bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seasonal Abundance and Spatial Pattern of Distribution ofLiriomyza trifolii(Diptera: Agromyzidae) and Its Parasitoid on Bean and Squash in South Florida
Authors: Devkota Shashan , Seal Dakshina R.
Published: February 2021

American serpentine leafminer,Liriomyza trifolii, is a polyphagous insect pest that feeds on a wide range of vegetable and ornamental plants around the world. To develop an effective IPM program, information on the seasonal field distribution and population dynamics of leafminer and its parasitoids is very important. Therefore, seasonal abundances and spatial distributions of,L. trifoliion snap bean and squash were studied during four crop growing periods between 2013 to 2015 in Homestead, Florida. The mean numbers of mines, larvae, pupae, emerged adults, and parasitoids on snap bean were highest at 2 weeks after planting during all four growing periods. Whereas, the mean numbers of mines, larvae, pupae, emerged adults, and parasitoids on squash were highest at 3 weeks after planting during all four growing periods.L. trifoliidistributions tended to be aggregated (1 b/β) distributions on squash at 2 weeks after planting during all four growing periods. Similar results were seen on the distribution of leafminer parasitoids on both bean and squash.
Interdependent Iron and Phosphorus Availability Controls Photosynthesis Through Retrograde Signaling
Authors: Nam Hye-In , Shahzad Zaigham , Dorone Yanniv , Clowez Sophie , Zhao Kangmei , Bouain Nadia , Cho Huikyong , Rhee Seung Y. , Rouached Hatem
Published: February 2021

Iron deficiency hampers photosynthesis and is associated with chlorosis. We recently showed that iron deficiency-induced chlorosis depends on phosphorus availability. How plants integrate these cues to control chlorophyll accumulation is unknown. Here, we show that iron limitation downregulates photosynthesis genes in a phosphorus-dependent manner. Using transcriptomics and genome-wide association analysis, we identify two genes, a chloroplastic ascorbate transporter (PHT4;4) and a nuclear transcription factor (bZIP58), which prevent the downregulation of photosynthesis genes leading to the stay-green phenotype under iron-phosphorus deficiency. Joint limitation of these nutrients induces ascorbate accumulation by activating expression of an ascorbate biosynthesis gene,VTC4, which requires bZIP58. Exogenous ascorbate prevents iron deficiency-induced chlorosis invtc4mutants, but not inbzip58orpht4;4. Our study demonstrates chloroplastic ascorbate transport is essential for preventing the downregulation of photosynthesis genes under iron-phosphorus combined deficiency. These findings uncover a molecular pathway coordinating chloroplast-nucleus communication to adapt photosynthesis to nutrient availability.
Environmental responsiveness of flowering time in cassava genotypes and associated transcriptome changes
Authors: Oluwasanya Deborah N. , Gisel Andreas , Stavolone Livia , Setter Tim L.
Published: February 2021

Cassava is an important food security crop in tropical regions of the world. Cassava improvement by breeding is limited by its delayed and poor production of flowers, such that cassava flowering under field conditions indirectly lengthens the breeding cycle. By studying genotype and environment interaction under two Nigerian field conditions (Ubiaja and Ibadan) and three controlled temperature conditions (22°C/18°C, 28/24°C and 34/30°C (day/night)), we found that while early flowering genotypes flowered at similar times and rates under all growing conditions (unfavorable and favorable field and controlled-temperature environments), late flowering genotypes were environmentally sensitive such that they were substantially delayed in unfavorable environments. Flowering times of late genotypes approached the flowering time of early flowering genotypes under relatively cool Ubiaja field conditions and in growth chambers at 22°C, whereas warmer temperatures elicited a delaying effect. Analysis of field and controlled temperature transcriptomes in leaves revealed that conditions that promote early flowering in cassava have low expression of the flowering repressor gene TEMPRANILLO 1 (TEM1), before and after flowering, among others. Field transcriptomes showed that the balance between flower promoting and inhibitory signaling, appeared to correlate with flowering time across the environments and genotypes.
Extensive introgression among North American wild grapes (Vitis) fuels biotic and abiotic adaptation
Authors: Morales-Cruz Abraham , Aguirre-Liguori Jonas , Zhou Yongfeng , Minio Andrea , Riaz Summaira , Walker Andrew M. , Cantu Dario , Gaut Brandon S.
Published: February 2021

