bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TMS with fast and accurate electronic control: measuring the orientation sensitivity of corticomotor pathways
Authors: Souza Victor Hugo , Nieminen Jaakko O. , Tugin Sergei , Koponen Lari M. , Baffa Oswaldo , Ilmoniemi Risto J.
Published: August 2021

Background

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) coils allow only a slow, mechanical adjustment of the stimulating electric field (E-field) orientation in the cerebral tissue. Fast E-field control is needed to synchronize the stimulation with the ongoing brain activity. Also, empirical models that fully describe the relationship between evoked responses and the stimulus orientation and intensity are still missing.

Objective

We aimed to (1) develop a TMS transducer for manipulating the E-field orientation electronically with high accuracy at the neuronally meaningful millisecond-level time scale and (2) devise and validate a physiologically based model describing the orientation selectivity of neuronal excitability.

Methods

We designed and manufactured a two-coil TMS transducer. The coil windings were computed with a minimum-energy optimization procedure, and the transducer was controlled with our custom-made electronics. The electronic E-field control was verified with a TMS characterizer. The motor evoked potential amplitude and latency of a hand muscle were mapped in 3° steps of the stimulus orientation in 16 healthy subjects for three stimulation intensities. We fitted a logistic model to the motor response amplitude.

Results

The two-coil TMS transducer allows one to manipulate the pulse orientation accurately without manual coil movement. The motor response amplitude followed a logistic function of the stimulus orientation; this dependency was strongly affected by the stimulus intensity.

Conclusion

The developed electronic control of the E-field orientation allows exploring new stimulation paradigms and probing neuronal mechanisms. The presented model helps to disentangle the neuronal mechanisms of brain function and guide future non-invasive stimulation protocols.
Wilson statistics: derivation, generalization and applications to electron cryomicroscopy
Authors: Singer Amit
Published: August 2021

The power spectrum of proteins at high frequencies is remarkably well described by the flat Wilson statistics. Wilson statistics therefore plays a significant role in X-ray crystallography and more recently in electron cryomicroscopy (cryo-EM). Specifically, modern computational methods for three-dimensional map sharpening and atomic modelling of macromolecules by single-particle cryo-EM are based on Wilson statistics. Here the first rigorous mathematical derivation of Wilson statistics is provided. The derivation pinpoints the regime of validity of Wilson statistics in terms of the size of the macromolecule. Moreover, the analysis naturally leads to generalizations of the statistics to covariance and higher-order spectra. These in turn provide a theoretical foundation for assumptions underlying the widespread Bayesian inference framework for three-dimensional refinement and for explaining the limitations of autocorrelation-based methods in cryo-EM.
Nonaudit services, audit committee characteristics and accruals quality in Malaysia
Authors: Nik Abdul Majid Wan Zurina , Abdul Wahab Effiezal Aswadi , Haron Hasnah , Agustia Dian , Nasih Mohammad
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The study examines the relationship between nonaudit services (NAS) and accruals quality in Malaysia. The study also considers several important characteristics of audit committee as the determinant for accruals quality. Next, the study examines whether these characteristics mitigate the relationship between NAS and accruals quality.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs descriptive analysis, univariate tests and multivariate regression to investigate the potential effect of NAS on acruals quality. Data for audit committee characteristics were hand collected from annual reports downloaded from Bursa Malaysia's website.

Findings

Based on 1,118 firm-year observations for the period 2009–2011, the study finds that NAS negatively impact accruals quality. This empirical result indicates that the economic bond that is created between auditors and clients restricts the auditors from performing their duty objectively. A fully independent audit committee weakens the negative relationship between NAS and auditor independence.

Research limitations/implications

The sample period represents a limitation since it only covers three years of data. This limitation is largely driven by the nature of data collection of NAS fees.

Practical implications

These results contribute to Malaysia's policy deliberation to account for the effects of NAS on auditor independence and the oversight role of an audit committee. This study contributes to theoretical perspectives on accruals quality and corporate governance in Malaysia.

Originality/value

The novelty of this research, coupled with institutional data in Malaysia, claims the originality of this research.
Benefits of psychological capital on host country nationals’ support and burnout of Chinese expatriates in Thailand: the moderating effect of personal characteristics
Authors: Fu Liping , Charoensukmongkol Peerayuth
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Anchored on the conservation of resources (COR) theory, this study examines the direct impact of psychological capital (PsyCap) on the level of burnout experienced by Chinese expatriates working in Thailand. The social support offered by host country national (HCN) coworkers is postulated as the mediator that might transfer the impact of PsyCap on burnout. In addition, this study taps whether Chinese expatriates' personal factors, including gender and host language proficiency, might intensify or attenuate the role of PsyCap on HCN coworker support.

