bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A belief–desire–intention model for blog users’ negative emotional norm compliance
Authors: Wu Peng , Shen Si , He Daqing , Du Jia Tina
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand blog users’ negative emotional norm compliance decision-making in crises (blog users’-NNDC).

Design/methodology/approach

A belief–desire–intention (BDI) model to evaluate the blog users’-NNDC (the BDI-NNDC model) was developed. This model was based on three social characteristics: self-interests, expectations and emotions. An experimental study was conducted to evaluate the efficiency of the BDI-NNDC model by using data retrieved from a popular Chinese social network called “Sina Weibo” about three major crises.

Findings

The BDI-NNDC model strongly predicted the Blog users’-NNDC. The predictions were as follows: a self-interested blog user posted content that was targeting his own interests; a blogger with high expectations wrote and commented emotionally negative blogs on the condition that the numbers of negative posts increased, while he ignored the norm when there was relatively less negative emotional news; and an emotional blog user obeyed the norm based on the emotional intentions of the blogosphere in most of the cases.

Research limitations/implications

The BDI-NNDC model can explain the diffusion of negative emotions by blog users during crises, and this paper shows a way to bridge the social norm modelling and the research of blog users’ activity and behaviour characteristics in the context of “real life” crises. However, the criterion for differentiating blog users according to social characteristics needs to be further revised, as the generalizability of the results is limited by the number of cases selected in this study.

Practical implications

The current method could be applied to predict emotional trends of blog users who have different social characteristics and it could support government agencies to build strategic responses to crises.

Originality/value

This paper supports the creation of normative models and engineering methods to predict blog users’-NNDC and mitigate their effect in real-world crises.
Information diffusion on communication networks based on Big Data analysis
Authors: Zhou Nan , Zhan Xiu-Xiu , Lin Song , Yang Shang-Hui , Liu Chuang , Sun Gui-Quan , Zhang Zi-Ke
Published: July 2017

Purpose

Information carriers (including mass media and We-Media) play important roles in information diffusion on social networks. The purpose of this paper is to investigate changes in the dissemination of information combing with data analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

This work analyzed nearly 200 years of coverage of different information carriers during different periods of human society, from the period of only mouth-to-mouth communication to the period of modern society. Information diffusion models are built to illustrate how the information dynamic changes with time and combined box office data of several movies to predict the process of information diffusion. In addition, a metric is defined to identify which information would become news in the future.

Findings

Results show that with the development of information carriers, information spreads faster and wider nowadays. The correctness of the metric proposed has been validated.

Research limitations/implications

The structure of social networks influences the dissemination of information. There are an enormous number of factors that influence the formation of hotspots.

Practical implications

The results and conclusion of this work will benefit by predicting the evolution of information carriers. The metric proposed will aid in searching hot news in the future.

Originality/value

This work may shed some light on a better understanding of information diffusion, spreading not only on social networks but also on the carriers used for the information spreading.
Social science data repositories in data deluge
Authors: Jeng Wei , He Daqing , Chi Yu
Published: July 2017

Purpose

Owing to the recent surge of interest in the age of the data deluge, the importance of researching data infrastructures is increasing. The open archival information system (OAIS) model has been widely adopted as a framework for creating and maintaining digital repositories. Considering that OAIS is a reference model that requires customization for actual practice, this paper aims to examine how the current practices in a data repository map to the OAIS environment and functional components.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted two focus-group sessions and one individual interview with eight employees at the world’s largest social science data repository, the Interuniversity Consortium for Political and Social Research (ICPSR). By examining their current actions (activities regarding their work responsibilities) and IT practices, they studied the barriers and challenges of archiving and curating qualitative data at ICPSR.

Findings

The authors observed that the OAIS model is robust and reliable in actual service processes for data curation and data archives. In addition, a data repository’s workflow resembles digital archives or even digital libraries. On the other hand, they find that the cost of preventing disclosure risk and a lack of agreement on the standards of text data files are the most apparent obstacles for data curation professionals to handle qualitative data; the maturation of data metrics seems to be a promising solution to several challenges in social science data sharing.

