-4](DMF)6 and MnNa(3-chlorobenzoate)3[12-MCMn(III)N(shi)-4](DMF)(H2O)4·4DMF·0.72H2O
Authors: Zaleski Curtis M. , Zeller Matthias
Published: May 2020

Similar synthetic schemes yield two different metallacrown (MC) complexes: bis(μ-3-chlorobenzoato)hexakis(dimethylformamide)tetrakis(μ4-N,2-dioxidobenzene-1-carboximidato)tetramanganese(III)disodium(I), [Mn4Na2(C7H4ClO2)2(C7H4NO3)4(C3H7NO)6] or Na2(3-chlorobenzoate)2[12-MCMn(III)N(shi)-4](DMF)6, 1, and tetra-μ-aqua-tris(μ-3-chlorobenzoato)(dimethylformamide)tetrakis(μ4-N,2-dioxidobenzene-1-carboximidato)pentamanganese(III)sodium(I) dimethylformamide tetrasolvate 0.72-hydrate, [Mn5Na(C7H4ClO2)3(C7H4NO3)4(C3H7NO)(H2O)4]·4C3H7NO·0.718H2O or MnNa(3-chlorobenzoate)3[12-MCMn(III)N(shi)-4](DMF)(H2O)4·4DMF·0.72H2O, 2, where shi3− is salicylhydroximate and DMF is N,N-dimethylformamide. Both complexes have the same framework consisting of four MnIII ions in the MC ring and four shi3− ligands, resulting in an overall square-shaped molecule. The MnIII ions are either five- or six-coordinate with elongated bond lengths in the apical or axial direction, respectively. The structure of 1 is nearly planar, and the MC binds two Na+ ions on opposite faces of the MC central cavity. The 3-chlorobenzoate anions also bind on opposite faces of the MC and form bridges between the central Na+ ions and the ring MnIII ions. For 1 the metallacrown molecule, except for the central Na+ ion, exhibits whole molecule disorder over two sets of sites. Both moieties are centrosymmetric and are related to each other by a pseudo-mirror operation with opposite sense of rotation around the Na...Na axis. The occupancy ratio of the main disorder of the metallacrown molecules and 3-chlorobenzoate anions refined to 0.9276 (9):0.0724 (9). The structure of 2 is slightly domed, and the MC binds both an MnII ion and an Na+ ion in the MC central cavity. The MnII ion is located on the convex side of the MC, while the Na+ ion binds to the concave side. Complex 2 represents the first instance of a [12-MCMn(III)N(shi)-4] molecule binding both 3d transition metal and alkali metal ions in the central cavity. In addition, three 3-chlorobenzoate anions bind on the convex side of the MC and connect the MnII ion to three of the ring MnIII ions.
Crystal structures of two dis-symmetric di-Schiff base compounds: 2-({(E)-2-[(E)-2,6-dichlorobenzylidene]hydrazin-1-ylidene}methyl)-6-methoxyphenol and 4-bromo-2-({(E)-2-[(E)-2,6-dichlorobenzylidene]hydrazin-1-ylidene}methyl)phenol
Authors: Manawar Rohit B. , Pashavan Chandankumar T. , Shah Manish K. , Jotani Mukesh M. , Tiekink Edward R. T.
Published: May 2020