Introgressive hybridization can introduce adaptive genetic variation into a species or population. To evaluate the evolutionary forces that contribute to introgression, we studied sixVitisspecies that are native to the Southwestern United States and potentially useful for breeding grapevine (V. vinifera) rootstocks. By creating a reference genome from one wild species,V. arizonica, and by resequencing 130 accessions, we focused on identifying putatively introgressed regions (pIRs) between species. We found that up to ~8% of extant genome is attributable to introgression between species. The pIRs tended to be gene poor, located in regions of high recombination and enriched for genes implicated in disease resistance functions. To assess potential pIR function, we explored SNP associations to bioclimatic variables and to bacterial levels after infection with the causative agent of Pierce’s Disease. pIRs were enriched for SNPs associated with both climate and bacterial levels, suggesting potential drivers of adaptive events. Altogether, this study yields insights into the genomic extent of introgression, potential pressures that shape adaptive introgression, and the history of economically important wild relatives of a critical crop.
A combination of cross-neutralizing antibodies synergizes to prevent SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV pseudovirus infection
Authors: Liu Hejun , Yuan Meng , Huang Deli , Bangaru Sandhya , Lee Chang-Chun D. , Peng Linghang , Zhu Xueyong , Nemazee David , van Gils Marit J. , Sanders Rogier W. , Kornau Hans-Christian , Reincke S. Momsen , Prüss Harald , Kreye Jakob , Wu Nicholas C. , Ward Andrew B. , Wilson Ian A.
Published: February 2021

Coronaviruses have caused several epidemics and pandemics including the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Some prophylactic vaccines and therapeutic antibodies have already showed striking effectiveness against COVID-19. Nevertheless, concerns remain about antigenic drift in SARS-CoV-2 as well as threats from other sarbecoviruses. Cross-neutralizing antibodies to SARS-related viruses provide opportunities to address such concerns. Here, we report on crystal structures of a cross-neutralizing antibody CV38-142 in complex with the receptor binding domains from SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV. Our structural findings provide mechanistic insights into how this antibody can accommodate antigenic variation in these viruses. CV38-142 synergizes with other cross-neutralizing antibodies, in particular COVA1-16, to enhance neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV. Overall, this study provides valuable information for vaccine and therapeutic design to address current and future antigenic drift in SARS-CoV-2 and to protect against zoonotic coronaviruses.
Is multimorbidity associated with risk of elder abuse? Findings from the AHSETS study
Authors: Kshatri Jaya Singh , Bhoi Trilochan , Barik Shakti Ranjan , Palo Subrata Ku , Pati Sanghamitra
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Commensurate with demographic and lifestyle transition, increasing magnitude of multimorbidity is common among older adults in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). At the same time the rising prevalence of elder abuse is concurrently observed in these populations. However, little is known about the elder abuse in the context of multimorbidity with no reports on their interplay from LMIC settings. This study examined the association of multimorbidity with the risk of elder abuse and its correlates in a rural elderly population of Odisha, India.

Methods

The data was collected as a part of our ASHETS study encompassing 725 older adults residing in rural Odisha, India. Multimorbidity was assessed by previously validated MAQ PC tool. Hwalek-Sengstock elder abuse screening test (HS-EAST) was used to assess the risk of elder abuse. Care dependence was measured by Katz index questionnaire. We performed ordinal logistic regression models to identify the correlates of elder abuse.

Results

Around 48.8% (95% CI:45.13-52.53%) older adults had multimorbidity while 33.8% (95% CI:30.35-37.35%) had some form of care dependence. Out of 725, 56.6% (CI 52.85 – 60.19%) were found to be at low-risk elder abuse and 15.9% (CI 13.27 – 18.72%) being at high-risk. The risk of elder abuse was significantly associated with multimorbidity (AOR=1.88; 95%CI: 1.54-2.21), economic dependence (AOR=1.62; 95%CI: 1.25-1.99) and functional dependence (AOR=1.86; 95%CI: 1.42-2.29). Staying alone (AOR= 1.75; 95%CI: 1.13-2.38) and lower socio-economic status (AOR=2.96; 95%CI: 2.09-3.84) were two other significant correlates.

Conclusions

Older adults with multimorbidity are at 1.88 times higher risk of elder abuse compared to their non-multimorbid counterparts. Both economic and functional dependence are associated with an increase in elder abuse. This suggests the mediating role of care dependence in the pathway to elder abuse in multimorbidity. Future geriatric multimorbidity assessment studies should consider screening for care dependence as well as elder abuse while designing integrated care models.
Theoretical spectral analysis of FEL radiation from multi-harmonic undulators. Corrigendum
Authors: Zhukovsky K.
Published: February 2021