Design/methodology/approach

From the Chinese expatriates who are working for 15 Chinese subsidiaries in Thailand, 413 valid questionnaires were collected. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was employed for data analysis.

Findings

The result confirms a negative linkage between PsyCap and burnout, with HCN coworker support as the partial mediator. Furthermore, the moderation estimation reports that the positive role of PsyCap on HCN coworker support is particularly attenuated for the Chinese expatriates who are female and who have a high level of host language proficiency.

Originality/value

The finding of this study offers additional knowledge to the literature by utilizing the COR theory to elucidate the mechanism under which PsyCap can protect the expatriates from burnout through the mediator of HCN coworker support. The study also reveals that the beneficial role of PsyCap in facilitating the availability of HCN coworker support could be contingent on some personal factors relating to the Chinese expatriates.
Knowledge transferring and small and medium enterprise’s (SME's) effectiveness: emerging insights and future directions
Authors: Biloslavo Roberto , Lombardi Rosa
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to define knowledge transfer and small and medium enterprise’s (SME's) effectiveness. This research framework examines how employees understand, create and apply knowledge in a day-to-day working context, and how knowledge and other organisational factors influence knowledge transfer within the organisation.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative research approach was applied. The authors conducted semi-structured group interviews with the members of three departments of a small hi-tech company. All collected data were manually coded, using in vivo coding and discussed among the authors. As the continuation of the semi-structured group interview, the technique of cognitive maps was applied.

Findings

According to the results, the critical elements of knowledge transfer within small hi-tech companies seem (1) available slack time, (2) reciprocity and level of trust among employees, (3) social capital of employees and (4) practically oriented technical knowledge. It is also noted that the knowledge transfer is carried out to solve the problems identified by the employees, and these seek knowledge directly from the knowledge bearers who represent a kind of organisational memory.

Practical implications

Knowledge transfer in SMEs occurs almost exclusively face-by-face, and individuals involved pay attention to the time required by this process. The co-creation of an organisational space that allows and supports an open discussion within and between departments is therefore of fundamental importance in order not to preclude organisational learning. In addition, non-financial incentives must be established to help transfer tacit knowledge. This allows to overcome the difficulty of employees in recognising the organisational knowledge base that they see above all in themselves.

Originality/value

This paper throws additional light on understanding how knowledge transfer happens within small hi-tech companies. The applied qualitative research methods allow a better understanding of the “how” and “why” questions associated with the social processes surrounding knowledge transfer.
Corporate governance in small and medium enterprises: a review
Authors: Singh Kuldeep , Pillai Deepa
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Research signifies that well-governed companies exhibit long-run financial results and sustainable growth. In the context of SMEs, this paper aims to review the literature on corporate governance, the implementation challenges of corporate governance and its relationship with performance. Entwined with Indian scenarios, the study can be generalized to other emerging economies, with geographic considerations.

Design/methodology/approach

Studies from 1990 to 2020 are included in the literature review. Three databases were used for the extraction of relevant research articles: Scopus, EBSCO and ScienceDirect. To identify the relevant work, keywords along with Boolean operators for literature search were used from the research databases. The selected articles were further refined based on the authors’ keywords, journal type, data analysis methodologies and abstract analysis. Finally, 115 articles were selected and categorized into themes based on inclusion criteria for further study.

Findings

Corporate governance provides tangible and intangible benefits to SMEs. The study emphasizes on designing a cost-effective discrete governance mechanism for SMEs than the prevailing corporate governance code for large firms. Furthermore, implementing the corporate governance structure with a great level of discipline and stability is equally essential and related to performance.

Originality/value

Listing of SMEs is a relatively new phenomenon in emerging economies, including India. With listing, corporate governance and financial performance are expected to shift. The inclusion of the changing landscape of SME governance makes this study unique and relevant in the current scenario. The study will benefit the policymakers and firms to adopt optimum governance practices and link it optimally with performance.
Information-seeking behavior in the digital age: use by faculty members of the internet, scientific databases and social networks
Authors: Rostami Chia , Hosseini Elaheh , Saberi Mohammad Karim
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The study aims to survey information-seeking behavior of the Iranian medical faculty members and to identify the reasons and obstacles of their usage via the internet, scientific databases and online social networks.

