bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DORSAL RAPHE NUCLEUS CONTROLS MOTIVATIONAL STATE TRANSITIONS IN MONKEYS
Authors: Priestley Luke , Chiew Mark , Shahdloo Mo , Mahmoodi Ali , Cheng Xinghao , Cleveland Robin , Rushworth Matthew , Khalighinejad Nima
Published: February 2024

The dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) is an important source of serotonin in the brain but fundamental aspects of its function remain elusive. Here, we present a combination of minimally invasive recording and disruption studies to show that DRN brings about changes in motivation states. We use recently developed methods for identifying temporal patterns in behaviour to show that monkeys change their motivation depending on the availability of rewards in the environment. Distinctive patterns of DRN activity occur when monkeys transition between a high motivation state occupied when rewards are abundant, to a low motivation state engendered by reward scarcity. Disrupting DRN diminishes sensitivity to the reward environment and perturbs transitions in motivational states.
Localization and function of key axonemal microtubule inner proteins and dynein docking complex members reveal extensive diversity among vertebrate motile cilia
Authors: Lu Hao , Twan Wang Kyaw , Ikawa Yayoi , Khare Vani Prem , Mukherjee Ishita , Chua Kai Xin , Chakrabarti Saikat , Hamada Hiroshi , Roy Sudipto
Published: February 2024

Vertebrate motile cilia are broadly classified as (9+2) or (9+0), based on the presence or absence of the central pair apparatus, respectively. Cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) analyses of (9+2) cilia have uncovered an elaborate axonemal protein composition; whether these features are relevant to (9+0) cilia remain unclear. We previously demonstrated that Cfap53, a key microtubule inner protein (MIP) as well as centriolar-satellites component, is essential for motility of (9+0), but not (9+2) cilia. Here, we show that in (9+2) cilia, Cfap53 functions redundantly with a paralogous MIP, Mns1. Mns1 localizes to ciliary axonemes, and combined loss of both proteins in zebrafish and mice, caused severe loss of outer dynein arms (ODAs) of (9+2) cilia, significantly affecting their motility. Moreover, using immunoprecipitation, we demonstrate that while Mns1 can self-associate and interact with Cfap53, Cfap53 is unable to self-associate. Finally, we show that multiple additional dynein interacting proteins, such as the ODA docking complex (ODA-DC) members, show strikingly distinct localization patterns between various motile cilia-types. Our findings clarify how paralogous MIPs, Cfap53 and Mns1, function in regulating motility of (9+2) versus (9+0) cilia, and establish that localization pattern of other key motility proteins also differ between these cilia-types, further emphasizing extensive structural variations among these organelles.
NEKL-4 regulates microtubule stability and mitochondrial health inC. elegansciliated neurons
Authors: Power Kaiden M. , Nguyen Ken C. , Silva Andriele , Singh Shaneen , Hall David H. , Rongo Christopher , Barr Maureen M.
Published: February 2024

Ciliopathies are often caused by defects in the ciliary microtubule core. Glutamylation is abundant in cilia, and its dysregulation may contribute to ciliopathies and neurodegeneration. Mutation of the deglutamylase CCP1 causes infantile-onset neurodegeneration. InC. elegans, ccpp-1loss causes age-related ciliary degradation that is suppressed by mutation in the conserved NEK10 homolognekl-4. NEKL-4 is absent from cilia, yet negatively regulates ciliary stability via an unknown, glutamylation-independent mechanism. We show that NEKL-4 was mitochondria-associated.nekl-4mutants had longer mitochondria, a higher baseline mitochondrial oxidation state, and suppressedccpp-1mutant lifespan extension in response to oxidative stress. A kinase-deadnekl-4(KD)mutant ectopically localized toccpp-1cilia and rescued degenerating microtubule doublet B-tubules. A nondegradablenekl-4(PESTΔ)mutant resembled theccpp-1mutant with dye filling defects and B-tubule breaks. Thenekl-4(PESTΔ)Dyf phenotype was suppressed by mutation in the depolymerizing kinesin-8 KLP-13/KIF19A. We conclude that NEKL-4 influences ciliary stability by activating ciliary kinesins and promoting mitochondrial homeostasis.

