bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A bioreactor for controlled electromechanical stimulation of developing scaffold-free constructs
Authors: Van Houten Sarah K. , Bramson Michael T. K. , Corr David T.
Published: January 2021

Bioreactors are commonly used to apply biophysically-relevant stimulations to tissue-engineered constructs in order to explore how these stimuli influence tissue development, healing, and homeostasis. These bioreactors offer great flexibility as key features of the stimuli (e.g., duty cycle, frequency, amplitude, duration) can be controlled to elicit a desired cellular response. Controlled delivery of mechanical and/or electrical stimulation has been shown to improve the structure and function of engineered tissue constructs, compared to unstimulated controls, for applications in various musculoskeletal soft tissues. However, most bioreactors that apply mechanical and electrical stimulations, do so to a scaffold after the construct has developed, preventing study of the influence these stimuli have on early construct development. Thus, there is a need for a bioreactor that allows the direct application of mechanical and electrical stimulation to constructsas they develop, to enable such exploration and to better mimic key aspects of tissue development. Hence, the objective of this study was to develop and calibrate a bioreactor to deliver precise mechanical and electrical stimulation, either independently or in combination, to developing scaffold-free tissue constructs. Standard Flexcell Tissue Train plates were modified with stainless steel loading pins and stimulating electrodes to integrate direct mechanical and electrical stimulation, respectively, into our established scaffold-free, single-fiber engineering platform. Linear calibration curves were established, then used to apply precise dynamic mechanical and electrical stimulations, over a range of physiologically relevant strains (0.50, 0.70, 0.75, 1.0, 1.5%) and voltages (1.5, 3.5 V), respectively. Once calibrated, applied mechanical and electrical stimulations were not statistically different from their desired target values, and were consistent whether delivered independently or in combination. Indeed, concurrent delivery of mechanical and electrical stimulation resulted in a negligible change in mechanical (< 2%) and electrical (<1%) values, from their independently-delivered values. With this calibrated bioreactor, we can apply precise, controlled, reproducible mechanical and electrical stimulations, alone or in combination, to scaffold-free, tissue engineered constructs as they develop, to explore how these stimuli can be leveraged to advance and accelerate functional tissue engineering in a variety of musculoskeletal soft tissues.

IMPACT STATEMENT

As the importance of biophysical stimulation in tissue engineering continues to be recognized and incorporated, this bioreactor provides a platform to further our understanding of the roles independent or combined mechanical and electrical stimulation have in tissue development and functional maturation, and may inform future tissue engineering approaches for clinical applications.
Multi-scale simulations of the T cell receptor reveal its lipid interactions, dynamics and the arrangement of its cytoplasmic region
Authors: Prakaash Dheeraj , Cook Graham P. , Acuto Oreste , Kalli Antreas C.
Published: January 2021

The T cell antigen receptor (TCR-CD3) complex initiates T cell activation following recognition of peptides presented by Major Histocompatibility Complex (pMHC)-encoded proteins. The ligation of pMHC to TCRαβ induces Src family kinases activity via the cytoplasmic tails of the CD3δε, CD3γε and ζζ dimers. The TCR-CD3 topology is well understood, but little is known about its conformational dynamics and arrangement of its cytoplasmic tails, limiting our grasp of the signalling mechanism. Here, we investigated the entire TCR-CD3 embedded in an asymmetric lipid bilayer using molecular modelling and multi-scale molecular dynamics simulations. Our study demonstrates conformational changes in the extracellular and transmembrane domains, and the arrangement of the TCR-CD3 cytoplasmic tails. The TCRαβ variable regions were the most flexible in the extracellular domain. The cytoplasmic tails formed highly interlaced structures while some tyrosine sidechains within the immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motifs (ITAMs) of the CD3ε and ζ subunits dynamically penetrated the hydrophobic core of the bilayer. Ionic interactions between the cytoplasmic tails and phosphatidylinositol phosphates (PIP2and PIP3) in the inner leaflet of the lipid bilayer led to the formation of a distinct annular lipid fingerprint around the TCR-CD3 complex. These results combined with available experiential data increase our understanding of the TCR-CD3 activation mechanism and highlight the importance of membrane lipids in regulating T cell activation.