A correction to an equation in the paper by Zhukovsky [(2020). J. Synchrotron Rad.
27, 1648–1661] is made and, following from this, values of some Bessel coefficients and some harmonic intensities from an elliptic undulator with the third field harmonic.
HIPPIE: a new platform for ambient-pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy at the MAX IV Laboratory
Authors: Zhu Suyun , Scardamaglia Mattia , Kundsen Jan , Sankari Rami , Tarawneh Hamed , Temperton Robert , Pickworth Louisa , Cavalca Filippo , Wang Chunlei , Tissot Héloïse , Weissenrieder Jonas , Hagman Benjamin , Gustafson Johan , Kaya Sarp , Lindgren Fredrik , Källquist Ida , Maibach Julia , Hahlin Maria , Boix Virginia , Gallo Tamires , Rehman Foqia , D'Acunto Giulio , Schnadt Joachim , Shavorskiy Andrey
Published: February 2021

HIPPIE is a soft X-ray beamline on the 3 GeV electron storage ring of the MAX IV Laboratory, equipped with a novel ambient-pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (APXPS) instrument. The endstation is dedicated to performing in situ and operando X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy experiments in the presence of a controlled gaseous atmosphere at pressures up to 30 mbar [1 mbar = 100 Pa] as well as under ultra-high-vacuum conditions. The photon energy range is 250 to 2200 eV in planar polarization and with photon fluxes >1012 photons s−1 (500 mA ring current) at a resolving power of greater than 10000 and up to a maximum of 32000. The endstation currently provides two sample environments: a catalysis cell and an electrochemical/liquid cell. The former allows APXPS measurements of solid samples in the presence of a gaseous atmosphere (with a mixture of up to eight gases and a vapour of a liquid) and simultaneous analysis of the inlet/outlet gas composition by online mass spectrometry. The latter is a more versatile setup primarily designed for APXPS at the solid–liquid (dip-and-pull setup) or liquid–gas (liquid microjet) interfaces under full electrochemical control, and it can also be used as an open port for ad
hoc-designed non-standard APXPS experiments with different sample environments. The catalysis cell can be further equipped with an IR reflection–absorption spectrometer, allowing for simultaneous APXPS and IR spectroscopy of the samples. The endstation is set up to easily accommodate further sample environments.
Tribarium dicitrate pentahydrate, [Ba3(C6H5O7)2(H2O)4]·H2O
Authors: Kaduk James A.
Published: February 2021

The crystal structure of tribarium dicitrate pentahydrate, [Ba3(C6H5O7)2(H2O)4]·H2O, has been solved and refined using synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction data, and optimized using density functional techniques. The BaO9 and BaO10 coordination polyhedra share edges and corners to form a three-dimensional network. All of the active hydrogen atoms act as donors in O—H...O hydrogen bonds. Most of the acceptors are carboxylate oxygen atoms, but there are also water...water hydrogen bonds. Both of the citrate hydroxyl groups form intramolecular O—H...O hydrogen bonds to terminal carboxyl groups.
9-[(Z)-2-(4,4,5,5-Tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)ethenyl]-9H-carbazole
Authors: Kanagawa Mayu , Akagi Kazuto , Okuno Tsunehisa
Published: February 2021

The title compound, C20H22BNO2, has a polarized π-system due to resonance between N—C(H)=C(H)—B and ionic N+=C(H)—C(H)=B− canonical structures. The dihedral angles between the ethenyl plane (r.m.s. deviation for C2H2 = 0.0333 Å) with the ethenyl-C(NC2-pyrrole) plane (r.m.s. deviation CNC2 0.0423 Å) and the ethenyl-C(BO2-1,3,2-dioxaborolane) plane (r.m.s. deviation BCO2 0.0082 Å) are 45.86 (8) and 37.47 (8)°, respectively, and are greater than those found for the previously reported E-isomer [Hatayama & Okuno (2012) Acta Cryst. E68, o84]. In comparison with the E-isomer, the reduced planarity of Z-isomer results in a decrease of the contribution of the N+=C(H)—C(H)=B− canonical structure.
On fake news, gatekeepers and LIS professionals: the finger or the moon?
Authors: Fontanin Matilde
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reflect on the meaning of fake news in the digital age and on the debate on disinformation in scholarly literature, in the light of the ethics of library and information profession.

Design/methodology/approach

Revision of a keynote address at the BOCATSSS2020 conference, this paper offers an overview of current literature comparing it with a moment in the past that was crucial for information: post-Second World War time, when Wiener (1948) founded cybernetics and C.P. Snow advocated for “The two cultures” (1959).

Findings

The complex issue demands a multi-disciplinary approach: there is not one solution, and some approaches risk limiting the freedom of expression, yet countering the phenomenon is a moral obligation for library and information science professionals.

Originality/value

Comparing the present digital revolution with the past, this paper opens questions on the ethical commitment of information professionals.
The disaster return-entry process: a discussion of issues, strategies and future research
Authors: Siebeneck Laura K. , Cova Thomas J.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Return-entry is understudied in the disaster science literature. This paper provides an overview of the return-entry process, identifies key factors informing the selection of return strategy, proposes a simple classification of return strategies and offers ideas for advancing research in this area.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper explores previous research and recent return-entry processes in order to advance understanding of strategies emergency managers employ and decisions they make when managing the return movement of evacuees home after disasters.

