bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of environmental concern and technology show-off on electric vehicles adoption: the case of Macau
Authors: Lampo Alessandro , Silva Susana C. , Duarte Paulo
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Research on battery electric vehicles (BEVs) has typically considered environmental concern a key determinant of behavioral intention that leads individuals to prefer electric vehicles. This paper challenges this assumption and argues that technology frameworks may require new variables to capture consumers' preferences. A UTAUT2-based study has been developed to assess the role of environmental concern in the BEVs context and put forward the technology show-off (TS) concept to explain the technology's acceptance.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative and cross-sectional look at behavioral intention is adopted. The study uses structural equation modeling to analyze a sample of 236 Macau residents to determine the relevance of the factors behind the choice to adopt BEVs.

Findings

The findings indicate that environmental concern and price may be relevant to explain behavioral intention to adopt the BEVs technology. Furthermore, the UTAUT2 framework seems to benefit from adding new variables, with TS playing a pertinent role in explaining technology acceptance.

Social implications

The findings show that environmental concern fails to build an argument for the shift to full electric mobility and promote the desired behavioral change toward adopting BEVs. Herein lies the necessity to consider new variables that can better describe the characteristics of modern society.

Originality/value

This paper proposes the TS construct, combining visibility and trialability as significant determinants of behavioral intention to use technology. The study also stresses the need to reconsider the role of environmental concerns' impact on consumer decision-making.
Is manufacturing trade a stepping stone or an obstacle to service trade?
Authors: Chen Jian , Zhao Di , Yu Yan-Nan , Wang Si-Yuan
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The authors empirically examined the theoretically recognized industrial linkages between manufacturing and services from the trade perspective. In particular, they confirmed the trade effect of manufacturing on services, given that global value chain fragmentation pervades and splits manufacturing and services segments separately in developed and developing countries.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on observations of 47 countries with manufacturing and service trade data from 1990 to 2020 and with gravity model specification, the authors primarily used the Poisson pseudo-maximum likelihood (PPML) estimation with multiple levels of fixed effects. Considering that many zero values are included in the dependent variable and potential endogeneity, other methods such as Tobit regression, Heckman estimation and two-stage least squares estimation (2SLS) are used. Subsample estimation also supplemented the empirical research.

Findings

The results showed that manufacturing trade is a stepping-stone rather than an obstacle to service trade. This finding exhibited significant robustness under different model specifications, instrumental variable estimation and subsample checks. Moreover, in contrast to the north–north country ties, manufacturing trade between northern and southern countries has played a prominent stepping-stone role; meanwhile, manufacturing trade among core–peripheral countries has a considerably more significant impact than the outcomes of core–core and peripheral–peripheral countries.

Originality/value

The authors provided direct clarification and revealed that trade in manufacturing remains the demand basis for service trade. As trade in manufacturing and services are typical phenomena of transnational production linkages, the authors suggested exploring the underlying role of global value chain (GVC) fragmentation and the offset and even barrier effect of biased institutional arrangements on GVC fragmentation.
Performance measurement framework of green supply chain implementation in the context of Indian manufacturing organizations
Authors: Panpatil Sarika S. , Lahane Swapnil , Kant Ravi
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This research aims to explore the various green supply chain management (GSCM) performance measures and develop the efficient performance measurement framework for evaluation of influence of GSCM adoption on organizational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This research proposes a hybrid framework of Pythagorean fuzzy analytic hierarchy process and Pythagorean fuzzy weighted aggregated sum product assessment technique. The usefulness of proposed framework is validated using empirical case example of Indian manufacturing organization.

Findings

The finding reveals that the overall performance of case organization is 67.03% based on define set of performance measures. Further, the proposed framework has been validated with other three Indian automobile manufacturing organizations. The results obtained were confirmed with selected empirical case company. The proposed hybrid framework provides the effective path to measure and benchmark the impact of each performance measures on system performance.

Research limitations/implications

This research is limited to automobile sector of India; hence the results obtained in this study may not be comprehensibly used to other sectors due to different product and process fields.

Originality/value

This research aids the industrial practitioners to effectively implement the green supply chain management (GSCM) and helps them to boost the overall performance of business organizations in three dimensions of sustainability.
Corporate real estate investment and firm performance: empirical evidence from listed non financial firms of Pakistan
Authors: Naz Arooj , Bhutta Aamir Inam , Sheikh Muhammad Fayyaz , Sultan Jahanzaib
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aims at testing the relationship between corporate real estate (CRE) investment and firm performance of nonfinancial firms in the context of an underdeveloped market, Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a sample of 307 nonfinancial firms listed at the Pakistan Stock Exchange from 2010 to 2020. This study adopts a rigorous methodological approach and employs ordinary least square, fixed effect, generalized method of moments system regressions and the propensity score matching technique to account for potential heteroskedasticity, effects of unobserved variables and endogeneity.