Significance statement

The T cell receptor (TCR-CD3) detects antigenic peptides displayed by major histocompatibility complexes (pMHC) to instigate activation of T cell adaptive immunity. Despite significant structural and functional knowledge of TCR-CD3 topology, the membrane interactions and dynamics of its cytoplasmic moieties remain elusive. Interactions of TCR-CD3 cytoplasmic tails with membrane lipids may regulate their phosphorylation by Src-family kinases, the first intracellular event required for T cell activation. Using the static 3D structure of TCR-CD3 resolved by cryo-electron microscopy, we provide novel insights into the protein-lipid interactions of the complete TCR-CD3 embedded in a bilayer closely mimicking its native membrane environment. Our study sheds light on the dynamics of the TCR-CD3 at near-atomic resolution and further aids in deciphering its activation mechanism.
Adapted dialectical behaviour therapy skills group service evaluation
Authors: Searle Robert John , Borseti Ianiv
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the effectiveness of an adapted dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) treatment programme for individuals with an intellectual disability, via completion of a service evaluation.

Design/methodology/approach

Outcome measurements were competed at pre-, post- and 12 months follow-up, and the effectiveness of the intervention was assessed using a Friedman analysis.

Findings

Findings demonstrated that the treatment group showed significant differences in their “psychological distress” scores, but no significant differences were found in their “psychological well-being”, “anxiety” or “quality of life” (WHO-QOL) scores over time.

Originality/value

Overall, the current study adds to the small but growing literature that supports using the skills training group part of DBT as a stand-alone psychological intervention when working with people with an intellectual disability.
Coevolution of a premium segment and product innovation: a case study of the Japanese rice cooker market
Authors: Miyao Manabu
Published: January 2021

Purpose

This study aims to provide a comprehensive explanation of the linkage between premium segments and product innovation. While previous literature confirms that product innovation triggers premium segment emergence, and vice versa, there is no satisfactory explanation regarding the underlying mechanisms that drive the mutual shaping of premium segments and product innovation. This paper attempts to address this gap in literature.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs a cognitive model of technology trajectories and empirically examines the Japanese rice cooker market using a mixed-methods approach. The methods used consist of content analyses of newspaper articles and press releases and case analyses of manufacturers' new product development.

Findings

Content analyses show the emergence of a premium segment within the Japanese rice cooker market as well as a simultaneous change in technology trajectories. Case analyses subsequently reveal the mechanisms that link the premium segment emergence and technology trajectory changes. The analyses also explore this linkage in detail; market actors' technological frames and interpretation processes mediate the mutual shaping of the premium segment and product innovations.

Originality/value

This study presents quantitative evidence indicating the emergence of a premium segment and changes in technology trajectories. It provides a qualitative explanation for the linkage between these two phenomena, which may serve as a viable foundation for future research in premium strategy.
The role of “not for profits” (NFPs) in disaster preparedness in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Torstonson Sharon , Blake Denise , Hodgetts Darrin , Johnston David M.
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to highlight the role of not-for-profit (NFP) organisations in enhancing disaster preparedness. The authors set out to understand their perspectives and practices in regard to disaster preparedness activities to support people who live precarious lives, especially those who live as single parents who are the least prepared for disasters.

Design/methodology/approach

The research draws on in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 12 staff members, either in a group setting or individually, from seven NFP organisations, who were located in Ōtautahi (Christchurch) and Kaiapoi in Aotearoa New Zealand. These participants were interviewed eight years after the 2011 Christchurch earthquake.

Findings

Four key narrative tropes or elements were drawn from across the interviews and were used to structure the research results. These included: “essential” support services for people living precarious lives; assisting people to be prepared; potential to support preparedness with the right materials and relationships; resourcing to supply emergency goods.

Originality/value

This research contributes to disaster risk reduction practices by advocating for ongoing resourcing of NFP groups due to their ability to build a sense of community and trust while working with precarious communities, such as single parents.
The effect of coaching on employees as mediated by organisational citizenship behaviour: case of Lebanon
Authors: Maamari Bassem , El Achi Soha , Yahiaoui Dorra , Nakhle Samer François
Published: January 2021

Purpose

This study investigates whether the increased attention given to coaching as a training technique is affecting performance, while taking into consideration the mediating effect of organisational citizenship behaviour (OCB).

Design/methodology/approach

Data is collected from Lebanese employees in the field, using a quantitative method and a confirmatory survey.

Findings

The study suggests that the creation of a supportive organisational behaviour in the organisation does provide a higher benefit from coaching.

Research limitations/implications

The outcome of the study could have significant implications on the HR departments' managerial decision-making on the process of implementing novel tools and training techniques in services facilities.

Practical implications

This study helps HR managers to assess the desirability of investing in coaching and orient the planning of their firms' HR strategy.

