bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plastid phylogenomics resolves ambiguous relationships within the orchid family and provides a solid timeframe for biogeography and macroevolution
Authors: Serna-Sánchez Maria Alejandra , Pérez-Escobar Oscar A. , Bogarín Diego , Torres María Fernanda , Alvarez-Yela Astrid Catalina , Arcila Juliana E. , Hall Climbie F. , de Barros Fábio , Pinheiro Fábio , Dodsworth Steven , Chase Mark W. , Antonelli Alexandre , Arias Tatiana
Published: September 2019

Recent phylogenomic analyses based on the maternally inherited plastid organelle have enlightened evolutionary relationships between the subfamilies of Orchidaceae and most of the tribes. However, uncertainty remains within several subtribes and genera for which phylogenetic relationships have not ever been tested in a phylogenomic context. To address these knowledge-gaps, we here provide the most extensively sampled analysis of the orchid family to date, based on 78 plastid coding genes representing 264 species, 117 genera, 18 tribes and 28 subtribes. Divergence times are also provided as inferred from strict and relaxed molecular clocks and birth-death tree models. Our taxon sampling includes 51 newly sequenced plastid genomes produced by a genome skimming approach. We focus our sampling efforts on previously unplaced clades within tribes Cymbidieae and Epidendreae. Our results confirmed phylogenetic relationships in Orchidaceae as recovered in previous studies, most of which were recovered with maximum support (209 of the 262 tree nodes). We provide for the first time a clear phylogenetic placement for Codonorchideae within subfamily Orchidoideae, and Podochilieae and Collabieae within subfamily Epidendroideae. We also identify relationships that have been persistently problematic across multiple studies, regardless of the different details of sampling and genomic datasets used for phylogenetic reconstructions. Our study provides an expanded, robust temporal phylogenomic framework of the Orchidaceae that paves the way for biogeographical and macroevolutionary studies.
The formation of research ethics for data sharing by biological scientists: an empirical analysis
Authors: Ju Boryung , Kim Youngseek
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how biological scientists form research ethics for data sharing, and what the major factors affecting biological scientists’ formation of research ethics for data sharing are.

Design/methodology/approach

A research model for data sharing was developed based on the consequential theorists’ perspective of ethics. An online survey of 577 participants was administered, and the proposed research model was validated with a structural equation modeling technique.

Findings

The results show that egoism factors (perceived reputation, perceived risk, perceived effort), utilitarianism factors (perceived community benefit and perceived reciprocity) and norm of practice factors (perceived pressure by funding agency, perceived pressure by journal and norm of data sharing) all contribute to the formation of research ethics for data sharing.

Research limitations/implications

This research employed the consequentialist perspective of ethics for its research model development, and the proposed research model nicely explained how egoism, utilitarianism and norm of practice factors influence biological scientists’ research ethics for data sharing, which eventually leads to their data sharing intentions.

Practical implications

This research provides important practical implications for examining scientists’ data sharing behaviors from the perspective of research ethics. This research suggests that scientists’ data sharing behaviors can be better facilitated by emphasizing their egoism, utilitarianism and normative factors involved in research ethics for data sharing.

Originality/value

The ethical perspectives in data sharing research has been under-studied; this research sheds light on biological scientists’ formation of research ethics for data sharing, which can be applied in promoting scientists’ data sharing behaviors across different disciplines.
May trust and solidarity defy food scares? The case of Parmigiano-Reggiano PDO sales in the aftermath of natural disaster
Authors: Menozzi Davide , Finardi Corrado
Published: September 2019

Purpose

A major earthquake and aftershocks have hit the North-East part of Italy in May 2012, and caused 26 deaths and diffuse economic damage in the localised agri-food system (LAFS) of Parmigiano-Reggiano protected designation of origin (PDO), including several dairy warehouses. In the broad mobilization to help the stricken people, the LAFS actors played a primary role, giving rise to the sales of “Parmigiano-Reggiano damaged by the earthquake” (PR-T). The purpose of this paper is to investigate the main determinants of PR-T purchasing using the theory of planned behaviour (TPB).

Design/methodology/approach

A survey on 200 consumers was performed. Data were collected with face-to-face interviews in stores and markets where the PR-T has been sold, and analyzed by structural equation modelling.

Findings

The TPB model predictors accounted for 52 per cent of the variance of intentions to purchase PR-T in the future and 21 per cent of the variance of behaviour. Perceived behavioural control is the main predictor of intention and behaviour, indicating that making easier the access to key resources and increasing people’s capability seems a major aspect to reach the intended goals. Trust in producers and retailers communication, positive image of the PDO label, sense of belonging to the region of origin and socio-demographics, i.e. age and educational levels, are correlated with intention and behaviour. The food scare flare up in the media was not a reason impeding purchasing PR-T.