Design/methodology/approach

In this cross-sectional study, a structured questionnaire used to collect data. The research population includes faculty members of four faculties of Hamadan University of Medical Sciences in Iran, including health, nursing – midwifery, paramedicine and rehabilitation. SPSS software was used to analyze data in descriptive and analytical levels.

Findings

Low internet speed, network traffic and lack of time were the main barriers and difficulties. Gender was significantly related with familiarity with databases, problems and barriers to accessing information, barriers to using social network, as well as purpose and motivation of using social network. Search for educational and research resources and use of social network to increase their general information were the main goals of participants to using the internet and databases. A negative significant relationship was observed between usage of social network with age (r = −0.204, P = 0.047) and experience (r = −0.239, P = 0.019).

Originality/value

The usage of faculty members of various digital resources is growing ever more. This study examines the use of faculty members of the internet, scientific databases and online social networks simultaneously.
A comparison between chatbot and human service: customer perception and reuse intention
Authors: Lei Sut Ieng , Shen Haili , Ye Shun
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Chatbot users’ communication experience with disembodied conversational agents was compared with instant messaging (IM) users’ communication experience with human conversational agents. The purpose of this paper is to identify what affects users’ intention to reuse and whether they perceive any difference between the two.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual model was developed based on computer-mediated communication (CMC) and interpersonal communication theories. Data were collected online from four different continents (North America, Europe, Asia and Australia). Partial least squares structural equation modeling was applied to examine the research model.

Findings

The findings mainly reveal that media richness and social presence positively influence trust and reuse intention through task attraction and social attraction; IM users reported significantly higher scores in terms of communication experience, perceived attractiveness of the conversational agent, and trust than chatbot users; users’ trust in the conversational agents is mainly determined by perceived task attraction.

Research limitations/implications

Customers’ evaluation of the communication environment is positively related to their perceived competence of the conversational agent which ultimately affect their intention to reuse chatbot/IM. The findings reveal determinants of chatbot/IM adoption which have rarely been mentioned by previous work.

Practical implications

Practitioners should note that consumers in general still prefer to interact with human conversational agents. Practitioners should contemplate how to combine chatbot and human resources effectively to deliver the best customer service.

Originality/value

This study goes beyond the Computer as Social Actor paradigm and Technology Acceptance Model to understand chatbot and IM adoption. It is among one of the first studies that compare chatbot and IM use experience in the tourism and hospitality literature.
Making memories: a consumer-based model of authenticity applied to living history sites
Authors: Kesgin Muhammet , Taheri Babak , Murthy Rajendran S. , Decker Juilee , Gannon Martin Joseph
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Underpinned by the consumer-based model of authenticity (CBA), this study aims to investigate whether leisure involvement, object-based and existential authenticity, host sincerity and engagement stimulate positive memorable visitor experiences in a distinctive commercial hospitality setting: a living history site.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative data were gathered from living history site visitors (n= 1,004), with partial least squares structural equation modeling used to test the hypothesized relationships.

Findings

The results confirm the inclusion of the hypothesized relationships between leisure involvement, sincerity and authenticity, relative to engagement and subsequent memorability. The findings suggest that engagement can be a predictor of a positive memorable experience, contingent on CBA constructs (sincerity; object-based authenticity; existential authenticity). The significant association between object-based authenticity and memorable experience identified herein differs from some published studies, while other results are broadly consistent with extant research. Results also reveal significant differences for visitors who purchased souvenirs when compared to those who did not.

Research limitations/implications

The research extends the CBA by positing sincere hospitality as a relationship-based encounter between host and guest that influences social interaction, engagement and memorability within the novel living history site context. Further, the ability to differentiate visitors based on their purchases at the site is illustrated.

Originality/value

Given the ubiquity of engagement and authenticity as precursors to memorable experiences within contemporary commercial hospitality and heritage discourses, the findings apply to hospitality experiences beyond the living history site context examined herein.
Getting to Yesin the cross-cultural-context: ‘one size doesn’t fit all’ – a critical review of principled negotiations across borders
Authors: Schoen Raphael
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the implicitly assumed universality of the best seller negotiation literatureGetting to Yesby Roger Fisher and William Ury.

Design/methodology/approach

Existing cross-cultural negotiation literature was systematically searched for findings indicating either a higher or lower likelihood of successfully applying the authors’ advice in different cultural environments, as defined in the Hofstede framework or The Globe Study. The findings were aggregated, categorized into a matrix, synthesized and analyzed.