Neurodegeneration and ciliary degeneration are caused by mutation of the deglutamylase CCP1/CCPP-1 in humans andC. elegans. The conserved NIMA-related kinase NEKL-4/NEK10 can suppress or promote degeneration in an activity-dependent manner that involves cilia-mitochondria communication and that is independent of glutamylation.
Stochastic reorientations and the hydrodynamics of microswimmers near deformable interfaces
Authors: Nambiar Sankalp , Wettlaufer J. S.
Published: February 2024

We study the hydrodynamic interaction between a microswimmer and a deformable interface when the swimmer can stochastically reorient itself. We consider a force- and torque-free swimmer, modeled as a slender body, that can execute random orientation tumbles or active Brownian rotations in the plane of the deformable interface. When the swimmer is in the more viscous fluid, our analysis shows that both tumbles and Brownian rotations acting on timescales comparable to that of interface deformations can lead to a pusher-type swimmer rotating away from the interface, while enhancing its attraction towards the interface. In turn, the intrinsic orientational stochasticity of the microswimmer favors a stronger migration of pushers towards the interface at short times, but migration away from the interface in the long-time limit. However, irrespective of the viscosity ratio of the two fluid medium, the tendency of a pusher to align parallel to the interface is suppressed; the results for puller-type swimmers are the opposite. Our study has potential consequences for the residence time of swimming microorganisms near deformable boundaries.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Using Cryogenic CMOS Control Electronics to Enable a Two-Qubit Cross-Resonance Gate
Authors: Underwood Devin , Glick Joseph A. , Inoue Ken , Frank David J. , Timmerwilke John , Pritchett Emily , Chakraborty Sudipto , Tien Kevin , Yeck Mark , Bulzacchelli John F. , Baks Chris , Robertazzi Raphael , Beck Matthew , Joshi Rajiv V. , Wisnieff Dorothy , Lekuch Scott , Gaucher Brian P. , Friedman Daniel J. , Rosno Pat , Ramirez Daniel , Ruedinger Jeff
Published: February 2024

Qubit control electronics composed of CMOS circuits are of critical interest for next-generation quantum computing systems. A CMOS-based application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) fabricated in 14-nm fin field-effect transistor (FinFET) technology was used to generate and sequence qubit control wave forms and demonstrate a two-qubit cross-resonance gate between fixed-frequency transmons. The controller was thermally anchored to the T=4 K stage of a dilution refrigerator and the measured power was 23 mW per qubit under active control. The chip generated single-side banded output frequencies between 4.5 and 5.5 GHz, with a maximum power output of −18 dBm. Randomized-benchmarking (RB) experiments revealed an average number of 1.71 instructions per Clifford (IPC) for single-qubit gates and 17.51 IPC for two-qubit gates. A single-qubit error per gate of ϵ1Q=8×10−4 and a two-qubit error per gate of ϵ2Q=1.4×10−2 were shown. A drive-induced Z rotation was observed by way of a rotary-echo experiment; this observation is consistent with the expected qubit behavior given the measured excess local-oscillator (LO) leakage from the CMOS chip. The effect of spurious drive-induced

Z

errors was numerically evaluated with a two-qubit model Hamiltonian and shown to be in good agreement with the measured RB data. The modeling results suggest that the Z error varies linearly with the pulse amplitude.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
New developments in Macao's gaming public policy: implications and effectiveness
Authors: Wang Changbin
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This paper examines the changes in Macao's gaming public policy following the 2022 revision of the gaming law. The revision introduces more regulations on the gaming industry and highlights the gaming industry's contribution to economic diversification, anti-money laundering and national security. The paper analyzes the economic, cultural and political factors that motivated these changes and evaluates the effectiveness of the new gaming public policy.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper compares the different versions of Macao's gaming laws and the gaming laws of Nevada and New Jersey, using a qualitative approach to interpret the meanings behind the law text.

Findings

The paper reveals that Macao's gaming public policy has changed significantly. The revised policy focuses more on economic diversification than the growth of the gaming industry and imposes more responsibilities on the gaming operators. It predicts that Macao's gaming industry will face more difficulties in increasing its market share in the next decade.

Practical implications

The findings of this paper can help the Macao government assess its gaming public policy and other governments learn from the complex situation when developing their public policies.

Social implications

The findings of this paper can enhance the understanding of Macao's gaming laws and the reality of Macao's gaming industry.

Originality/value

This paper is the first in academia to address Macao's new public policy toward gaming.
The reaction of the Egyptian stock market to recurring devaluations: an event study approach
Authors: Elroukh Ahmed Wassal
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This paper examines the reaction of the Egyptian stock market to two substantial devaluations of the Egyptian pound (EGP) in 2022 and tests the informational efficiency of the Egyptian market.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses the event study framework to analyze the significance and direction of abnormal returns of the leading index of the Egyptian stock market (EGX30) on and around the devaluation days. It employs both the constant mean model and the market model to estimate the normal returns of the EGX30. Additionally, the paper uses data on two equity indices, one global and one for emerging markets, as benchmarks for normal returns.