Originality/value

These findings show the solidarity aspects underlying the collective purchases of PR-T in the aftermath of the 2012 earthquake waves, and the importance of increasing people’s capability and trust to reach the goal of facing dreadful food scares effectively.
Brand co-creation through triadic stakeholder participation
Authors: Sarkar Sanmitra , Banerjee Saikat
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to find prior research work on brand co-creation and the role of different stakeholders in brand co-creation and to come up with a conceptual model that can be empirically validated.

Design/methodology/approach

A keyword approach has been used to find earlier published papers on co-creation and the role of different stakeholders in co-creation. The focus was more on brand co-creation. The inclusion criteria are empirical or conceptual research papers, books, conference papers, peer reviewed and published in English language journals. As the topic is encompassing various themes, a wide variety of academic resources were reviewed.

Findings

The history of literature brings forth the two major stakeholders consumers and organizations. The importance of third important stakeholder, i.e. suppliers has been mostly overlooked. However, previous studies show that appropriately managed supplier involvement can diminish product and brand development time and cost and it may provide access to newer technologies and better quality. Hence, for a successful brand co-creation one must not forget the importance of suppliers. Along with the motives and outcomes of brand co-creation from consumer and organization perspective this research aims to look into the supplier perspective of the brand co-creation framework.

Originality/value

This is the first academic literature review on brand co-creation from a triadic stakeholder perspective of consumers, organizations and suppliers. Also there is no comprehensive model that exists for brand co-creation looking at its input and its overall outcome. This review provides a bibliography of academic literature from 1959 to 2018 covering 150 journals.
Value co-creation and social media
Authors: Rashid Yasir , Waseem Ansar , Akbar Ahmad Ahsan , Azam Fatima
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to deliver a summary of the influential work regarding value co-creation in the context of social media. Although, research on the role of social media in co-creation and new product development is growing field; the extant literature is still in developing stage, which needs systematization and categorization to comprehend its current stage and previous research.

Design/methodology/approach

For this purpose, existing literature on social media and co-creation was studied. Initially, a citation analysis was conducted of influential papers correlated with the topic to identify three streams of research. Later, thematic analysis was carried out to explore specific themes within these categories.

Findings

Through citation analysis three research streams namely customer’s co-creation on new product development, firm specific capabilities for knowledge sharing, absorption and processing and new opportunities were identified. Later, total four categories were identified through thematic analysis which contains different sub-themes such as test of theories, proposed theoretical frameworks, lead users characteristics, customer’s motivation and experience regarding co-creation, online communities of customers and open innovation.

Research limitations/implications

This study also categorizes and systemizes the extant literature exploring role of social media in value co-creation. Such systematic review of the extant literature will help the academicians to understand the previous stream of work and pursue a particular line of enquiry in furthering the understanding of interaction between social media and co-innovation.

Practical implications

This work is particularly useful for practitioners as more firms are moving the business online. These firms are actively using social media and user-generated content to gain insight into customer’s preferences. By increasing the participation of customers and lead users through online communities, firms can also increase customer’s commitment.

Originality/value

The paper adds to the extant literature by identifying research streams and themes in the extant literature on the role of social media in value co-creation. Later, these themes are abductively linked to develop a theoretical framework.
The role of intangibles disclosure in Italian IPOs
Authors: Cardi Cristiana , Mazzoli Camilla
Published: September 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to study how primary and secondary market investors react to intangibles information disclosed in Italian IPOs. Previous literature on intangibles information disclosure as a determinant of IPO underpricing has reported inconsistent results; moreover, an area that has remained unexplored is to what extent different categories of market investors react to such information disclosure.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a sample of firms listed on the Italian Stock Exchange, the authors use factor analysis to uncover the most relevant intangible assets disclosed in IPO prospectuses; this information is then included in a series of regressions which read into the reaction of primary and secondary market investors by means of price variations.

Findings

Primary market investors are found to be more sensitive to information regarding the company’s attitude towards its human capital and to that describing its innovation capacity in terms of IT and R&D investment. Secondary market investors are more sensitive to strategic alliances, research and development and future plans.

Research limitations/implications

The findings can be generalized, but the empirical evidence would be more relevant if tested in different geographical contexts (i.e. Europe and/or the USA).