Findings

This paper finds that the assumed universality of the method ofGetting to Yesand its single principles is not supported by research. Instead, a dichotomy of the four principles’ applicability along the Individuality dimension of Hofstede was found. Hence, the western orientation ofGetting to Yesis reality, inhibiting its use in non-western cultures. However, in one principle – Invent options for mutual gain – the findings refute a successful application in western cultures. Additional findings and research gaps are presented.

Practical implications

Practitioners should applyGetting to Yeswith caution, if at all, in a non-western environment. For the teaching of negotiations, alternative approaches for conducting negotiations in the non-western world are needed.

Originality/value

Although widely used in research, scholars only addressed sporadic comments concerning the limitations ofGetting to Yesacross cultures. Often the universality ofGetting to Yesis either implicitly or explicitly assumed in research and practice. This paper approaches this topic systematically by providing evidence thatGetting to Yesis not universal and conceptually sees negotiations through a western shaped perspective that provides considerable implications for research, practice and teaching.
Failing the rights: sexual vulnerability, access to services and barriers to contraceptives among adolescents in Narok County, Kenya
Authors: Manguro Griffins , Mwaisaka Jefferson , Okoro Dan , Korir Kigen , Owira Patricia , Githinji Gerald , Olajide Ademola , Temmerman Marleen
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Around one in five girls in Kenya, aged 15 to 19 years old are either pregnant or have given birth. Of 47 counties, adolescent pregnancy is highest in Narok, where about 40% of girls aged 15 to 19 years old have begun childbearing. This study aims to explore drivers to sexual activity, access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services and barriers to contraceptive use among adolescents in Narok County, Kenya to inform the design of SRH interventions and safeguard young people’s rights to sexual health.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional mixed methods study was conducted in December 2019. Quantitative data were collected through structured questionnaires among girls aged 15 to 19 years old who were either pregnant or had given birth and those who had not and boys aged 15 to 19 years old. Qualitative data were collected through focus group discussions with adolescent girls and boys and through structured key informant interviews with parents, community leaders and health workers.

Findings

The mean age at first sexual intercourse for both genders was 15 years. While the majority of girls and boys knew where to access SRH services, few used contraception during their last sexual activity. There was no significant difference in the condom or other contraceptive methods use between girls who had begun child bearing and those who had not (p = 0.549 and p = 0.563, respectively). Key drivers for sexual activity among young people were poverty and peer pressure. Cultural practices such as female genital mutilation and early marriage contributed to early sex. Community attitudes toward contraception discouraged young people from taking up contraceptives.

Originality/value

This mixed methods study explores the drivers of adolescent pregnancy in Narok, Kenya, the county with the highest rates of adolescent pregnancy; twice the national pregnancy rates. Understanding the drivers of pregnancy and the underlying human rights violations will help policymakers and health leaders to design interventions which will improve outcomes.
Governance distance and the performance of cross-border private participation infrastructure projects
Authors: Li Yanxi , Zhao Heng , Ouyang Shanshan
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The privatization of infrastructure promotes efficiency and service standards. While cross-border private participation infrastructure (PPI) projects hosted in emerging markets have become more prevalent in recent years, there have also been more failures. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how governance distance affects the survival of cross-border PPI projects.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors provide theoretical justification and empirical evidence to verify our views. The authors test the hypotheses on a sample of 4,678 cross-border PPI project investments made in emerging market countries between 1990 and 2016. Estimation techniques consist of a binary logistic regression model and a rare events logistic model.

Findings

The findings suggest that increased governance distance can lead to project failure. The study results show that governance distance is negatively correlated with the probability of project survival. Greenfield investment intensifies the negative effect of governance distance while competitive contracts mitigate the negative effect of governance distance.

Practical implications

The results reveal that transnational investment in infrastructure projects is susceptible to institutional differences between home and host countries. Therefore, both private enterprises and host government should pay attention to the impact of inter-country differences on negotiations and project operation. Competitive contracts mitigate this negative effect, but entering in the form of greenfield investment amplifies the negative effect of distance.

Originality/value

Transnational industrial engineering projects are easily affected by the differences in governance levels between the two countries. This study introduces governance distance into the field of infrastructure projects, focusing on the impact of differences between home and host countries on transnational projects. The findings on infrastructure projects that are closely related to host government contribute to the literature by broadening the research of institution and distance.
Beyond COVID-19 supply chain heroism, no dust settling yet – lessons learned at Rolls Royce about advancing risk management thinking
Authors: van Hoek Remko , Loseby David
Published: August 2021

Purpose

While there is a rich body of risk management literature and while there have been valuable theoretical advancements on the specific impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on risks, this paper aims to posit that at least four more advancements are needed.