Findings

This study finds that as the investment in CRE increases, the firm’s performance decreases. The findings are robust to alternative proxies of CRE investment and alternative methodologies. Furthermore, the findings hold for financially constrained and financially unconstrained firms, high- and low-growth firms and safe and financially distressed firms.

Research limitations/implications

This study extends the evidence about CRE investment in an underdeveloped market and suggests potential avenues for future research.

Practical implications

The findings of this study warrant investors, managers and directors be cautious about CRE investment in firms.

Originality/value

This study uses a new proxy of CRE investment, which is more inclined toward the asset management and financial perspective of CRE investment. Furthermore, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first attempt to investigate the role of CRE investment in an underdeveloped market.
Professional identity as a barrier to inter-agency working? A meta-ethnography of research conducted with professionals working in UK children’s services
Authors: Richardson Hannah
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Serious case reviews remind us that there is much to learn about inter-agency activity. Professional identity is a key phenomenon influencing work behaviour, especially during inter-agency activity. Yet, this link is complex and not well understood within the context of UK children’s services. With an agenda of improving outcomes for children and their families, The purpose of this research paper is to conduct a systematic literature review on this topic to develop a conceptual model aimed at informing how practitioners mobilise their professional identity during inter-agency activity.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper used meta-ethnography to synthesise the available research. This method is suitable for researchers who are interested in conceptual or theoretical understandings of a particular phenomenon as opposed to describing individual accounts or experiences.

Findings

The findings support postmodern accounts of identity and show the construct as fluid, contingent and constituted within interaction. Professional identities are mobilised through the sharing of professional knowledge, which is underpinned by the performative nature of language. Mobilisations can lead to both positive and negative consequences, which can act as a barrier to and facilitator of inter-agency activity.

Originality/value

Inter-agency working is integral to the function of children’s services but remains an undertheorised concept, and this had led to a dearth of guiding theory on inter-agency practice. By drawing on relevant psychological theory, the proposed model provides a unique psycho-social perspective that articulates the important role of identity during inter-agency activity, which would be of interest to professionals working in children’s services.
A systematic review of methods for aligning, mapping, merging taxonomies in information sciences
Authors: Cheng Yi-Yun , Xia Yilin
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to provide a systematic literature review on taxonomy alignment methods in information science to explore the common research pipeline and characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors implement a five-step systematic literature review process relating to taxonomy alignment. They take on a knowledge organization system (KOS) perspective, and specifically examining the level of KOS on “taxonomies.”

Findings

They synthesize the matching dimensions of 28 taxonomy alignment studies in terms of the taxonomy input, approach and output. In the input dimension, they develop three characteristics: tree shapes, variable names and symmetry; for approach: methodology, unit of matching, comparison type and relation type; for output: the number of merged solutions and whether original taxonomies are preserved in the solutions.

Research limitations/implications

The main research implications of this study are threefold: (1) to enhance the understanding of the characteristics of a taxonomy alignment work; (2) to provide a novel categorization of taxonomy alignment approaches into natural language processing approach, logic-based approach and heuristic-based approach; (3) to provide a methodological guideline on the must-include characteristics for future taxonomy alignment research.

Originality/value

There is no existing comprehensive review on the alignment of “taxonomies”. Further, no other mapping survey research has discussed the comparison from a KOS perspective. Using a KOS lens is critical in understanding the broader picture of what other similar systems of organizations are, and enables us to define taxonomies more precisely.
Empirical evidence of the financial development and economic growth nexus in sub-Saharan Africa (1995–2022): an index approach
Authors: Hyacinth Chebangang , Ngong Chi Aloysius , Onwumere Josaphat Uchechukwu Joe
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This research empirically investigates the evidence of the financial development and economic growth nexus in sub-Saharan Africa from 1995 to 2022.

Design/methodology/approach

A series of preliminary tests are conducted before using the two-stage estimated generalized least squares and robust least squares methods for the analysis. Two indices are constructed to measure financial development: one for the banking sector indicators and another for the market-based indicators (Ustarz and Fanta, 2021).

Findings

The results indicate that the banking sector index significantly impacts the gross domestic product (GDP) per capita positively. The market sector index has a negatively significant effect on the GDP per capita. Government expenditure has a positive impact on the GDP per capita.

