bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Income smoothing and firm value in a regulated market: the moderating effect of market risk
Authors: Abogun Segun , Adigbole Ezekiel Aiyenijo , Olorede Titilope Esther
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impact of income smoothing on the value of firms in a regulated security market, moderated by market risk. This is based on the prevalence of accounting scandals resulting in the collapse of firms which has been attributed to the opportunistic behaviors of managers.

Design/methodology/approach

The ex post facto research design was employed, and as such, data were gathered from secondary sources. The quantitative approach was also used in the study. Furthermore, the system generalized method of moments (Blundell–Bond) panel estimation technique was used for analyzing the data. Income smoothing was measured using the accrual based methods, while firm value was measured using share price.

Findings

The study found that income smoothing has a negative significant impact on firm value. The study also revealed that market risk is a significant variable that defines the relationship between income smoothing and firm value.

Originality/value

Testing the moderating effect of market risk on the relationship between income smoothing and firm value is unique to this study, particularly from a regulated security market and emerging economy.
Corporation financial distress prediction with deep learning: analysis of public listed companies in Malaysia
Authors: Halim Zulkifli , Shuhidan Shuhaida Mohamed , Sanusi Zuraidah Mohd
Published: February 2021

Purpose

In the previous study of financial distress prediction, deep learning techniques performed better than traditional techniques over time-series data. This study investigates the performance of deep learning models: recurrent neural network, long short-term memory and gated recurrent unit for the financial distress prediction among the Malaysian public listed corporation over the time-series data. This study also compares the performance of logistic regression, support vector machine, neural network, decision tree and the deep learning models on single-year data.

Design/methodology/approach

The data used are the financial data of public listed companies that been classified as PN17 status (distress) and non-PN17 (not distress) in Malaysia. This study was conducted using machine learning library of Python programming language.

Findings

The findings indicate that all deep learning models used for this study achieved 90% accuracy and above with long short-term memory (LSTM) and gated recurrent unit (GRU) getting 93% accuracy. In addition, deep learning models consistently have good performance compared to the other models over single-year data. The results show LSTM and GRU getting 90% and recurrent neural network (RNN) 88% accuracy. The results also show that LSTM and GRU get better precision and recall compared to RNN. The findings of this study show that the deep learning approach will lead to better performance in financial distress prediction studies. To be added, time-series data should be highlighted in any financial distress prediction studies since it has a big impact on credit risk assessment.

Research limitations/implications

The first limitation of this study is the hyperparameter tuning only applied for deep learning models. Secondly, the time-series data are only used for deep learning models since the other models optimally fit on single-year data.

Practical implications

This study proposes recommendations that deep learning is a new approach that will lead to better performance in financial distress prediction studies. Besides that, time-series data should be highlighted in any financial distress prediction studies since the data have a big impact on the assessment of credit risk.

Originality/value

To the best of authors' knowledge, this article is the first study that uses the gated recurrent unit in financial distress prediction studies based on time-series data for Malaysian public listed companies. The findings of this study can help financial institutions/investors to find a better and accurate approach for credit risk assessment.
The competing value framework model of organizational culture, innovation and performance
Authors: Zeb Ali , Akbar Fazal , Hussain Khawar , Safi Adnan , Rabnawaz Muhammad , Zeb Faheem
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Innovation is the basic input to organizational endurance; therefore, the study of processes that support innovation should be of interest to practitioners and researchers alike. Consequently, there is increasing attention for the supplementary research examination of the influencing elements of innovativeness.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected in 2018 using adapted questionnaires that were tested. The respondents were 446 employees of Pakistan Electric Power Company (PEPCO). Bivariate correlations and hierarchical regression were used for the data analysis.

Findings

The findings showed that the competing value framework (CVF) model of organizational culture may promote innovativeness that translates to the progress of PEPCO, which deserved barrier for everyone relying on the values made by the culture of the organization. The adhocracy culture is considered to be statistically suitable for the prediction of performance and enhancement of innovation in the organization. Based on the above findings, it may be deduced that innovation mediated the relationship between some particular types of organizational culture and performance.

Practical implications

The CVF model provides a supportive framework for the development of procedures that promote innovation in the organization. The focus of the CVF model highlighted employees' behavior and function of organizational culture, which can restrain or stimulate performance. This study reported and developed a basis for an empirical model based on the CVF model.