Each of the title dis-symmetric di-Schiff base compounds, C15H12Cl2N2O2 (I) and C14H9BrCl2N2O (II), features a central azo-N—N bond connecting two imine groups, each with an E-configuration. One imine bond in each molecule connects to a 2,6-dichlorobenzene substituent while the other links a 2-hydroxyl-3-methoxy-substituted benzene ring in (I) or a 2-hydroxyl-4-bromo benzene ring in (II). Each molecule features an intramolecular hydroxyl-O—H...N(imine) hydrogen bond. The C—N—N—C torsion angles of −151.0 (3)° for (I) and 177.8 (6)° (II) indicates a significant twist in the former. The common feature of the molecular packing is the formation of supramolecular chains. In (I), the linear chains are aligned along the a-axis direction and the molecules are linked by methoxy-C—H...O(methoxy) and chlorobenzene-C—Cl...π(chlorobenzene) interactions. The chain in (II) is also aligned along the a axis but, has a zigzag topology and is sustained by Br...O [3.132 (4) Å] secondary bonding interactions. In each crystal, the chains pack without directional interactions between them. The non-covalent interactions are delineated in the study of the calculated Hirshfeld surfaces. Dispersion forces make the most significant contributions to the identified intermolecular interactions in each of (I) and (II).
[1,2-Bis(diisopropylphosphanyl)ethane-κ2
P,P′](2-fluoro-N-{[(2-fluorophenyl)azanidyl]carbonyl}anilinido-κ2
N,N′)nickel(II)
Authors: Flores-Alamo Marcos , Perez-Ortiz Francisco J. , Arevalo Alma , Garcia Juventino J.
Published: May 2020

The molecular structure of the title complex, [Ni(C13H8F2N2O)(C14H32P2)] or Ni(oFPU)(dippe), where oFPU is the dianion of bis(2-fluorophenyl)urea and dippe is 1,2-bis(di-isopropylphosphino)ethane, comprises an NiII atom with a distorted square-planar coordination environment (geometry index τ4 = 0.195). One of the fluorophenyl rings of the oFPU ligand is disordered over two sets of sites in an 0.832 (7):0.168 (7) ratio. The crystal structure displays C—H...O and C—H...F hydrogen-bonding interactions, leading to chains with R
2
2(12) motifs extending parallel to [100]. The title compound might be of interest with respect to the production of urea and carbamate derivatives of nickel(II).
Labor migration from Southeast Asia to Taiwan: issues, public responses and future development
Authors: Deng Jian-Bang , Wahyuni Hermin Indah , Yulianto Vissia Ita
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This paper is mainly focused on labor migration from Southeast Asia to Taiwan, showing a route of south–south mobility and discussing the causes of migrant workers in Taiwan, the issues faced by migrant workers as well as public response to migrant workers.

Design/methodology/approach

Besides a literate review on the topic of migrant worker researches in Taiwan, the data for this research was also based on qualitative interviews and observations conducted both in the fieldwork in Taiwan and in Indonesia between June and August during the summer of 2018.

Findings

The transnational mobility let many migrants from Southeast Asian countries to Taiwan end up losing their cultural capital and “make money” instead. For these migrants, they have experienced a downward social mobility of class through transnational mobility.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the chosen research approach, the research results may lack generalizability. More migrant laborers from various origin countries were encouraged to include for further research.

Practical implications

Labor migration cases from Southeast Asia to Taiwan could very well serve as good examples in the carrying out of a reflection on the limit of focusing on social science only inside nation-states in order to push a forward thinking on the transnationalization of social inequality.

Originality/value

This paper calls attention to the close linkage between transnational mobility and social inequality. It showed how the transnationalization of social inequality could get new faces through the new waves of labor migration.
Competitive productivity and the challenge of metastasis under rising societal complexity
Authors: Redding Gordon
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to locate the concept of competitive productivity (CP) within a general theory of societal progress and include new thinking on the challenge of obstacles to be met at certain stages.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is to review the key literature dealing with economic growth and rising societal achievement and to refine out concepts that offer understanding of the dynamics commonly involved, taking illustrative examples from different societies and seeking overall common denominators that appear within the historical processes.

Findings

New understandings of societal progress, using complex adaptive systems theory applied to cities and industrial districts, indicate that two forces are at work to release new positive forms of energy into society. Economies of scale work via the laws of fractal geometry to yield sublinear growth of energy. More intense social interaction works within the core of the society in a different way to yield superlinear growth. These two forms of energy release can feed off each other beneficially in conditions where, as with CP, the forces of competition can work with forces driving efficiency, in conditions where societal order can be supported by appropriate cultural norms.

Research limitations/implications

A wide literature across several disciplines is brought to bear on the very complex question. Some of the theories are new but very well anchored. It is consequently possible to suggest a pattern of multi-determinants able to match the reality and to foster nuanced comprehensive analysis.