Originality/value

This research is based on a large sample collection from different business sectors in Lebanon. The quantitative survey results highlight a number of correlations that affect employees' performance. It further moves the responsibility from coaching as a tool to being part of a complete program of behavioural management and change.
Memorable tourism experiences, destination image, satisfaction, and loyalty: an empirical study of Santorini Island
Authors: Stavrianea Aikaterini , Kamenidou Irene (Eirini)
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Memorable tourism experiences (MTEs) can reinforce a destination's competitiveness. The literature has called for further research on this topic. This study develops and empirically examines a conceptual model exploring the relationships between MTEs, satisfaction, destination image (DI) and loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative research was conducted with 729 respondents who had visited the Greek island of Santorini in the last three years, and structural equation modeling was used.

Findings

The findings confirm the strength of the proposed model, which explained 58% of the variance for MTEs and 82% of that for tourist loyalty. The results reveal that MTEs influenced destination loyalty directly and indirectly through satisfaction, while DI influenced loyalty directly and indirectly.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides new insight into the importance of MTEs, satisfaction and DI in the formation of destination loyalty.

Practical implications

This study provides new insight into the importance of MTEs, satisfaction, and DI in the formation of destination loyalty.

Originality/value

The proposed model is the first to include these factors and the specific relationships between them.
Executive assessment of MBA graduates in Nigerian companies
Authors: Osuagwu Linus
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The study aims to explore, via empirical evidence, executive assessment of Master of Business Administration (MBA) graduates in Nigerian companies.

Design/methodology/approach

The research utilized a descriptive research design with structured questionnaire developed from relevant extant literature. Relevant data analysis, including determination of the psychometric properties of the research instrument, was undertaken via the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software.

Findings

The research results indicate that MBA graduates in the surveyed Nigerian organizations exhibited desired managerial tendencies only at an average extent.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations associated with the research include the use of convenience sampling approach, limited sample size and combination of respondents from different industrial sectors.

Practical implications

The research has practical implications for organizational executives associated with management development programmes via MBA, in addition to university administrators with regard to content, format, curricula and process for MBA education programmes.

Originality/value

The research is original and has practical and theoretical values.
Entropy generation and MHD analysis of a nanofluid with peristaltic three dimensional cylindrical enclosures
Authors: Riaz Arshad , Abbas T. , Zeeshan A. , Doranehgard Mohammad Hossein
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Entropy generation in nanofluids with peristaltic scheme occupies a primary consideration in the sense of its application in clinical, as well as the industrial field in terms of improved thermal conductivity of the original fluid. Three-dimensional cylindrical configurations are the most realistic and commonly used geometries which incorporate most of the experimental equipment. In the current study, three-dimensional cylindrical enclosures have been assumed to receive the results of entropy generation occurring due to viscous dissipation, heat transfer of nanofluid and mass concentration of nanoparticles through peristaltic pumping. Applications of the study can be found in peristaltic micro-pumps and novel drug delivery mechanism in pharmacological engineering.

Design/methodology/approach

The equations of interest have been structured under physical constraints of lubrication theory and dimensionless strategy. Finalized relations involve highly complicated partial differential equations whose solutions are tabulated through some perturbation procedure and expression of pressure rise is manipulated by a numerical technique through built-in command NIntegrate on Mathematical tool “Mathematica.”

Findings

It is evaluated that entropy production goes linear with the greater magnitudes of Brownian motion but inverse characteristics have been sorted against thermophoresis factor.

Originality/value

To the best of authors’ knowledge, this study does not exist in literature yet and it contains a new innovative idea.
Influence of technology readiness in adoption of e-learning
Authors: Kaushik Mohit Kant , Agrawal Devika
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The study has identified the factors among students that can enable or inhibit students from using online learning platforms. Students enrolled at different levels, diversified streams and separate courses were surveyed for the investigation. The study also highlights the significant hitches faced in using or adopting e-learning.

Design/methodology/approach

Responses were collected from Indian students on a seven-point Likert-type scale using a structured questionnaire around the updated Technology Readiness Index's four dimensions. Adapted dimensions were evolved to identify the people's propensity to accept and reject the new technology.

Findings

The result of the survey highlights the students' positive attitude towards the e-learning approach. The diffusion of e-learning platforms occupies them with a feeling of optimism and innovativeness. However, discomfort in using the newly penetrated e-learning platforms was also found. Furthermore, no significant variances concerning the different demographics were detected.

