bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Depressive and anxiety symptoms and COVID-19-related factors among men and women in Nigeria
Authors: Oginni Olakunle Ayokunmi , Oloniniyi Ibidunni Olapeju , Ibigbami Olanrewaju , Ugo Victor , Amiola Ayomipo , Ogunbajo Adedotun , Esan Oladoyin , Adelola Aderopo , Daropale Oluwatosin , Ebuka Matthew , Mapayi Boladale
Published: June 2021

Despite the greater adverse economic impacts in low and middle-income (LAMI) compared to high-income countries, fewer studies have investigated the associations between COVID-19-related stressor and mental health in LAMI countries. The objectives of this study were to determine the associations between COVID-19-related stressors and anxiety and depressive symptoms while controlling for known risk and protective factors and to investigate any sex differences. An online survey was carried out to assess sociodemographic, psychosocial (previous mental health conditions, sexual orientation, intimate partner violence and perceived social support) and COVID-19-related variables. Hierarchical linear regression was carried out with anxiety and depressive symptoms as separate outcomes. Of the COVID-19-related factors, testing positive for COVID-19 infection, having COVID-19 symptoms, having other medical conditions, self-isolating due to COVID-19 symptoms, worry about infection, perception of the pandemic as a threat to income and isolation during the lockdown were significantly associated with higher anxiety and depressive symptoms. Of these, worry about infection, isolation during lockdown and disruption due to the pandemic retained independent associations with both outcomes. The variance in anxiety and depressive symptoms explained by COVID-19-related factors was larger in women (6.1% and respectively) compared to men (6.1% and respectively). COVID-19-related stressors are associated with higher anxiety and depressive symptoms, with these effects being larger in men compared to women. Enhancing social support can be an affordable strategy to mitigate this risk but this needs to be investigated using appropriate designs.
Aminobenzoic acid functionalized graphene oxide as environment-friendly corrosion inhibitors for Q235 steel in HCl solution: experimental and DFT studies
Authors: Ma Baoguang , Chen Cheng , Xie Xiaojun , Chen Yanhui , Zhang Qiuyu , Lv Dong , Liu Zhenguo
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to provide effective and environmental-friendly corrosion inhibitors derived from graphene oxide for Q235 steel.

Design/methodology/approach

Nontoxic and environment-friendly 4-aminobenzoic acid was used to functionalize graphene oxide via amidation and diazotization. The obtained amidation 4-aminobenzoic acid functionalized graphene oxide (PAGO) and diazotization 4-aminobenzoic acid functionalized graphene oxide (PDGO) were characterized by FTIR, Raman and TEM, while the inhibition efficiencies were analyzed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization (PDP). Furthermore, theoretical inhibition efficiencies were investigated by density functional theory (DFT) approach.

Findings

At a concentration of 40 ppm, the maximum inhibition efficiency of PAGO and PDGO were 97.90% and 96.72% in EIS measurement, respectively, which were in accordance with PDP data. Moreover, experimental results were supported by DFT-based quantum chemical calculation.

Originality/value

Environmental-friendly PAGO and PDGO were synthesized successfully. The synthetic inhibitors exhibited excellent inhibition efficiencies in EIS and PDP measurements. Furthermore, a computational study using DFT supported the trend that PAGO was better inhibitor than PDGO.
Aerodynamic design and optimization of propellers for multirotor
Authors: Klimczyk Witold Artur
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to present a methodology of designing a custom propeller for specified needs. The example of propeller design for large unmanned air vehicle (UAV) is considered.

Design/methodology/approach

Starting from low fidelity Blade Element (BE) methods, the design is obtained using evolutionary algorithm-driven process. Realistic constraints are used, including minimum thickness required for stiffness, as well as manufacturing ones – including leading and trailing edge limits. Hence, the interactions between propellers in hex-rotor configuration, and their influence on structural integrity of the UAV are investigated. Unsteady Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes (URANS) are used to obtain loading on the propeller blades in hover. Optimization of the propeller by designing a problem-specific airfoil using surrogate modeling-driven optimization process is performed.

Findings

The methodology described in the current paper proved to deliver an efficient blade. The optimization approach allowed to further improve the blade efficiency, with power consumption at hover reduced by around 7%.

Practical implications

The methodology can be generalized to any blade design problem. Depending on the requirements and constraints the result will be different.