Research limitations/implications

Policymakers in sub-Saharan Africa should improve and implement finance–growth inclusive strategies that promote financial reforms and development to efficiently impact all population sectors. Policymakers should take stringent measures to ensure that the banking sector's development is sustainable to lead economic growth. The governments should strategize and promote capital market development using favorable listing rules for companies in the stock markets. Global stock market integration should be encouraged to diversify risks, increase public awareness, raise investors' confidence level and reduce stock market impediments like high taxes and regulatory barriers.

Originality/value

Previous study findings on the financial development and economic growth nexus are inconclusive and debatable. This study employs the financial development index approach.
A mechanism for employees’ brand citizenship behavior (BCB) and negative word-of-mouth (NWOM): the divergent moderating effects of horizontal collectivism
Authors: Lee Sang Bong , Liu Shih-Hao , Maertz Carl P. , Singh Nitish , Fisher James
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aims to identify different antecedents and reveal divergent moderating effects of horizontal collectivism, thereby unlocking the asymmetric mechanisms for employees’ brand citizenship behavior (BCB) and negative word-of-mouth (NWOM).

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a survey data set and analyzes it with structural equation modeling along with common latent factor analysis designed to control for common method variance.

Findings

BCB is associated with pride at work but not perceived organizational support (POS), so POS drives BCB not directly but indirectly through the emotion of pride at work. In contrast, employees’ NWOM is associated with both POS and frustration, and POS drives NWOM directly and indirectly through the emotion of frustration. Horizontal collectivism has divergent moderating effects that strengthen the relationships of BCB with POS and pride at work and weaken the relationship between employees’ NWOM and frustration.

Originality/value

This study makes two major theoretical contributions to internal branding. First, as a response to the need for an investigation into drivers of employees’ brand-oriented behaviors, it will identify different psychological antecedents and mechanisms for BCB and employees’ NWOM. Second, capturing the potential of horizontal collectivism on employees’ brand-oriented behaviors, this study will reveal the potential divergent moderating effects of horizontal collectivism on BCB and employees’ NWOM. These two contributions will lead to a better understanding of the different mechanisms for employees’ BCB and NWOM.
Development and validation of techno-ethical orientation scale for Indian post-millennial students
Authors: Verma Shivangi , Garg Naval
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Post-millennial youths are well equipped with internet technology and computers since birth and find it easier to operate computers and technologies than their previous generations. With the advancement of technology, the ethical dilemma associated with its use has evolved. This paper aims to develop and validate a measurement scale for the ethical orientation of post-millennial technology usage by capturing the key factors that best describe the behavior adopted by students.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic scale development procedure was used, involving both reviews of the literature and focus group discussions to generate the items that specify the domain of this study. After generating items, exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were applied to identify latent constructs of techno-ethical orientation. Lastly, the scale was subjected to reliability and validity testing.

Findings

The study found that the techno-ethical orientation scale has five dimensions: privacy concerns, classroom behavior, accessibility dilemma, social media usage and assignment ethics. Overall, a scale comprising 17 statements was derived.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of our study attempt to augment the growing efforts to explore all facets of techno-ethics. It is probably the first attempt to develop a valid and reliable scale for the techno-ethical orientation of post-millennial.

Practical implications

This scale could be used by academicians and practitioners to assess the techno-ethical orientation of post-millennial for positive interventions.

Originality/value

This study derives a new reliable and valid scale for measuring the techno-ethical orientation of post-millennial toward technology usage.
Citizens' intentions to use e-government during the COVID-19 pandemic: integrating the technology acceptance model and perceived risk theory
Authors: Nguyen Thi Thanh Truc
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Based on the technology acceptance model (TAM) and perceived risk theory (PRT), this study proposes a new model for exploring factors affecting citizens' intentions to use e-government in the Vietnamese context during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study takes the form of a case study of the Vietnam context and employs a quantitative method. An Internet-based survey was conducted in Vietnam and was completed by 441 respondents. Hypotheses were tested using a two-stage structural equation model. SPSS 22 and AMOS 20 software were used for primary data analysis.

Findings

The findings reveal that factors of TAM are still valuable in predicting citizens' intentions to use e-government services during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the factor of PRT, namely, perceived risk of COVID-19 pandemic, also affects citizens' intentions to use e-government services. Attitudes toward e-government play a mediating role in the relationships between perceived usefulness, perceived risk and citizens' intentions to use e-government. Examining the predictive power of TAM and PRT factors, it can be seen that TAM factors have a higher total effect on citizens' intentions to use e-government, compared to PRT factor.