Practical implications

The empirical results could help firms be more selective in their disclosure, thus possibly soothing management’s concerns regarding an overly extensive, and therefore risky, dissemination of non-financial information and avoiding them to incur unnecessary costs.

Social implications

Being aware of how the stock market reacts to the information disclosed is crucial in determining new regulations and accounting standards.

Originality/value

The authors introduce an unbiased categorization of intangibles variables that supplants the multiple classifications proposed in the literature, and the authors set apart the reaction of primary and secondary market IPO investors to the intangible information disclosure.
Grey relational evaluation of impact and control of malaria in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Quartey-Papafio Tawiah Kwatekwei , Liu Sifeng , Javed Sara
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The rise in malaria deaths discloses a decline of global malaria eradication that shows that control measures and fund distribution have missed its right of way. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to study and evaluate the impact and control of malaria on the independent states of the Sub-Saharan African (SSA) region over the time period of 2010–2017 using Deng’s Grey incidence analysis, absolute degree GIA and second synthetic degree GIA model.

Design/methodology/approach

The purposive data sampling is a secondary data from World Developmental Indicators indicating the incidence of new malaria cases (per 1,000 population at risk) for 45 independent states in SSA. GIA models were applied on array sequences into a single relational grade for ranking to be obtained and analyzed to evaluate trend over a predicted period.

Findings

Grey relational analysis classifies West Africa as the highly infectious region of malaria incidence having Burkina Faso, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Benin, Liberia and Gambia suffering severely. Also, results indicate Southern Africa to be the least of all affected in the African belt that includes Eswatini, Namibia, Botswana, South Africa and Mozambique. But, predictions revealed that the infection rate is expected to fall in West Africa, whereas the least vulnerable countries will experience a rise in malaria incidence through to the next ten years. Therefore, this study draws the attention of all stakeholders and interest groups to adopt effective policies to fight malaria.

Originality/value

The study is a pioneer to unravel the most vulnerable countries in the SSA region as far as the incidence of new malaria cases is a concern through the use of second synthetic GIA model. The outcome of the study is substantial to direct research funds to control and eliminate malaria.
Managed alcohol programs in the context of Housing First
Authors: Schiff Rebecca , Pauly Bernie , Hall Shana , Vallance Kate , Ivsins Andrew , Brown Meaghan , Gray Erin , Krysowaty Bonnie , Evans Joshua
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Recently, Managed Alcohol Programs (MAPs have emerged as an alcohol harm reduction model for those living with severe alcohol use disorder (AUD) and experiencing homelessness. There is still a lack of clarity about the role of these programs in relation to Housing First (HF) discourse. The authors examine the role of MAPs within a policy environment that has become dominated by a focus on HF approaches to addressing homelessness. This examination includes a focus on Canadian policy contexts where MAPs originated and are still predominately located. The purpose of this paper is to trace the development of MAPs as a novel response to homelessness among people experiencing severe AUD and to describe the place of MAPs within a HF context.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual paper outlines the development of discourses related to persons experiencing severe AUD and homelessness, with a focus on HF and MAPs as responses to these challenges. The authors compare the key characteristics of MAPs with “core principles” and values as outlined in various definitions of HF.

Findings

MAPs incorporate many of the core values or principles of HF as outlined in some definitions, although not all. MAPs (and other housing/treatment models) provide critical housing and support services for populations who might not fit well with or who might not prefer HF models.

Originality/value

The “silver bullet” discourse surrounding HF (and harm reduction) can obscure the importance of programs (such as MAPs) that do not fully align with all HF principles and program models. This is despite the fact that MAPs (and other models) provide critical housing and support services for populations who might fall between the cracks of HF models. There is the potential for MAPs to help fill a gap in the application of harm reduction in HF programs. The authors also suggest a need to move beyond HF discourse, to embrace complexity and move toward examining what mixture of different housing and harm reduction supports are needed to provide a complete or comprehensive array of services and supports for people who use substances and are experiencing homelessness.
Measuring embodied CO2 emission in construction materials in Kosovo apartments
Authors: Hoxha Visar
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to quantify the carbon emissions emitted by two different typical apartment units representative of two different construction periods in Kosovo due to main construction materials as a consequence of embodied energy.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study uses a three-step (bottom-up) process-based life cycle analysis of the construction material set for two different apartment units. The current study uses material analysis. Embodied CO2 is estimated by multiplying material masses with the corresponding ECO2 coefficients (kg CO2/kg). Due to the lack of a comprehensive Kosovo database, data from an international database are utilized. The results provide practical baseline indicators for the contribution of each material in terms of mass and embodied CO2.