Research limitations/implications

The cross-sectional research approach was used for the investigation. However, it is evident that with the use and experience of technology, an increase in its acceptance follows. Thus, a longitudinal research approach should explore the differences between students' earlier and later involvement after experiencing the platform. A cross-country investigation is also needed to measure the technological biases among students.

Practical implications

With advancements in technology, the chances of diffusion of e-learning in traditional classrooms have risen. However, to encourage the student's engagement towards e-learning, the platform needs to be student and teacher-friendly. This study serves the purpose of exploring the determinants that will guide educational institutes and developers of online platforms in achieving excellence in enhancement and engagement among students.

Originality/value

The investigation adds to recognize the acceptance of e-learning among students by exploring its determinants using the Technology Readiness Index 2.0. The study has also explored the differences in readiness to use e-learning on differences in enrolment level, institute type and courses.
Online lesson study: virtual teaming in a new normal
Authors: Goei Sui Lin , van Joolingen Wouter R. , Goettsch Floortje , Khaled Anne , Coenen Tom , In ’t Veld Sjors G.J.G. , de Vries Siebrich , Schipper Tijmen M.
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore how lesson study (LS) can be transitioned to an online mode, with the purpose to derive recommendations for performing online LS while being loyal to the defining elements of a face-to-face LS.

Design/methodology/approach

A theoretical analysis into the core components and procedures of LS resulted in five big ideas that capture essentials of LS. Using these big ideas, constraints were derived for online LS and a pilot online LS was performed. Data were collected on the process and team members' reflections. The experience in the pilot was mapped against the outcomes of the theoretical analysis.

Findings

Setting up close collaboration and the observation of the online lesson appeared to be the most challenging issues. A set of recommendations in the form of do's and don'ts was derived from the experience.

Practical implications

The set of recommendations can be applied by practitioners who face the challenge of performing LS in an online environment, and can serve as a start for further research in online LS.

Originality/value

The original contribution of the article is the combination of the theoretical analysis of LS combined with the practical experience in the pilot. This gives rise to a framework that can help understanding LS in general and online environments in particular.
The impact of emerging and disruptive technologies on freight transportation in the digital era: current state and future trends
Authors: Dong Chuanwen , Akram Asif , Andersson Dan , Arnäs Per-Olof , Stefansson Gunnar
Published: January 2021

Purpose

With various challenges in the digital era, stakeholders are expressing growing interests in understanding the impact of emerging and disruptive technologies on freight transportation. This paper provides a systematic literature review of the current state of affairs as well as future trends and aims to support stakeholders' decision-making in logistics management in the era of disruptive technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

Several recent and representative articles from academic, industrial and governmental perspectives were investigated to set the scene for this research and to serve as a baseline for electing nine emerging technologies, which were then used to conduct a systematic literature review covering the literature within the area during the past twelve years.

Findings

3D printing, artificial intelligence, automated robots, autonomous vehicles, big data analytics, blockchain, drones, electric vehicles and the Internet of Things were identified as the emerging technologies. The current state of existing research and potential future opportunities were analyzed.

Research limitations/implications

Since the potential literature body is almost impossible to fully cover, a tradeoff between the number of emerging technologies and the related literature reviewed has been performed. However, the paper provides a novel approach to select the emerging and disruptive technologies and a systematic literature review to fill the identified research gap in the related literature.

Practical implications

The research support various stakeholders to better capture the current status of and the future opportunities in freight transportation and gain a clearer understanding of the disruptive technologies as well as to guide them in how to deploy these initiatives in future decision-making.

Originality/value

By providing a systematic literature review on the trends, themes and research opportunities in the era of disruptive technologies, the papers bring about broad and comprehensive review on the impact of disruptive technologies on logistics and transportation as well as opportunities to support management decision support in the logistics industry.
Competitions in different banking markets and shadow banking: evidence from China
Authors: Tan Yong , Li Zhenghui , Liu Siming , Nazir Muhammad Imran , Haris Muhammad
Published: January 2021

Purpose

This study investigates the interrelationships between competitions in different banking markets and shadow banking for the Chinese banking industry over the period 2003–2017. The current study also examines the determinants of competition in different banking markets and the factors influencing the size of shadow banking.

Design/methodology/approach

Bank competition is measured by the Boone indicator, while the relationship between bank competition and shadow banking is examined through a three-stage least square estimator.