Originality/value

This paper found that the CVF model and innovation are mega sources of innovation at PEPCO. This work should be of interest in the area of innovation and performance improvement. There are very few empirical research studies on the relationship between organizational culture, innovation and performance, specifically in the context of developing countries. This is one of the very few studies conducted to empirically examine the influence of CVF model on performance through the mediating role of innovation in PEPCO.
Does humane orientation matter? A cross-cultural study of job characteristics needs-supplies fit/misfit and affective organizational commitment
Authors: Kim Si Hyun , Wagstaff M. Fernanda , Laffranchini Giacomo
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Drawing from job characteristic theory and person-environment fit theory, the authors examine the relationship between job characteristics needs-supplies fit/misfit and affective organizational commitment across countries and how humane orientation moderates this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

To test the authors’ hypotheses, the authors conducted a number of multilevel polynomial regressions with three-dimensional surface analyses on a sample of 19,049 employees from 24 countries drawn from the International Social Survey Program (ISSP) 2005.

Findings

Results indicate that job characteristics needs-supplies fit is positively related to affective organizational commitment, while job characteristics needs-supplies misfit is negatively related to affective organizational commitment. In addition, results reveal that humane orientation is relevant to increasing affective organizational commitment when external rewards job characteristics needs are higher than external rewards job characteristics supplies.

Originality/value

These results weaken the universality of job characteristics and call for a departure from a one-size-fits-all approach to human resources.
CEO overconfidence and future firm risk in China: the moderating role of institutional investors
Authors: Ali Zulfiqar , Tauni Muhammad Zubair
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine how CEO overconfidence influences firm’s future risk in a sample of Chinese listed firms. It further examines the moderating effect of institutional investors on the association between CEO overconfidence and future firm risk.

Design/methodology/approach

The initial sample consists of Chinese A-share issuing firms listed on Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges during the period starting from 2000 to 2017. This study classifies a CEO as overconfident if the forecasted profits of the firm are greater than the actual profits for majority of the time during the tenure of the CEO. Ordinary least squares regression is used as the primary estimation method for generating the results, however, firm fixed effects and two-stage least squares regressions have also been used for verifying the robustness of the results.

Findings

The results demonstrate that CEO overconfidence leads to an escalation in firm’s risk level over the subsequent years. However, the intensity of this positive association is weaker in state-owned firms. Analysis of the moderating effect of institutional investors reveals that only active institutional investors, specifically mutual funds and foreign institutional investors, play their governance role in reducing the effect of CEO overconfidence on firm’s risk level. Furthermore, the moderating effect of active institutional investors is weaker in state-owned firms.

Research limitations/implications

The empirical evidence obtained by this study suggests that CEOs should exercise extreme diligence in decision-making. They must analyze a situation based on realistic facts and figures, rather than having misperception about their excessive abilities in controlling the outcomes of a situation. The findings also imply that regulators and policymakers should formulate strategies for motivating mutual funds and foreign investors to increase their shareholding in Chinese firms.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that examines the impact of CEO overconfidence on future firm risk, not the current firm risk. Besides, literature regarding the role of external governance mechanisms in the context of behavioral biases is extremely scant. This study contributes to the literature by analyzing how the association between CEO overconfidence and firm’s future risk is influenced by the institutional investors’ ownership.
International relationships and resilience of New Zealand SME exporters during COVID-19
Authors: Fath Benjamin , Fiedler Antje , Sinkovics Noemi , Sinkovics Rudolf R. , Sullivan-Taylor Bridgette
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to empirically investigate how small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have engaged with international network partners during COVID-19 and how the crisis has changed network relationships and resilience depending on pre-COVID relationship strength and, secondarily, on opportunity outlook in a market.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws on 14 qualitative interviews with managers of New Zealand SMEs from diverse industries and four with industry experts. Rather than generalization, the aim of this exploratory paper is to identify contingency factors, which, under duress, strengthen or break business relationships.

Findings

Four main patterns emerge from the data, with respect to how SMEs engaged with network partners depending on the nature of their prepandemic relationships and the extent to which their markets had been affected by the pandemic. During crisis, weak ties either break or remain weak, forcing firms to create new, potentially opportunistic, relationships. Strong ties increase resilience, even under a negative outlook, as network partners support each other, including through the development of new ties. Strong ties can also accelerate business model transformation.

Research limitations/implications

Future large-scale research is needed to test the generalizability of the authors’ findings.

Practical implications

The findings of this paper indicate lessons for business continuation management and future preparedness for major disruptions. Specific insights may help stimulate managerial action to accelerate contingency planning and policy to support SMEs.