Originality/value

The authors evaluated the gap between a research data repository’s current practices and the adoption of the OAIS model. They also identified answers to questions such as how current technological infrastructure in a leading data repository such as ICPSR supports their daily operations, what the ideal technologies in those data repositories would be and the associated challenges that accompany these ideal technologies. Most importantly, they helped to prioritize challenges and barriers from the data curator’s perspective and to contribute implications of data sharing and reuse in social sciences.
Entrepreneurial education at university level and entrepreneurship development
Authors: Hasan Sk. Mahmudul , Khan Eijaz Ahmed , Nabi Md. Noor Un
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the literature on effectiveness of entrepreneurship education by empirically assessing the role of university entrepreneurial education in entrepreneurship development and reporting the results.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative method was applied for this study. This research was preplanned and structured. Based on the previous literature, hypotheses have been developed. The sample is composed on the basis of a simple random sampling and consists of 200 students. The method of data collection was face-to-face interview with a self-administered questionnaire. The data were statistically interpreted using factor and regression analysis.

Findings

The present paper explores and examines the factors and variables of different kinds of entrepreneurial education at the university level. Specifically, at first, this paper addresses the possible entrepreneurial education factors in terms of generalized, motivational, and augmented entrepreneurial education via comprehensive literature review. Second, the paper focuses on the relationship between entrepreneurial education at the university level and entrepreneurship development. The results of this study show a strong positive relationship between different kinds of entrepreneurial education on entrepreneurship development.

Practical implications

The implications of these findings are highly relevant to the universities, policy makers, practitioners, and relevant agencies in regard to their policy-setting process in the entrepreneurship development context. This is because entrepreneurship education at the university level has been recognized to have an impact on student, group, and society. This finding also improves the understanding of donors and development partners about the extent to which a quality entrepreneurship education can play a role in economic development. Wrong specification of research models has a significant impact on research outcome and may even mislead decision-setting process. Therefore, this paper encourages further research that examines the measurement model of these three kinds of entrepreneurial education for entrepreneurship development.

Originality/value

This study provides a first step toward generalized, motivational, and augmented entrepreneurial education at the university level in Bangladesh.
Accelerators as authentic training experiences for nascent entrepreneurs
Authors: Miles Morgan P. , de Vries Huibert , Harrison Geoff , Bliemel Martin , de Klerk Saskia , Kasouf Chick J.
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address the role of accelerators as authentic learning-based entrepreneurial training programs. Accelerators facilitate the development and assessment of entrepreneurial competencies in nascent entrepreneurs through the process of creating a start-up venture.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data from applicants and participants of four start-accelerators are used to explore the linkages between accelerators and the elements of authentic learning. Authentic learning processes are then mapped onto the start-up processes that occur within the accelerators.

Findings

Accelerators take in nascent entrepreneurs and work to create start-ups. This activity develops the participants’ entrepreneurial competencies and facilitates authentic self-reflection.

Research limitations/implications

This study explores how accelerators can be useful as authentic learning platforms for the development of entrepreneurial competencies. Limitations include perceptual measures and the inability to conduct paired sampling.

Practical implications

Entrepreneurship training is studied through the lens of authentic learning activities that occur within an accelerator. Participants develop and assess their mastery of and interest in entrepreneurship through tasks, exposure to experts and mentors, peer learning, and assessments such as pitching to investors at Demo Day.

Originality/value

This paper reports on the authentic learning processes and its usefulness in competency development and self-appraisal by accelerators participants. The opportunity for competency development and self-appraisal by nascent entrepreneurs before escalating their commitment to a start-up may be an accelerator’s raison d’être.
Success stories on non-formal adult education and training for self-employment in micro-enterprises in South Africa
Authors: Mayombe Celestin
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the way the adult non-formal education and training (NFET) centres motivated and empowered graduates to start their own micro-enterprises as individuals or as a group. The specific objectives are as follows: to find out the transforming factors fostering the utilisation of acquired skills into self-employment in micro-enterprises; to investigate challenges encountered in starting and managing micro-enterprises and to investigate short-term impact of the NFET programmes and micro-enterprises on living conditions of graduates.

Design/methodology/approach

The research design was multiple case studies. Semi-structured interviews and field observations were used for data collection in the qualitative study. In the context of non-probability sampling, the study used the purposive sampling method to select five out of 20 self-employed graduates for one-on-one interviews. Case studies also comprised some observations of activities in their small businesses.

Findings

The main findings reveal that “learning by doing” training approach and forming groups of entrepreneurs while being on the programme were major factors fostering the translation of acquired skills into micro-enterprises.