Findings

The paper offers new insights into the management of the return movement, proposes primary factors considered when developing return strategies and offers a framework for the selection of strategies utilized by emergency managers.

Originality/value

Given that return-entry is a burgeoning area of inquiry in disaster science, this paper advances knowledge and understanding of return-entry movements after disasters and outlines key research needs.
Understanding the influence of safety climate and productivity pressure on non-helmet use behavior at construction sites: a case study
Authors: Li Xiaoying , Li Heng , Skitmore Martin , Wang Fan
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Neglecting to wear a safety helmet can result in serious injuries at construction sites, but the cause of such unsafe behavior has not been fully understood. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to provide a means of systematically understanding on the causes of non-helmet use behaviors at construction sites.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper utilizes the system dynamics (SD) modeling to portray the construction system works at project, management and individual levels to understand the relative importance of safety climate and productivity pressures. A real-time helmet use behavior tracking system (the Eye on Project (EOP)) is developed to provide an objective record of helmet use practices. Using the data collected from the EOP, the proposed SD model can be calibrated to simulate the influence of safety climate and productivity pressures on the non-helmet use behaviors of construction workers.

Findings

The data collected from 91 responses through the questionnaire survey were utilized to develop the SD model, which consists of two balancing loops and two reinforced loops. The mean absolute percentage error is further used to evaluate the model. The results show that a positive safety climate significantly reduced the rate of non-helmet use behavior.

Originality/value

This study divided the primary contributors of non-helmet use behavior into three levels for the SD model development. The SD model can be used to develop policies for mitigating helmet misuse, which in turn improves the safety performance of construction sites.
Brand repulsion: consumers’ boundary work with rejected brands
Authors: Dessart Laurence , Cova Bernard
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to conceptualize brand repulsion as a specific nuance of brand rejection, highlight the boundary work at play in situations of collective brand repulsion and extract implications for the brands that are at the centre of such situations and to delineate future directions for scholars.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors’ study of the “I Hate Apple” group on Facebook is grounded in a six-year long naturalistic enquiry designed to capture the boundary work performed by its members. The authors’ sources include netnographic data, online focus groups, observations and personal online correspondence with members and moderators.

Findings

This study’s findings reveal that certain brands serve the identity work of consumers by allowing them in erecting boundaries based on three major sources of repulsion: anti-fandom, anti-hegemony and anti-marketing. They show that for each type of boundary work, corporate and product brand repulsion seems prevalent.

Research limitations/implications

This research limits itself to considering the types of boundary work related to brand repulsion as regards a single brand: Apple.

Practical implications

The study can help managers identify the types(s) of boundary work related to their brand and it provides practical recommendations for these various sources of brand repulsion. It also helps them distinguish between consumer brand repulsion directed against their product and their corporation.

Originality/value

This study advances knowledge in the field of brand rejection by exploring a specific nuance: brand repulsion. Its close examination of consumer collective practices offers a deeper understanding of the ins and outs of the paradoxical phenomenon of repulsion/attraction for a brand. The cultural lens is used as an original approach to this under-investigated nuance of brand rejection.
The face is the index of the mind: understanding the association between self-construal and facial expressions
Authors: Yang Defeng , Shen Hao , Wyer Robert S.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine the relationship between consumers’ emotional expressions and their self-construals. The authors suggest that because an independent self-construal can reinforce the free expression of emotion, the expression of extreme emotions is likely to become associated with feelings of independence through social learning.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper includes five studies. Study 1A provided evidence that priming participants with different types of self-construal can influence the extremity of their emotional expressions. Study 1B showed that chronic self-construal could predict facial expressions of students who were told to smile for a group photograph. Studies 2–4 found that inducing people to either manifest or to simply view an extreme facial expression activated an independent social orientation and influenced their performance on tasks that reflect this orientation.

Findings

The studies provide support for a bidirectional causal relationship between individuals’ self-construals and the extremity of their emotional expressions. They show that people’s general social orientation could predict the spontaneous facial expressions that they manifest in their daily lives.

Research limitations/implications

Although this research was generally restricted to the effects of smiling, similar considerations influence the expression of other emotions. That is, dispositions to exhibit extreme expressions can generalize over different types of emotions. To this extent, expressions of sadness, anger or fear might be similarly associated with people’s social orientation and the behavior that is influenced by it.