Originality/value

This paper is an early study on how weak and strong ties influence SME resilience during crisis.
Facing and responding to the COVID-19 threat – an empirical examination of MSMEs
Authors: Duarte Alonso Abel , Bressan Alessandro , Kok Seng Kiat , Sakellarios Nikolaos , Koresis Alex , O’Shea Michelle , Buitrago Solis Maria Alejandra , Santoni Leonardo J.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects and ways to confront the devastating effects of the COVID-19 crisis and develop a theoretical framework to facilitate understanding of these aspects from the perspective of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). In doing so, the fundamental insights of entrepreneurial self-efficacy, bricolage and improvisation are considered.

Design/methodology/approach

The study draws on data from 56 business owners-managers operating in eight different nations and representing three geographical regions; the data were gathered through an online questionnaire.

Findings

Various differences in responses from participants operating in the featured geographical settings were revealed. For instance, whereas a higher percentage of South American participants acknowledged financial impacts, they and their European counterparts were also more engaged.

Originality/value

The study provides various original and valuable elements. First, by gathering data from business owners-managers operating in different countries and geographical regions, it provides an international perspective concerning ways in which business operators confront an extreme event. Second, and related to the previous point, the study focusses on a business group (MSMEs), which is fundamental for many nations’ economies. Moreover, the experiences of MSMEs could be timely and insightful to industry and business stakeholders. Third, the proposed theoretical framework highlights various emerging dimensions associated with adaptation and responsiveness, with both theoretical and practical implications.
New home warranty schemes: developing a theoretical comparative framework using qualitative content analysis
Authors: Royal Sebastien , Lehoux Nadia , Blanchet Pierre
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The housing construction industry is one of the most lucrative sectors for developed countries. However, homebuyers are often vulnerable when left with latent building defects in their new-build house. Many nations have thus implemented new home warranty schemes to protect consumers and stimulate residential production. These warranty programs vary excessively from state to state given the distinct nature of environments. Previous studies have attempted to compare one with another but did not apply a consistent comparative method when doing so. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to identify the characteristics defining a new home warranty and to develop a standardised comparative framework.

Design/methodology/approach

After evaluating the characteristics outlined in multiple home warranty programs, a qualitative content analysis method was used to establish coding, categories and themes in order to create the framework. The methodology relied mostly on cross-referencing from academic papers, methodical reviews, government documents and professional consultant reports.

Findings

This paper reviewed warranty schemes from six countries: Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, France and Malaysia. The findings suggest that home warranty programs are defined by five main themes: political involvement; homeowner protection; financial sustainability; quality management; and dispute resolution. At the end, the research created a comparative framework of 101 codes that could be used to accurately measure the efficiency of a home warranty scheme.

Originality/value

Gathering all defining characteristics of new housing warranties into a unique comparative framework rectifies a gap in the literature. Such a flexible tool will aid future practitioners in the field to undertake comparative case study analysis through qualitative research methods.
The impact of oil price shocks on Turkish sovereign yield curve
Authors: Çepni Oğuzhan , Gül Selçuk , Yılmaz Muhammed Hasan , Lucey Brian
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the impact of oil price shocks on the Turkish sovereign yield curve factors.

Design/methodology/approach

To extract the latent factors (level, slope and curvature) of the Turkish sovereign yield curve, we estimate conventional Nelson and Siegel (1987) model with nonlinear least squares. Then, we decompose oil price shocks into supply, demand and risk shocks using structural VAR (structural VAR) models. After this separation, we apply Engle (2002) dynamic conditional correlation GARCH (DCC-GARCH (1,1)) method to investigate time-varying co-movements between yield curve factors and oil price shocks. Finally, using the LP (local projections) proposed by Jorda (2005), we estimate the impulse-response functions to examine the impact of different oil price shocks on yield curve factors.

Findings

Our results demonstrate that the various oil price shocks influence the yield curve factors quite differently. A supply shock leads to a statistically significant increase in the level factor. This result shows that elevated oil prices due to supply disruptions are interpreted as a signal of a surge in inflation expectations since the cost channel prevails. Besides, unanticipated demand shocks have a positive impact on the slope factor as a result of the central bank policy response for offsetting the elevated inflation expectations. Finally, a risk shock is associated with a decrease in the curvature factor indicating that risk shocks influence the medium-term bonds due to the deflationary pressure resulting from depressed economic conditions.