Practical implications

The adult NFET is a tool to enable poor disadvantaged people to improve their well-being. However, this can be achieved if the livelihood skills training is combined with the creation of conducive environments to allow adult trainees become micro-entrepreneurs and self-reliant.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the knowledge of effective entrepreneurial training programmes by demonstrating the importance of involving stakeholders from the local communities and designing post-training support mechanisms for self-employment prior to the training delivery. The centre managers should also motivate trainees to start micro-enterprises in groups or co-operatives while still on the training programmes.
Educational approaches to entrepreneurship in higher education
Authors: Hoppe Magnus , Westerberg Mats , Leffler Eva
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present and develop models of educational approaches to entrepreneurship that can provide complementary analytical structures to better study, enact and reflect upon the role of entrepreneurship in higher education.

Design/methodology/approach

A general framework for entrepreneurship education is developed by using theory as well as practical experiences from the fields of business, engineering and pedagogy. The paper is mainly conceptual where the unfolding Swedish practice is used as contextual backdrop.

Findings

The FOR/IN/THROUGH/ABOUT (FITA) taxonomy is presented and used to develop three models of how to approach entrepreneurship in higher education depending on purpose. As there exists a didactical divide between entrepreneurial education for business and entrepreneurial approach to teaching and learning, educators and researchers ought to let their specific context influence the adoption of the taxonomy as well as the presented models.

Research limitations/implications

The differentiations suggested by the presented models can be used to both structure the designs and limit claims of future research. More heuristic research is called for.

Practical implications

The use of FITA in the designing of entrepreneurship education offers new opportunities for enhancing complementary student learning in higher education.

Social implications

The study suggests that any political or scholarly initiative must acknowledge the diversity of entrepreneurship education and chose different approaches depending on what is to be achieved.

Originality/value

The multidisciplinary approach has made it possible to present and create models that denote a common ground for a productive discussion on how to better understand and make use of entrepreneurship in higher education.
Graduate employees’ generic skills and training needs
Authors: Pitan Oluyomi Susan
Published: July 2017

Purpose

As a response to technological changes, globalization, sector reforms and changes in output demand, there is an increased demand for generic skills in the workplace. The purpose of this paper is to investigate through perceptions of graduate employees and their employers on the extent to which university education in Nigeria is responding to the increased skills requirements of employers.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected by the use of two sets of questionnaires and purposive sampling technique was adopted for sample selection. Past surveys of employers on skills requirements in Nigeria were used as a reference in the selection of the 11 generic skills used in the instrument. Data were analysed using simple percentages, descriptive statistics and χ2.

Findings

All the listed generic skills are regarded as important by graduate employers. The employed university graduates believed that in terms of generic skills, they were not adequately prepared to meet the requirements of their jobs. Moreover, employers believed that their graduate employees would require further training to a large extent to perform satisfactorily in their jobs.

Originality/value

Taking a divergent view, the study has established the perceptions of employed university graduates themselves on the extent to which university education has prepared them in meeting the skills requirements of their jobs. Furthermore, apart from confirming the extent of further training required, the study empirically affirms the relative training needs of graduates from different fields of study.
Drivers affecting household residents’ water and related energy consumption in residential buildings
Authors: Enshassi Adnan , Elzebdeh Salam , Mohamed Sherif
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The Gaza Strip in Palestine is suffering from a shortage of water and energy. To manage the current situation and address future issues, practical approaches need to be adopted to enhance water and energy efficiency. The purpose of this paper is to elicit professionals’ perceptions of the drivers affecting water and related energy consumption in residential buildings in the Gaza Strip.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 19 drivers were identified from previous research and modified according to the results of a pilot study. These drivers were ranked under a Relative Importance Index (RII). A questionnaire survey was then administered and non-random purposive sampling used. The population of this study comprised stakeholders, including the United Nation Refugee Work Agency, Gaza Strip Governorates Municipalities, and the Coastal Municipalities Water Utility.

Findings

The results of all drivers (i.e. RII=71.43 per cent, mean=3.57) indicated that the respondents agreed about which drivers were affecting water and energy consumption. The sign Test-value was a positive 4.55 and the p-value was 0.000 (i.e. smaller than the level of significance a=0.050). The means of these drivers differed significantly and were greater than the hypothesised value of 3. Accordingly, it was concluded that the drivers investigated significantly affected household residents’ consumption of water and energy in residential buildings. The study revealed that climate changes, knowledge of how to conserve water and energy and household size were the most important drivers affecting household residents’ consumption of water and related energy in residential buildings.