Design/methodology/approach

The co-author from Rolls Royce (RR) illustrates the risks experienced and risk management approaches taken in its manufacturing and supply chain operations both in the earlier stages of the pandemic as well as after the first year of the pandemic.

Findings

The COVID-19 pandemic offers a unique risk scenario that is beyond the scope of most existing risk management literature. The impact of the pandemic is very multi-faceted, not location specific but very global and experienced throughout the entire supply chain, across industries and over a much extended timeline with multiple time horizons. In manufacturing operations, there have been major instances of supply chain heroism in the first year of the pandemic and there is a lot more work ahead.

Originality/value

The authors' co-created paper enriches the perspective on COVID-19 research in manufacturing and supply chain operations by pointing at empirical opportunities, the need for more inter disciplinary research and the need to consider multiple time horizons.
The influence of perceived risks on millennials' intention to use m-payment for mobile shopping in Bangkok
Authors: Zhu Bing , Charoennan Wanwisa , Embalzado Henzel
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Booming mobile shopping has resulted in an increase use of m-payment. Although m-payment is still in its infancy in Thailand, it has started to affect the daily lives of Thai people. This study aims to understand the role of perceive risks in influencing millennials' intention to use m-payment for mobile shopping.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample covers 250 millennials in Bangkok who were surveyed between February to May 2019. Purposive sampling and convenient sampling were applied to collect data. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was applied for statistical analysis. Further, mediation effect of attitude was studied.

Findings

The results showed that only perceived time risk significantly but negatively affect millennials' attitude towards using m-payment. Moreover, mediation test confirms that the relationship between perceived time risk and intention to use m-payment is mediated by attitude.

Research limitations/implications

First, limited number of respondents cannot be a representative of millennials as a whole. Second, the study is limited to a general study, in which the results of m-payment might not be effectual to explain other scenarios (e.g. offline setting) and the market situation in another cultural context.

Practical implications

It is important that business practitioners should formulate less complicated system under the most decent transaction time to elicit positive attitude towards m-payment. Also, message should emphasize on the time being saved and simplicity of the m-payment.

Originality/value

Since the study of how perceived risks influence millennials intention to m-payment remains insufficient in Southeast Asian context especially in Thailand, this paper contributes to the updating of empirical findings to the existing literatures.
Influence of water absorption on mechanical properties and glass transition temperatures of polyamide6/hexagonal boron nitride composites
Authors: Randhawa Kawaljit Singh , Patel Ashwin
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The absorption of moisture/water can affect the mechanical and thermal properties of polymers and polymer composites as many polymers, mainly polyamide thermoplastics, are sensitive to environmental humidity and can absorb a large amount of moisture. This paper investigates the effect of water molecules' absorption on mechanical and thermal properties of polyamide6/hexagonal boron nitride (PA6/h-BN) composites.

Design/methodology/approach

The PA6/h-BN composites were exposed to an open environment and water for 15 days to analyse the effect of humidity/water molecules' absorption on mechanical and thermal properties. The tensile strength, hardness and impact strength of materials were measured and compared. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses were utilized to see the influence of water absorption on microstructure, crystallinity and glass transition temperatures.

Findings

After exposing materials to an open environment and water, the tensile strength and hardness were found to decline, while improvement in impact strength was noticed. SEM characterization revealed the formation of voids/pockets in water-immersed materials. DSC analysis revealed the loss in glass transition temperatures, and XRD analysis revealed the loss in crystallinity of water-immersed materials.

Originality/value

Environmental conditions vary according to the geographical areas, and it varies in many countries throughout the year. Polyamides are sensitive to the environmental humidity and can absorb a large amount of moisture from the environment. It becomes necessary to test these materials in their original working conditions, and sometimes it is mandatory to see the effects of extreme environmental conditions on a component. In this article, efforts have been made to investigate the influence of extreme humidity/water conditions on thermo-mechanical properties of PA6/h-BN composites.
Improved tribology performances of copper graphite (Cu/C) using a phosphorized oxidization surface obtained with tricresyl phosphate (TCP)
Authors: Lu Hailin , Hu Feng , Liu Qi , Li Yihong
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Copper-graphite (Cu/C) is a type of seal material that has been widely used in liquid rocket engines and with normal metal pairs, has a high wear rate under liquid oxygen lubrication. In this study, bearing steel disks were subjected to a high-temperature oxidization and phosphating progress to create an oxidized tricresyl phosphating film (OTCP) film, using tricresyl phosphate (TCP) as the phosphating solvent. It is hoped that the surface wear rate and friction coefficient can be reduced by this method.