Findings

The paper finds that the Egyptian stock market experienced significant positive abnormal returns on the devaluation days of the EGP in March and October of 2022, indicating a positive market reaction to the devaluation. Furthermore, evidence suggests that the Egyptian market may not be informationally efficient as significant positive abnormal returns were observed two weeks before and two weeks after the devaluation day, suggesting news leaks and delayed reactions, respectively.

Originality/value

This study is the first to examine the impact of the recent two devaluations of the EGP in 2022 on the Egyptian stock market. It complements existing literature by analyzing the immediate market reaction to two consecutive devaluations in an African country. Furthermore, the paper evaluates the efficiency of the Egyptian market in processing information related to exchange rates.
Regional income inequality in Brazil: state-level Distributional National Accounts
Authors: Bhering Davi
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Brazil’s regional inequality is an important topic due to the large and persistent differences in development between states and the high levels of inequality in the country. These variations in development can potentially render survey data inaccurate since the significance of capital income varies across the states. Besides, previous studies incorporating tax and national accounts data globally have mainly focused on measuring the income distribution at the country-level. This approach can limit the understanding of inequality, especially when considering large countries such as Brazil.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology used to construct these estimates follows the guidelines of the Distributional National Accounts, whose core goal is to provide income distribution measures consistent with macroeconomic aggregates and harmonized across countries and time. The procedure has three main steps: first, it corrects the survey’s underrepresentation of top incomes using tax data. Then, it accounts for national income items not included in the survey or tax data, such as imputed rents and undistributed profits. Finally, it ensures that all components match the national income.

Findings

Compared to survey-based estimations, the results reveal a new angle on the state-level inequality. This study indicates that Amazonas, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo have a more concentrated income distribution. The top 1\% of earners in these states receives around 28\% of total pre-tax income, while the top 10\% receive nearly 60\%. On the other end, Amapá (AP), Acre (AC), Rondônia (RO) and Santa Catarina (SC) are the states where the income distribution is less concentrated. There were no significant changes in the income distribution across the states during the period analyzed.

Originality/value

This study combines survey, tax and national accounts data to construct new estimates of Brazil’s state-level income distribution from 2006 to 2019. Previous results only considered income captured in surveys, which usually misses a significant part of capital incomes. This limitation may bias comparisons as capital income has different importance across the states. The new estimates represent the income of top groups more accurately, account for the entire national income and enable to compare regional inequality levels consistently with other countries.
GCC workforce nationalization: what factors contribute to the comprehensive implementation of Qatarization practices?
Authors: Elbanna Said
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Most prior literature on the GCC workforce nationalization has focused on a limited set of themes (e.g. nationalization challenges), initiatives (e.g. quota system) and methodology (e.g. qualitative) and none has captured the full range of content associated with its implementation phenomenon resulting in our current incomplete knowledge on it. As one of the first studies on this phenomenon, our study explores the factors influencing comprehensive implementation of workforce nationalization in Qatar. We postulate a research model based on the strategic human resource and strategic management works of literature which contain five exogenous variables under three perspectives: Qatarization, organizational and environmental.

Design/methodology/approach

The study model was tested by using structural equation modeling (SEM) to analyze data collected from 300 managers in Qatar.

Findings

The results show that four variables –formal Qatarization planning, top management commitment, Qatarization experience and stakeholder pressures – positively influence the comprehensive implementation of Qatarization efforts.

Practical implications

Successfully implementing Qatarization objectives requires a robust synergy between dedicated planning and unwavering commitment from top management. Further, to effectively navigate the challenges of nationalization, collaboration with key stakeholders becomes pivotal. Our findings offer actionable insights for public organizations aiming to optimize their Qatarization efforts, emphasizing the integral role of holistic strategies and committed leadership.

Originality/value

We introduce a novel research model rooted in both strategic human resource and strategic management theories. Diverging from traditional qualitative approaches, our quantitative methodology provides empirical depth to our findings.
Bridging the valley of death: examining university science parks' influence on revenue generation
Authors: Qi Xin-Zhou , Li Eric Ping Hung , Wei Zhuangyu , Ning Zhong
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study examines the impact of university science parks’ (USPs) capabilities on revenue generation and introduces regional innovation as a moderating variable. This study aims to provide insights into enhancing revenue generation and fully leveraging the role of USPs in promoting revenue generation.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs system generalized method of moments (GMM) estimation for 116 universities in China from 2008 to 2020, using hierarchical regression analysis to examine the relationships between variables.

Findings

The findings suggest that USPs play a beneficial role in fostering revenue generation. Specifically, the provision of incubation funding demonstrates a positive correlation, while USPs size exhibits an inverted U-shaped pattern, with a threshold at 3.037 and a mean value of 3.712, highlighting the prevalent issue of suboptimal personnel allocation in the majority of USPs. Moreover, the analysis underscores the critical moderating influence of regional innovation, affecting the intricate interplay between USPs size, incubation funding and revenue generation.