Practical implications

The study will assist the parties concerned about water and energy use to be aware and understand the drivers affecting water and related energy the consumption in order to provide household residents with the necessary knowledge to ensure conservation and sustainability. Although this study related to a narrow geographical area in Palestine, the findings could be useful to similar locations in the Middle East and Africa.

Originality/value

This research demonstrates the drivers affecting water and related energy the consumption in residential buildings in the Gaza Strip which is considered the first study in Palestine and in the region. The study provides a useful platform for the development of appropriate water and energy strategies in Palestine and other similar geographical locations in the Middle East.
The effect of ISO 9001 implementation on the customer satisfaction of the engineering design services
Authors: Hadidi Laith , Assaf Sadi , Aluwfi Khalaf , Akrawi Hassan
Published: July 2017

Purpose

ISO 9001 is an international specification that provides certification for quality management systems (QMSs) after careful external auditing. However, certified companies rarely evaluate their quality systems after being certified. The certificate needs to be renewed periodically where companies are encouraged to evaluate their gained benefits and improve their QMS’s deficient areas. The purpose of this paper is to provide a method of evaluation based on the level of customers’ satisfaction over five metrics (reliability, assurance, tangible, empathy, and responsiveness).

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology enables to benchmark the current level of satisfaction with prior levels of satisfaction before the ISO 9001 certification. The methodology is applied for the QMS pertinent to the design services (DS) for a large public company in Saudi Arabia. Three case studies were undertaken on the DS for large-scale construction projects.

Findings

The results were compared between year 2008 (total of 77 projects) and year 2011 (total of 39 projects). The results show that the ISO 9001 certificate may not always demonstrate an evidence of improving customers’ satisfaction levels and, hence, a gap analysis should be implemented to define possible areas of improvement.

Research limitations/implications

This work is limited to the construction industry. In specific, it addresses only the customer satisfaction related to the design management services. However, Saudi Arabia is known to host many large scale organizations that are heavily involved in international business trade. Hence, the authors believe that the Saudi industry can leverage their practices up to the international standards and similarly the international practices can accommodate some of the best practices in Saudi Arabia.

Originality/value

It is a general perception in the industry that ISO 9000 implementation will mean good quality products. This work provides the argument that the ISO 9000 implementation should be tested on a regular basis to validate this perception. It shows that in some cases the ISO 9000 did not improve the customers’ satisfaction and, hence, the need arises for gap analysis to modify the QMS.
Key stakeholders’ perspectives towards UK new-build housing defects
Authors: Hopkin Tony , Lu Shu-Ling , Rogers Phil , Sexton Martin
Published: July 2017

Purpose

Research on housing defects has limited its enquiry to the classifications of defects, potential impact of defects, and their detection and remediation during construction and the builder’s liability period, without considering the warranty period. The purpose of this paper is to better understand which impacts of defects are perceived as important by the key stakeholders involved in their detection and remediation over the construction, builder’s liability and insurer’s warranty periods.

Design/methodology/approach

The questionnaire survey approach was used. The questionnaire distribution list was drawn from the UK’s largest warranty provider (WP) and approved inspector’s records. The questionnaire was distributed to 2003 people, receiving 292 responses, a response rate of 15 per cent.

Findings

This research challenges the assertion that the house building industry (i.e. house builders (HBs), building inspectors and WPs) is predominantly cost focussed and finds that the potential impact of defects on home occupants (HOs) are their primary concern. In contrast, the HOs’ appear solely focussed on the disruption defects caused on their daily lives and perceive a lack customer focus in the house building industry.

Originality/value

This study provides empirical evidence of the contrasting view of the house building industry and HOs with respect to the prioritisation of the impacts of defects. Further, this research offers HBs an alternative approach to determine which defects should be targeted for reduction purposes which may lead to improved levels of customer satisfaction.
Performance analysis of the mechanical behaviour of seams with various sewing parameters for nylon canopy fabrics
Authors: Raj D. Vijay Kirubakar , Devi M. Renuka
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to make available to the parachute industry tools to predict behaviour of certain textile materials. In addition to this, it is desired to reveal and explain the basic requirement criteria for proper textile material selection. The strength of an assembly as a whole is directly dependent on the strengths of the various joints and seams required to assemble the larger structure. Keeping in mind the complex problem of parachute construction, this research seeks to enlighten the industry about the performance of seams in nylon woven canopy fabrics. Five factors have been studied: different types of weave (plain, rip-stop and twill), density (number of stitches per centimetre), different rows of stitches with lapped seams, different types of stitches (lock stitch, chain stitch and zig-zag) and seam direction (warp, weft and bias direction). Two responses have been analysed, the seam breaking force and the seam efficiency (per cent ratio of seam strength to fabric strength). The test results were subjected to an analysis of variance and the seam strength proved to vary significantly not only with the primary parameters, but with the interactions of the primary parameters as well. That is seam strength (and seam efficiency) changes with each primary parameter but it changes in a different manner when other parameters change. Multiple regressions have been used to construct preliminary predictor equations for seam strength and efficiency, and investigations to provide better equations are in progress.