Originality/value

The present study demonstrates a new model for exploring factors affecting citizens' intentions to use e-government during the COVID-19 era. It explored the effectiveness of combining TAM and PRT as well as the predictive power of each factors in an integrated model aimed at predicting citizens' intentions in the emergency context like COVID-19. This study helps us improve our understanding of e-government usage and would be of particular interest to policymakers and service providers of e-system.
Google Discover: uses, applications and challenges in the digital journalism of Spain, Brazil and Greece
Authors: Lopezosa Carlos , Giomelakis Dimitrios , Pedrosa Leyberson , Codina Lluís
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This paper constitutes the first academic study to be made of Google Discover as applied to online journalism.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper constitutes the first academic study to be made of Google Discover as applied to online journalism. The study involved conducting 61 semi-structured interviews with experts that are representative of a range of different professional profiles within the fields of journalism and search engine positioning (SEO) in Brazil, Spain and Greece. Based on the data collected, the authors created five semantic categories and compared the experts' perceptions in order to detect common response patterns.

Findings

This study results confirm the existence of different degrees of convergence and divergence in the opinions expressed in these three countries regarding the main dimensions of Google Discover, including specific strategies using the feed, its impact on web traffic, its impact on both quality and sensationalist content and on the degree of responsibility shown by the digital media in its use. The authors are also able to propose a set of best practices that journalists and digital media in-house web visibility teams should take into account to increase their probability of appearing in Google Discover. To this end, the authors consider strategies in the following areas of application: topics, different aspects of publication, elements of user experience, strategic analysis and diffusion and marketing.

Originality/value

Although research exists on the application of SEO to different areas, there have not, to date, been any studies examining Google Discover.

Peer review

The peer-review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/OIR-10-2022-0574
Exploring accountant’s involvement in circular economy: experiences and perspectives of practitioners
Authors: Halari Anwar , Baric Marijana
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Transitioning to a circular economy (CE) requires efforts from a broad range of stakeholders; however, the role of accountants within this remains inconspicuous. Taking individual accountants’ perspective within the UK context, this study aims to investigate the current state of involvement of accountants in the CE (and sustainability more broadly) as well as the barriers that they face.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors adopted a multi-perspective investigation drawing on viewpoints from various actors such as qualified accountants, trainee accountants, accountants holding senior positions within sustainability and/or CE and non-accountants with an expertise in sustainability and CE to understand the barriers that accountants face in their involvement in CE. The study consisted of 23 semi-structured interviews with participants at different levels of CE and sustainability engagement.

Findings

The authors find that the lack of involvement of accountants in embracing CE principles arises from the conceptual distinction between the perceived nature of sustainability and accounting, and the perceived stereotypical views of accountants, rather than the capabilities of the accountants themselves. This results in tensions of engagement that impede their involvement. The authors therefore offer a deeper, context-bound understanding of the factors that contribute towards a lack of involvement with accountants as key stakeholders in the CE.

Originality/value

Through an exploratory inquiry of accountant’s perspective, and drawing on accounting literature on stereotypes, the authors provide a novel understanding into the nuances, inherent tensions and trade-offs that exist in involving accountants in the CE.
What drives the profitability of Indian handloom enterprises? An insight based on the seemingly unrelated regression model
Authors: Dey Bijoy Kumar , Paul Ujjwal Kanti
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aims to extend the discussion on firm profitability to include handloom enterprises in India.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a random sample of 427 handloom microentrepreneurs from the Indian state of Assam. The seemingly unrelated regression model is used to determine the profitability drivers in India’s handloom enterprises.

Findings

The empirical results revealed that human, financial and social capital, along with their control variables such as information and communication technology, firm size and sales distribution, are the main drivers of profitability of Indian handloom enterprises.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to offer an in-depth insight into what makes profitability in the handloom enterprises in India, the world’s second-largest reservoir of the handloom industry.
Development and printability of diamond-containing composite filament for material extrusion
Authors: Su Zhou , Kong Xiangwang , He Tao , Wu Dongyu , Wu Jingjing , Zhang Shaohe
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Material extrusion technology is considered to be an effective way to realize the accurate and integrated manufacturing of high-performance metal diamond tools with complex structures. The present work aims to report the G4 binder that can be used to create metal composite filament loading high concentrations of large diamond particles through comparative experiments.

Design/methodology/approach

The quality of filaments was evaluated by surface topography observation and porosity measurement. And the printability of filaments was further studied by the tensile test, rheological test, shear analysis and printing test.