Findings

The findings suggest that a larger volume of shadow banking leads to a decline in the level of competition in the deposit market, loan market and noninterest income market, while an increase in the level of competition in the loan market, deposit market and noninterest income market leads to an expansion of shadow banking. The authors find that higher bank risk and higher developed of stock market reduce the competitive condition in the loan market, and the competition in the deposit market will be enhanced by higher levels of banking sector development and higher levels of inflation, but bank diversification will reduce the level of competition in the deposit market. The authors further find that higher bank profitability and higher stock market development reduce bank competition in the noninterest income market. Finally, the results show that larger bank size and higher development of stock market reduce the size of shadow banking in China, but higher economic growth increases the size of shadow banking.

Originality/value

This is the first piece of research investigating the relationship between bank competition and shadow banking. This will also be the first piece of research examining the determinants of competition in different banking markets and also the factors influencing the size of shadowing banking in China.
Learning lean: rhythm of production and the pace of lean implementation
Authors: Netland Torbjørn H. , Schloetzer Jason D. , Ferdows Kasra
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Why some assembly factories implement a lean program faster than others is an enduring puzzle. We examine the effect of a fundamental characteristic of every assembly factory—its rhythm of production.

Design/methodology/approach

We designed a multi-method study and collected data from a leading global equipment manufacturer that launched a lean program across its factory network. We use quantitative data gathered from internal company documents to test our hypothesis that production rhythm affects the pace of lean implementation. We then analyze qualitative data from interviews and factory visits to derive theoretical explanations for how production rhythm affects lean implementation.

Findings

Consistent with our hypothesis, we present evidence that factories with faster production rhythms implement lean faster than those with slower rhythms. This evidence is consistent with learning theories as well as the literature on organizational routines and forms of knowledge. We propose a theory of the relation between rhythm and learning in lean implementation.

Research limitations/implications

The hitherto unexplored relation between production rhythm and lean implementation raises intriguing questions for scholars and ushers new insights into how organizations learn to implement lean.

Practical implications

Organizations need to calibrate their expectations for lean implementation pace when their factories have widely different production rhythms and find ways to mitigate any adverse effects slower rhythms may have. Organizations can alleviate the unfavorable context of slower rhythms by inculcating practices in the factory that emulate the learning environment present in faster-paced factories.

Originality/value

We contribute novel quantitative and qualitative evidence that production rhythm affects lean implementation through learning-based mechanisms.
Performance of university technology transfer offices: evidence from Europe and Japan
Authors: Pronay Szabolcs , Keszey Tamara , Buzás Norbert , Sakai Takayuki , Inai Kensuke
Published: January 2021

Purpose

This study aims to improve the understanding of the factors that influence the performance of universities' technology transfer offices (TTOs), units charged with the responsibility for aiding the commercialization of research innovations.

Design/methodology/approach

To empirically test the link between factors affecting TTO performance and whether these effects are contingent on a country-specific environment, survey data were collected from 187 TTO stakeholders (TTO heads, TTO employees and university researchers) in 18 countries of Europe and Japan, and structural equation modeling (SEM) was used.

Findings

The results show that the internal embeddedness of a TTO within a university is the most important factor in determining a TTO's performance. A TTO's performance is positively affected by its marketing capabilities and social embeddedness. Strict patent portfolio management has no significant impact on TTO performance in Japan and has a negative effect on European TTOs' performance.

Originality/value

This study highlights the role of organizational and interorganizational factors in TTO performance; moreover, this is one of the few multi-continent (Europe and Asia) studies in the domain of university–industry collaborations, expanding the current understanding of the contingent roles of the region of operation, which has remained unexplored, as extant studies were typically conducted in only one country.
Regional labour market effects of immigration on low-skilled workers: the case of Sweden 1990–2003
Authors: Adjei Evans Korang , Andersson Lars-Fredrik , Eriksson Rikard H. , Scocco Sandro
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of immigration on the labour market outcomes of low-educated natives (i.e. residents without a university diploma). Using the labour market competition theory, which argues that the labour market effects of natives depend on the skill set of immigrants, the paper addresses whether immigrants are complementary to or substitutes for native workers.

Design/methodology/approach

Longitudinal matched employer–employee data on Sweden are used to estimate how low-educated natives, in regions experiencing the greatest influx of refugees from the Balkan wars, responded to this supply shock with regard to real wages, employment and job mobility between 1990 and 2003.

Findings

First, the analysis shows that low-educated native workers respond to the arrival of immigrants with an increase in real wages. Second, although employment prospects in general worsened for low-skilled workers in most regions, this is not attributable to the regions experiencing the largest supply shock. Third, there are indications that low-skilled natives in immigration-rich regions are more likely to change workplace, particularly in combination with moving upwards in the wage distribution.