Design/methodology/approach

ANOVA techniques and statistical regression equations were formed.

Findings

The work has concluded that twill weave 9 with chain stitch has the maximum seam strength, which makes canopies made with 2/1 twill weave and stitched with lapped seam with four rows of chain stitch optimum for heavy supply droppings with a single use parachute(s). It is evident from the results that twill weave with lock stich has the maximum seam efficiency. This makes the canopies stitched with twill fabric, constructed with lapped seams and four rows of stitches ideal for parachutes to be used multiple times. The brake parachutes on aircrafts and parachutes used by sky divers and air combat soldiers can use parachutes whose canopies can be used many times made out of the above mentioned weave and stitch specification.

Originality/value

Original work was conducted from the woven fabrics.
Synthesis and characterization of Cr-ZSM-5 composite in fluoride medium and its performance in oxidation reaction of 2-mercaptobenzotiazole
Authors: Imen Benchikh , Fatiha Djafri , Ayada Djafri , Affaf Tabti , Launay Franck
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to synthesize Cr-ZSM-5 using hydrothermal synthesis in acidic fluoride medium and the investigation of its catalytic performance in heterogeneous oxidation of 2-mercaptobenzothiazole in the presence of H2O2.

Design/methodology/approach

The framework was characterized by chemical composition, FT-IR, UV-visible spectroscopy, N2 adsorption (BET), and diffraction x-ray (DRX). FT-IR spectroscopy shows the characteristic band of Si-O-Cr linkage around 960-990 cm−1 and bands around 688-690 and 627 cm−1, indicating the presence of extraframework chromium oxide. UV spectra show a shoulder around 244-257 and bands around 360-380 nm, assigning the tetrahedral coordinated environment in (O2−=Cr6+) − (Cr5+-O−1), charge transfer transition state (CT) of isolated Cr (VI) inside the structure of Cr-ZSM-5.

Findings

The catalytic degradation of 2-mercaptobenzothiazole by H2O2 heterogenous oxidation using catalyst Cr-ZSM-5 showed the formation of bis (benzothiazoyl) disulfide with 95 percent yield.

Originality/value

The application of this process in the environment (catalysis, adsorption, and degradation of organic compounds).
Testing and predicting of yarn pull-out in aroma-textile
Authors: Petrulyte Salvinija , Plascinskiene Deimante , Petrulis Donatas
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to predict the pull-out force of loop pile of ramie/cotton terry woven fabrics treated with aroma-microcapsules as well as to understand and to interpret the pull-out behaviour developing the mathematical model.

Design/methodology/approach

The displacements and forces associated with pulling a yarn from different structures of fabrics were determined. Regression analysis and factorial designs were performed.

Findings

The yarn pull-out behaviour of terry fabric is highly dependent on the applied treating and demonstrated various extents of variability under the different pulling distances. The character of yarn pull-out is periodic and depends on fabric construction. The difference between the resistance to pile loop extraction for the grey and modified terry fabrics depends on the changed fabric’s structure. The existence of good relation between binder’s concentration and resistance to pile loop extraction of terry fabric was proved.

Practical implications

The study enables to forecast important loop feature for terry aroma-textiles: to be securely held in the place preventing loop pulling.

Originality/value

The assessment of the influence of fabric’s weft density and binder’s concentration for the yarn pull-out of terry aroma-textile was proposed. The research developed analysis and empiric mathematical equations suitable for predicting of displacements and forces related to pulling phenomenon as well as designing new multifunctional terry fabrics with resistance to pile loop extraction required. The received knowledge could enlarge the base of information needful for design of new products for clothing, home textile and healthcare/well-being applications as well.
Decision fusion-based approach for content-based image classification
Authors: Thepade Sudeep , Das Rik , Ghosh Saurav
Published: July 2017

Purpose

Current practices in data classification and retrieval have experienced a surge in the use of multimedia content. Identification of desired information from the huge image databases has been facing increased complexities for designing an efficient feature extraction process. Conventional approaches of image classification with text-based image annotation have faced assorted limitations due to erroneous interpretation of vocabulary and huge time consumption involved due to manual annotation. Content-based image recognition has emerged as an alternative to combat the aforesaid limitations. However, exploring rich feature content in an image with a single technique has lesser probability of extract meaningful signatures compared to multi-technique feature extraction. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to explore the possibilities of enhanced content-based image recognition by fusion of classification decision obtained using diverse feature extraction techniques.