Practical implications

The paper provides marketing implications into how marketers can influence consumers’ choices of unique options and how marketers can assess consumers’ social orientation based on their observation of consumers’ emotional expressions.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is the first to demonstrate a bidirectional causal relationship between individuals’ self-construals and the extremity of their emotional expressions, and to demonstrate the association between chronic social orientation and emotional expression people spontaneously make in their daily lives.
Comprehensive hydrothermal analysis of an inclined mini-channel with fin array: by dual/multi-relaxation-time LBM and experimental process on SiO2-glycol rheological/thermal characteristics
Authors: Kamali Daryoush , Hejri Saeid , Akbar Narges , Hasani Malekshah Emad
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to present a comprehensive hydrothermal analysis on an inclined mini-channel using numerical and experimental techniques. The fin array acts as heat source within the channel, and a wavy wall located at the top of the channel is heat sink. The side walls are insulated with curved profiles. Also, the channel is inclined with four known inclination angles. To solve the governing equations, the dual-multi-relaxation-time lattice Boltzmann method with D2Q9 and D2Q5 lattice models for flow and temperature fields is used, respectively. Also, the channel is filled with SiO2-glycol nanofluid.

Design/methodology/approach

Identifying the behavior of a thermal component during natural convective flow is a challenging topic due to its complexities. This paper focuses on analyzing the thermal and hydrodynamic aspects of a narrow channel equipping with fin array.

Findings

Two correlations are proposed considering temperature and volume fraction ranges for thermal conductivity and dynamic viscosity according to measured experimental data which are used in the numerical phase. Finally, the structure of flow, temperature distribution of fluid, local thermal and viscous dissipations, volume-averaged entropy production, Bejan number and heat transfer rate are extracted by numerical simulations. The results show that the average Nusselt number enhances about 57% (maximum enhancement percentage) when volume fraction increases from 1% to 3% at Ra = 106 and θ = 90°. In addition, the value of entropy generation is maximum at φ = 1%, Ra = 106 and φ = 90°. Also, the maximum enhancement of entropy generation in range of Ra = 103 to 106 is about 4 times at φ = 1% and θ = 90°.

Originality/value

The originality of the present study is combining a modern numerical method (i.e. dual/multi-relaxation-time LBM) with experimental observation on characteristics of SiO2-glycol nanofluid to study the thermal and hydrodynamic properties of the studied mini-channel.
Is all well? Academically successful international students in Malaysia
Authors: Deni Ann Rosnida , Tumar Annyza , Houghton Ann-Marie , Crosling Glenda Marian
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the adjustment experiences of academically successful international students in living and learning in a private Malaysian higher education institution (HEI).

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 53 international students participated in a mixed-method study, where they completed a survey (close- and open-ended questions). Also, 12 international students were interviewed.

Findings

The findings diverge from other studies, in that issues with respondents' English language proficiency were minimal, but for some of the students, social and cultural adjustment was problematic. However, these students were proactive in improving their situations. These findings indicate foci for university improvement in study and living experiences for all students.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to one group of academically successful students at a private university in Malaysia.

Practical implications

There are benefits to HEIs and international students in enabling students to reflect upon and share their successful strategies. These not only enable students to recognise and value their achievements but also contribute to the development of more inclusive practices that will enhance future students' adjustment and overall learning experience.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the literature with its focus on academically successful students at a private university in Malaysia, both of which are areas of limited research coverage.
The impact of emotional intelligence and servant leadership on employee job satisfaction
Authors: Jha Pallavi , Bhattacharya Sanjay
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The concept of emotional intelligence (EI) and servant leadership (SL) are two variables that have been essential for the organization leaders to ensure a healthy and happy work–life for their subordinates. The purpose of this study to be conducted was for leaders understand the role EI and SL play in maintaining employee job satisfaction and help them to create engaging environment and bring effectiveness in the work productivity of the assets.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative method was used and a total of 150 people were taken as a sample which consisted of several leaders and their subordinates and an emotional intelligence questionnaire by NHS and SL: multidimensional questionnaire was floated to rate the leaders EI and SL behavior comparing it with the leaders self-rating. The result was analyzed using SPSS, Pearson correlation and regression was used to understand the significance level and reliability of all the independent and dependent variables, respectively.

Findings

Through correlation and regression, it was found that presence of EI and SL style in a leader plays a huge role in employee job satisfaction. It was also found that EI and SL are the substantial predictor which have positive impact over employee job satisfaction.

Originality/value

The outcome of the study will help the leaders understand the significance that the EI and SL have in their role to maintain employee job satisfaction, as well as the training and development measures for leaders.
Talent management in government organizations: identification of challenges and ranking the solutions to address them
Authors: Sehatpour Mohammad-Hadi , Abedin Behnam , Kazemi Aliyeh
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The main aim of this research is to rank and prioritize the solutions to address the challenges for the successful implementation of talent management (TM) in government banks in Iran.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper has identified the challenges of TM implementation in government banks and proposed the solutions to address these challenges through a review of the extant literature. The identified challenges and solutions were ranked using two multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods called PROMETHEE and VIKOR based on the insights from 20 senior managers of government banks in Iran.