Originality/value

Rather than seeing an emergence of the commonly perceived displacement mechanism when an economy is subject to a supply shock, the regional findings suggest that high inflows of immigrants tend to induce a mechanism that pulls native workers upwards in the wage distribution. This is important, as the proportion of immigrants is seldom evenly distributed within a nation.
Financial inclusion across major Indian states: some spatial panel econometric evidence
Authors: Erra Kamal Sai Sadharma , Acharya Debashis
Published: January 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to test for spatial convergence in financial inclusion across major Indian states and union territories.

Design/methodology/approach

After initially building an Index of Financial Inclusion (IFI) for major Indian states between 2003 and 2016, exploratory spatial data analysis (ESDA) is employed to draw inferences about mean and variance of IFI. The paper then seeks to confirm the ESDA results through spatial panel regression techniques. Finally, spatial results are correlated with results from aspatial convergence measures.

Findings

The study finds that there is no evidence of spatial convergence in financial inclusion over the study period, suggesting that those states that were relatively less financially included remained so through the study period. The study also asserts the relevance of certain important determinants, namely, per capita income, infrastructure, industrialization and gender.

Research limitations/implications

This study has two limitations. First, only banking institutions are considered in measuring financial inclusion. Second, due to lack of a consistent indicator of gender participation across states, we had to employ sex ratio as a proxy.

Practical implications

The study suggests that policies to expand financial inclusion in Indian states, especially those with low inclusion levels are likely to benefit neighbouring states also, thereby accelerating the financial inclusion drive across states.

Originality/value

The study is a first in the Indian context to estimate the spatial dependence of financial inclusion and provides relevant implications for policymakers and bankers to target financial inclusion schemes in backward states.
Learning processes for interpersonal competence development in project-based sustainability courses – insights from a comparative international study
Authors: Konrad Theres , Wiek Arnim , Barth Matthias
Published: January 2021

Purpose

For professional sustainability work, graduates need to be able to work in teams and collaborate with stakeholders; in other words, they need to have developed interpersonal competence. There is growing evidence that project-based sustainability courses facilitate interpersonal competence development. However, research so far has focused on single case studies and on assessing learning outcomes. The purpose of this study is to deepen the understanding of how graduate students learn interpersonal competence in project-based sustainability courses.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts a multi-case study approach triangulating observations, semi-structured interviews and focus groups supported by Photovoice method. A comparison of three project-based sustainability courses in graduate programs at universities in the USA, Germany, Switzerland and Spain is conducted to gain generalizable insights on how interpersonal competence can be developed through project-based sustainability courses.

Findings

Receiving inputs, experiencing, reflecting and experimenting are four learning processes supportive of interpersonal competence development. Interpersonal attitudes seem to be mostly learned through a combination of experiencing and reflecting, followed by experimenting; not surprisingly, interpersonal knowledge is mostly developed through a combination of receiving inputs, experiencing and (collective) reflection; and interpersonal skills seem to be mostly learned through a combination of receiving inputs and experimenting, or, more directly, experiencing and experimenting.

Practical implications

These findings support the unique learning opportunities offered through project-based sustainability courses and can help instructors to better facilitate students’ development of interpersonal competence.

Originality/value

The value of this study is three-fold: (i) it provides a comprehensive picture of interpersonal competence, including attitudes, knowledge, and skills; (ii) it spells out specific teaching and learning processes; and (iii) it links these to specific interpersonal competence facets and components.
Empirical analysis of COVID-19 induced socio cognitive factors and its impact on residents of Penang Island
Authors: Salman Ahmad , Kamerkar Urwashi , Jaafar Mastura , Mohamad Diana
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Pandemic like coronavirus (COVID-19) poses a major challenge to countries like Malaysia where tourism is one of the major contributors to the national gross domestic product. Pandemics observed through the years have not only presented a medical challenge but also had a large impact on the psychological well-being of society. Overcoming these challenges required a strategically structured response on the medical and social front. To achieve the said goal on the social front, it is necessary to understand the cognitive appraisal and response of the public during this stressful environment. The restricted movement control used to curb the further spread of the disease drastically hampered tourism in Malaysia. This study aims to follow a statistical analysis based on the cognitive appraisal theory to understand the impact of COVID-19 on the public residing in Penang Island which is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the world.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional, observational study design was carried out for this research. Snowball sampling technique was used and the data was collected via a semi-structured online questionnaire measuring the psychological health of people present in Penang Island.