Practical implications

Impacts on policy of foreign direct investment and joint venture management.

Social implications

Emphasis on the roles of societal virtues in establishing the cooperativeness needed for CP.

Originality/value

Few studies bring together so many disciplinary perspectives into a complete argument.
General contractors’ experience using off-site structural framing systems
Authors: Killingsworth John , Mehany Mohammed Hashem , Ladhari Hana
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to examine general contractors’ experiences of using off-site manufactured structural framing systems. This engaged a single-case study using a qualitative methodology to identify expected benefits, actual benefits and challenges of such systems.

Design/methodology/approach

A single-case study approach evaluated general contractors’ experience of using a manufactured structural framing system. Qualitative data were collated and analyzed from industry domain experts to determine commonalities and thematic thinking.

Findings

The study revealed that the reasons behind considering off-site building systems were: accelerating the project schedule, overcoming site constraints and having a better end-product. The top expected benefits were: saving time (schedule), saving cost and improving quality. The top actual observed benefits were: saving erection time, reducing waste generation, reducing project costs, reducing safety risks and improving construction site logistics. The main challenges encountered were: unfamiliarity of different project parties with the off-site framing system, difficulty with reducing the overall project schedule, heavy site logistics and complicated off-site system design and standards requirements. The findings include solutions to overcome the challenges associated with using a manufactured structural system.

Research limitations/implications

This paper was a case study and therefore inherently limited in its generalizability. The study was conducted with general contractors in the mountain-west region of the USA. However, the implications of the study may have a broad application, as contractors across the globe seek to find similar solutions to using off-site or manufactured construction methods.

Practical implications

Construction labor shortages around the world are forcing the construction industry to find creative solutions to meet the demand for their services. Manufactured or off-site construction methods provide a possible solution to that labor shortage. However, builders need to be aware of the immediate challenges and actual benefits of using a manufactured structural framing system.

Social implications

Manufactured structural framing systems have the potential to impact lean and sustainable practices in construction. Reduced waste, reduced on-site man-power requirements, reduced construction schedules and reduced injuries each improve the lives of construction workers and the communities around these buildings.

Originality/value

An extensive literature review was performed to guide the design of this case study. Much has been written about off-site construction practices, but there is a significant research gap on the topic of structural framing systems. This study contributes to expanding the knowledge of off-site construction and specifically helps researchers and practitioners understand the challenges and benefits of this systematic approach to construction.
Design of efficient multilayer RAM cell in QCA framework
Authors: Singh Rupali , Sharma Devendra Kumar
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Quantum-dot cellular automata (QCA) is a promising technology, which seems to be the prospective substitute for complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS). It is a high speed, high density and low power paradigm producing efficient circuits. These days, most of the smart devices used for computing, make use of random access memory (RAM). To enhance the performance of a RAM cell, researchers are putting effort to minimize its area and access time. Multilayer structures in QCA framework are area efficient, fast and immune to the random interference. Unlike CMOS, QCA multilayer architectures can be designed using active components on different layers. Thus, using multilayer topology in the design of a RAM cell, which is not yet reported in the literature can improve the performance of RAM and hence, the computing device. This paper aims to present the modular design of RAM cell with multilayer structures in the QCA framework. The fundamental modules such as XOR gate, 2:1 multiplexer and D latch are proposed here using multilayer formations with the goal of designing a RAM cell with the provision of read, write, set and reset control.

Design/methodology/approach

All the modules used to design a RAM cell are designed using multilayer approach in QCA framework.

Findings

The proposed multilayer RAM cell is optimized and has shown an improvement of 20% in cell count, 30% in area, 25% in area latency product and 48.8% in cost function over the other efficient RAM designs with set/reset ability reported earlier. The proposed RAM cell is further analyzed for the fault tolerance and power dissipation.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the multilayer structure, the complexity of the circuit enhances which can be eliminated using simple architectures.