Findings

The challenges and solutions were categorized into cultural, managerial, human resources and environmental-related factors. “Building culture of TM in organizations”, “making TM as an ongoing process in organizations”, “commitment of senior managers to TM process”, “managing TM pipeline” and “focusing on meritocracy in recruitment and selections” were ranked as the top solutions to address cultural, managerial, human resources and environmental challenges, respectively.

Research limitations/implications

The findings can provide a comprehensive view of different types of challenges and solutions in the TM process for government organizations and institutions. It also provides helpful insights for top managers to define their organizations' strategies effectively and to implement the TM process by ranking and prioritizing the solutions to address their challenges.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this study is to develop a comprehensive framework in which, identification of different types of challenges in the implementation of TM processes can be addressed and the approaches to remove or mitigate the effects of these challenges are ranked by using two well-established MCDM techniques.
A review of machine learning applications in human resource management
Authors: Garg Swati , Sinha Shuchi , Kar Arpan Kumar , Mani Mauricio
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This paper reviews 105 Scopus-indexed articles to identify the degree, scope and purposes of machine learning (ML) adoption in the core functions of human resource management (HRM).

Design/methodology/approach

A semi-systematic approach has been used in this review. It allows for a more detailed analysis of the literature which emerges from multiple disciplines and uses different methods and theoretical frameworks. Since ML research comes from multiple disciplines and consists of several methods, a semi-systematic approach to literature review was considered appropriate.

Findings

The review suggests that HRM has embraced ML, albeit it is at a nascent stage and is receiving attention largely from technology-oriented researchers. ML applications are strongest in the areas of recruitment and performance management and the use of decision trees and text-mining algorithms for classification dominate all functions of HRM. For complex processes, ML applications are still at an early stage; requiring HR experts and ML specialists to work together.

Originality/value

Given the current focus of organizations on digitalization, this review contributes significantly to the understanding of the current state of ML integration in HRM. Along with increasing efficiency and effectiveness of HRM functions, ML applications improve employees' experience and facilitate performance in the organizations.
Business processes fragments to promote information quality
Authors: Lopes Charlie Silva , Silveira Denis Silva da , Araujo João
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The primary concern of quality improvement in processes is not the input–output conversion but the information that enables and controls process. This paper presents process fragments for dimensions of information quality (IQ).

Design/methodology/approach

Research is based on the design science paradigm to create four fragments of reusable processes, that contemplate the following dimensions of IQ: accessibility, completeness, accuracy and consistency.

Findings

There is a theoretical discussion of the concept of IQ in process models, in which the fragments presented provide designers with a reduction in modeling time through reuse. Therefore, the designer has the flexibility to improve the IQ according to the context of each process.

Practical implications

The discussion is relevant for both researchers and business designers because it shows that IQ is essential to guarantee the efficient execution of processes.

Social implications

Processes modeling can be a challenge for inexperienced designers as they always try to solve a problem from the start, without worrying about the IQ dimensions in process models. Fragments here presented can be (re)used to guide these designers in processes modeling with more IQ.

Originality/value

Process modeling approaches provide expressive techniques but do not guarantee IQ in the models. However, these approaches present process fragments that can be easily used to contemplate IQ in process models. In this context, process fragments reuse stands out as an innovative solution to mitigate the shortcomings of process models related to IQ.
Managing Islamic attributes through the satisfaction of Muslim tourists in a non-Muslim country
Authors: Dabphet Siripen
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Attributes of a destination do not only have a positive impact on a person’s selection of the travel destination but also influence the level of tourist satisfaction. In spite of this, the destination attributes related to Muslim tourism are yet to be explored. Moreover, each attribute impacts the satisfaction of tourists in different ways. This study aims to investigate the importance and performance of Islamic attributes in selection of travel destinations by Muslim tourists and to examine the overall tourist satisfaction (SAT) based on the Islamic attributes.

Design/methodology/approach

Thailand has been considered as the base for this study. A quantitative research method and convenience sampling technique was used for data collection. Factor analysis was used to determine the importance and performance of Islamic attributes on the choice of travel destinations. Composite delineated factors were applied as indicators in the regression analysis to evaluate the SAT.