Findings

The results show that the G4 binder exhibits the best capacity for loading diamonds among G1–G4. The L4 filament created with G4 has no defects such as pores, cracks and patterns on the surface and section, and has the lowest porosity, which is about 1/3 of the L1. Therefore, the diamond-containing composite filament based on G4 binder exhibits the best quality. On the other hand, the results of the tensile test of L5–L8 filaments reveal that as the diamond content increases from 10% to 30%, the tensile strength of the filament decreases by 29.52%, and the retention force coefficient decreases by 15.74%. This can be attributed to the formation of inefficient bonding areas of the clustered diamond particles inside the composite filament, which also leads to a weakening of the shear strength. Despite this, the results of the printing test show that the diamond-containing composite filament based on the G4 binder has reliable printability.

Originality/value

Therefore, the G4 binder is considered to solve the most critical first challenge in the development of diamond-containing filament.
Explaining media effect of green advertising on audience attitude
Authors: Khandelwal Utkal , Singh Trilok Pratap
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aims to establish two aspects: first, whether green advertising through multiple media (repetition versus reversal) generates a positive purchase intention than green advertising with a single medium repeat one medium at different levels of product involvement (high versus low level). Second, whether a green advertisement presented through multiple media influences green message credibility, green advertiser credibility, green advertisement credibility, green brand credibility, green ad engagement, attitude toward the green brand and green purchase intention (GPI) than a green advertisement presented through single medium repetition under different level of product involvement, green advertising, media effects, consumer attitude, purchase intention and product involvement.

Design/methodology/approach

3 × 2 mixed factorial design is used to examine the audience exposure towards repetitive green ads on multiple media sources such as television, the internet and print. This has a more significant impact on environmental claims in terms of green message credibility, green advertiser credibility, green advertisement credibility, green brand credibility, green ad engagement, attitude toward the green brand and GPI compared to audiences exposed to the same ads on a single medium under high level and low level of product involvement.

Findings

The audience was exposed to several media situations, repeating green advertising, has a more significant impact on environmental claims in terms of green message credibility, green advertiser credibility, green advertisement credibility, green brand credibility, green ad engagement, attitude toward the green brand and purchase intention rather than for the audience who encounter a green ad with a high and low degree of product involvement in a single medium.

Originality/value

Only a few studies have measured media synergy effects, and to the best of the authors’ knowledge, no one has measured media effects on green advertisements. By examining different media combination effects of green ads on the audience, the knowledge of green marketing communication and its marketing strategies has been expanded.
Role of Cu percentage in the Sn-xCu alloy on the mechanical performance at Sn-xCu/ENIG interface produced by laser soldering
Authors: Abdullah Muhammad Asyraf , Idris Siti Rabiatull Aisha
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Pb-free solders have been developed to replace the standard Sn–Pb eutectic solder since the prohibition on Pb used in solders. The Sn–Ag–Cu series of lead-free solders is the most extensively used in the electronics industry. The Ag3Sn, which forms during isothermal ageing, can significantly degrade solder joint reliability. Sn–Ag–Cu solder’s high price further hindered its use in the electronics industry. This paper aims to investigate different copper percentages into Sn–xCu solder alloy to improve its microstructure and strength performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The solder alloys used in this work were Sn–xCu, where x = 0.0, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 1.0 Wt.%, which was soldered onto electroless nickel immersion gold (ENIG) substrate using carbon dioxide (CO2) gas laser. Then these samples were subjected to isothermal aging for 0, 200, 500, 1,000 and 2,000 h. The Sn–xCu solder alloy was fabricated through a powder metallurgy process.

Findings

Microstructure characterization showed that Cu addition resulted in fine and rounded shape of Cu–Sn–Ni particles. Shear strength of Sn–xCu solder joints was increased with increasing Cu content, but at aging duration of 1,000 h, it dropped slightly. It is believed that the strength improved due to the increment of diffusion rate during isothermal aging.

Practical implications

In a Cu–Sn solder, the recommended amount is 1.0 Wt.% of Cu. In extensive aging procedures, it was discovered that Sn1.0Cu solder improved the reliability of solder joints. The findings indicated that the innovative solder alloys might satisfy the needs of high-reliability applications.

Originality/value

The study shows that the right amount of Cu enhances the solidification of Sn–Cu solder, increasing the shear force of the Cu–Sn solder joint. The Sn1.0Cu exhibits a ductile fracture on the top microstructure, improving the joint’s average shear strength.
Where’s the yolk – did you just call that mayonnaise?
Authors: Gantt Karen , Berry Daphne
Published: May 2023

Research methodology

The data for this case was collected from legal and business research databases (Lexis, ABI/INFORM)) and from business press sources (for example, Forbes, the NY Times and the Wall Street Journal). Emails between the Egg Board, the Food and Drug Administration and key players at Unilever are referenced throughout the case and were provided by the United States Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service Compliance Branch and obtained pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act. Federal regulations and codes, as applicable, are also referenced (The US Code, the Code of Federal Regulations).