Originality/value

The performance metrics and results obtained establish that the multilayer approach can be implemented in the QCA circuit to produce area efficient and optimized sequential circuits such as a latch, flip flop and memory cells.
Improving predictive power through deep learning analysis of K-12 online student behaviors and discussion board content
Authors: Hung Jui-Long , Rice Kerry , Kepka Jennifer , Yang Juan
Published: May 2020

Purpose

For studies in educational data mining or learning Analytics, the prediction of student’s performance or early warning is one of the most popular research topics. However, research gaps indicate a paucity of research using machine learning and deep learning (DL) models in predictive analytics that include both behaviors and text analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

This study combined behavioral data and discussion board content to construct early warning models with machine learning and DL algorithms. In total, 680 course sections, 12,869 students and 14,951,368 logs were collected from a K-12 virtual school in the USA. Three rounds of experiments were conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.

Findings

The DL model performed better than machine learning models and was able to capture 51% of at-risk students in the eighth week with 86.8% overall accuracy. The combination of behavioral and textual data further improved the model’s performance in both recall and accuracy rates. The total word count is a more general indicator than the textual content feature. Successful students showed more words in analytic, and at-risk students showed more words in authentic when text was imported into a linguistic function word analysis tool. The balanced threshold was 0.315, which can capture up to 59% of at-risk students.

Originality/value

The results of this exploratory study indicate that the use of student behaviors and text in a DL approach may improve the predictive power of identifying at-risk learners early enough in the learning process to allow for interventions that can change the course of their trajectory.
Educational data mining: a systematic review of research and emerging trends
Authors: Du Xu , Yang Juan , Hung Jui-Long , Shelton Brett
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Educational data mining (EDM) and learning analytics, which are highly related subjects but have different definitions and focuses, have enabled instructors to obtain a holistic view of student progress and trigger corresponding decision-making. Furthermore, the automation part of EDM is closer to the concept of artificial intelligence. Due to the wide applications of artificial intelligence in assorted fields, the authors are curious about the state-of-art of related applications in Education.

Design/methodology/approach

This study focused on systematically reviewing 1,219 EDM studies that were searched from five digital databases based on a strict search procedure. Although 33 reviews were attempted to synthesize research literature, several research gaps were identified. A comprehensive and systematic review report is needed to show us: what research trends can be revealed and what major research topics and open issues are existed in EDM research.

Findings

Results show that the EDM research has moved toward the early majority stage; EDM publications are mainly contributed by “actual analysis” category; machine learning or even deep learning algorithms have been widely adopted, but collecting actual larger data sets for EDM research is rare, especially in K-12. Four major research topics, including prediction of performance, decision support for teachers and learners, detection of behaviors and learner modeling and comparison or optimization of algorithms, have been identified. Some open issues and future research directions in EDM field are also put forward.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations for this search method include the likelihood of missing EDM research that was not captured through these portals.

Originality/value

This systematic review has not only reported the research trends of EDM but also discussed open issues to direct future research. Finally, it is concluded that the state-of-art of EDM research is far from the ideal of artificial intelligence and the automatic support part for teaching and learning in EDM may need improvement in the future work.
Effects of CEO humility and relationship conflict on entrepreneurial performance
Authors: Li Yi , Wei Feng , Chen Siyue , Yan Yushan
Published: May 2020

Purpose

First, this paper aims to explore how CEO humility and relationship conflict in entrepreneurial teams affect the firm-level performance of new ventures. Second, it investigates the moderating effect of CEO political skills on the indirect association between CEO humility and entrepreneurial performance through relationship conflict in entrepreneurial teams.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey was administered to CEOs and their entrepreneurial team members in 171 start-ups in Shanghai, China. The data obtained from the survey were subjected to multiple regression analysis using the SPSS PROCESS macro and confirmatory factor analysis using Mplus.

Findings

The findings are as follows. First, CEO humility can reduce relationship conflict in entrepreneurial teams. Second, CEO political skills moderate the link between CEO humility and relationship conflict in entrepreneurial teams. The weaker the CEO political skills, the stronger the effect of CEO humility on relationship conflict, and the stronger the CEO political skills, the weaker the effect of CEO humility on relationship conflict. Third, relationship conflict in entrepreneurial teams is negatively related to entrepreneurial performance. Finally, CEO political skills moderate the mediating effect of entrepreneurial team relationship conflict on the CEO humility – entrepreneurial performance link.