Research limitations/implications

The single country (China) analysis relied solely on the use of secondary data. Future studies could expand the scope to include other countries and employ primary data collection. For instance, future research can further examine how regional development and USPs strategic plan impact revenue generation.

Practical implications

The study recommends that USPs managers and policymakers recognize the importance of incubation funding and determine the optimal quantity of USPs size to effectively foster revenue generation in USPs. Policymakers can use regional innovation as a moderating variable to reinforce the relationship between USPs size and incubation funding on revenue generation.

Social implications

The study’s findings can contribute to the strategic industry growth and economic development of nations by promoting revenue generation. Leveraging the role of USPs and implementing the study’s recommendations can strengthen innovation and technology capabilities, driving strategic industry growth and economic development. This can enhance global competitiveness and promote sustainable economic growth.

Originality/value

This study introduces regional innovation as a moderating variable and provides empirical evidence of its influence on the relationship between USPs size and incubation funding on revenue generation. This adds value to research to the existing literature on USPs and revenue generation by showcasing the importance of examining the regional impact in research and innovation.
The use of tracker technologies on branded prescription drug websites: privacy, data acquisition and programmatic advertising
Authors: Alperstein Neil
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine consumer data acquired by branded prescription drug websites and the ethics of privacy related to the interconnected web of personal information accessed, packaged and resold by tracker technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

The research used the DMI Tracker Tool to collect data on the top 17 branded prescription drug websites, with a specific interest in the tracker technologies embedded in those websites. That data was analyzed using Gephi, an open-source data visualization tool, to map the network of trackers embedded in those branded prescription drug websites.

Findings

Findings visualize the interconnections between tracker technologies and prescription drug websites that undergird a system of personal data acquisition and programmatic advertising vehicles that serve the interests of prescription drug marketers and Big Tech. Based on the theory of platform ethics, the study demonstrated the presence of a technostructural ecosystem dominated by Big Tech, a system that goes unseen by consumers and serves the interests of advertisers and resellers of consumer data.

Research limitations/implications

The 17 websites used in this study were limited to the top-selling prescription drugs or those with the highest ad expenditures. As such this study is not based on a random sampling of branded prescription drug websites. The popularity of these prescription drugs or the expanse of advertising associated with the drugs makes them appropriate to study the presence of tracking devices that collect data from consumers and serve advertising to them. It is also noted that websites are dynamic spaces, and some trackers within their infrastructures are apt to change over time.

Practical implications

Branded prescription drug information has over the past three decades become part of consumers’ routine search for information regarding what ails them. As drug promotion moved from print to TV and the Web, searching for drug information has become a part of everyday life. The implications of embedded trackers on branded prescription drug websites are the subject of this research.

Social implications

This study has significant social implications as consumers who are searching for information regarding prescription medications may not want drug companies tracking them in a way that many perceive to be an invasion of privacy. Yet, as the Web is dominated by Big Tech, web developers have little choice but to remain a part of this technostructural ecosystem.

Originality/value

This study sheds light on branded prescription drug websites, exploring the imbalance between the websites under study, Big Tech and consumers who lack awareness of the system that operates backstage.
Mitigating postreplanting risks of oil palm plantations: seed institutional perspective
Authors: Ardana I Ketut , Wulandari Suci , Hartati Rr Sri , Hasibuan Abdul Muis
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study assesses postreplanting oil palm farming risks, analyzes seed procurement parameters, investigates seed institutions' performance factors and develops a framework for improved sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

Incorporating data from 219 smallholder farmers in designated replanting areas, our study comprehensively evaluates seed supply performance, examining the roles of stakeholders and identifying potential risks in seed management. We assess these risks using the Risk Priority Number (RPN) methodology and Multidimensional Scaling (MDS) techniques.

Findings

The results show that the timing and quantity of oil palm seed supply have a relatively small impact on postreplanting failure risk. To mitigate this risk, focus on monitoring seed purity using high-quality Tenera oil palm-type seeds and early detection technology. Encourage seed-producing cooperatives to become legal seed producers for an inclusive system and consider smallholders' variety preferences.