Originality/value

Current work deals with the relatively new class of design problems, where very specific requirements are put on the propellers. Depending on these requirements, the optimum blade geometry may vary significantly.
Coordinated financial statements: what-is, what-if and how-much questions
Authors: Robison Lindon J. , Barry Peter J.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to use coordinated financial statements' system properties that include exogenous and endogenous variables to answer important questions. These questions include the following: What is the financial condition of the firm? What if there is a change in the firm's exogenous variable(s) – how will the financial condition of the firm change? And, how much of a change in the firm's exogenous variable(s) is required for the firm to reach its financial goal(s)?

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses coordinated financial statements to construct solvency, profitability, efficiency, liquidity and leverage (SPELL) ratios to answer the question: what is the financial condition of the firm? It answers what-if questions by changing an exogenous variable(s) and recalculating SPELL ratios. It answers how-much questions by using Excel's Goal Seek algorithm to find the required change in an exogenous variable to reach a firm's goal.

Findings

The authors find that coordinated financial statements' system properties can be used to answer important what-is, what-if and how-much questions about the firm.

Research limitations/implications

The usefulness of coordinated financial statements' system properties to answer what-is, what-if and how-much questions about the firm depends – mostly on the accuracy of exogenous data used to represent the firm's external financial environment. Furthermore, the usefulness of what-if and how-much analysis depends on how appropriate the changes are in exogenous variables used to represent alternative scenarios.

Practical implications

Using coordinated financial statements' system properties to answer what-is, what-if and how-much questions provides the firm's financial manager the tools to not only asses the firm's current financial condition but also to assess its ability to respond to opportunities and threats posed by future scenarios.

Social implications

The ability to assess the financial condition of a firm and to assess its strengths and weaknesses in key to making sound financial decisions. In addition, the consistency imposed on coordinated financial statements makes it an effective tool for discovering errors in its data.

Originality/value

The authors know of no similar work.
Productivity growth, catching-up and technology innovation in microfinance institutions in India: evidence using a bootstrap Malmquist Index approach
Authors: Khan Asif , Gulati Rachita
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the total factor productivity (TFP) change and its components: efficiency change and technical change in microfinance institutions (MFIs) in India operating from 2005 to 2018. The study also scrutinizes the variations in productivity levels across the distinct organizational form and size groups of MFIs. In addition to this, the authors identify the contextual factors that determine TFP growth, catching-up and technology innovation in MFIs.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs a smooth homogeneous bootstrap estimation procedure of Simar and Wilson (1999) for obtaining reliable estimates of Malmquist indices –productivity and its components – in a data envelopment analysis (DEA) framework for individual MFIs. In order to identify the determinants of productivity change and its components, the study follows Simar and Wilson's (2007) guidelines and applies a bootstrap truncated regression model. The double bootstrap procedure performs well, both in terms of allowing correct estimation of bias and deriving statistically consistent productivity estimates in the first and root mean square errors in the second stage of the analysis.

Findings

The empirical results reveal that the MFIs have shown average productivity growth of 6.70% during the entire study period. The observed productivity gains are primarily contributed by a larger efficiency increase at the rate of 4.80%, while technical progress occurs at 2.3%. Nonbanking financial companies (NBFC)-MFIs outperformed non-NBFC-MFIs. Small MFIs show the highest TFP growth in terms of size groups, followed by the large MFIs and medium MFIs. The bootstrap truncated regression results suggest that the credit portfolio, size and age of MFIs matter in achieving higher productivity levels.

Practical implications

The practical implication drawn from the study is that the Indian MFI industry might adopt the latest technology and innovations in the products, risk assessment and credit delivery to improve their productivity levels. The industry must focus on enhancing the managerial skill of its employees to achieve a high productivity level.

Originality/value

This study is perhaps the initial attempt to explain the productivity behavior of MFIs in India by deploying a statistically robust double bootstrap procedure in the DEA-based Malmquist Productivity Index (MPI) framework. The authors estimate the bias-adjusted productivity index and its decompositions, which represent more reliable and statistically consistent estimates. For contextual factors responsible for driving productivity change, the study deploys a bootstrap truncated regression approach.
The COVID-19 pandemic, social sustainability and global supply chain resilience: a review
Authors: Sajjad Aymen
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on global supply chain sustainability and provide an important pathway to develop an initial understanding of how organizations can develop more resilient and socially sustainable supply chains in a post-COVID world.

Design/methodology/approach

To gain fresh insights on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on supply chain social sustainability and resilience issues, an extensive literature review was conducted. To this end, recent scholarly research articles, articles from practitioner journals, magazine articles and policy documents and reports, as well as blogs and briefings published by international organizations were critically reviewed.