Practical implications

The findings of this study offer guidance for entrepreneurs seeking to improve firm performance. The findings suggest that entrepreneurs should adopt a humble leadership style that cultivates their strengths and minimizes their weaknesses. To improve the centripetal force and cohesion of the entrepreneurial team, they should focus on the team, affirm the contribution of subordinates and accept subordinates’ advice.

Originality/value

The study reveals that CEO humility has a positive effect on entrepreneurial performance, which enriches research on the effectiveness of humble leadership at the firm level. From the perspective of team relationship conflict, the study also explores the mechanism underlying the effect of CEO humility on entrepreneurial performance, opening the “black box” of CEO humility and entrepreneurial effectiveness. In addition, the study reveals the boundary conditions of the influence of CEO humility, enriching the theoretical literature on humble leadership, political skills and resource conservation.
Understanding motives for attending charity sport events in Thailand
Authors: Meeprom Supawat , Dansiri Warapon
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effects of motives for attending charity sport events on perceptions of self-congruity and charity sport event identification. It also examined the mediating role of self-congruity on the relationships between motives for attending charity sport events and charity sport event identification.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through an online self-administered survey of 330 participants who had attended charity sport events in Thailand. A series of multiple regressions and the PROCESS macro method were used for analysing direct and indirect effects.

Findings

The results clearly indicated that physical and charitable motives had a significant impact on event identification. While physical, social and charitable motives had an impact on self-congruity, self-congruity had a greater impact on event identification. The role of self-congruity, meanwhile, mediated the relationship between physical, social, enjoyment and charitable motives and the event identification.

Research limitations/implications

The results of this study contribute to the extension of the body of knowledge, especially in regard to special events and charitable foundations where the proposed relationships have yet to be studied.

Originality/value

Using the social identity theory as a theoretical background, the study adds to the comprehensive understanding of social and psychological motives to build an identity and enhance a strong sense of identification and belonging to a charity sport event.
An analysis of a benchmarking initiative to help government entities to learn from best practices – the “Dubai We Learn” initiative
Authors: Mann Robin , Adebanjo Dotun , Abbas Ahmed , El Kahlout Zeyad Mohammad , Al Nuseirat Ahmad Abdullah , Al Neaimi Hazza Khalfan
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the mechanisms for managing coordinated benchmarking projects and the outcomes achieved from such coordination. While there have been many independent benchmarking studies comparing the practices and performance of public sector organisations, there has been little research on initiatives that involve coordinating multiple benchmarking projects within public sector organisations or report on the practices implemented and results from benchmarking projects. This research will be of interest to centralised authorities wishing to encourage and assist multiple organisations in undertaking benchmarking projects.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts a case study methodology. Data were collected on the coordinating mechanisms and the experiences of the individual organisations over a one-year period.

Findings

The findings show successful results (financial and non-financial) across all 13 benchmarking projects, thus indicating the success of a coordinated approach to managing multiple projects. The study concluded by recommending a six-stage process for coordinating multiple benchmarking projects.

Originality/value

This research gives new insights into the application and benefits from benchmarking because of the open access the research team had to the “Dubai We Learn” initiative. To the authors’ knowledge the research was unique in being able to report accurately on the outcome of 13 benchmarking projects with all projects using the TRADE benchmarking methodology.
Management strategies for supply risk dependencies: empirical evidence from the gulf region
Authors: Al-Balushi Zainab , Durugbo Christopher M.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to propose a conceptual model for managing supply risk (SR) dependencies in regional supply networks (SNs). Grounded on resource dependency theory (RDT), the research conceptualises the management of SR as buffering and bridging strategies that enable organisations to redefine their SN to cope with SR and as a three-stage transformation mechanism.