Findings

Results of quantitative research find that apartment unit representative of the old communist-era construction produces 50 percent more embodied CO2 emissions than an apartment unit that is representative of modern construction in Kosovo. The study finds that this difference comes mainly because of the utilization of larger quantities of steel, concrete, and precast fabricated concrete in the apartment unit that is representative of the old communist era.

Research limitations/implications

The calculation of embodied CO2 emissions for major construction materials in typical apartments in Kosovo can help in the development of national databases in the future. The availability of such databases could help the construction industry in Kosovo to open up to new sustainable design approaches since such databases and evaluations performed in the national context in Kosovo could help the builders in selecting, assessing and using environmentally friendly materials during the design or refurbishment stage of a building.

Originality/value

This paper is the first investigation of the embodied carbon emission in two different typical apartment building structures in Kosovo.
“Custolytics”
Authors: Yerpude Samir , Singhal Tarun Kumar
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to build a customer engagement strategy for an emerging market using the Internet of Things (IoT) origin real-time data analytics for a classical retail business to customer domain.

Design/methodology/approach

The study presented is twofold. First, it empirically tests a theoretical model where the impact of different parameters influencing customer engagement are validated, and its influence on the resultant parameters, i.e. brand loyalty and brand ambassador, is analyzed. Second, it emphasizes on the use of real-time IoT origin data in customer analytics to determine a customer engagement strategy.

Findings

Results indicate that the four parameters, i.e., value propositions basis the buying patterns, loyalty programs, personalized communication and involving the customer in the new development process are influencing customer engagement positively, whereas the parameter loyalty program scores the maximum regression weight. IoT plays a crucial role in generating the real-time data used for generating customer analytics that proves to be vital for the longevity of the organization.

Practical implications

The organizations need judicious blend of four parameters such as value proposition based on buying patterns, participation in new product development, personalized communication and loyalty program while designing the customer engagement strategy. Results drawn from the focused group interview highlight the power of IoT origin real-time data in the customer analytics further strengthening the need of customer centricity in an organization.

Originality/value

Identified need of building a customer engagement strategy for an emerging market with the help of IoT data is addressed in this paper that is identified as an unexplored area and a research gap.
A right to die for prisoners?
Authors: Reichstein Angelika
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore whether, although the state has a duty to protect prisoners, there should nevertheless be a right for prisoners to decide when and how they die.

Design/methodology/approach

Utilising a utopian thought experiment, the paper covers a series of interrelated issues: the aims of punishment, the functions of prisons, the rights of prisoners and the responsibilities of the state towards inmates. While the paper takes a European focus, it is of interest to a global audience, as the philosophical ideas raised are universally applicable.

Findings

As the right to die advances in society, so should it advance for prisoners. Once assisted dying has been legalised, it should also be available for dying prisoners.

Originality/value

The question has so far not been analysed in depth. With an ageing prison population, however, it is vital that we start engaging with the problems posed by an ageing and dying prison population.
Patterns of sexual behaviors and related factors among prisoners in Iran: results from a national survey in 2015
Authors: Moradi Ghobad , Mohamadi-Bolbanabad Amjad , Darvishi Sonia , Azimian Zavareh Fatemeh , Piroozi Bakhtiar , Zareie Bushra , Gouya Mohammad-Mehdi , Tashakorian Mehrzad
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine patterns of sexual behaviors and related factors among prisoners in Iran, 2015.

Design/methodology/approach

This cross-sectional study was a part of a bio-behavioral surveillance survey conducted on 6,200 prisoners in 26 prisons in Iran. The subjects were selected through multi-stage sampling. Questionnaires and interviews were used to collect data on participant’s demographics and history of sexual behaviors. Using STATA-12 software, the collected data were analyzed through descriptive statistics, and crude and adjusted logistic regression.

Findings

A total of 5,508 prisoners with a response rate of 88.8 percent participated in this study. Of all prisoners, 55 percent (n=3,027) had a history of “unsafe sex in the lifetime” of whom 53.4 percent (n=1,549) never used condoms during unsafe sex in the lifetime. Based on the results of multivariate analysis, risk factors for “unsafe sex in lifetime” were the following: higher level of education (AOR=1.79, CI: 1.41–2.28), being single (AOR=1.32, CI: 1.18–1.47), unemployed before imprisonment (AOR=1.45, CI: 1.06–1.97), having history of previous imprisonment (AOR=1.31, CI: 1.17–1.47) and history of drug use in the lifetime (AOR=1.53, CI: 1.35–1.75).