Practical implications

Our results provide new insights to understand the driving forces of yield curve movements induced by various oil shocks to formulate appropriate policy responses.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the literature by two main dimensions. First, the recent oil shock identification scheme of Ready (2018) is modified using the “geopolitical oil price risk index” to capture the changes in the risk perceptions of oil markets driven by geopolitical tensions such as terrorism and conflicts and sanctions. The modified identification scheme attributes more power to demand shocks in explaining the variation of the oil price compared to that of the baseline scheme. Second, it provides recent evidence that distinguishes the impact of oil demand and supply shocks on Turkey's yield curve.
Classification of inter-organizational knowledge mechanisms and their effects on networking capability: a multi-layer decision making approach
Authors: Garousi Mokhtarzadeh Nima , Amoozad Mahdiraji Hannan , Jafarpanah Ismail , Jafari-Sadeghi Vahid , Bresciani Stefano
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The role of inter-organizational knowledge mechanisms (IOKMs) in learning networks is increasing so that the competition of business networks in providing innovations is highly dependent on the effective selection and application of these mechanisms. This study aims to argue that recognizing the classification of IOKMs and understanding their impact on networking capability (NC) makes the selection of mechanisms more effective.

Design/methodology/approach

With a systematic review of literature, a comprehensive list of IOKMs, their main characteristics and NCs have been extracted. The authors have used a focus group for data gathering and a hybrid multi-layer decision-making approach for data analysis. Finally, the impact of IOKMs on NC was determined.

Findings

By implementing a multi-layer decision-making approach, four categories of IOKMs including person-to-person, co-creation, team-oriented and informational are illustrated and their effects of NC are determined. Therefore, the findings of this research provide latecomer firms (LCFs) managers with a clear framework for selecting IOKMs.

Originality/value

The literature review shows that the number of knowledge mechanisms, especially their inter-organizational types, is increasing. It has made it difficult for LCFs managers to select effective and efficient mechanisms. Most of these mechanisms are listed, and few studies have classified them. Besides, research shows that fewer studies have investigated how IOKMs relate to NC. Furthermore, most studies on IOKMs have been conducted in the context of leading firms and LCFs have been neglected.
Real-world problems through computational thinking tools and concepts: the case of coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
Authors: Sezer Hatice Beyza , Namukasa Immaculate Kizito
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Many mathematical models have been shared to communicate about the COVID-19 outbreak; however, they require advanced mathematical skills. The main purpose of this study is to investigate in which way computational thinking (CT) tools and concepts are helpful to better understand the outbreak, and how the context of disease could be used as a real-world context to promote elementary and middle-grade students' mathematical and computational knowledge and skills.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the authors used a qualitative research design, specifically content analysis, and analyzed two simulations of basic SIR models designed in a Scratch. The authors examine the extent to which they help with the understanding of the parameters, rates and the effect of variations in control measures in the mathematical models.

Findings

This paper investigated the four dimensions of sample simulations: initialization, movements, transmission, recovery process and their connections to school mathematical and computational concepts.

Research limitations/implications

A major limitation is that this study took place during the pandemic and the authors could not collect empirical data.

Practical implications

Teaching mathematical modeling and computer programming is enhanced by elaborating in a specific context. This may serve as a springboard for encouraging students to engage in real-world problems and to promote using their knowledge and skills in making well-informed decisions in future crises.

Originality/value

This research not only sheds light on the way of helping students respond to the challenges of the outbreak but also explores the opportunities it offers to motivate students by showing the value and relevance of CT and mathematics (Albrecht and Karabenick, 2018).
Dialectics and dilemmas arising from Covid-19 immunity testing: presenting a workforce management paradox
Authors: Davies Steven , White Gareth Reginald Terrence , Samuel Anthony , Martin Helen
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Covid-19 has caused many businesses to rethink their short- and potentially long-term workforce operations. The use of lateral flow serology can provide a clinically convenient approach for the assessment of prior infection with Covid-19. However, its widespread adoption in organisations seeking to use it to test for workforce immunity is controversial and confusing. This paper aims to explore the paradoxical dilemmas and dialectics immunity workforce testing creates.

Design/methodology/approach

This study involved capturing the ethnographical participation of a chief executive officer (CEO) dealing with the experience of managing the outcomes of Covid-19 workforce immunity testing. The aim was to take a snapshot in time of the CEO's empirical world, capturing their lived experiences to explore how management actions resulting from Covid-19 immunity testing can played out.

Findings

Providing staff with immunity tests at first glance appears sensible, decent and a caring action to take. Nevertheless, once such knowledge is personalised by employees, they can, through dialectic dialogue, feel disadvantaged and harbour feelings of unfairness. Subsequently, this paper suggests that immunity testing may only serve to raise awareness and deepen the original management dilemma of whether testing is a worthwhile activity.