Originality/value

This study’s significance lies in its comprehensive assessment of the risks associated with oil palm replanting on smallholder plantations, detailed analysis of critical parameters in seed procurement, investigation into the performance of palm oil seed institutions across various dimensions and development of a strategic framework to strengthen inclusive seed institutions for sustainable oil palm farming. This strategy holds valuable potential for the development of oil palm in Indonesia, particularly in expediting the smallholders' replanting program.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-10-2023-0811
Fuzzy logic system-based force tracking control of robot in highly dynamic environments
Authors: Liu Chengguo , Li Junyang , Li Zeyu , Chen Xiutao
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The study aims to equip robots with the ability to precisely maintain interaction forces, which is crucial for tasks such as polishing in highly dynamic environments with unknown and varying stiffness and geometry, including those found in airplane wings or thin, soft materials. The purpose of this study is to develop a novel adaptive force-tracking admittance control scheme aimed at achieving a faster response rate with higher tracking accuracy for robot force control.

Design/methodology/approach

In the proposed method, the traditional admittance model is improved by introducing a pre-proportional-derivative controller to accelerate parameter convergence. Subsequently, the authors design an adaptive law based on fuzzy logic systems (FLS) to compensate for uncertainties in the unknown environment. Stability conditions are established for the proposed method through Lyapunov analysis, which ensures the force tracking accuracy and the stability of the coupled system consisting of the robot and the interaction environment. Furthermore, the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed control algorithm are demonstrated by simulation and experiment.

Findings

A variety of unstructured simulations and experimental scenarios are designed to validate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm in force control. The outcomes demonstrate that this control strategy excels in providing fast response, precise tracking accuracy and robust performance.

Practical implications

In real-world applications spanning industrial, service and medical fields where accurate force control by robots is essential, the proposed method stands out as both practical and straightforward, delivering consistently satisfactory performance across various scenarios.

Originality/value

This research introduces a novel adaptive force-tracking admittance controller based on FLS and validated through both simulations and experiments. The proposed controller demonstrates exceptional performance in force control within environments characterized by unknown and varying.
Children and adolescents as perpetrators of stalking: an overview
Authors: Barr Ethan , Newman Andrew
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Stalking is considered a public health priority with a range of adverse outcomes. This paper aims to explore existing literature on children and adolescents as perpetrators of stalking, with a focus on rates of stalking and victim and perpetrator characteristics associated with stalking.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of research where stalking was engaged in by those 18 years old and younger was conducted, where 17 manuscripts met criteria for review.

Findings

This review found a prevalence of young people engaging in stalking of between 5.3% and 36%. Considerations including demographics, typologies, prior relationship characteristics, stalking and pursuit tactics, cyberstalking and a brief consideration of the impact are given.

Practical implications

Literature considering perpetration remains thin, and future research should seek to move towards a widely acceptable definition of stalking, as well as considering effective interventions for early intervention, and to consider the role of mental health services in supporting perpetrators and victims, who may not always be mutually exclusive groups.

Originality/value

This paper extends previous literature reviews; the authors understand this to be original work that contributes to a gap in the literature.
Exploring the concept and the communication principles of negotiation among Islamic corporate organizations
Authors: Ramdani Abbas , Raji Ridwan , Ahmad Mohd. Khairie
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The acceleration of globalized commerce and economic activities has meant that conventional and Shariah (Islamic law) compliant organizations transact and negotiate among themselves. Therefore, this study aims to explore the concept of corporate negotiation and the communicative principles that guide the negotiation process among Shariah-compliant organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a qualitative method through an inductive interpretative approach by conducting 20 in-depth interviews among four groups of experts. These consist of three muftis, ten academicians in Islamic assets, finance and asset jurisprudence; three practitioners in charge of inter-organizational negotiation and decision-making; and four shariah board members of selected Islamic banks.

Findings

The findings reported that business negotiation is used by Islamic organizations for reconciliation, consultation, resolving disagreements and as a means of achieving spiritual satisfaction. Furthermore, the key communicative principles of the negotiation process consist of the credibility of informational exchange, flexible interactions and the openness and truthful disclosure of information.

Research limitations/implications

The empirical data discussed in this study supports the claim that macro-environmental factors and social and cultural values should be considered when examining business negotiating behaviors. However, this study focuses only on the banking/service organization negotiation. Therefore, future research should focus on the Islamic negotiation process in the context of diplomatic and international relations.

Practical implications

The findings reported in this study offer insight for negotiators operating among Islamic organizations to understand the principles and process of negotiation in the purview of Shariah standards and principles.

Originality/value

In terms of theoretical implications, this study reveals a clear conceptual difference between the conventional concept and the Islamic perspective of corporate negotiation. Also, this study highlights the impact of organizational culture, specifically Islamic management strategies, on the business negotiation process and business communication principles.
Unlocking the relationship between ambidextrous leadership style and HRM practices in knowledge-intensive SMES
Authors: Malik Ashish , Gupta Jaya , Gugnani Ritika , Shankar Amit , Budhwar Pawan
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the relationship between owner-manager or leader’s ambidextrous leadership style and its effect on human resource management (HRM) practices, contextual ambidexterity and knowledge-intensive small- and medium-enterprises (SMEs) strategic agility.