Case overview/synopsis

This short case presents the problems of Just Mayo, a start-up company, in maintaining and growing market share in an industry dominated by a well-established, multinational firm. In 2011 Hampton Creek (renamed Just, Inc in 2018) began operations as a manufacturer of plant-based food products. One of its earliest products was Just Mayo, a sandwich spread with all the attributes of traditional mayonnaise except without eggs or other dairy products. Shortly after Just Mayo was introduced, Unilever – a multinational conglomerate and food giant, sued Hampton Creek, claiming that use of the name “Just Mayo” amounted to false advertising and unfair competition.

Complexity academic level

This case is a learning tool for management, business law and ethics students at the undergraduate level. It was used in 2019 in a business law class at the sophomore and junior undergraduate level, where the focus was primarily on ethical considerations for all parties, understanding the role of regulatory agencies, and the legality of the strategies used. However, this case is equally applicable for a management or strategic management course with a focus on analyzing the tactics used for maintaining competitive advantage. A stakeholder analysis for various parties in either of these courses would also be suitable. Instructors addressing some of these topics together should find it particularly useful.
Goya Foods’ CEO: “A war [is] coming”
Authors: Quiñones Victor , Feliciano-Cestero Maria M. , Cruz-Cruz Alec
Published: May 2023

Research methodology

In writing this case, the research team used secondary resources such as academic journals, trade magazines and websites to inform and verify the information.

Case overview/synopsis

January 7, 2021, was not a good day for Goya Foods CEO Robert Bob Unanue, who has been at the helm of Goya since 2004. On that day, the nine-member board of directors of Goya censured Unanue for publicly questioning the legitimacy of the 2021 United States Presidential election. A day before, on January 6, a mob “trapped lawmakers and vandalized the home of Congress in the worst desecration of the complex since British forces burned it in 1814” (Hockstein, 2021).

Unanue was considered a follower of former president Trump and has expressed that “the country was […] blessed to have a leader like President Trump, who is a builder” (Hawkins, 2020). In January 2021, Unanue appeared on Fox News and said a “ war was coming,” as Joe Biden’s election was “unverified.” These, among other words, motivated the censured by the board of Goya Foods, Inc. (Santana and Isidore, 2021).

Students are asked the following questions for discussion: Did the board of directors of Goya Foods carry its role too far by openly censuring Unanue? Did Unanue go too far by openly expressing subjective opinions and thus influencing how people view the election results? Should he have remained as CEO of Goya Foods after his words on Joe Biden’s election?

Complexity academic level

One of the authors has taught the case in the Strategic Management course for MBA students. In addition, graduate students of corporate governance, business ethics, social responsibility and leadership, among other classes, will be the target segments for the case.

Learning objectives

1. Recognize the effects on brand image and sales when CEOs participate in political arenas and publicly discuss social issues.

2. Understand the dynamics behind ethnic family businesses, such as their governance and conflict resolution approach.

3. Assess the value of the corporate board’s management of corporations.

Subject code

CCS11: Strategy
Algorithm justice – moving towards equitable artificial intelligence
Authors: K. Riyazahmed
Published: May 2023

Research methodology

The case is presented as descriptive in nature and primarily involves exploratory research.

Case overview/synopsis

Ashraf, a young graduate from Bangalore, India, started a chain of lifestyle shops, his family business in Khartoum, Sudan. To modernize the shops, Ashraf approached a small finance bank for financial assistance. However, after submitting the required documents and with a good credit score, he was denied a loan. The bank officials had mentioned that the loan automation software did not approve the application. Hence, the bank personnel said that they could not do anything further. Disappointed, Ashraf sought the help of his professor, John, to understand why the software rejected his application. Professor John explained to Ashraf the advantages and disadvantages of automation. In the process, Ashraf understood the significance and compelling need to address “Algorithm Bias,” a situation in which specific attributes of an algorithm cause unfair outcomes. The case place students in Ashraf’s position to help them understand the advantages and issues of applying automation through artificial intelligence.

Complexity academic level

The case suits graduate-level courses like business analytics, financial analytics and business intelligence.