Findings

The findings reveal five important Islamic attributes: Halal-friendly environment, Halal hotel (IMP2), Halal food (IMP3), Halal food preparation and washroom facilities. However, Muslim tourists were only satisfied with the performance of three Islamic attributes: hotel entertainment and facilities, Halal food and preparation and Halal-oriented recreation and quality services (PER3). This study also reveals that PER3 as well as IMP2 and IMP3 are significant factors for evaluating the tourists’ overall satisfaction.

Originality/value

The Halal tourism market has been growing rapidly. However, research on the satisfaction of Muslim tourists based on the importance and performance of Islamic attributes in non-Muslim countries is limited. Thus, the researcher draws upon the views of Muslim tourists to propose recommendations on the important Islamic attributes and those whose performances are effective. The findings suggest that the SAT is influenced by particular attributes. Additionally, this study fills the research gap on Halal tourism in Thailand and provides useful information regarding the satisfaction of tourists based on Islamic attributes for non-Muslim countries, to help them formulate effective strategies for developing Islamic tourism in their travel destinations.
Trading rules and excess returns: evidence from Turkey
Authors: Metghalchi Massoud , Durmaz Nazif , Cloninger Peggy , Farahbod Kamvar
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate popular technical trading rules (TTRs) applied to the FTSE Turkish all-cap and small-cap indexes from September 23, 2003 to August 9, 2019 to determine rules that produce net excess returns over the Buy-and-Hold strategy (B&H).

Design/methodology/approach

Five TTRs, namely, simple moving average, relative strength index, moving average convergence divergence, momentum, and rate of change, are applied, singly (one indicator) and in combination (two indicators) for multiple time periods.

Findings

For the small-cap index, some TTRs – including the famous Golden Cross, when the 50-day moving average rises above 200-day moving average – produced net annual excess returns (NAERs) over the B&H strategy, for the entire period and each sub-period, after accounting for risk and transaction costs. Results were mixed for the large-cap index. The results support Cakici and Topyan (2013).

Research limitations/implications

This study investigates several indicators, but future studies should examine others, especially based on volume and price.

Practical implications

Investors in the FTSE Turkish small-cap index may use some trading rules to earn NAERs over the B&H strategy.

Originality/value

This research is important because it addresses a gap in the research by examining numerous TTRs in the Turkish stock market. Studies of TTRs in Turkey are scarce.
Avoidance behaviour towards using pirated software: testing a seven-component model on SME employees
Authors: Rahman Muhammad Sabbir , Hossain Md Afnan , Abdel Fattah Fadi Abdel Muniem , Ibne Mokter Abdel Mubdiu
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This research aims to develop and test a conceptual model for shaping small and medium enterprise (SME) employees' avoidance behaviour towards using pirated software. The model specifies the components of morality, spirituality, emotional intelligence and ethical values that influence employees' avoidance behaviour towards using pirated software.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual framework was developed and tested on the basis of information technology and management literature by using data from 275 influential and active employees of SMEs. Data were collected via a survey and analysed through covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM).

Findings

In the context of SMEs, employees' avoidance behaviour towards using pirated software is motivated by significant moral antecedents. Moral equity and judgement significantly influence employees' avoidance behaviour towards using pirated software when moral emotion mediates such a relationship. In addition, individual spirituality significantly moderates the relationship between moral equity and moral emotion. Employees' emotional intelligence optimises the strength of the relationship between moral judgement and moral emotion. Employees' likelihood to engage in unethical behaviour decreases when they exhibit strong ethical values in the relationship between moral emotion and their behaviour towards using pirated software.

Research limitations/implications

This study offers theoretical support for employees' avoidance behaviour towards using pirated software. The findings of this cross-sectional work have limited generalisability. Single-country data may not be generalised to SME employees in other countries. Thus, cross-country analysis and additional measures and antecedents must be developed and identified in the future.

Practical implications

Policymakers and managers should consciously review the proposed seven-component model that causes SME employees to avoid the use of pirated software. Ethical standards that lessen the use of pirated software can be improved if managers and policymakers understand the components of moral equity and judgement that influence moral emotions.

Originality/value

This study is the first to examine the specific antecedents of the ethical standards and avoidance behaviours of SME employees towards the use of pirated software. As such, it provides a foundation for further studies on this critical area and software piracy in the context of SMEs in an emerging economy, which is limited in current literature.
Necessary and sufficient antecedents of customer loyalty to logistics service providers
Authors: Vlachos Ilias
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically study the necessary and sufficient antecedents of customer loyalty to logistics service providers (LSPs). Despite the abundance of loyalty studies, few studies have empirically examined the complex causal relationships between loyalty and its antecedents using the appropriate research methods.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses fuzzy sets qualitative comparison analysis (FsQCA) to uncover the antecedents and antecedent configurations of customer loyalty. This study examined the necessity and sufficiency of five antecedents (operational collaboration, strategic collaboration, trust, service satisfaction and price satisfaction) and on five dimensions of loyalty (repurchase intension, switching costs, exclusiveness, referrals and overall loyalty). This study developed six research hypotheses based on existing literature and tested them empirically in a manufacturing context. This study compared results from FsQCA with regression analysis.