Originality/value

Prisoners are high-risk groups that are prone to practice unsafe sex. Prisoners who are single, unemployed before imprisonment, a drug user, with a higher level of education and with a history of imprisonment are likely to be sexually active in their lifetime. Thus, they are a priority for receiving suitable interventions.
An exploration of SSA’s disability determination process based on efficiency analysis
Authors: Yuan Qianqian , Tang Liansheng Larry , Yang Feng , Brandt Diane E. , Chan Leighton
Published: September 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to estimate the performance of the social security administration (SSA) in dealing with disability benefits applications in American.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors propose a multi-stage data envelopment analysis (DEA) method to analyze the efficiency of 167 hearing offices (HOs) to find the best performed HOs and inefficient ones and detect total improvement of inefficient and weak efficient offices.

Findings

The results show that totally 299,711 applications were processed and more applications will be processed if all offices can work efficiently. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first one to analyze the performance of SSA HOs using the multi-stage DEA method.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first one to analyze the performance of SSA HOs using the multi-stage DEA method.
Drones in manufacturing: exploring opportunities for research and practice
Authors: Maghazei Omid , Netland Torbjørn
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Although the industrial application of drones is increasing quickly, there is a scarcity of applications in manufacturing. The purpose of this paper is to explore current and potential applications of drones in manufacturing, examine the opportunities and challenges involved and propose a research agenda.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reports the result of an extensive qualitative investigation into an emerging phenomenon. The authors build on the literature on advanced manufacturing technologies. Data collected through in-depth interviews with 66 drone experts from 56 drone vendors and related services are analyzed using an inductive research design.

Findings

Drones represent a promising AMT that is expected to be used in several applications in manufacturing in the next few years. This paper proposes a typology of drone applications in manufacturing, explains opportunities and challenges involved and develops a research agenda. The typology categorizes four types of applications based on the drones’ capabilities to “see,” “sense,” “move” and “transform.”

Research limitations/implications

The proposed research agenda offers a guide for future research on drones in manufacturing. There are many research opportunities in the domains of industrial engineering, technology development and behavioral operations.

Practical implications

Guidance on current and promising potentials of drones in manufacturing is provided to practitioners. Particularly interesting applications are those that help manufacturers “see” and “sense” data in their factories. Applications that “move” or “transform” objects are scarcer, and they make sense only in special cases in very large manufacturing facilities.

Originality/value

The application of drones in manufacturing is in its infancy, but is foreseen to grow rapidly over the next decade. This paper presents the first academically rigorous analysis of potential applications of drones in manufacturing. An original and theory-informed typology for drone applications is a timely contribution to the nascent literature. The research agenda presented assists the establishment of a new stream of literature on drones in manufacturing.
A protocol analysis of use of forward and backward reasoning during valuation problem solving
Authors: Amidu Abdul-Rasheed , Boyd David , Gobet Fernand
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Behavioural studies of valuers have suggested that valuers rely on a number of cognitive strategies involving reasoning and intuition when undertaking a valuation task. However, there are few studies of the actual reasoning mechanisms in valuation. In other fields, much attention has been paid to forward and backward reasoning, as this shows the choices and decisions that are made in undertaking a complex task. This paper studied this during a valuation task. The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to develop a methodological approach for empirical research on valuers’ reasoning, and, second, to report expert-novice differences on valuers’ use of forward and backward reasoning during a valuation problem solving.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilised a verbal protocol analysis (VPA) to elicit think-aloud data from a purposive sample of a group of valuers of different levels of expertise undertaking a commercial-valuation task. Through a content analysis interpretive strategy, the transcripts were analysed into different cognitive segments identifying the forward and backward reasoning strategies.

Findings

The findings showed that valuers accomplished the valuation task by dividing the overall problem into sub-problems. These sub-problems are thereafter solved by integrating available data with existing knowledge by relying more on forward reasoning than backward reasoning. However, there were effects associated with the level of expertise in the way the processes of forward and backward reasoning are used, with the expert and intermediate valuers being more thorough and comprehensive in their reasoning process than the novices.

Research limitations/implications

This study explores the possibility that forward and backward reasoning play an important role in commercial valuation problem solving using a limited sample of valuers. Given this, data cannot be generalised to all valuation practice settings but may motivate future research that examines the effectiveness of forward and backward reasoning in diverse valuation practice settings and develops a holistic model of valuation reasoning.