Design/methodology/approach

Four supply failure case studies from the aluminium and the oil and gas industries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region inductively provide empirical insights for a revised conceptual framing. Within and cross case analysis on transcribed semi-structured interviews with 11 SN managers focus on the SRs and dependencies associated with the supply failures and an abstraction of risk management (RM) strategies for coping with these failures.

Findings

The analysis finds that underpinning ‘second-order’ buffering and bridging strategies from RDT are four main ‘first-order’ RM strategies: unit independency, organisational adaptation, network reconfiguration and environmental acceptance. These RM strategies are due to controllability and predictability levels that influence investment in RM and reflect the locations for implementing RM practices, i.e. the business unit, the organisation, the SN and the environment.

Originality/value

The article contributes to research through the conceptual framework of SR dependencies and unique insights on SR management within the GCC region. Practically, the research is novel in offering strategic directions for RM evaluations and investments that reflect the controllability and predictability of risk incidents. Such evaluations are potentially valuable in orchestrating regional SNs, for managing GCC companies in global supply chains, and for strategic decisions to expand or outsource to the GCC region.
Human capital and export performance of small and medium enterprises in Pakistan
Authors: Mubarik Muhammad Shujaat , Devadason Evelyn S. , Govindaraju Chandran
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This study examines the influence of human capital, overall and by dimensions, on the export performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the manufacturing sector of Pakistan. The study also investigates the role of absorptive capacity in the relationship between human capital dimensions and export performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from 586 manufacturing sector SMEs were collected for analysis. The study applied covariance-based structural equation modeling (SEM) to estimate the hypothesized relationships.

Findings

As a whole, human capital was found to exert a direct and indirect impact on export performance, particularly for the medium-sized firms and for firms with medium to high levels of export intensities. Nevertheless, not all dimensions of human capital mattered for export performance. Education and training were found to pose the greatest influence on export performance of those firms.

Research limitations/implications

The results suggest that when devising appropriate policies for SMEs, the impact of different dimensions of human capital need to be considered for addressing challenges related to the internationalization of firms. In short, developing the right human capital is essential for SMEs to compete at the international level.

Originality/value

Unlike previous studies, this study decomposed the influence of different dimensions of human capital on export performance and assessed the mediating role of absorptive capacity. The study is also among the pioneering studies in SMEs sector of Pakistan to analyze the role of absorptive capacity in the relationship between various dimensions of human capital and export performance.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at:https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-03-2019-0198
Predictors of fossil fuel taxation attitudes across post-communist and other Europe
Authors: Sivonen Jukka
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This study examines how the effects of three predictors, namely left–right political orientation, generalized trust and political trust, on fossil fuel taxation attitudes vary between post-communist and other European countries.

Design/methodology/approach

By using European Social Survey (ESS) Round 8 data and ordinary least squares (OLS) regression, this paper studied the effects of the hypothesized predictors on fossil fuel taxation attitudes across post-communist and other European countries. The countries were analyzed both in group and individually.

Findings

The results showed that stronger left-wing orientation, higher generalized trust and higher political trust predict more support for fossil fuel taxation at the country group level in both post-communist and other Europe. However, the effects were generally speaking less consistent and significant in the countries of the post-communist Europe. By and large, the effect of political trust was the most significant and universal.

Originality/value

The findings contribute to the understanding how left–right political orientation and generalized trust have somewhat distinct effects on fossil fuel taxation attitudes in different European country contexts, while the effect of political trust is more universal across the continent.
The INCITE model of policy development for the creative industries: the case of Vietnam
Authors: Gasparin Marta , Quinn Martin
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This paper develops a new model of policy development for the creative industries in a transitional economy setting. These sectors could potentially make a significant contribution to the continuing growth of the Vietnamese economy; however, they are currently held back by a lack of policies designed to support them

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses data collected from a mixed-methods study of the creative and cultural sectors in Vietnam. The paper combines quantitative results from a mapping project with ethnographic observations and several qualitative interviews to identify the policy needs of the sector.