Design/methodology/approach

This study presents an in-depth qualitative case study analysis of two knowledge-intensive SMEs from India’s information technology and health-care products industry serving a range of global clients. Using the theoretical lenses of empowerment-focused HRM practices, ambidextrous leaders, contextual ambidexterity and strategic agility, semi-structured interview data of leaders, managers and employees of the case organizations were analysed. Through a two-staged analytical process, we abductively developed a novel conceptual framework at the intersection of the above theoretical lenses.

Findings

The findings suggest that the knowledge-intensive SME’s strategic agility, ambidexterity and empowerment-focussed HRM approach was influenced by the owner-manager or leader’s ambidextrous leadership style and their philosophy towards managing people and had a positive impact in creating a culture of trust, participation, risk-taking and openness, and led to delivering innovative products and services as well as several positive employee-level outcomes.

Originality/value

Recent literature reviews on HRM In SMEs highlight several gaps, including the impact of owner-manager or leader’s philosophy of managing people in shaping HRM practices and employee outcomes. This paper thus adds to the existing literature on HRM and knowledge-intensive SMEs.
Barriers to the involvement in green public procurement among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) government suppliers
Authors: Masron Nurin Athilah , Ismail Suhaiza , Zainol Zaini
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The objectives of this study are twofold. Firstly, this study aims to examine the challenges of green public procurement (GPP) involvement among small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) government suppliers. Secondly, it investigates the differences in the perceived challenges between the small- and medium-sized groups of companies.

Design/methodology/approach

The study draws on the quantitative method. The questionnaire was distributed to SMEs that supply green goods or services to the government and which are listed in the MyHijau directory. Using convenience sampling, a total of 394 questionnaires were distributed and 126 usable questionnaires were received, representing a response rate of 31.98%. A descriptive analysis of the mean score, standard deviation and mean score ranking was used to analyse the overall results. The t-test analysis was carried out to examine the differences between the small- and medium-sized groups of companies.

Findings

All five categories of the barriers, i.e. financial, legal, people, knowledge and organizational challenges, are perceived as the important challenges for SMEs’ involvement in GPP. Of the five categories, “having lack of knowledgeable staff on GPP” under the category of “people” challenge is ranked as the most major barrier. In relation to the differences between the two groups of enterprises (small- and medium-sized), medium enterprises are more affected by two items under the “organization” challenge, i.e. “The company has not targeted suppliers that promote environmentally-friendly products/services” and “The company has not established a clear objective on purchase of green products and services”, as compared to the small-sized enterprises through their GPP involvement.

Social implications

By understanding the difficulties faced by SMEs in engaging with GPP, various practical measures can be formulated to support the SME businesses in mitigating the challenges faced for their involvement with GPP, which subsequently will lead to the country’s target to reach the sustainable development goals.

Originality/value

This study extends empirical evidence on barriers or challenges that may hinder the involvement in government green procurement, with a specific focus on SME government suppliers.
Retiring entrepreneurs and succession planning: does entry mode determine exit strategy?
Authors: Viljamaa Anmari , Joensuu-Salo Sanna , Varamäki Elina
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The purpose is to examine the relationship between entrepreneurs’ exit strategies and modes of entry. The topic of exit strategies in the context of approaching retirement warrants further attention.

Design/methodology/approach

We apply logistic regression to analyse 1,192 responses to an online survey of firms with entrepreneurs aged over 55.

Findings

Family successors are more likely to choose family succession and buyers to choose to sell, but the association between founding and exit mode cannot be confirmed. Firm size is also significant. Our findings suggest that entry and exit via a business transfer are linked. Entrepreneurs might be influenced by their form of entry when choosing their exit strategy.

Research limitations/implications

The data were collected from a single European country, limiting generalisation. Future research should incorporate intervening variables not controlled for here, such as, entrepreneurial experience. Future studies should also seek to test the existence of imprinting directly, as it is implied rather than verified here.

Practical implications

If the entry mode has a lasting effect on the entrepreneur as our results suggest, thus influencing the exit strategy selected, entrepreneurs could benefit from greater awareness of the imprinting mechanism. Increasing awareness of imprinted biases could unlock the benefits of exit strategies previously overlooked.