Findings

The findings suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with a major shake-up of global supply chain operations and has contributed to varied sustainability outcomes. While the pandemic caused reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, it has had serious social implications for the livelihoods and well-being of workers and their families. The findings further suggested that it is imperative for companies to build resilience in their global supply chain operations to better respond to future shocks and disruptions by adopting strategies such as employee protection schemes, advanced digital technologies, diversification, localization and regionalization and stakeholder collaboration.

Originality/value

This review paper contributes to emerging global supply chain sustainability literature and practice by synthesizing and explicating the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on supply chain social sustainability and resilience. In addition, this paper offers some practical recommendations to enhance the social sustainability impacts and resilience of global supply chains in a post-COVID world.
Artificial intelligence for hospitality big data analytics: developing a prediction model of restaurant review helpfulness for customer decision-making
Authors: Lee Minwoo , Kwon Wooseok , Back Ki-Joon
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Big data analytics allows researchers and industry practitioners to extract hidden patterns or discover new information and knowledge from big data. Although artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the emerging big data analytics techniques, hospitality and tourism literature has shown minimal efforts to process and analyze big hospitality data through AI. Thus, this study aims to develop and compare prediction models for review helpfulness using machine learning (ML) algorithms to analyze big restaurant data.

Design/methodology/approach

The study analyzed 1,483,858 restaurant reviews collected from Yelp.com. After a thorough literature review, the study identified and added to the prediction model 4 attributes containing 11 key determinants of review helpfulness. Four ML algorithms, namely, multivariate linear regression, random forest, support vector machine regression and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), were used to find a better prediction model for customer decision-making.

Findings

By comparing the performance metrics, the current study found that XGBoost was the best model to predict review helpfulness among selected popular ML algorithms. Results revealed that attributes regarding a reviewer’s credibility were fundamental factors determining a review’s helpfulness. Review helpfulness even valued credibility over ratings or linguistic contents such as sentiment and subjectivity.

Practical implications

The current study helps restaurant operators to attract customers by predicting review helpfulness through ML-based predictive modeling and presenting potential helpful reviews based on critical attributes including review, reviewer, restaurant and linguistic content. Using AI, online review platforms and restaurant websites can enhance customers’ attitude and purchase decision-making by reducing information overload and search cost and highlighting the most crucial review helpfulness features and user-friendly automated search results.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the current study is the first to develop a prediction model of review helpfulness and reveal essential factors for helpful reviews. Furthermore, the study presents a state-of-the-art ML model that surpasses the conventional models’ prediction accuracy. The findings will improve practitioners’ marketing strategies by focusing on factors that influence customers’ decision-making.
Self-organisation and supply chain agility: empirical evidence from humanitarian relief operations in a developing country
Authors: Mutebi Henry , Muhwezi Moses , Munene John C. Kigozi
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to establish whether self-organisation and its components matter for supply chain agility in the context of humanitarian relief operations in a developing country, Uganda.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a cross-sectional design to collect data from a sample of 101 humanitarian organisations (HOs) that deliver relief to Bidi-Bidi refugee settlement in Uganda.

Findings

Based on the findings, self-organisation explains 56% of the variance in supply chain agility.

Research limitations/implications

Since the study was cross-sectional, changes in the perception of the subject matter could not be established. Hence, a longitudinal approach was recommended for subsequent studies. Data was collected only from HOs that deliver relief services in Bidi-Bidi refugee settlement.

Practical implications

It is recommended that managers of HOs should ensure that their organisations have flexible, adaptive structures that can affect self-organisation during emergencies so as to increase the speed with which they respond to victims' needs.

Originality/value

This study generates significant empirical evidence on a less studied phenomenon in the humanitarian sector. It vividly highlights the effect of self-organisation on building supply chain agility.
Temporary and permanent aspects of project organizing – operation and maintenance of road infrastructure
Authors: Nilsson Vestola Emilia , Eriksson Per Erik , Larsson Johan , Karrbom Gustavsson Tina
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the interdependencies between temporary and permanent aspects of project organizing and how they affect the management of public infrastructure operation and maintenance (O&M) activities.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper applies a case study approach and uses Lundin and Söderholm's (1995) framework of the temporary organization (with the themes of time, task, team and transition) to distinguish between temporary and permanent aspects of organizing two infrastructure O&M projects.

Findings

This paper adds to the literature on temporary organizations by recognizing a mixture of temporary and permanent aspects of project organizing in an empirical project-level example. In line with previous research, the themes of time, task, team and transition were shown to be interdependent. Furthermore, the paper broadens the theory of temporary organizations by presenting a project organization with significant permanent aspects.