Findings

The paper develops the INCITE model of policy development composed of four parts: education and human resources, infrastructure, intellectual property rights and freedom of speech.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to our understanding of the kinds of policies needed to support the creative industries by exploring their development in an economy transitioning from a state planned economy to a market-driven one.
Effect of debt tax benefits on corporate pension funding and risk-taking
Authors: Omori Kozo , Kitamura Tomoki
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This study theoretically investigates the impacts of tax benefits on funding level and risk-taking of a corporate defined benefit (DB) pension plan.

Design/methodology/approach

The present value of the future tax benefits is maximized while the stockholders determine the funding level and investment risk-taking in DB plans. As a feature of DB plans, this study considers pension benefits to be pre-determined. Further, the pension beneficiary has a priority over the sponsor company's creditors for the pension reserve fund. These are seldom considered in previous studies.

Findings

It is desirable to decrease the funding level of DB plans to increase tax benefits. This is because the effect of tax exemption for the pension fund's investment income is eliminated by the change in the contribution arising from the investment's result. The optimal investment risk-taking depends on the funding level.

Originality/value

The impact of tax benefits on decision-making for DB plans is significantly different from that stated by previous studies, that is, an increase in pension funds will reduce the corporate debt. To explain corporate behavior, this study's results—derived from the essential feature of DB plans, which could not have been included in previous studies—should be considered.
The impact of changes in cash flow statement items on audit fees: evidence from Iran
Authors: Salehi Mahdi , BehrouziYekta Masoumeh , Rezaei Ranjbar Hossein
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to determine whether the incremental difference between the actual level of cash from the optimal amount (excess and insufficient cash) to the abnormal amount of cash (abnormal positive and negative changes in cash) leads to an increase in audit fees.

Design/methodology/approach

To investigate the main purpose of this study, first, the authors, respectively, estimate the optimal cash flow and the normal (optimal) changes in cash by Oler and Picconi (2014) and Bates, Kahle and Stulz (2009) models for each period. In this regard, financial information of 116 companies listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange is selected during the period 2011-2016.

Findings

The results of this investigation indicate that holding an excessive amount of cash than optimal size and audit fees are negatively associated. Moreover, it is documented that abnormal changes in cash flow and audit fees are not significantly associated.

Originality/value

The outcomes of the current study contribute to providing an accurate estimation to determine audit fees in emerging markets.
Cloud manufacturing: a myth or future of global manufacturing?
Authors: Aziz Muhammad Haris , Qamar Summyia , Khasawneh Mohammad T. , Saha Chanchal
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Cloud manufacturing (CMfg) has emerged as a service-oriented paradigm that enables modularization and on-demand servitization of resources in the context of manufacturing. The plethora of studies on CMfg has led the authors to investigate its implementation, as most of the literature is theoretical or simulation-based. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the reality of the CMfg concept in terms of adoption.

Design/methodology/approach

A tri-theoretic model is developed using the technology adoption model, diffusion of innovation and technology-organization-environment for hypotheses development. Data are collected from 218 US manufacturers. The data analysis approaches are partial least squares structural equation modeling, while data visualization is done to further analysis.

Findings

The study shows that most of the US manufacturers are reluctant to adopt the CMfg. Further, the statistical findings imply that competitive pressure, top management support, compatibility and trialability play a vital role in its adoption. The success of the CMfg adoption relies on the implementation of the pre-installation stage and the top management decisions.

Practical implications

For practitioners, the study provides insight on how to supervise the CMfg platform implementation to improve the adoption process. For researchers and academicians, the significance of trialability provides a wide range of research topics on developing the CMfg trials and models.

Originality/value

This paper highlights the concerns of manufacturers about the pros and cons of the CMfg adoption, as this topic has not been given due attention in the literature. This will help to align future research directions according to market concerns and mitigating the factors that are hindering its adoption.
Establishing and promoting an institutional repository and research information management system
Authors: Sweeper Darren , Ramsden Karen
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to share the experiences and to highlight lessons learned from the establishment of the institutional repository (IR) while collaborating in a state-wide initiative to showcase the scholarly output of New Jersey researchers.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors discuss how they used the case study method to collaborate with multiple stakeholders from across their university to establish an IR to support the University’s vision plan.