Findings

The study reports a positive response in terms of disease awareness and proper observation of preventive measures, yet a high level of pandemic induced anxiety was statistically estimated. The study proposes mental health care initiative to help those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Originality/value

This study reports a possible link between the mental wellness of the residents and domestic tourism in Penang Island during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dow Jones Islamic Index firms: how profitable are they?
Authors: Al Rahahleh Naseem , Akguc Serkan , Abalala Turki
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the operating performance of Dow Jones Islamic Index (DJII) firms vs non-DJII firms. It also explores the impact of the 2007–2008 financial crisis on the operating performance of firms included under DJII relative to a comparable set of firms (i.e. industry-size matched) that are not included in the DJII.

Design/methodology/approach

The final sample consisted of 1,128 unique firms (or 5,669 observations) in the DJII sample and 9,501 unique firms (or 55,889 observations) in the non-DJII sample. The paper uses a unique dataset from S&P’s Compustat North America database during the period of 2005–2014. This study uses univariate tests complemented with multivariate regression analysis to gain further insight into the influence of Shariah compliance on the operating performance of firms during the crisis.

Findings

The paper shows that DJII firms were more profitable than non-DJII firms during the sample period. In addition, DJJI firms’ profitability was not affected as much during the financial crisis as non-DJII firms. This finding is robust to various model specifications and to alternative definitions of operating profitability.

Research limitations/implications

Corporate governance and managerial characteristics and the possible effects of these on operational performance are not considered herein.

Practical implications

Investors and fund managers could benefit from investing in Islamicly permissible equity funds when constructing investment portfolios in regard to asset allocation and policy responses to financial crises.

Originality/value

The present paper uses a unique sample and timeframe to show that the characteristics that makes a firm Shariah-compliant also leads to much higher operating profitability and reduces the impact of the financial crisis on firm profitability.
Intermediary resources and export venture performance under different export channel structures
Authors: Ishii Ryuta
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The literature on export channels suggests that intermediary resources, namely intermediary competence and availability, are critical for export success. However, little is known about how the beneficial effects of intermediary resources differ amongst integrated, independent and dual channel structures. One difference between these channel structures is the degree of reliance on independent intermediaries. This study aims to investigate (1) the impact of intermediary resources on export venture success, that is, export sales performance and channel maintenance costs and (2) the moderating role of the degree of reliance on independent intermediaries.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical testing was conducted using survey data collected from 204 Japanese industrial exporting ventures. To test the proposed hypotheses, this study estimated a structural equation model with the maximum likelihood estimation procedure.

Findings

Evidence shows that two aspects of intermediary resources have different beneficial effects on export venture success. Specifically, intermediary availability leads to export venture success by decreasing channel maintenance costs, whereas intermediary competence is not always beneficial for it. Furthermore, this study finds that reliance on independent intermediaries positively moderates the impacts of intermediary competence and availability.

Originality/value

Previous studies emphasise the importance of intermediary resources and export channel structures. However, the question of whether export channel structures determine the performance benefits of intermediary resources is unanswered. By addressing this question, this study provides helpful insight into how exporting managers can implement channel strategy and access intermediary resources to achieve export success.
Dynamics of convergence behaviour in social media crisis communication – a complexity perspective
Authors: Mirbabaie Milad , Stieglitz Stefan , Brünker Felix
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate communication on Twitter during two unpredicted crises (the Manchester bombings and the Munich shooting) and one natural disaster (Hurricane Harvey). The study contributes to understanding the dynamics of convergence behaviour archetypes during crises.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected Twitter data and analysed approximately 7.5 million relevant cases. The communication was examined using social network analysis techniques and manual content analysis to identify convergence behaviour archetypes (CBAs). The dynamics and development of CBAs over time in crisis communication were also investigated.

Findings

The results revealed the dynamics of influential CBAs emerging in specific stages of a crisis situation. The authors derived a conceptual visualisation of convergence behaviour in social media crisis communication and introduced the terms hidden and visible network-layer to further understanding of the complexity of crisis communication.

Research limitations/implications

The results emphasise the importance of well-prepared emergency management agencies and support the following recommendations: (1) continuous and (2) transparent communication during the crisis event as well as (3) informing the public about central information distributors from the start of the crisis are vital.