Practical implications

Project managers of public sector projects need to be aware of the possible mixture of temporary and permanent aspects of project organizing. Management of projects that are found to have a mixture of temporary and permanent aspects should combine the perspectives and management practices of both temporary and permanent organizing. Not acknowledging permanent aspects could lead to management that is not adapted to the prerequisites of project organizing in this context.

Originality/value

The findings further develop the literature on temporary organizations by recognizing that there is not only a mixture of temporary and permanent aspects between the temporary organization and its permanent environment but there is also a mixture of temporary and permanent aspects of organizing within project organizations.
The Matthew effect in talent management strategy: reducing exhaustion, increasing satisfaction, and inspiring commission among boundary spanning employees
Authors: Srivastava Rajesh V. , Tang Thomas
Published: June 2021

Purpose

In an ongoing War for Talent, what are the intangible and tangible return on investments (ROIs) for boundary-spanning employees? This study aims to develop a formative structural equation model (SEM) of the Matthew effect in talent. management.

Design/methodology/approach

This study develops a formative SEM theoretical model. Training and development (T&D) are the two antecedents of the latent construct – talent management strategy (TMS). This study frames the latent construct (TMS) in the proximal context of reducing burnout (cynicism and inefficacy), the distal context of subjective and intangible outcomes (job and life satisfaction) and the omnibus context of objective, tangible and financial rewards (the sales commission). The study collected data from multiple sources – objective sales commission from personnel records and subjective survey data from 512 sales employees.

Findings

The empirical discoveries support the theory. Both T&D contribute significantly to the TMS, which reduces burnout in the immediate context. TMS enhances job satisfaction more than life satisfaction in the distal context. TMS significantly and indirectly improves boundary spanners’ sales commission in the omnibus context via life satisfaction, but not job satisfaction. The model prevails for the whole sample, men, but not women.

Practical implications

Our discoveries offer practical implications for the Matthew effect in talent management: policymakers must cultivate T&D, develop TMS, facilitate the spillover effect from job satisfaction to life satisfaction, concentrate on the meaning in their lives and take their mind off money. TMS ultimately helps ignite these boundary spanners’ sales commission and their organization’s bottom line and financial health. The rich get richer.

Originality/value

It is life satisfaction (not job satisfaction) that excites boundary-spanning employees’ high level of sales commission. Our model prevails for the whole sample and men, but not for women. Job satisfaction spills over to life satisfaction for the entire sample, for men, but not for women. The results reveal gender differences.
Failed synergy from brand alliance: what Volvo learned in China?
Authors: Guo Xinyu , Meng Yan , Xiong Jie
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Brand alliance strategy is a popular strategy for multinational enterprises entering foreign markets, especially when domestic firms in the host market have a relatively weaker brand image. However, Volvo Construction Equipment's failure to acquire a domestic firm in China (Shandong Lingong Construction Machinery Company Limited [SDLG]) challenges existing management theory. Thus, the purpose of this study is to understand the reasons behind the failure of a leading international brand’s acquisition of a local brand in a fast-growing developing country.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper conducted a case study to illustrate how Volvo failed to benefit from the dual-brand strategy by analyzing its brand architecture strategy, the industry specificity of its heavy equipment, issues around its complex dealership and the implementation of optimal distinctiveness for the Volvo brand after acquiring SDLG.

Findings

Although Volvo’s dual-brand strategy with SDLG was theoretically valid, in practice, the strategy made the two brands very distinct in their business-to-business (B2B) consumers’ perception and dealers’ operation. Given a wrong estimation of Chinese demand in its premium market, Volvo, which targeted only the Chinese premium market, failed to benefit from its brand alliance with SDLG in the Chinese market.

Originality/value

The analysis of Volvo’s acquisition of SDLG enriches the current theory of international business and brand management. In particular, the results provide new insights into how leading international brands can avoid potential failure in a fast-growing market. Moreover, this paper highlights the difference of branding strategy in the B2B and business-to-consumer markets, which carries value to business executives.
Achieving person-centredness through technologies supporting integrated care for older people living at home: an integrative review
Authors: MacInnes Julie , Billings Jenny , Dima Alexandra Lelia , Farmer Chris , Nijpels Giel
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the range, type and outcomes of technological innovations aimed at supporting older people to maintain their independence within the context of integrated care at home. We also discuss key emergent themes relevant to the use of person-centred technology for older people in integrated care and propose recommendations for policy and practice.

Design/methodology/approach

An integrative review methodology was used to identify and describe recent scientific publications in four stages: problem identification, literature search, data evaluation and data analysis.