Design/methodology/approach

Three novel techniques of feature extraction have been introduced in this paper and have been tested with four different classifiers individually. The four classifiers used for performance testing were K nearest neighbor (KNN) classifier, RIDOR classifier, artificial neural network classifier and support vector machine classifier. Thereafter, classification decisions obtained using KNN classifier for different feature extraction techniques have been integrated by Z-score normalization and feature scaling to create fusion-based framework of image recognition. It has been followed by the introduction of a fusion-based retrieval model to validate the retrieval performance with classified query. Earlier works on content-based image identification have adopted fusion-based approach. However, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, fusion-based query classification has been addressed for the first time as a precursor of retrieval in this work.

Findings

The proposed fusion techniques have successfully outclassed the state-of-the-art techniques in classification and retrieval performances. Four public data sets, namely, Wang data set, Oliva and Torralba (OT-scene) data set, Corel data set and Caltech data set comprising of 22,615 images on the whole are used for the evaluation purpose.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, fusion-based query classification has been addressed for the first time as a precursor of retrieval in this work. The novel idea of exploring rich image features by fusion of multiple feature extraction techniques has also encouraged further research on dimensionality reduction of feature vectors for enhanced classification results.
Bridging the semantic gap with human perception based features for scene categorization
Authors: Shrivastava Padmavati , Bhoyar K.K. , Zadgaonkar A.S.
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to build a classification system which mimics the perceptual ability of human vision, in gathering knowledge about the structure, content and the surrounding environment of a real-world natural scene, at a quick glance accurately. This paper proposes a set of novel features to determine the gist of a given scene based on dominant color, dominant direction, openness and roughness features.

Design/methodology/approach

The classification system is designed at two different levels. At the first level, a set of low level features are extracted for each semantic feature. At the second level the extracted features are subjected to the process of feature evaluation, based on inter-class and intra-class distances. The most discriminating features are retained and used for training the support vector machine (SVM) classifier for two different data sets.

Findings

Accuracy of the proposed system has been evaluated on two data sets: the well-known Oliva-Torralba data set and the customized image data set comprising of high-resolution images of natural landscapes. The experimentation on these two data sets with the proposed novel feature set and SVM classifier has provided 92.68 percent average classification accuracy, using ten-fold cross validation approach. The set of proposed features efficiently represent visual information and are therefore capable of narrowing the semantic gap between low-level image representation and high-level human perception.

Originality/value

The method presented in this paper represents a new approach for extracting low-level features of reduced dimensionality that is able to model human perception for the task of scene classification. The methods of mapping primitive features to high-level features are intuitive to the user and are capable of reducing the semantic gap. The proposed feature evaluation technique is general and can be applied across any domain.
Wavelet transform-based steganographic method for secure data communication using OFDM system
Authors: Nipanikar Sanjay I. , Deepthi V. Hima
Published: July 2017

Purpose

Fueled by the rapid growth of internet, steganography has emerged as one of the promising techniques in the communication system to obscure the data. Steganography is defined as the process of concealing the data or message within media files without affecting the perception of the image. Media files, like audio, video, image, etc., are utilized to embed the message. Nowadays, steganography is also used to transmit the medical information or diagnostic reports. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the novel wavelet transform-based steganographic method is proposed for secure data communication using OFDM system. The embedding and extraction process in the proposed steganography method exploits the wavelet transform. Initially, the cost matrix is estimated by the following three aspects: pixel intensity, edge transformation and wavelet transform. The cost estimation matrix provides the location of the cover image where the message is to be entrenched. Then, the wavelet transform is utilized to embed the message into the cover image according to the cost value. Subsequently, in the extraction process, the wavelet transform is applied to the embedded image to retrieve the message efficiently. Finally, in order to transfer the secret information over the channel, the newly developed wavelet-based steganographic method is employed for the OFDM system.