Design/methodology/approach

This study aim to form an anti-wear film on the surface of bearing steel, which can significantly improve the lubrication performance of Cu/C and bearing steel. The surfaces of bearing steel disks were dried to remove surface water and then put on a heating plate with a magnetic stirrer and a blue glazed oxide film obtained by heating the disks in the air at 200°C for 1 h. To create the OTCP film, bearing steel disks with a blue glazed oxide film were cleaned ultrasonically three times in ethanol and then placed in baths of TCP. After heating for 2 h at 120°C, excess TCP liquid was removed from the disks using ethanol, leaving an OTCP film on the disk surface.

Findings

It was found that steel coated with an OTCP film demonstrated better tribological performance (lower coefficient of fiction and wear rate) when pairing with Cu/C than either oxidized or untreated bearing steel. Additional chemical reactions occur when the oxide disk is immersed in TCP and the FePO4film is formed after heating. Additionally, the OTCP film coated steel displayed good corrosion resistance, as confirmed by electrochemical corrosion tests. This finding demonstrates the potential for this process in the aerospace industry.

Originality/value

The preparation of OTCP films via high-temperature oxidization and phosphating of bearing steel was demonstrated, with the tribological properties of the OTCP film being investigated alongside those of the original surface and an oxidized film surface. The fabrication of OTCP films is easily scaled up and exhibits significant advantages as a new technology for applications in mechanical contact seal lubrication.
Our love was a two-person game. At least until one of us died, and the other became a murderer: sexual homicide perpetrated by intimate partners
Authors: Stefanska Ewa , Bloomfield Sinead , Carter Adam
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The analysis of previous studies showed that research pertaining to the examination of the crime scene and Modus Operandi variables in intimate partner homicide (IPH) is scarce. Additionally, to our knowledge, there are no studies investigating sexual homicide perpetrated by intimate partners. This study aims to address that void. Thus, the study examined various components of the crime event and as such, it was exploratory in nature.

Design/methodology/approach

The study consisted of male sexual killers, who perpetrated against pubescent female victims (14 years old and over) and served a custodial sentence within Her Majesty’s Prison Service in England and Wales. Variables for the study were chosen on the basis of previous research examining IPH and sexual homicide. Descriptive analyses were used in this exploratory study.

Findings

Descriptive analyses indicated that the most prevalent aggravating circumstances in the lead up to the killing included conflict with the victim before the offence and substance use by the perpetrator around the time of the killing. Stalking was present in approximately a quarter of cases. The results of the analyses of sexual behaviours showed that in 54.9% of the sample the act of killing was purely instrumental whereas in 39.4% of the sample the underlying drive of the act of killing was closely related to the sexual aspect.

Originality/value

This is a unique study on a topic not yet explored.
Information behavior during the Covid-19 crisis in German-speaking countries
Authors: Dreisiebner Stefan , März Sophie , Mandl Thomas
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of the Covid-19 crisis at the level of individual information behavior among citizens from the German-speaking countries, Austria, Germany and Switzerland.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was conducted among 308 participants gathered through convenience sampling in April and May 2020, focusing on how citizens changed their mix and usage intensity of information sources and according to which criteria they chose them during the Covid-19 crisis. A Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for testing central tendencies. Effect sizes were considered to support the interpretation.

Findings

The results show first that the Covid-19 crisis has led to an increased demand for reliable information. This goes alongside a significant increased use of public broadcasting, newspapers and information provided by public organizations. Second, the majority (84%) of the participants reported being satisfied with the information supply during the Covid-19 crisis. Participants who were less satisfied with the information supply used reliable sources significantly less frequently, specifically public television, national newspapers and information provided by public organizations. Third, the amount of Covid-19-related information led some participants to a feeling of information overload, which resulted in a reduction of information seeking and media use.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the first to analyze changes of information behavior patterns of individuals during crises in the current information environment, considering the diversity of resources used by individuals.
Real estate risk, yield modelling and market sentiment: the impact on pricing in European office markets
Authors: McGough Tony , Berry Jim
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The financial and economic turmoil that resulted from the Global Financial Crisis (GFC), included a marked increase in the volatility in real estate markets. Property asset prices were impacted by the real economy and market sentiment, particularly concerning the determination of risk. In an economic downturn, the perception of investment risk becomes increasingly important relative to overall total returns, and thus impacts on yields and performance of assets. In a recovery phase, and particularly within an environment of historically low government bonds, risk and return compete for importance. The aim of this paper is to assess the interrelationships and impacts on pricing between real estate risk, yield modelling outcomes and market sentiment in selective European city office markets.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper specifically considers the modelling of commercial property pricing in relation to the appetite for risk in the financial markets. The paper expands on previous work by determining a specific measure of risk pricing in relationship to changing financial market sentiment. The methodology underpinning the research specifically examines the scope for using national and international risk pricing within specific real estate markets in Europe.