Findings

Twelve studies were included in the review. Three studies described remote consultations, particularly telemedicine; five studies described tools to support self-management; three studies described the use of healthcare management tools, and one study described both remote consultation and self-care management. Emergent themes were: acceptability, accessibility and use of digital technologies; co-ordination and integration of services; the implementation of digital technologies; and safety and governance. Several recommendations are proposed relevant to integrated care teams, technology developers and researchers.

Originality/value

This review uniquely considers the extent to which novel digital technologies used in integrated care for older people are person-centred.
Is Islamic brand attitudes influence Thai Muslims’ buying behavioural intentions: a quantitative analysis using smart-PLS
Authors: Singkheeprapha Phattharatharaporn , Jumani Zulfiqar Ali , Sukhabot Sasiwemon
Published: June 2021

Purpose

In southeast Asia, international companies are growing to serve customers with multiple faiths. This study aims to focus on Thailand and it is one of Southeast Asia’s nations and it has Muslim minority customers. To represent Thai Muslim companies, Thai Muslims are marketing their goods by bearing the tagline “we are Islamic”. Scholars described it as “Islamic brands”. This research describes the significant feature of Islamic brands between Thai Muslim people. It examines, which of the Islamic brand dimensions motivates Thai customers towards buying Islamic brands.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study’s conceptual model was the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and 281 Thai Muslims responded via a standardised survey. The data was collected from four southern Thailand provinces (Narathiwat, Pattani, Satun and Yala) and the statistical application Smart-partial least-squares 3 was used for data analysis.

Findings

The most significant factor motivating Thai Muslims towards purchasing Islamic brands is the customer’s Islamic brand. The second factor was the Islamic brands by compliance and Islamic brands by country of origin.

Research limitations/implications

Three regions in Thailand have been researched, as well as the results concentrate only on three Islamic brand attitudes as independent variables and the development of behavioural expectations of TPB. This research also presents a model that could help understand the consumer perceptions about Islamic brands and established brands amongst various consumers.

Practical implications

The present research applies to small companies and multi-national businesses, as it illuminates and recognises the image of Islamic brands and suggests the preferences of customers in selecting the brand of Islamic brand.

Originality/value

The current study aims to explain Thai Muslim customers’ buying behavioural intentions while purchasing Islamic brands in Thailand.
Health, economic and social lifestyle: a rapid assessment of COVID-19: evidence from MENA countries
Authors: Almarayeh Taha , Almarayeh Abdulateef
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) countries are among the most affected regions globally, which are expected also to be influenced significantly for an extended period. This paper aims to consider an attempt for a real-time evaluation of the colossal impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on health, economic and social sectors in MENA nations.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws from published academic studies. It is also based on the synthesis of news broadcasted and current media sources, government speeches and reports, as the novel COVID-19 situation is unfolding. The authors’ experiences investigating in this domain have also contributed to the research.

Findings

This investigation captures events on the novel COVID-19, as they are unfolding now. The study predicts that the COVID-19 pandemic will probably affect the general patterns of MENA people’s lifestyles. In addition, the COVID-19 epidemic will have a substantial influence on healthcare systems and economic sectors in MENA countries.

Research limitations/implications

This viewpoint paper offers some emerging outlooks, appearing with the contemporary novel COVID-19 outbreak. This study provides valuable insights to inform investors, policymakers and the public that natural disasters can inflict economic damage on an unprecedented scale.

Originality/value

This is a “real-time” evaluation study. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that map and assess the potential impacts of COVID-19 pandemic on health-care systems, economic sectors and people’s lifestyle in MENA countries.
Behavioral factors affecting investment decision-making in bank stocks on the Ghana stock exchange
Authors: Quaicoe Alexander , Eleke-Aboagye Paul Quaisie
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The finance literature is awash with papers bordering on the classical assumption that investors are rational in their decision-making, and hence, would always take decisions rationally given the right information, thus making the stock market efficient. This assumption has, however, been found to be at least inadequate given the fact that investors are complex psychological beings full of emotions. This paper aims to investigate the psychological factors that tend to influence the decisions of investors.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a questionnaire to survey a total of 350 investors holding stocks of listed banks on the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE).

Findings

The study found the existence of various behavioural biases among the investors surveyed. The most dominant factor or bias found to be influencing investment decisions of respondents was herding with nearly 62% weight. Again, biases such as regret aversion and gambler’s fallacy were also found to strongly influence the decisions of investors, along with mental accounting, overconfidence and anchoring.