Originality/value

This paper aims to be amongst the first works to empirically explore the workforce management challenges that arise within small businesses within the service sector following the completion of Covid-19 immunity testing of their staff. It seeks to achieve this via utilising the robust theoretical framework of the paradox theory to examine Covid-19's impact upon small business workforce management thinking and practice.
Contact tracing apps for self-quarantine in South Korea: rethinking datafication and dataveillance in the COVID-19 age
Authors: Lee Claire Seungeun
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The first case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was documented in China, and the virus was soon to be introduced to its neighboring country – South Korea. South Korea, one of the earliest countries to initiate a national pandemic response to COVID-19 with fairly substantial measures at the individual, societal and governmental level, is an interesting example of a rapid response by the Global South. The current study examines contact tracing mobile applications (hereafter, contact tracing apps) for those who were subject to self-quarantine through the lenses of dataveillance and datafication. This paper analyzes online/digital data from those who were mandatorily self-quarantined by the Korean government largely due to returning from overseas travel.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses an Internet ethnography approach to collect and analyze data. To extract data for this study, self-quarantined Korean individuals' blog entries were collected and verified with a combination of crawling and manual checking. Content analysis was performed with the codes and themes that emerged. In the COVID-19 pandemic era, this method is particularly useful to gain access to those who are affected by the situation. This approach advances the author’s understandings of COVID-19 contact tracing mobile apps and the experiences of self-quarantined people who use them.

Findings

The paper shows Korean citizens' understandings and views of using the COVID-19 self-tracing application in South Korea through examining their experiences. The research argues that the application functions as a datafication tool that collects the self-quarantined people's information and performs dataveillance on the self-quarantined people. This research further offers insights for various agreements/disagreements at different actors (i.e. the self-quarantined, their families, contact tracers/government officials) in the process of contact tracing for COVID-19.

Originality/value

This study also provides insights into the implications of information and technology as they affect datafication and dataveillance conducted on the public. This study investigates an ongoing debate of COVID-19's contact tracing method concerning privacy and builds upon an emerging body of literature on datafication, dataveillance, social control and digital sociology.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/OIR-08-2020-0377
EFL students’ achievement and attitudes towards flipped pronunciation class: correlational study
Authors: Bin-Hady Wagdi Rashad Ali , Hazaea Abduljalil Nasr
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Existing research has examined English as a foreign language (EFL) students’ attitudes towards flipped learning. However, no study seems to have correlated students’ achievement and their attitudes towards flipped learning. Yemeni EFL students also face pronunciation problems and they lack technology-enhanced language learning. The flipped learning approach promotes active learning and increases students’ learning outcomes. This study aims to measure the achievement level and the attitudes of Yemeni EFL students towards flipped pronunciation classrooms. It also correlates between achievement and attitudes towards this new experience.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a correlational research design, quantitative and qualitative data were collected through a test, questionnaire and structured interview from an intact class of Yemeni EFL students at the College of Education in Socotra.

Findings

The one-sample t-test analysis shows that the respondents scored high in the achievement test. The analysis of both the questionnaire and the structured interview revealed that the students have a positive attitude towards the flipped pronunciation classroom. The correlation analysis indicated a high-level positive relationship between students’ achievement and their attitudes where r = 0.779 with p < 0.001, two-tailed.

Research limitations/implications

The present study has some limitations regarding the sample size. This context-specific study recruited the available EFL class at the College of Education in Socotra, Hadhramout University. It would be more reliable should the study compared large groups of students so that the results can be generalized.

Practical implications

The study recommends using flipped learning to enhance pronunciation among EFL students.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the correlational studies in flipped learning.
Financing woes: estimating the impact of MSME financing gap on financial structure practices of firm owners
Authors: Mittal Vibhuti , Raman T.V.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Accessing formal mainstream finance is a cumbersome process for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) of emerging economies. Empirical investigations have connected finance accessibility to financing gap that restricts MSMEs from borrowing through formal channels. The purpose of this study is to explore the influence of financing gap on firms' financial structure (FS) practices. In this regard, the research framework divides financing gap into four dimensions, namely: demand gap (DG), supply gap (SG), knowledge gap (KG) and empathy gap (EG).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopts a quantitative approach to establish the underlying relationship between the variables. The participants of the self-structured questionnaire survey were 219 MSME owners from manufacturing, trading and service industries. The results are inferred through the partial least squares structural equation modeling (SEM) technique.

Findings

The findings recognise a significant impact of financing gap on the FS practices of firm owners. The financing constraints contributing to KG, SG and EG are found to be extending the unwillingness of firm owners to borrow through formal channels. Further, the results also confirm the influence of financing gap on the pecking order framework (POF) of MSMEs' FS.