Practical implications

The findings of this study are applicable to valuation practice. Future training efforts need to evaluate the usefulness of teaching problem solving and explicitly recognise forward and backward reasoning, along with other problem-solving strategies uncovered in this study, as standard training strategies for influencing the quality of valuation decisions.

Originality/value

By adopting VPA, this study employs an insightful and rich dataset which allows an interpretation of thoughts of valuers into cognitive reasoning strategies that provide a deeper level of understanding of how valuers solve valuation problem; this has not been possible in previous related valuation studies.
Feeling trusted and employee outcomes: the double-edged sword of political behaviour
Authors: Wang Hongli , Huang Qihai
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Interpersonal trust between supervisors and subordinates plays an important role in management. The impact of trust from management is through employees’ perception and more specifically their perception of being trusted, termed feeling trusted or felt trust. Politics is associated with the level of trust of organizational members. So far, little is known how employees respond to feeling trusted with regard to political behaviour resulting in employee outcomes. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper develops a conceptual model to examine the double-edged sword effect of political behaviour on employee outcomes.

Findings

The authors designed a two-wave survey to test the model. The analysis of 286 supervisor–employee dyads found that feeling trusted is associated with supervisor-rated organization citizenship behaviour (OCB) and overload reported by employees. Furthermore, political behaviour partially mediates the relationship between feeling trusted and supervisor-rated OCB, which may be desired by both the supervisors and employees. It also mediates the relationship between feeling trusted and employee perceived overload, which is undesired by employees.

Originality/value

The current research aims to fill in the gap and answer this question: what is the role of political behaviour in the relationship between feeling trusted and employee outcomes? Guided by an “antecedents–behaviours–consequences” framework (Ferriset al., 1989), the paper develops a conceptual model to examine how feeling trusted directly and indirectly influences employee outcomes, with the latter being mediated by political behaviour.
Recollage as a tool for self-care
Authors: Barton Georgina
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Working in the academy can be both challenging and exciting as it can be trying and difficult to negotiate if one is unprepared. Past research has acknowledged the importance of reflective practice in order to face such trials positively. This study utilises arts-based/multimodal reflection to contemplate the lived experience of one early career researcher in her first five years of employment. Adopting an arts-based approach, the researcher regularly reflected via the medium of collage. The purpose of this paper is to report on recollaged artefacts that are analysed in relation to meta-semiotic meanings as well as how they correspond to Schwab’s “lines of flight”, revealing both positive and negative acuities. Findings show that taking the time to delineate feelings via arts-based reflection can illuminate silent thoughts and deliberations and support an early career academic in appreciating and improving awareness of higher education regularities. Implications highlight how recollage can be an effective tool for the self-care of early career academics.

Design/methodology/approach

Adopting an arts-based approach, the researcher regularly reflected via the medium of collage. This paper reports on recollaged artefacts. These were analysed in relation to meta-semiotic meanings as well as how they corresponded to Schwab’s “lines of flight”, taking both positive and negative acuities.

Findings

Findings showed that taking the time to delineate feelings via arts-based reflection can reveal silent thoughts and deliberations and support an early career academic in appreciating and improving awareness of higher education regularities as well as self-care.

Research limitations/implications

Implications highlight how recollage can be effective for early career academics in reflecting on their everyday work and improve self-care.

Practical implications

Practical implications include the fact that readers will be able to adopt the arts-based methods used in this paper in order for them to reflect on their everyday work in the academy. The recollaged practice will improve their self-care and allow time to reflect effectively and creatively.

Social implications

Social implications include that colleagues could do recollaged practice together. Reflection done collaboratively can also improve self-care and well-being for those working in the academy.

Originality/value

Recollage is a new method of autoethnography the author has developed for the purpose of reflecting on my journey as an early career researcher. Now, in leadership roles, this approach has allowed the author to move forward positively in the academy.
Building positive relationships in the first 100 days
Authors: Aikens Shontarius D.
Published: September 2019

Research methodology

The author used narrative research as a research methodology.

Case overview/synopsis

Winston Thompson is the new Residential Manager of Drayson Residential Complex at Sybel University. After meeting with staff in his area of responsibility and learning about the complexities of his new position, Winston needs to determine the best way to build positive relationships with each member of the leadership team in his complex. In this case, students are challenged to determine the best relationship building approach for each staff member using concepts from leader–member exchange theory while also taking into consideration issues of race, age and gender.