Originality/value

The study uncovered the dynamics of crisis-affected behaviour on social media during three cases. It provides a novel perspective that broadens our understanding of complex crisis communication on social media and contributes to existing knowledge of the complexity of crisis communication as well as convergence behaviour.
How achievement goals affect students' well-being and the relationship model between achievement goals, academic self-efficacy and affect at school
Authors: Ariani Dorothea Wahyu
Published: January 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine how students with different goals differ in their subjective well-being, including academic self-efficacy (ASE) and affect at school (AAS). There are four goal orientations that motivate students to achieve academic performance. Therefore, this study examined the relationship between the four dimensions of achievement goals (AGs), ASE and AAS. It also examined five relationship models between these variables.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was conducted using a survey method with a questionnaire on 516 students at several private universities in Yogyakarta who have been studying for at least two years. After testing the validity and reliability of the measurements, correlation testing was conducted to determine the relationship between the two variables. Furthermore, testing of the five relationship models was conducted using structural equation modeling (SEM) with a two-step approach.

Findings

The findings showed that each goal was directly related to students' well-being with a diverse relationship nature. Furthermore, mastery-approach goals (MApGs) were the types that most consistently have a positive effect on students' well-being. Also, performance-avoidance goals (PAvGs) consistently and negatively affected students' well-being, while performance-approach goals (PApGs) produced various influences and relationships. In addition, mastery-avoidance goals (MAvGs) are among the four AGs that still need to be studied, especially in educational settings. This is because they had no effect on ASE either directly or indirectly.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation of this study was using cross-sectional data and self-report in data collection. Furthermore, the respondents were limited to private university students, and they were few in number.

Practical implications

MApGs had a positive effect on ASE and AAS, while PAvGs can reduce ASE and cause negative effects. Therefore, higher institutions in Indonesia need to provide a curriculum that can increase students' curiosity, creativity and involvement in the learning process. This will make them confident in their abilities and have a positive attitude in school and the society. Also, this study showed that a PApG is not a negative goal because it can increase students' confidence in their abilities. This competency feeling needs to be fostered because it encourages them to increase knowledge and learning content, as well as increase their positive effects.

Originality/value

This paper addressed the need to understand how to generate and increase students’ motivation.
Value creation in company–NGO collaboration in corporate volunteering
Authors: Brzustewicz Paweł , Escher Iwona , Hermes Jan , Ulkuniemi Pauliina
Published: January 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to examine corporate volunteering as a form of social responsibility carried out by companies in relationships with non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Applying the value creation concept, the success of such relationships is based on value created between the focal company, its employees engaging in the volunteer work and the collaborating NGO actors representing the beneficiaries of the volunteer work. However, how to meaningfully engage employees and strategically manage company–NGO relationships in corporate volunteering has received less scholarly attention. The study hence asks the question: How is mutual value created in corporate volunteering collaborations between business organizations and NGOs?

Design/methodology/approach

Two qualitative case studies of company–NGO relationships involved in corporate volunteer programs for social benefit in Poland and Finland are analyzed.

Findings

Corporate volunteering offers value creation opportunities for each of the three actors in the relationships, namely, the company, the NGO and the employees who participate in the volunteer work. Particularly, employment and volunteering relationships appear to be catalysts for the creation of mutual value in the organizational relationship between a company and NGO.

Originality/value

The present study contributes to the current understanding of company–NGO relationships by emphasizing the role of individual employee volunteers in creating relationship-level value. The study adds also to existing research on corporate volunteering by identifying the way value is created in company–NGO relationships within corporate volunteering.
Data modeling and evaluation of deep semantic annotation for cultural heritage images
Authors: Wang Xiaoguang , Song Ningyuan , Liu Xuemei , Xu Lei
Published: January 2021

Purpose

To meet the emerging demand for fine-grained annotation and semantic enrichment of cultural heritage images, this paper proposes a new approach that can transcend the boundary of information organization theory and Panofsky's iconography theory.

Design/methodology/approach

After a systematic review of semantic data models for organizing cultural heritage images and a comparative analysis of the concept and characteristics of deep semantic annotation (DSA) and indexing, an integrated DSA framework for cultural heritage images as well as its principles and process was designed. Two experiments were conducted on two mural images from the Mogao Caves to evaluate the DSA framework's validity based on four criteria: depth, breadth, granularity and relation.

Findings

Results showed the proposed DSA framework included not only image metadata but also represented the storyline contained in the images by integrating domain terminology, ontology, thesaurus, taxonomy and natural language description into a multilevel structure.

Originality/value

DSA can reveal the aboutness, ofness and isness information contained within images, which can thus meet the demand for semantic enrichment and retrieval of cultural heritage images at a fine-grained level. This method can also help contribute to building a novel infrastructure for the increasing scholarship of digital humanities.