Practical implications

The study offers the perspective and hesitance of MSME owners towards mainstream financing. The key findings are useful for the financial intermediaries and policymakers, who need to be sensitive and proactive in their small business lending process.

Originality/value

The study adds to the limited evidence of various dimensions of financing gap. It also addresses the role of financing gap on the conscious preferences of MSME owners towards the informal source of financing along with the POF.
Directional predictability between returns and volume in cryptocurrencies markets
Authors: Fousekis Panos , Grigoriadis Vasilis
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to identify and quantify directional predictability between returns and volume in major cryptocurrencies markets.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical analysis relies on the cross-quantilogram approach that allows one to assess the temporal (lag-lead) association between two stationary time series at different parts of their joint distribution. The data are daily prices and trading volumes from four markets (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple and Litecoin).

Findings

Extreme returns either positive or negative tend to lead high volume levels. Low levels of trading activity have in general no information content about future returns; high levels, however, tend to precede extreme positive returns.

Originality/value

This is the first work that uses the cross-quantilogram approach to assess the temporal association between returns and volume in cryptocurrencies markets. The findings provide new insights about the informational efficiency of these markets and the traders’ strategies.
The role of social capital in augmenting strategic renewal of SMEs: does entrepreneurial orientation and organizational flexibility really matter?
Authors: Khan Samar Hayat , Majid Abdul , Yasir Muhammad , Javed Asad , Shah Hassan Ahmed
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The objective of this study is to evaluate the key issues that how social capital augments the initiation of strategic renewal through the mediating role of entrepreneurial orientation and the moderating role of organizational flexibility. In the context of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) of developing economies, the study developed and tested the theoretical model of strategic renewal for analyzing its major outputs.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilized cross-sectional design and employ quantitative approach. The data were collected from the owner, managers and executive directors of pharmaceutical SMEs of Pakistan. The study used statistical analysis of correlation and regression for the analysis of data.

Findings

The study discovered that entrepreneurial orientation mediates the positive relationship of social capital and strategic renewal. Moreover, high organizational flexibility strengthens the association between social capital and strategic renewal of SMEs.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the body of knowledge by providing empirical evidence that how to thrive the mechanism of strategic renewal. The study further provides understanding of the effects of organizational social capital, entrepreneurial orientation and organizational flexibility on strategic renewal.
The use of molecular markers in the verification of fish and seafood authenticity and the detection of adulteration
Authors: Kotsanopoulos Konstantinos V. , Exadactylos Athanasios , Gkafas George A. , Martsikalis Petros V. , Parlapani Foteini F. , Boziaris Ioannis S. , Arvanitoyannis Ioannis S.
Published: February 2021

The verification of authenticity and detection of food mislabeling are elements that have been of high importance for centuries. During the last few decades there has been an increasing consumer demand for the verification of food identity and the implementation of stricter controls around these matters. Fish and seafood are among the most easily adulterated foodstuffs mainly due to the significant alterations of the species' morphological characteristics that occur during the different types of processing, which render the visual identification of the animals impossible. Even simple processes, such as filleting remove very important morphological elements and suffice to prevent the visual identification of species in marketed products. Novel techniques have therefore been developed that allow identification of species, the differentiation between species and also the differentiation of individuals that belong to the same species but grow in different populations and regions. Molecular markers have been used during the last few decades to fulfill this purpose and several improvements have been implemented rendering their use applicable to a commercial scale. The reliability, accuracy, reproducibility, and time‐and cost‐effectiveness of these techniques allowed them to be established as routine methods in the industry and research institutes. This review article aims at presenting the most important molecular markers used for the authentication of fish and seafood. The most important techniques are described, and the results of numerous studies are outlined and discussed, allowing interested parties to easily access and compare information about several techniques and fish/seafood species.
Bean phenolic compound changes during processing: Chemical interactions and identification
Authors: Nicolás‐García Mayra , Perucini‐Avendaño Madeleine , Jiménez‐Martínez Cristian , Perea‐Flores María de Jesús , Gómez‐Patiño Mayra Beatriz , Arrieta‐Báez Daniel , Dávila‐Ortiz Gloria
Published: February 2021