Originality/value

The study is the first to consider sale, family succession and liquidation as exit strategies in relation to the original entry mode of ageing owners. It contributes to the understanding of exit strategies of ageing entrepreneurs and proposes using entrepreneurial learning and imprinting as lenses to clarify the phenomenon.
Library practitioners’ perceptions on the applications of IoT in university libraries of Bangladesh
Authors: Saha Susmita , Roknuzzaman Md.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The major objectives of this study are to explore the perceptions of library practitioners towards IoT and to suggest directions for its proper application in university libraries of Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach

The study conducted an online questionnaire-based survey of library practitioners working at university libraries in Bangladesh in addition to an email interview with ten librarians. A sample size of 310 library practitioners was obtained using the convenience sampling technique for the survey. Non-parametric tests were performed to examine the differences in demographics and perspectives on IoT, as well as the potential benefits and challenges of IoT deployment in libraries.

Findings

A total of 178 valid surveys were completed, and the results indicate that 147 (82.6%) library practitioners have varied degrees of IoT understanding and positive attitudes about IoT applications in libraries. The study identified RFID, wireless technologies, cloud computing, mobile apps, artificial intelligence and semantic search as major IoT enablers. Tracking, book reservation, circulation, user identification, service marketing, selection of resources, information networking and resource sharing, etc. are the main areas of a library where IoT may be applied. The integration of IoT has the potential to transform conventional libraries into smart libraries. However, there are some challenges that Bangladeshi university libraries must overcome to take use of the prospects emerged from IoT.

Research limitations/implications

The study would encourage Bangladeshi librarians adopting IoT-based library and information services and provide guidelines for its successful implementation.

Originality/value

The study is a pioneering effort from Bangladesh’s perspective which portrays the original opinions and perceptions of library practitioners regarding IoT applications in university libraries of Bangladesh.
The effect of board effectiveness on the long-term company success and comparability of financial information
Authors: Salehi Mahdi , Hassanzadeh Ali
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effect of the dynamics and potential of the board of directors on investment efficiency and the comparability of financial information in companies listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange.

Design/methodology/approach

The number of observations for this study includes 1,218 observations from companies listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange during 2014–2020. The authors used econometric statistical methods such as multiple linear regression, the Chow and Hausman test and the Kendall correlation coefficient using Eviews software to conduct the research. To measure the board’s effectiveness, two variables are used, including board dynamics and potential.

Findings

The results showed a positive and significant relationship between dynamics, board potential and investment efficiency. Also, no significant relationship was observed between the board dynamics and the comparability of financial information. Finally, a positive and significant relationship exists between the board’s potential and the comparability of financial information.

Originality/value

The importance of this research is the use of board proxies, including the dynamics and potential of the board. In addition, other variables of board characteristics, such as size, independence, ownership and gender, and the relationship between these variables with investment efficiency and comparability of financial information, have been examined in this study.
Oil prices, renewable energy consumption and trade balance nexus: empirical evidence from Indian economy
Authors: Kaushik Ketki , Shastri Shruti
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aims to assess the nexus among oil price (OP), renewable energy consumption (REC) and trade balance (TB) for India using annual time series data for the time period 1985–2019. In particular, the authors examine whether REC improves India's TB in the context of high oil import dependence.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses autoregressive distributed lags (ARDL) bound testing approach that has the advantage of yielding estimates of long-run and short-run parameters simultaneously. Moreover, the small sample properties of this approach are superior to other multivariate cointegration techniques. Fully modified ordinary least square (FMOLS) and dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS) are also applied to test the robustness of the results. The causality among the series is investigated through block exogeneity test based on vector error correction model.

Findings

The findings based on ARDL bounds testing approach indicate that OPs exert a negative impact on TB of India in both long run and short run, whereas REC has a favorable impact on the TB. In particular, 1% increase in OPs decreases TBs by 0.003% and a 1% increase in REC improves TB by 0.011%. The results of FMOLS and DOLS corroborate the findings from ARDL estimates. The results of block exogeneity test suggest unidirectional causation from OPs to TB; OPs to REC and REC to TB.

Practical implications

The study underscore the importance of renewable energy as a potential tool to curtail trade deficits in the context of Indian economy. Our results suggest that the policymakers must pay attention to the hindrances in augmentation of renewable energy usage and try to capitalize on the resulting gains for the TB.

Social implications

Climate change is a major challenge for developing countries like India. Renewable energy sector is considered an important instrument toward attaining the twin objectives of environmental sustainability and employment generation. This study underscores another role of REC as a tool to achieve a sustainable trade position, which may help India save her valuable forex reserves for broader objectives of economic development.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that probes the dynamic nexus among OPs, REC and TB in Indian context. From a policy standpoint, the study underscores the importance of renewable energy as a potential tool to curtail trade deficits in context of India. From a theoretical perspective, the study extends the literature on the determinants of TB by identifying the role of REC in shaping TB.
Tree mycorrhizal type mediates the responses of foliar stoichiometry and tree growth to functionally dissimilar neighbours in a subtropical forest experiment
Authors: Wang Tao , Chen Xinli , Zhao Xue , Sardans Jordi , Peñuelas Josep , Da Minghui , Fu Yanrong , Yu Zaipeng , Wan Xiaohua , Shi Xiuzhen , Huang Zhiqun
Published: February 2024

Plant nutrient stoichiometry is of critical importance to productivity and nutrient cycling in terrestrial ecosystems. The impacts of tree species diversity on productivity have been well studied at the stand level. However, it is unclear how neighbourhood interactions impact the foliar nutrient stoichiometry of trees at the neighbourhood scale and how plant mycorrhizal associations can mediate such effects.