Findings

The findings reveal that only a few antecedent configurations lead to customer loyalty, including a combination of strategic and operational collaboration, bundling of service offerings and combining competitive price with strategic collaboration. Further, the absence of trust negatively affects loyalty, but the presence of trust does not lead to loyalty.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to business to business literature by demonstrating how to use FsQCA analysis to test the presence of equifinality, conjunction and causal asymmetry of complex relationships. This study applies FsQCA between antecedent factors and customer loyalty. Furthermore, we demonstrate how to compare and integrate FsQCA with conventional regression analysis which is based on correlation-bounded logic.

Practical implications

This study shows that no single antecedents that can generate loyalty, yet, few antecedent configurations work better than others: collaborating at both strategic and operational level with your partner has the highest impact on loyalty. Another configuration that leads to loyalty is to combine competitive prices with strategic collaboration, which particularly stimulates repurchase decisions. Price is are not sufficient enough to lead to customer loyalty.

Originality/value

This study applied a novel analysis to uncover necessary and sufficient conditions that conventional methods such as regression analysis and structural equation modelling have limited power.
Do small- and medium-sized manufacturers’ production-related resources influence their export marketing control modes and export performance?
Authors: Cheng Hsianglin
Published: February 2021

Purpose

First, this paper aims to argue that small- and medium-sized manufacturers’ (SMMs’) production-exploitation can generally and primary influence their choices of export marketing control modes (EMCMs). Building on this central argument, two other supportive production-related resources: “production-exploration” and “relationships with home suppliers” are argued that could moderate this proposed effect. Three EMCMs including independent, hybrid and integrated modes, are discussed. Second, this study also proposes that SMMs with an internal fit between their three-key production-related resources and their choices of EMCMs will outperform their counterparts that do not have such internal fit.

Design/methodology/approach

This study designed a multiple-source survey to collect data from 158 Taiwanese SMMs that are highly dependent on export sales.

Findings

The results support the argument and the study connects the resource-based view (RBV) to the B2B marketing literature to better understand the EMCMs of SMMs.

Originality/value

Drawing on the RBV, this study examines how the three-key production-related resources can influence SMMs’ choices of EMCMs of branding and channels, respectively.
Talent acquisition in startups in India: the role of social capital
Authors: Mukul Kumar , Saini Gordhan K.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the talent acquisition practices adopted by startups and understand how small entrepreneurs leverage social capital to address the talent acquisition challenges faced by them, and; identify some of the unique parameters adopted by startups in talent acquisition.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a multiple case study method to explore the talent acquisition practices in startups in India. The study included six case studies on startups in Hubli city of North Karnataka in India.

Findings

This paper finds that startups (especially in smaller cities) face challenges such as lower quality of talent pool, absence of a brand name, inability to provide competitive salary and other benefits as per industry standards and locational disadvantages in talent acquisition. Thus, entrepreneurs leverage their social capital for talent acquisition by handpicking talent on the basis of familiarity or credible networks and recommendations. Incubation centres provide institutionalized sources of social capital to help them attract good talent. This study finds that employee-culture fit and trust play important role in acquiring talent in startups.

Practical implications

The study has implications for startup entrepreneurs, recruitment service providers, incubation centres, trainers, policymakers, etc. The study provides useful insights to the startups with regard to their recruitment practices.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature in the domains of talent acquisition, startups and social capital by describing hiring challenges faced by startups and exploring the mechanisms used by them in overcoming such challenges.
Culture and income across countries: evidence from family ties
Authors: Lim Sokchea , Kahai Simran K. , Khun Channary
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to examine how much difference in income can be explained by familial culture that persists in different societies.

Design/methodology/approach

We employ a two-step methodology to evaluate the impact of familial culture on income across countries. In the first step, we construct the macro measures of familial culture from micro survey data. In the second step, the growth model is estimated.

Findings

First-step micro regression results show that family is more important to female, richer, highly educated, unemployed and married individuals. Male, poorer, less educated and unemployed individuals are more likely to respect and love parents unconditionally. The same group is also more likely to think that parents must do the best for their kids. Finally, the macro results show that the strength of national familial ties explains significant differences in income across countries.

Research limitations/implications

We show that countries with weak family ties are richer than those with strong family ties. These results are useful for policymakers who design public policies that accommodate the type of familial culture that persists in their society.

Originality/value

We construct the macro measures of familial culture from the micro survey data. The paper adds to the literature on the effect of culture on income at the macro level.