The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) represents one of the main crops for human consumption, due to its nutritional and functional qualities. Phenolic compounds have beneficial health effects, and beans are an essential source of these molecules, being found mainly in the seed coat and its color depends on the concentration and type of phenolic compounds present. The bean during storage and processing, such as cooking, germination, extrusion, and fermentation, undergoes physical, chemical, and structural changes that affect the bioavailability of its nutrients; these changes are related to the interactions between phenolic compounds and other components of the food matrix. This review provides information about the identification and quantification of phenolic compounds present in beans and the changes they undergo during processing. It also includes information on the interactions between the phenolic compounds and the components of the bean's cell wall and the analytical methods used to identify the interactions of phenolic compounds with macromolecules.
Dietary low ratio of n‐6/n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids improve type 2 diabetes mellitus via activating brown adipose tissue in male mice
Authors: Yue Hao , Liu Wei , Zhang Wenlong , Jia Min , Huang Fenghong , Du Fangling , Xu Tongcheng
Published: February 2021

The ratio n‐6/n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) has been caused widespread discussion. However, the best ratio and mechanism of n‐6/n‐3 PUFA in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are largely unknown. This study investigated the effects of different ratio of n‐6/n‐3 PUFA diets on brown adipose tissue (BAT) and T2DM in mice. Results showed that compared with high ratio of n‐6/n‐3 PUFA (50:1) diet, lower ratio of n‐6/n‐3 PUFA (1:1 and 5:1) diets significantly increased BAT mass by 67.55% and 60.49%, decreased the fasting blood glucose (24.87% and 20.64%), total cholesterol (32.9% and 23.84%), triglyceride (33.51% and 29.62%), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (19.23% and 17.38%), and increased glucose tolerance by 21.99% and 15.52%. Further, qRT‐PCR analyses indicated that lower ratio of n‐6/n‐3 PUFA diets activated BAT, increased the expression of Ucp1, β‐3AR, PPAR‐γ, cAMP, GLU1, HSL, LPL, and PGC‐1α, further improved lipid and glucose metabolism in T2DM mice. In conclusion, this study substantiated that the lower ratio of n‐6/n‐3 PUFA (1:1 and 5:1) improve symptoms associated with T2DM via activating BAT.

Practical Application

Dietary ratio of n‐6/n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids is essential for the improvement of chronic diseases. Our current study showed that 1:1 or 5:1 ratio of n‐6/n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids had better efficiency for type 2 diabetes mellitus via activating brown adipose tissue when compared with 1:50. This finding provided useful guidance for the daily diet of patients with diabetes.
Carboxymethylcellulose‐induced changes in rheological properties and microstructure of wheat gluten proteins under different pH conditions
Authors: Chen Yuanyuan , Tang Yu , Wang Qiming , Lei Lin , Zhao Jichun , Zhang Yuhao , Li Lin , Wang Qiang , Ming Jian
Published: February 2021

Absract

The interaction between gluten and hydrocolloid additive, as well as the pH condition during dough formation is very important in making flour products. In this study, the influence of different pH conditions on the interactions between gluten proteins (including glutenin and gliadin) and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), and on the rheological and microstructure changes of gluten proteins was investigated. The dynamic frequency sweep indicated CMC‐gluten displayed more solid‐like behavior under alkaline conditions than that under acidic conditions. The creep‐recovery experiment suggested acidic conditions were not conducive to maintain the elasticity of CMC‐gluten. Microstructural changes of various glutens with CMC showed that a higher ratio of β‐sheets was observed in the CMC‐gluten and CMC‐glutenin under alkaline conditions. Total free sulfhydryl contents and changes in tryptophan microenvironment showed glutenin played a key role in the G polymerization with the addition of CMC. Lower surface hydrophobicity of CMC‐gluten was displayed under acidic conditions. Scanning electron microscopy images showed that neutral and alkaline conditions were conducive to the network structure formation of CMC‐gluten and CMC‐glutenin.

Practical Application

This study investigated the interaction of CMC with gluten, gluten, and gliadin under different pH conditions, providing a basis for expanding dough quality improvement, and extending the in‐depth application of CMC in the food industry.
Handling wine pomace: The importance of drying to preserve phenolic profile and antioxidant capacity for product valorization
Authors: Corte‐Real Joana , Archaimbault Axel , Schleeh Thomas , Cocco Emmanuelle , Herrmann Markus , Guignard Cédric , Hausman Jean‐François , Iken Marcus , Legay Sylvain
Published: February 2021