We randomly selected eight tree species from a large‐scale biodiversity experiment with mixtures up to 32 tree species in subtropical China to assess the effects of species richness, phylogenetic and trait dissimilarities and competition on the foliar nutrient stoichiometry of focal trees associated with either arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) or ectomycorrhizal (EM) fungi. We further investigated whether neighbourhood diversity can alter focal tree growth by regulating C:N:P stoichiometry.

Neighbourhood species richness had no significant impact on the foliar C:N, N:P or C:P for both AM and EM trees. Increased neighbourhood phylogenetic dissimilarity significantly decreased the foliar N:P and C:P of AM trees but did not affect those of EM tree species. Foliar C:N, N:P and C:P of AM trees decreased with increasing neighbour trait (specific leaf area, root diameter, wood density dissimilarity, total trait) dissimilarities, while those of EM trees increased or remained unchanged. The increase of the neighbourhood competition index resulted in an increase in the foliar C:N of AM tree species but not EM tree species. The structural equation model analysis revealed that the increase of neighbourhood phylogenetic dissimilarity and functional trait dissimilarity indirectly enhanced tree growth of AM trees by decreasing foliar C:N. Conversely, the increase of neighbourhood‐specific root length and wood density dissimilarity indirectly reduced the growth of EM trees by increasing foliar N:P.

Synthesis. Our results indicate that neighbourhood trait dissimilarity regulated tree foliar stoichiometry and growth performance, but the effects depended on the mycorrhizal type of trees. Our findings highlight the importance of tree mycorrhizal associations for better understanding the relationship between plant diversity and ecosystem functions.

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Dissecting host‐microbiome interaction effects on phytoplankton microbiome composition and diversity
Authors: Yang Jinny Wu , Denef Vincent J.
Published: February 2024

Phytoplankton and their associated microbiomes of heterotrophic bacteria are foundational to primary production, energy transfer, and biogeochemical cycling in aquatic systems. While it is known that these microbiomes are shaped by host‐released dissolved organic matter (DOM), the extent to which dynamic phytoplankton‐bacteria interactions shape bacterial community assembly remains to be examined. Here, we investigated the effects of two mechanisms in host‐microbiome interactions on phytoplankton bacterial microbiome formation: (i) innate host selection and (ii) host‐microbiome feedback. For the former, phytoplankton‐produced DOM composition is based solely on the host's properties (species or physiological state); for the latter, the presence of the microbiome modifies host DOM production. The microbiome of Chlorella sorokiniana was extracted and exposed to six ratios of the two effects. We found that microbiome composition changed along with the six host‐microbiome feedback versus innate host selection ratios, with the highest compositional distance between communities under the strongest and the weakest ratio of the two effects. This indicates that each mechanism selects for different bacterial species. In addition, our findings showed that when both selective forces were applied, it led to a higher community richness, while host‐microbiome feedback alone reduces community evenness due to its strong species‐specific selection.
Relationship between payment problems and health: A nation‐wide register study in Norway
Authors: Bakkeli Nan Zou , Drange Ida
Published: February 2024

Previous studies have found a solid correlation between payment problems and health, and a large body of literature has recognised the impact of debt burden on ill health. However, few have looked at the reversed causality—the impact of health on over‐indebtedness and payment problems. In this article, we investigate whether or not a person with mental and physical health challenges is more likely to experience debt enforcement, and we take a step further to explore the role of health status on receiving debt settlement for those with severe payment problems. The article uses register data from Statistics Norway, the Norwegian Patient Registry and the Mortgages Registry from 2009 to 2018. When using conditional logistic models and fixed‐effects Poisson regressions with a one‐year lagged effect, we find that mental disorders significantly contribute to individuals’ financial strains, while physical health does not play a substantial role. When integrating the models with dynamic health effects, all health indicators turned out to have substantial impacts, indicating an extended delayed physical health effect on financial outcomes. Poor health leads to increased payment problems, yet individuals facing health challenges have a lower likelihood of receiving necessary assistance in debt settlement. These findings emphasise the need for tailored services to address the financial challenges of debtors with diverse health conditions.