Complexity academic level

This case is written for undergraduates in either an upper level leadership or organizational behavior course. The case can be adapted for graduate courses and executive education depending upon the work experience of the individuals.
Strategic impact of SCM and SCQM practices on competitive dimensions of Indian manufacturing industries
Authors: Sidhu Mandeep Kaur , Singh Kanwarpreet , Singh Doordarshi
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the capabilities of total quality management (TQM) and supply chain management (SCM) and extract various significant factors which influence the implementation of SCM alone and synergy of both TQM–SCM in terms of business performance of Indian medium and large scale manufacturing industry.

Design/methodology/approach

In the present study, 116 Indian manufacturing organizations have been extensively surveyed to ascertain the inter-relationships between various success factors and competitive dimensions of SCM alone and for combined approach (TQM–SCM), through different statistical techniques. Further, to evaluate the significance of time period on competitive dimensions, two-tailed t-test has been deployed. Finally the discriminant validity test has been applied to extract highly successful and moderately successful organizations for both approaches.

Findings

The study compares the contributions played by only SCM initiatives and combined approach (TQM–SCM) initiatives toward realization of significant improvements of various competitive dimensions of Indian manufacturing organizations. Finally, this study reveals that synergistic relationship of TQM and SCM paradigms can be more helpful as compared to only SCM initiatives for Indian manufacturing industries to enhance overall business performance.

Originality/value

TQM and SCM are considered as performance improvement techniques by the manufacturing organizations. The present research work establishes that combined (TQM–SCM) initiatives have effectively contributed for realization of significant competitive dimensions, progressively from introduction to maturity phases. So, the study stresses upon the need for improving coordination between various manufacturing parameters as well as competitive dimensions of TQM and SCM paradigms to enjoy higher potential of business performance.
The applications of Kaizen methods in project settings: applied study in Jordan
Authors: Al-Hyari Khalil Ahmad , Abu Zaid Mohammed Khair , Arabeyyat Omar Suleiman , Al-Qwasmeh Laith , Haffar Mohamed
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the results of implementing the Kaizen approach in a caravan repairing project near the Jordanian–Syrian border in the Zaatari camp.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on the exploratory qualitative research approach. The data were collected through interviews and on-site observation with employees who were involved with the caravan maintenance project and have adequate knowledge and information about this project. In this process, a fishbone diagram, a quality control tool, is used to recognize and explain a causal-effect relationship under the selected Kaizen theme.

Findings

The findings suggest that the Kaizen approach was economical in terms of both money and time. Also, waste elimination can be achieved through a variety of tools and easily combined with the Kaizen approach. Implementing the Kaizen approach is an effective and reliable system that allows for the tackling of all types of inefficiencies in the caravan repairing project.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this study will help policy makers and managers put together suitable and effective policies that will assist those firms in overcoming the demands of customers and competitors to deliver high quality, inexpensive products in less time through the application of the Kaizen approach. This, in turn, will lead to improved quality, efficiency and productivity in the most cost-effective way. However, these results should not be generalized since they are only confined to the context of caravan repairing project.

Originality/value

Very little research has been done that takes into account the contexts of developing countries. Additionally, most literature presents the use of Kaizen applications only in the manufacturing or production sectors. This study is the first to implement Kaizen as a continuous improvement technique in a caravan repairing project – a job shop industry different from the repetitive batch work environment that is usually associated with implementation of Kaizen. The current research should be of great interest to researchers, managers and professionals who wish to apply Kaizen approach as it is sustainable over time in similar projects.
Integrated quality environmental management implementation in food processing SMEs
Authors: Shah Syed Ali Raza , Jamaludin Khairur Rijal , Talib Hayati Habibah Abdul , Yusof Sha’ri Mohd
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the critical success factors (CSFs) of integrated quality environmental management (IQEM) and analyze their impact on operational performance (OP) and environmental performance (EP) in food processing Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on collecting data using a survey questionnaire through snowball sampling technique. A total of 302 food processing SMEs operating in Punjab, Pakistan, responded to the survey. SPSS version-23 and SmartPLS-3 were used for data analysis.

Findings

The literature review identified leadership (LS), employee management (EM), strategic planning (SP), information management (IM), process management (PM), supplier management (SM) and customer focus (CF) as CSFs of IQEM. The results of this study found a significant relationship of all identified CSFs with operational performance in food processing SMEs whereas EM, IM, PM and SM were insignificant with the EP in the food processing SMEs.

Research limitations/implications

Although this study has collected data from one province, the Punjab province, it still relevant in identifying the CSFs for IQEM implementation within food processing SMEs to improve performance.