Learning objectives

Through the case, the students will be able to: Understand the role of algorithms in business and society. Understand the causes, effects and methods of reducing algorithm bias. Demonstrate the ability to detect algorithm bias. Define policies to mitigate algorithm bias.
Plastics select for distinct early colonizing microbial populations with reproducible traits across environmental gradients
Authors: Bos Ryan P. , Kaul Drishti , Zettler Erik R. , Hoffman Jeffrey M. , Dupont Christopher L. , Amaral‐Zettler Linda A. , Mincer Tracy J.
Published: May 2023

Little is known about early plastic biofilm assemblage dynamics and successional changes over time. By incubating virgin microplastics along oceanic transects and comparing adhered microbial communities with those of naturally occurring plastic litter at the same locations, we constructed gene catalogues to contrast the metabolic differences between early and mature biofilm communities. Early colonization incubations were reproducibly dominated by Alteromonadaceae and harboured significantly higher proportions of genes associated with adhesion, biofilm formation, chemotaxis, hydrocarbon degradation and motility. Comparative genomic analyses among the Alteromonadaceae metagenome assembled genomes (MAGs) highlighted the importance of the mannose‐sensitive hemagglutinin (MSHA) operon, recognized as a key factor for intestinal colonization, for early colonization of hydrophobic plastic surfaces. Synteny alignments of MSHA also demonstrated positive selection for mshA alleles across all MAGs, suggesting that mshA provides a competitive advantage for surface colonization and nutrient acquisition. Large‐scale genomic characteristics of early colonizers varied little, despite environmental variability. Mature plastic biofilms were composed of predominantly Rhodobacteraceae and displayed significantly higher proportions of carbohydrate hydrolysis enzymes and genes for photosynthesis and secondary metabolism. Our metagenomic analyses provide insight into early biofilm formation on plastics in the ocean and how early colonizers self‐assemble, compared to mature, phylogenetically and metabolically diverse biofilms.
Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy versus vaginal sacrospinous fixation for vaginal vault prolapse: a randomised controlled trial and prospective cohort (SALTO‐2 trial)
Authors: van Oudheusden Anique M. J. , van IJsselmuiden Mèlanie N. , Menge Leah F. , Coolen Anne‐Lotte W. M. , Veen Joggem , van Eijndhoven Hugo W. F. , Dietz Viviane , Kluivers Kirsten B. , Spaans Wilbert A. , Vollebregt Astrid , van de Pol Geerte , Radder Celine M. , van der Ploeg J. Marinus , van Kuijk Sander M. J. , Bongers Marlies Y.
Published: May 2023

Objective

To determine whether laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (LSC) or vaginal sacrospinous fixation (VSF) is the most optimal surgical treatment in patients with POP‐Q stage ≥2 vaginal vault prolapse (VVP).

Design

Multicentre randomised controlled trial (RCT) and prospective cohort study alongside.

Setting

Seven non‐university teaching hospitals and two university hospitals in the Netherlands.

Population

Patients with symptomatic post‐hysterectomy vaginal vault prolapse, requiring surgical treatment.

Methods

Randomisation in a 1:1 ratio to LSC or VSF. Evaluation of prolapse was done using the pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP‐Q). All participants were asked to fill in various Dutch validated questionnaires 12 months postoperatively.

Main outcome measures

Primary outcome was disease‐specific quality of life. Secondary outcomes included composite outcome of success and anatomical failure. Furthermore, we examined peri‐operative data, complications and sexual function.

Results

A total of 179 women, 64 women randomised and 115 women, participated in a prospective cohort. Disease‐specific quality of life did not differ after 12 months between the LSC and VSF group in the RCT and the cohort (RCT: P = 0.887; cohort: P = 0.704). The composite outcomes of success for the apical compartment, in the RCT and cohort, were 89.3% and 90.3% in the LSC group and 86.2% and 87.8% in the VSF group, respectively (RCT: P = 0.810; cohort: P = 0.905). There were no differences in number of reinterventions and complications between both groups (reinterventions RCT: P = 0.934; cohort: P = 0.120; complications RCT: P = 0.395; cohort: P = 0.129).

Conclusions

LSC and VSF are both effective treatments for vaginal vault prolapse, after a follow‐up period of 12 months.
Population parameters and growth of Myzus persicae Sulzer (Hemiptera: Aphididae) under elevated CO2 concentrations in the air
Authors: Ahn Jeong Joon , Choi Kyung San
Published: May 2023