Findings

The experimental results are evaluated and performance is analyzed using PSNR and MSE parameters and then compared with existing systems. Thus, the outcome of our wavelet transform steganographic method achieves the PSNR of 71.5 dB which ensures the high imperceptibility of the image. Then, the outcome of the OFDM-based proposed steganographic method attains the higher PSNR of 71.07 dB that proves the confidentiality of the message.

Originality/value

In the authors’ previous work, the embedding and extraction process was done based on the cost estimation matrix. To enhance the security throughout the communication system, the novel wavelet-based embedding and extraction process is applied to the OFDM system in this paper. The idea behind this method is to attain a higher imperceptibility and robustness of the image.
Virtual enterprise formation in the context of a sustainable partner network
Authors: Polyantchikov Igor , Shevtshenko Eduard , Karaulova Tatjana , Kangilaski Taivo , Camarinha-Matos Luis M.
Published: July 2017

Purpose

Various networked organizational forms already exist in the market today, however, all of them share the same problem – lack of fast and objective procedures for partners’ selection when addressing a particular project. The purpose of this paper is to solve such problems by offering an alternative to the existing global market layout, dominated by large corporations.

Design/methodology/approach

This research belongs to the category “fuzzy decision making and multi-attributive decision making,” since it is using methodologies such as the analytical hierarchy process (AHP), the fuzzy-AHP approach, and the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution.

Findings

The authors defend that appropriate partner selection is a vital success factor in any collaboration.

Research limitations/implications

The authors have designed a sustainable partner network solution for the field of machinery. Nevertheless, the proposed approach is adaptable to other fields also, whereas the focal player or project owner selects the best partner based on a set of criteria.

Practical implications

The paper includes a feasibility case study for the approval of findings, where several small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from the field of machining collaborate to achieve a common goal.

Social implications

The research focuses on production enterprises (especially for SMEs) and is intended to improve their competitiveness. Small enterprises combining into a network makes it possible to compete with large corporations and helps to decrease project initiation time and project realization risks.

Originality/value

The main idea is to collect information about the available resources of SMEs into a new temporary entity and to utilize those resources for the realization of the tasks of a particularly large project, while meeting customer expectations. In addition, this work also suggests a calculation tool for faster partner evaluation (assessment) based on various criteria for each particular project.
Identification and selection of ICTs for freight transport in product service supply chain diversification
Authors: Muerza Victoria , Larrodé Emilio , Moreno-Jiménez José María
Published: July 2017

Purpose

Following the methodology designed for selecting the best industrial and technological diversification strategy, one of the best methods for achieving the long-term sustainability of companies, the purpose of this paper is to describe its application in the service supply chains (SSCs) sector, specifically, in freight transport in product service supply chains.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology used in diversification processes comprises four stages: evaluation of the technological diversification suitability; selection of the technological diversification strategy; implementation of the diversification strategy; and evaluation of the process.

Findings

The main contributions of the paper are: the proposal of a taxonomy or functional inventory for information and communication technologies (ICTs) in the freight transport industry (FTI); the introduction of a new concept, the technological shrub, a variant of the technological tree that allows interdependencies between the functionality systems; the construction of a technological shrub for ICTs in a standard FTI firm; and the multicriteria selection, based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), of the best diversification strategy that can be incorporated by this standard firm for improving competitiveness. This selection utilises a “bottom-up” approach.

Originality/value

The paper deals with the long-term sustainability of companies by means of technological diversification strategies. Based on the taxonomy constructed for ICTs in the SSC sector and the identification of key technologies for a particular firm, a technological shrub is constructed and a multicriteria procedure is developed in order to select the best diversification strategy.
Decision-making framework with double-loop learning through interpretable black-box machine learning models
Authors: Bohanec Marko , Robnik-Šikonja Marko , Kljajić Borštnar Mirjana
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address the problem of weak acceptance of machine learning (ML) models in business. The proposed framework of top-performing ML models coupled with general explanation methods provides additional information to the decision-making process. This builds a foundation for sustainable organizational learning.

Design/methodology/approach

To address user acceptance, participatory approach of action design research (ADR) was chosen. The proposed framework is demonstrated on a B2B sales forecasting process in an organizational setting, following cross-industry standard process for data mining (CRISP-DM) methodology.

Findings

The provided ML model explanations efficiently support business decision makers, reduce forecasting error for new sales opportunities, and facilitate discussion about the context of opportunities in the sales team.

Research limitations/implications

The quality and quantity of available data affect the performance of models and explanations.

Practical implications

The application in the real-world company demonstrates the utility of the approach and provides evidence that transparent explanations of ML models contribute to individual and organizational learning.