Practical implications

The presence of these behavioural biases, therefore suggests that investors do not always take rational decisions, and hence, making the stock market efficient and that as psychological beings, their investment decisions are impacted strongly by their psychology.

Originality/value

The study used a questionnaire to survey a total of 350 investors holding stocks of listed banks on the GSE with a special focus on overconfidence, anchoring, herding, gambler’s fallacy, mental accounting and regret aversion as the variables of interest, the first of its kind in Ghana.
Job autonomy, unscripted agility and ambidextrous innovation: analysis of Brazilian startups in times of the Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Frare Anderson Betti , Beuren Ilse Maria
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the influence of job autonomy and unscripted agility on ambidextrous innovation in startups in times of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted with founders and managers of Brazilian startups in the e-commerce segment, resulting in a sample of 84 startups. Symmetric (structural equation modeling) and asymmetric (fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis) analyses were performed. The variables' external financing and institutional ties were controlled.

Findings

The symmetric findings indicate that unscripted agility is a full mediator between job autonomy and ambidextrous innovation. The asymmetric findings offer two solutions for startups to achieve high ambidextrous innovation.

Research limitations/implications

The implications of the research for the literature are discussing elements associated with ambidextrous innovation, exploring the context of innovation in startups in times of crisis, specifically in the Covid-19 pandemic, and considering the role of resilience in startups.

Practical implications

The study provides informational inputs to founders and managers of startups on how job autonomy and unscripted agility can propel incremental and radical innovations.

Originality/value

This study provides new insights and success factors into startups, based on the discussion of entrepreneurship in times of crisis, as in the case of the Covid-19 pandemic.
University social responsibility and empathy in organizations during COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil
Authors: Lemos Lourenço Mariane , Rosalia Ribeiro Silva Mara , Santana Galvão Oliveira Rafael
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the relationship between empathy and social responsibility (SR) practices in a university organization in Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was qualitative, using case study methodology. The case study was about the Brazilian organization Ânima Educação, which is the greatest among the five largest publicly traded education companies in Brazil. Secondary data collection and content analysis was carried out.

Findings

As emotional response toward the problems caused by the pandemic, the company's leadership adopted an empathic behavior, allowing traces of its empathic culture to emerge. Empathy was expressed through the implementation of SR practices aimed at workers (policy of not firing in the first two months of the pandemic), at students (provision of technological apparatus, online classes, physical/psychological assistance and negotiation of late fees) and at the society (assistance to the elderly).

Originality/value

It was concluded that empathy can be taken as the emotional motivator for companies to engage in SR practices, especially in extreme circumstances in society, as the economic and health challenges that the world is experiencing with the COVID-19 pandemic nowadays. SR practices, in turn, can foster even more empathy in organizations, mobilizing leaders and their respective groups in the creation and implementation of new practices, thus demonstrating that the relationship between empathy and SR practices is a “two-way street.”
Taiwan makes itself a COVID-19 safe zone without draconian measures: lessons and caveats
Authors: Hsieh Chih-Wei , Wang Mao
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has helped Taiwan gain widespread recognition and commendation. Taiwan's low infection rate is praiseworthy not merely because it was once considered a high-risk region but because it has weathered the COVID-19 storm without resorting to draconian measures. The purpose of this paper is thus an effort to understand and explain how Taiwan has been able to achieve a fine balance between disease containment and everyday life.

Design/methodology/approach

According to the COVID-19 Government Response Event Dataset, Taiwan’s actions focus mainly on the management of health resource allocation, external border restrictions, quarantine of high-risk cases and the establishment of a centralized crisis task force. On this basis, the authors highlight and discuss the critical factors for Taiwan’s success against COVID-19. Caveats are also detailed to caution some aspects of the lessons to be drawn from it.

Findings

Setting clear goals, effective leadership, active community participation and innovative solutions are four pillars of Taiwan’s success against COVID-19. The island believes that once stringent border controls are strictly executed, virus-free citizens can relax inside. However, those who would like to learn from Taiwan’s experience should be mindful of the likelihood of asymptomatic spread of the disease as well as the unique geographical and social characteristics that contribute to Taiwan’s approach to COVID-19.

Originality/value

The authors’ analysis of Taiwan adds anecdotes to the scholarly discussion on public health emergency management, suggesting that anti-COVID-19 policy would get its intended outcomes only if government leaders and community stakeholders collaborate to set clear goals ahead and implement them with innovative solutions.
Gamification in banking: a review, synthesis and setting research agenda
Authors: Chauhan Shilpa , Akhtar Asif , Gupta Ashish
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The objective of this paper is to explore and extend the existing literature on the use of gamification in banking.