Findings

This paper addresses whether there is a difference between the impact of risk on the pricing of real estate in international versus regional cities in Europe. The analysis, therefore, determines which city centre office markets in Europe have been most impacted by globalisation including the magnitude on real estate prices and market volatility. The outcome of the paper provides important insights into how changes in risk preferences in the international capital markets have driven and continues to drive yield movements under different market conditions.

Research limitations/implications

The paper considers the driving forces which have led to the volatile movements of yields, emanating from the GFC.

Practical implications

This paper considers the property market effects on pricing of commercial real estate and the drivers in selected European cities.

Originality/value

The outcome of the paper provides important insights into how changes in risk preferences in the international capital markets have driven and continue to drive the yield movements in different real estate markets in Europe.
Leader knowledge hiding and employee organizational identification in the Egyptian service industry
Authors: Abdelmotaleb Moustafa , Mouri Nacef , Saha Sudhir K.
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between leader-signaled knowledge-hiding behavior (LSKH) and employee organizational identification (OI) with self-interest climate perceptions (SIC) as a mediator. This study also takes into consideration the impact of individual differences (i.e. employee trait of agreeableness) in shaping these relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

Two-wave data were collected from a sample of employees working in service industry companies in Egypt (N = 305). The mediation model (model 4) and the moderated mediation model (model 14) were tested using the statistical package for the social sciences PROCESS macro. The indirect effect of LSKH behavior on employee OI was examined using the bootstrapping approach (n = 5,000) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the indices.

Findings

Findings show that LSKH behavior has a negative impact on employee OI through SIC perceptions. Additionally, a moderation analysis indicates that the employee trait agreeableness strengthens the negative relationship between SIC and OI as well as the indirect relationship between LSKH behavior and employee OI.

Originality/value

While previous studies mainly focused on employee knowledge-hiding behavior, this study extends this nascent stream of literature by investigating the impact of this behavior at the leader’s level in the Egyptian cultural context. The results provide insights into the consequences of this type of behavior on important outcomes, namely, SIC and OI.
The anti-money laundering framework for precious stones and metals dealers in Singapore
Authors: Ooi Vincent
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Precious stones and metals have commonly been used throughout the world as a conduit for terrorism and money laundering activities. Such illicit use of these assets has called for its much-needed attention from a regulatory perspective. This is particularly relevant in a financial haven such as Singapore. Accordingly, the purpose of this paper is to explore how several of the most common trading and investment activities involving precious stones and metals in Singapore are regulated.

Design/methodology/approach

The research explores activities include the trading of – the storing or custodising of – and the current available savings plans involving the use of precious stones and metals. It is based mainly on information collected from various legal sources such as books, domestic legislation and international papers issued by the Financial Action Task Force and the Asia Pacific Group on Money Laundering.

Findings

With the author’s findings, the analysis may prove useful for businesses seeking to navigate the regulatory landscape for precious stones and metals in Singapore, for investors seeking to understand the protection offered to them under the regulatory framework and for other jurisdictions seeking to evaluate and refine their existing framework for regulating precious stones and metals.

Originality/value

To the author’s knowledge, this is the first substantive academic study which analyses the regulatory landscape for the use of precious stones and metals under the Singapore Law.
The existing financial intelligence tools and their limitations in early detection of terrorist financing activities
Authors: Gowhor Hussain Syed
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to inform the readers about the existing financial intelligence tools that are being used by financial intelligence units. It tries to demonstrate, with the help of a literature review, what the limitations of these tools are and how these limitations hinder the potential of the financial intelligence tools for early detection of terrorist financing activities.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature review method was adopted to discuss the financial intelligence tools, their limitations and the implications of the limitations for early detection of terrorist financing activities.