The effects of three different CO2 concentrations (400, 600, and 1000 ppm) on the population parameters and growth of the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae, were examined. Raw life history data from M. persicae were analyzed using an age‐stage, two‐sex life table to take into account the viable development rate among individuals. The population projections of M. persicae indicate the stage structure and variability of the population growth under different CO2 concentrations based on an age‐stage, two‐sex life table analysis. Significantly longer oviposition duration and higher fecundity were observed under elevated CO2 (600 and 1000 ppm) than those under ambient CO2 (400 ppm). Furthermore, the M. persicae population reared under elevated CO2 concentrations showed higher intrinsic and finite rates of population increase than under ambient CO2 concentrations. These results indicate that the population parameters and growth of M. persicae were positively influenced in the fecundity by elevated CO2 concentrations relative to the ambient CO2. These findings indicate that it is basically remained to understand the direct effects of CO2 elevation on the host plants, and the interaction between the host plants and M. persicae in the same CO2 concentration for establishing more realistic population growth model systems for M. persicae in the aerial environment rising CO2 concentration level.
Stress hyperglycemia ratio and long‐term prognosis in patients with acute coronary syndrome: A multicenter, nationwide study
Authors: Zeng Guyu , Song Ying , Zhang Zheng , Xu Jingjing , Liu Zhenyu , Tang Xiaofang , Wang XiaoZeng , Chen Yan , Zhang Yongzhen , Zhu Pei , Guo Xiaogang , Jiang Lin , Wang Zhifang , Liu Ru , Wang Qingsheng , Yao Yi , Feng Yingqing , Han Yaling , Yuan Jinqing
Published: May 2023

Background

Stress hyperglycemia ratio (SHR), a novel biomarker of stress hyperglycemia, was proved to be a reliable predictor of short‐term adverse outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). However, its impact on long‐term prognosis remained controversial.

Methods

A total of 7662 patients with ACS from a large nationwide prospective cohort between January 2015 and May 2019 were included. SHR was calculated by the following formula: SHR = admission glucose (mmol/L)/(1.59 × HbA1c [%]−2.59). The primary end point was a major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) during follow‐up, a composite of all‐cause death, myocardial infarction, and unplanned revascularization. The second end point was the separate components of the primary end points.

Results

During a median follow‐up of 2.1 years, 779 MACE events occurred. After multivariable adjustment, ACS patients with the highest SHR tertile were significantly associated with increased long‐term risks of MACE (hazard ratio [HR] 1.53, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.24–1.88), all‐cause death (HR 1.80, 95% CI 1.29–2.51) and unplanned revascularization (HR 1.44, 95% CI 1.09–1.91). Although significant associations between the highest SHR tertile and risks of MACE and all‐cause death were assessed in both diabetic and nondiabetic patients, the patterns of risk were different in these two groups.

Conclusion

Elevated SHR was independently associated with a higher risk of long‐term outcomes irrespective of diabetic status, suggesting that SHR was a potential biomarker for risk stratification after ACS.
The United States: Political Developments and Data in 2022
Authors: KATZ RICHARD S.
Published: May 2023

American political life in 2022 was dominated by three major events. First, the trials of individuals arrested in the aftermath of the 6 January 2021 storming of the Capitol and the televised hearings of the committee of the House of Representatives focusing on the actions and inactions of Donald Trump in trying to overturn the results of the 2020 election and fomenting the insurrection. Second, the Supreme Court's decision overturning Roe v. Wade and ending federal guarantees of reproductive rights. Third, the 2022 congressional election and the failure of the expected Republican wave to materialize.
Healthcare professionals’ perception of their working environment and how to handle mental strain
Authors: Madsen Marlene D. , Cedergreen Pernille , Nielsen Jacob , Østergaard Doris
Published: May 2023

Healthcare professionals (HCP) are an important resource, but the shortage of staff and an increased volume of patients with comorbidities might put a pressure on them. We speculated if mental strain was a challenge for HCP working in a department of Anaesthesiology. The purpose of the study was to explore HCP's perception of their psychosocial work environment and how they handle the mental strain in a department of Anaesthesiology in a university hospital. In addition, to identify types of strategies to handle the mental strain. This was an exploratory study based on semi‐structured, individual interview with anaesthesiologists, nurses and nurse assistants employed in the Department of Anaesthesiology. The interviews were conducted online and were recorded in Teams, transcribed, and analysed using systematic text condensation. A total of 21 interviews were conducted with HCP from the different sections of the department. The interviewees described that they had experienced mental strain at work, with the unforeseen situation as the most challenging. High workflow is mentioned as an important contributing factor to mental strain. Most of the interviewees found that their traumatising experiences were met with support. Overall, everyone had someone to talk to either at work or privately, but they still found it difficult to talk about collegial conflicts or own vulnerabilities. Teamwork is described as strong in some sections. All HCP had experienced mental strain. Differences were found in how they perceived the experience of mental strain, their reactions and needs of support as well as their coping strategies.