Design/methodology/approach

Gamification is a new concept, further its application in banking is in a nascent stage both from the perspective of research and application. To systematise the limited literature and to draw the future research prospects, studies are presented based on theories, characteristics, context and methodologies framework.

Findings

The synthesis of the literature on gamification opened to a spectrum of areas to determine the future of gamification in the banking industry. The study emphasises the use of social and psychological theory building in the banking industry. Further, the research on game elements is an underexplored area in the banking domain, while they have well exploited in other contexts. Banking context needs more literature evidence, empirically tested and validated research methods to understand the personality traits and customer behaviour arising from the use of gamification.

Practical implications

For bank management, this study lays the impact of gamification in this era of digital banking. With the right mix of hedonic and utilitarian elements, bank management shall be able to boost financial literacy, improve saving habits, simplify banking products and strengthen knowledge updates among bank employees. Understanding the key elements and present status of research on gamification and their impact on customer behaviour development is crucial for the bank in building strategic advantage.

Originality/value

This study on gamification applied explicitly to the banking sector. With no clear application of the elements and mechanics of technology used in gamification, this study presents past literature in a systematised manner and draws the future research agenda of gamification in banking services.
The role of plant–pollinator interactions in structuring nectar microbial communities
Authors: de Vega Clara , Álvarez‐Pérez Sergio , Albaladejo Rafael G. , Steenhuisen Sandy‐Lynn , Lachance Marc‐André , Johnson Steven D. , Herrera Carlos M.
Published: June 2021

Floral nectar harbours a diverse microbiome of yeasts and bacteria that depend predominantly on animal visitors for their dispersal. Since pollinators visit specific sets of flowers and carry their own unique microbiota, we hypothesize that plant species visited by the same set of pollinators may support non‐random nectar microbial communities linked together by the type of pollinator.

Here we explore the importance of plant–pollinator interactions in the assembly of nectar microbiome and study the role of plant geographic location as a determinant of microbial community composition. We intensively sampled the nectar of 282 flowers of 48 plant species with beetles, birds, long‐tongued and short‐tongued insects as pollinators in wild populations in South Africa, one of the world's biodiversity hotspots, and using molecular techniques we identified nectar yeast and bacteria taxa. The analyses provided new insights into the richness, geographic structure and phylogenetic characterization of nectar microbiome, and compared patterns of composition of bacteria and yeast communities in relation to plant and pollinator guild.

Our results showed that plant–pollinator interactions played a crucial role in shaping nectar microbial communities. Plants visited by different pollinator guilds supported significantly different yeast and bacterial communities. The pollinator guild also contributed to the maintenance of beta diversity and phylogenetic microbial segregation. The results revealed different patterns for yeast and bacteria; whereas plants visited by beetles supported the highest richness and phylogenetic diversity of yeasts, bacteria communities were significantly more diverse in plants visited by other insect groups. We found no clear microbial spatial segregation at different geographical scales for bacteria, and only the phylogenetic similarity of yeast composition was correlated significantly with geography.

Synthesis. Interactions of animal vector, plant host traits and microbe physiology contribute to microbial community assemblages in nectar. Our results suggest that plants visited by the same pollinator guild have a characteristic nectar microbiota signature that may transcends the geographic region they are in. Contrasted patterns for yeast and bacteria stress the need for future work aimed at better understanding the causes and consequences of the importance of plants and pollinators in shaping nectar microbial communities in nature.
Where evidence‐based policy meets research impact
Authors: Gunn Andrew , Mintrom Michael
Published: June 2021

This paper explores the territory between the evidence‐based policymaking (EBPM) agenda and the research impact agenda. Although these two related agendas are typically considered in isolation, this paper provides an analysis dedicated to how they interact. It begins with a discussion outlining the origins of research impact and the use of evidence in policymaking. This is followed by an overview of the Australian policy context that shapes academic research and its impact. We argue that although the relationship between EBPM and research impact can be viewed as a symbiotic one, there are some tensions that arise in practice. Such difficulties can be further exacerbated when using research to inform policy in times of crisis, as illustrated by governing during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The insights provided contribute to our understanding of impact and are of value to policymakers and academic researchers as they help clarify the changing context within which they operate.
The perspectives of dialysis patients about the Covid‐19 pandemic and differences between the modalities
Authors: Oruc Aysegul , Aktas Nimet , Dogan Ibrahim , Akgur Suat , Ocakoglu Gokhan , Ersoy Alparslan
Published: June 2021