Findings

It was found that although the financial intelligence tools were introduced with a view to detect terrorist financing activities early, there are some inherent limitations of the tools relating to technical design features and operational procedures that hinder early detection of terrorist financing activities.

Research limitations/implications

The existing financial intelligence tools need to be repaired by removing the inherent limitations of the tools.

Practical implications

The financial intelligence units should take into cognizance the importance of early detection of terrorist financing activities for preventing terrorist attacks and need to redesign the existing tools in such a way that make these tools effective for early detection of terrorist financing activities.

Social implications

Peace will be established in society by preventing terrorist attacks through early detection of terrorist financing activities.

Originality/value

The originality of the paper lies in identifying the limitations of the existing financial intelligence tools for the early detection of terrorist financing activities.
“I cannot feel your print”. How military strategic knowledge managers respond to digitalization
Authors: Heltberg Therese
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how military strategic knowledge managers consider and respond to digitalization of operational processes in their revision of military knowledge management technologies. The research question is: which strategic considerations and professional concerns impact decisions about how far digitalization should be incorporated into Army planning doctrine?

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents material from a qualitative research study which observed the process of revising Danish Army Field Manual III. The empirical data include 12 in-depth interviews as well as documents related to the revision process. Data were analysed using a thematic approach.

Findings

The paper identifies and discusses strategic dilemmas arising from incorporating digitalization into planning doctrine. Two major areas of concern are addressed. The first involves considerations about the extent of digitalization, including concerns about risk and issues of timing regarding choices of specific digital solutions. The second involves potential limits of digitalization in relation to military notions of the role and identity of the commander. The article suggests that digitalization may impact on professional roles and identities and that strategic knowledge management developers need to be cognizant of this.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the literature in two ways. First, the paper draws attention to the notions of risk and timing in relation to strategic decisions on how far knowledge management technologies should make use of possibilities brought about by digitalization. Second, the paper provides insight into how digitalization may profoundly alter professional roles and identities.
Shareholder use of CSR reports: an accountability perspective
Authors: Smith Veronica , Lau James , Dumay John
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the extent of shareholder engagement and satisfaction with corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports of a Chinese-owned company compared to an Australian-owned company in the Australian mining industry. The study is motivated by the speed, extent and nature of Chinese foreign direct investment in Australia, the resulting negative social attitudes and the impact on the perceptions of a report’s credibility.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a survey of 202 minority shareholders of two Australian mining companies, one has a Chinese majority shareholder and the other an Australian majority shareholder. The responses highlight users’ comparative perceptions of corporate motivations for reporting, the level of perceived shareholder power over reporting decisions and the resulting propensity to read CSR reports.

Findings

The authors found that, contrary to decision-usefulness theory, which posits that users will read CSR reports only if they are deemed to be reliable, that perceptions of poor credibility and poor CSR performance actually result in a higher propensity to read the reports. This suggests that the minority shareholders of the Chinese acquired firm are using reports to monitor the level of corporate accountability.

Originality/value

The findings have implications for firms operating in politically or socially sensitive industries that are likely to use CSR reporting as a legitimising strategy. The paper also provides guidance to regulators in the provision of information, which is meaningful to minority shareholders.
Design synthesis and performance of anti-collapse drilling polymer mud with higher stability
Authors: Kai Chun-Mei , Zhang Feng-Jun , Cheng Cong-Liang , Chen Qian-Bao
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the influence of different factors on mud performance, find the best conditions and synthesize a new type of anti-collapse drilling polymer mud with higher stability. The anti-collapse mechanism of drilling polymer mud was also suggested.

Design/methodology/approach

Exploring the influence of different molecular weight thickeners, filtrate reducers, soda ash addition and film-forming components on the mud performance, so as to obtain the best ratio of anti-collapse drilling polymer mud.

Findings

The results show that the use of vegetable glue, sulfonate copolymer and vegetable fiber powder can synthesize a high-viscosity, high-stability, collapse-resistant mud. When the mass ratio of vegetable fiber powder: vegetable glue: sulfonate copolymer is 40:1:2, the mud viscosity is 21.2 s, the fluid loss in 30 min is only 12.5 mL, and the mud film thickness is 1.5 mm, which is one ideal anti-collapse polymer mud.

Originality/value

Compared with ordinary polymer mud and bentonite mud, this anti-collapse polymer mud not only uses vegetable glue instead of traditional tackifiers but also effectively uses vegetable fiber powder produced from waste wood, which is environmentally friendly and highly stable specialty. It can effectively improve the safety and quality of construction during drilling in water-sensitive geology.