Social implications

All used methods are available as an open-source software and can improve the acceptance of ML in data-driven decision making.

Originality/value

The proposed framework incorporates existing ML models and general explanation methodology into a decision-making process. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first attempt to support organizational learning with a framework combining ML explanations, ADR, and data mining methodology based on the CRISP-DM industry standard.
The complementary/substitution effects of post-privatization corporate governance mechanisms on firm performance in selected MENA countries
Authors: Hassoun Amira Ben , Aloui Chaker
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to expand understanding of the determinants of performance in newly privatized firms by empirically examining the interaction effect of internal corporate governance and Big Four auditors in Middle Eastern and North African countries. Specifically, the paper contributes to the existing literature by identifying whether there is a substitute or complementary relation between internal corporate governance mechanisms and Big Four auditors.

Design/methodology/approach

A data set of 88 NPFs of MENA countries over the period 1987-2010 is used. The methodology is based on two-stage least squares regression analysis.

Findings

Results show that government ownership and the proportion of outside directors can substitute for Big Four auditors. However, foreign ownership and the CEO duality reinforce each other to improve performance of NPFs. Overall, these findings suggest that in the presence of agency problems within privatization process, different combinations of internal corporate governance and Big Four auditors can serve as a monitoring response in NPFs and should yield a superior performance.

Practical implications

This study gives insights to policy makers’ managers and regulators who are interested in investing in MENA region. The authors argue that information regarding who is auditing the firm is very value relevant for investors investing in the MENA region. Firms with Big Four auditor as external auditors are likely to disclose better information than those that are audited by non-Big Four auditors.

Originality/value

This paper extends the understanding of the determinants of the post-privatization performance in MENA region. It fills the privatization literature void by introducing Big Four auditors as an external governance mechanism. To the authors’ knowledge, the authors’ work is the first study that investigates whether Big Four auditors play an important role and interact with internal corporate governance mechanisms to address the dominant/minority shareholders post-privatization agency problems.
Productivity, institutions, and market beliefs: three entrepreneurial interpretations
Authors: Czeglédi Pál
Published: July 2017

Purpose

Inspired by the debates among economists about the role of beliefs and informal institutions in economic development, the purpose of this paper is to derive and test different hypotheses about the ways beliefs about the market economy, institutions and policies, and productive entrepreneurship are intertwined.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper derives from the literature three hypotheses unified around the idea of (political, cultural, and market) entrepreneurship. The paper then tests these hypotheses by running various country-level regressions intended to check the relationships between formal institutions and policies (measured by World Governance Indicators and by the Economic Freedom of the World index), productive entrepreneurship (measured by total factor productivity form the Penn World Table), and different kinds of market beliefs from the World Values Survey (WVS).

Findings

The sociological hypothesis says that more pro-market beliefs provide incentives for innovation by recognizing entrepreneurship as a dignifying activity. The political hypothesis says that people with more pro-market beliefs will demand, and therefore live with, more pro-market institutions and policies. The “Schumpeterian” hypothesis says that it is market institutions that make it possible for entrepreneurs to run against anti-market beliefs, and innovate. The results support the Schumpeterian hypothesis, mainly because market beliefs predict institutions and policies as well as productivity very poorly, while formal institutions and policies make a much better job of this.

Originality/value

The paper contrasts three different hypotheses concerned with the broader consequences of political, cultural, and market entrepreneurship and tests them by making use of the time structure of the observations found in the WVS.
Analyzing enablers of sustainable supply chain: ISM and fuzzy AHP approach
Authors: Kumar Divesh , Rahman Zillur
Published: July 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to intend to help focal firms which are keen to develop a sustainable supply chain by identifying enablers, in knowing the interrelationships involved and in ranking the enablers.

Design/methodology/approach

Interpretive structural modeling and fuzzy MICMAC were used for the modeling and clustering of the enablers and fuzzy analytical hierarchy process has been used for the ranking purpose.

Findings

Awareness about sustainability incentives, pressure from stakeholders, support from supply chain partners and demand from customer for sustainable products were found very important for developing a sustainable supply chain.

Research limitations/implications

This research will help practitioners to appreciate the importance of the enablers to focus on the making sustainability adoption feasible across the supply chain. This would also facilitate focal firm management to develop a sustainability culture across the supply chain.

Originality/value

Similar work has not been carried before in which interaction among enablers and their priorities were analyzed using hybrid methodologies in developing country context.