Findings

The authors found through strong relationship building and consistent outreach that they could launch a successful IR while enhancing the scholarly profile of their university faculty.

Originality/value

The authors contend that they have not exceeded the up to 20% overlap is okay according to Emerald’s originality policy.
Overcoming challenges in service user involvement in an older people’s mental health service
Authors: Smith Sophie , Abbas Maria , Zegarra Ariane
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe how an older people’s mental health service involves service users in research and service improvement projects, the value of this work and the ways in which barriers to user-led research have been approached and handled.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a reflective review of their experiences of running “ResearchNet”, a group aimed at putting service users’ perspectives at the heart of service improvement projects, which benefits from and develops its members’ related skills. The authors explore overcoming barriers to service user involvement in research.

Findings

This paper identified the following key elements that enabled ResearchNet to overcome barriers which might be found in service user–led research: recruitment processes; identifying research projects; building confidence, sustaining motivation and overcoming setbacks; developing service user’s research skills; keeping multiple views in mind; involving people with dementia; being responsive to group members’ needs; and keeping the group safe.

Practical implications

Oxleas National Health Service is currently looking at integrating with the quality improvement team to provide further structure and training to group members.

Originality/value

This paper explores an under-represented area of research – service user inclusion in older adult mental health research and service improvement. It provides much needed clinical implications for clinicians seeking to increase clients’ involvement in research and service development projects.
Investigation on microstructures, mechanical and wear properties of Al 390/ZrO2 composite materials fabricated by P/M method
Authors: S Karthikeyan , R Karunanithi , Ghosh Ashoke
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Aluminium is the most proficiently and commonly used metal due to its desirable physical, chemical and mechanical properties. When Aluminium reinforced with hard ceramic particles, shows increased strength and good corrosion resistant and wear resistant qualities. In the present investigation, A390 + X vol. % Zro2 (X = 5, 10 and 15) composites have been fabricated through P/M technique.

Design/methodology/approach

After that the microstructural properties are tested by scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis wear test is performed using pin-on-disc machine.

Findings

The wear conditions of applied load 30N and sliding velocity 1 m/s and track distance 1000m was followed. A390 + 15% Zro2 of surface of the composites unveiled greater hardness when compared with A390 alloy.

Originality/value

A390 + 15% Zro2 exhibited superior wear resistance than that of the matrix alloy. Thus the material proves as an excellent solution for applications that requires high wear resistance.
The moderating effect of information technology capabilities on the relationship between marketing mix and corporate entrepreneurship
Authors: Ghezali Fatima , Boudi Abdessamad
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between marketing mix (MM), information technology capabilities (ITCAP) and corporate entrepreneurship (CE). Additionally, the study has attempted to address the moderating influence of ITCAP on MM–CE relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the objectives of the study, data was collected from managers working in the upper and middle departments in some major Algerian banks. To test the hypotheses of the study, simple regression and PROCESS macro with moderated multiple regression were used.

Findings

The results of the study revealed that the MM and ITCAP positively affect entrepreneurship, and the ITCAP of banks and their interaction with the MM contributed positively to promoting entrepreneurship for companies through the moderate influence of ITCAP on the relationship between the MM and CE.

Research limitations/implications

It is very difficult to present the generalization of the results of this study because some of the major banks mainly drove the study sample. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test the proposed propositions further.

Practical implications

The results of the study suggested that policymakers in the banking sector in Algeria seriously consider developing the MM for its direct role in the CE. Specifically, the moderate role of ITCAP indicated that an effective alignment of the bank’s ITCAP with elements of the MM could enhance the entrepreneurship position of the bank. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to the importance of these factors to foster entrepreneurship in the services sector.

Originality/value

The role of MM in CE has been overlooked in the extant literature, especially in the emerging economies. In addition, this study extends the body of knowledge through evaluating the moderating role of ITCAP using the effect of interaction in PROCESS macro with moderated multiple regression for path analysis.