The novel coronavirus disease was declared as a pandemic and CKD is an important risk factor for morbidity and mortality. Dialysis has additional contributions on transmission risk so prompt preventive strategies were implemented for dialysis patients. We aimed to evaluate pandemic‐related perceptions and concerns of dialysis patients and differences between dialysis modalities. An anonymous survey for assessing concerns, knowledge, and attitudes about the pandemic was sent online to a total of 339 patients on maintenance dialysis at four tertiary dialysis centers in Turkey. A total of 309 patients (54.9 ± 15.1 years, 51.6% females, 55.7% in‐center HD, 44.3% peritoneal dialysis) enrolled. The anonymous online survey was conducted at the end of April 2020. HD patients were more concerned about transmission risk (p = 0.002) and risks associated with the dialysis treatment environment and the transport methods (p < 0.001). The total concern score was significantly higher in the HD group (2.60 ± 0.93 vs. 1.65 ± 0.54, p < 0.001). The knowledge about the pandemic and prevention methods and the attitudes of prevention were similar between the groups (p = 0.161 and 0.418, respectively). The compliance rate of personal preventive strategies was 98.1%. Considering changing the current dialysis modality due to the pandemic was higher in the HD group (p < 0.001). Although the preventive strategies were performed properly in the HD centers, HD patients were more concerned about the Covid‐19 outbreak compared with PD. Our results support home dialysis treatments for modality decisions with patients' positive perspective of PD over HD during the pandemic.
Red blood cell distribution width predicts residual renal function decline in patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Li You Q. , Bai Jian X. , Tang Yu F. , Lin Ke X. , Huang Cheng W. , Shi Yong J.
Published: June 2021

To investigate the relationship between red blood cell distribution width (RDW) and residual renal function (RRF) in patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). Seventy‐seven CAPD patients were enrolled in this study. According to receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, patients were divided into high RDW (RDW > 14.95%) and low RDW (RDW ≤ 14.95%) groups. The data of baseline clinical, biochemical parameters, comorbidities, medication status, peritoneal function, and dialysis adequacy were compared. Survival curves were calculated using Kaplan–Meier method. Cox regression model was employed to analyze risk factors of decline in RRF. The overall median survival time was 24 months, the median survival time of high RDW group (46 patients) and low RDW group (31 patients) were 24 and 12 months, respectively. Compared with the low RDW group, patients in the high RDW group were older, higher rate of decline RRF and white blood cells count as well as lower total Kt/V (all p < 0.05). Kaplan–Meier survival curves showed that the low RDW group had higher survival of RRF compared with the high RDW group (p < 0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that high RDW was independent risk factor for decline of RRF(hazard ratio = 1.441, 95% confidence interval: 1.089–1.905, p = 0.01). Increased baseline RDW is associated with decline of RRF in CAPD patients and RDW can be stratified as a valuable indicator for the risk of RRF decline.
A data‐independent acquisition (DIA) assay library for quantitation of environmental effects on the kidney proteome of Oreochromis niloticus
Authors: Root Larken , Campo Aurora , MacNiven Leah , Con Pazit , Cnaani Avner , Kültz Dietmar
Published: June 2021

Interactions of organisms with their environment are complex and environmental regulation at different levels of biological organization is often nonlinear. Therefore, the genotype to phenotype continuum requires study at multiple levels of organization. While studies of transcriptome regulation are now common for many species, quantitative studies of environmental effects on proteomes are needed. Here we report the generation of a data‐independent acquisition (DIA) assay library that enables simultaneous targeted proteomics of thousands of Oreochromis niloticus kidney proteins using a label‐ and gel‐free workflow that is well suited for ecologically relevant field samples. We demonstrate the usefulness of this DIA assay library by discerning environmental effects on the kidney proteome of O. niloticus. Moreover, we demonstrate that the DIA assay library approach generates data that are complimentary rather than redundant to transcriptomic data. Transcript and protein abundance differences in kidneys of tilapia acclimated to freshwater and brackish water (25 g/kg) were correlated for 2114 unique genes. A high degree of non‐linearity in salinity‐dependent regulation of transcriptomes and proteomes was revealed suggesting that the regulation of O. niloticus renal function by environmental salinity relies heavily on post‐transcriptional mechanisms. The application of functional enrichment analyses using STRING and KEGG to DIA assay data sets is demonstrated by identifying myo‐inositol metabolism, antioxidant and xenobiotic functions, and signalling mechanisms as key elements controlled by salinity in tilapia kidneys. The DIA assay library resource presented here can be adopted for other tissues and other organisms to study proteome dynamics during changing ecological contexts.