Four different wine grape pomaces (GP) (Vitis vinifera) varieties, Auxerrois, Pinot Blanc, Gamay and Pinot Noir, and obtained from white, rosé or red wine vinification, were considered for possible valorization in food supplement industry. Stabilization of GP by drying is paramount prior to further processing in the valorization chain, as GP might suffer spoilage over time. The objectives of this work were therefore to: evaluate the effect of microbiological spoilage and drying on the polyphenol profile and antioxidant capacity of GP; define a drying procedure by comparing kinetics of freeze‐drying (FD) and vacuum oven (VO) (at 60 °C and 40 °C). Microbiological spoilage led to significant losses (P < 0.01) of antioxidant capacity (40% to 87%) and total phenolic content (70% to 90%), while drying had no significant effect. FD and VO at 60 °C drying kinetics exhibited similar drying curves, and a dry weight (DW) plateau was reached by 48 hr. In contrast VO at 40 °C required 170 hr to reach similar DW values, pointing out the importance of temperature when opting for VO technology. Antioxidant capacity of GP extracts did not differ between drying methods. Interestingly, GPs from white and rosé wines (AUX, PB, and GAM) had up to 3.5 times higher content (P < 0.001) of total polyphenols compared to PN, obtained from red wine. These results reinforce the importance of drying of GP as a pretreatment, which otherwise could result in significant product degradation. Additionally, we propose white and rosé GP as more interesting sources for valorization, with higher phenolic content, compared to red wine GP.
Modern, archaeological, and paleontological DNA analysis of a human‐harvested marine gastropod (Strombus pugilis) from Caribbean Panama
Authors: Sullivan Alexis P. , Marciniak Stephanie , O'Dea Aaron , Wake Thomas A. , Perry George H.
Published: February 2021

Although protocols exist for the recovery of ancient DNA from land snail and marine bivalve shells, marine conch shells have yet to be studied from a paleogenomic perspective. We first present reference assemblies for both a 623.7 Mbp nuclear genome and a 15.4 kbp mitochondrial genome for Strombus pugilis, the West Indian fighting conch. We next detail a method to extract and sequence DNA from conch shells and apply it to conch from Bocas del Toro, Panama across three time periods: recently‐eaten and discarded (n = 3), Late Holocene (984–1258 before present [BP]) archaeological midden (n = 5), and mid‐Holocene (5711–7187 BP) paleontological fossil coral reef (n = 5). These results are compared to control DNA extracted from live‐caught tissue and fresh shells (n = 5). Using high‐throughput sequencing, we were able to obtain S. pugilis nuclear sequence reads from shells across all age periods: up to 92.5 thousand filtered reads per sample in live‐caught shell material, 4.57 thousand for modern discarded shells, 12.1 thousand reads for archaeological shells, and 114 reads in paleontological shells. We confirmed authenticity of the ancient DNA recovered from the archaeological and paleontological shells based on 5.7× higher average frequency of deamination‐driven misincorporations and 15% shorter average read lengths compared to the modern shells. Reads also mapped to the S. pugilis mitochondrial genome for all but the paleontological shells, with consistent ratios of mitochondrial to nuclear mapped reads across sample types. Our methods can be applied to diverse archaeological sites to facilitate reconstructions of the long‐term impacts of human behaviour on mollusc evolutionary biology.
Established evidence‐based treatment guidelines help mitigate disparities in quality of emergency care
Authors: Trent Stacy A. , George Nigel , Havranek Edward P. , Ginde Adit A. , Haukoos Jason S.
Published: February 2021

Background

Evidence‐based guidelines are often cited as a means of ensuring high‐quality care for all patients. Our objective was to assess whether emergency department (ED) adherence to core evidence‐based guidelines differed by patient sex and race/ethnicity and to assess the effect of ED guideline adherence on patient outcomes by sex and race/ethnicity.

Methods

We conducted a preplanned secondary analysis of data from a multicenter retrospective observational study evaluating variation in ED adherence to five core evidence‐based treatment guidelines including aspirin for acute coronary syndrome, door‐to‐balloon time for acute ST‐elevation myocardial infarction, systemic thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke, antibiotic selection for inpatient pneumonia, and early management of severe sepsis/septic shock. This study was performed at six hospitals in Colorado with heterogeneous and diverse practice environments. Hierarchical generalized linear modeling was used to estimate adjusted associations between ED adherence and patient sex and race/ethnicity while controlling for other patient, physician, and environmental factors that could confound this association.

Results

A total of 1,880 patients were included in the study with a median (IQR) age of 62 (51–74) years. Males and non‐Hispanic whites comprised 59% and 71% of the cohort, respectively. While unadjusted differences were identified, our adjusted analyses found no significant association between ED guideline adherence and sex or race/ethnicity. Patients who did not receive guideline adherent care in the ED were significantly more likely to die while in the hospital (odds ratio = 2.0, 95% confidence interval = 1.3 to 3.2).

Conclusions

Longstanding, nationally reported evidence‐based guidelines can help eliminate sex and race/ethnicity disparities in quality of care. When providers know their care is being monitored and reported, their implicit biases may be less likely to impact care.