Originality/value

Despite the wide spread of integrated systems practices in the developed countries, little attention has been placed to implement and assess the IQEM initiatives by organizations in the developing countries. Thus, this study identified CSFs of IQEM based on empirical studies and analyzed their impact on OP and EP of food processing SMEs.
Functional diversity enhances, but exploitative traits reduce tree mixture effects on microbial biomass
Authors: Chen Chen , Chen Han Y. H. , Chen Xinli
Published: September 2019

Soil micro‐organisms play key roles in terrestrial biodiversity and ecosystem functions. Despite recent progress in elucidating the association between plant diversity and soil micro‐organisms, it remains unclear whether the functional properties of plant mixtures might alter this association.

We examined whether the effects of tree species mixtures on soil microbial biomass were impacted by the functional diversity (FD) and community‐weighted mean (CWM) of tree mixtures, by conducting a global meta‐analysis involving 123 paired observations of tree mixtures and the corresponding monocultures from 38 studies in forests.

We found that the tree mixture effect on microbial biomass increased with the FD of specific leaf area (SLA) and leaf N and P contents, as well as the FD based on all of these traits plus leaf dry matter content. Meanwhile, the responses of microbial biomass to tree mixtures decreased with the CWM of SLA and leaf N and P contents. The effects of FD and CWM remained consistent, despite variable tree species richness, stand age and climatic factors.

Our results provide a new insight that the functional properties of plants may alter the magnitude of the association between plant diversity and soil micro‐organisms.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Upregulation of GRIM‐19 augments the sensitivity of prostate cancer cells to docetaxel by targeting Rad23b
Authors: Lin Haili , Shen Zaixiong , Liu Hongjie , Yang Minggen , Lin Jiangui , Luo Liutao , Liu Linyong , Chen Hong
Published: September 2019

The gene associated with retinoid‐interferon mortality (GRIM‐19) has been reported to be correlated with drug resistance, whereas its functional role in prostate cancer (PC) is not fully understood. This study aims to clarify the potential role and molecular mechanisms of GRIM‐19 on the response of PC cells to chemical drug docetaxel. mRNA and protein level of GRIM‐19 expression in cells and tissues of PC were measured by quantitative real‐time PCR and western blot, respectively. Knock‐down of GRIM‐19 in PC cells was performed using siRNA. Cell apoptosis was determined by flow cytometric analysis. DNA damage in PC cells was detected by γ‐H2AX staining. GRIM‐19 was downregulated in PC tissues and cell lines. Knock‐down of GRIM‐19 increased the resistance of PC cells to docetaxel, and overexpression of GRIM‐19 promoted docetaxel‐induced apoptotic death in PC cells. Mechanistically, GRIM‐19 downregulated the expression of the survival gene Rad23b, which promoted DNA damage repair. Overexpression of Rad23b reversed GRIM‐19‐mediated response to docetaxel in PC cells. GRIM‐19 promoted the sensitivity of PC cells to docetaxel by downregulating Rad23b, which may serve as a promising target to develop a better strategy of chemotherapy for PC.
On the Syntax of Argument Clitics in Hittite
Authors: Lyutikova Ekaterina , Sideltsev Andrei
Published: September 2019

This paper assesses restrictions on the distribution of the Hittite clitic pronouns as a realization of the Person Case Constraint (PCC). It claims that Hittite exhibits the strong version of the PCC, which blocks the 1st or 2nd person direct object clitic in the presence of the indirect object clitic. Moreover, it argues that in Hittite, the unaccusative or passive, but not transitive, subject clitics participate in the PCC as well, and this fact indicates that the agreement processes resulting in the PCC occur before structural case assignment and independently of it. The paper presents an analysis that implies two distinct mechanisms of licensing: interpretable person licensing, based on the Person Licensing Condition, and Vergnaud‐licensing, based on a feature‐driven version of the Case filter.
From the Fall of the Berlin Wall to the Fall of Aleppo. The Decline of Global Governance – and How to Restore it
Authors: Fjærtoft Torgeir E.
Published: September 2019

I was there at the end of the Cold War in 1989 when a vision of common security by global governance seemed within reach by multilateral diplomacy at the United Nations. This was a rational policy for all states. Then I watched with growing trepidation how the West led by the US undermined the practically universal acclaim of the Western Normative Project and power by moving from multilateralism to unilateral power and coercion. Today, an authoritarian project led by Russia, brokers political solutions in the regional conflicts left by Western policy failures. The article argues that theories on cognitive and emotional construction must upgrade the traditional methodology of diplomacy to understand why the West lost its position, and how it can be reclaimed. A strategic discourse must harness these theories to persuade more effectively by leaving contentious issues and instead evoke visions of common security by global governance.