bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in mitochondrial distribution occur at the axon initial segment in association with neurodegeneration inDrosophila
Authors: Wodrich Andrew P. K. , Harris Brent T. , Giniger Edward
Published: February 2024

Changes in mitochondrial distribution are a feature of numerous age-related neurodegenerative diseases. InDrosophila, reducing the activity of Cdk5 causes a neurodegenerative phenotype and is known to affect several mitochondrial properties. Therefore, we investigated whether alterations of mitochondrial distribution are involved in Cdk5-associated neurodegeneration. We find that reducing Cdk5 activity does not alter the balance of mitochondrial localization to the somatodendritic vs. axonal neuronal compartments of the mushroom body, the learning and memory center of theDrosophilabrain. We do, however, observe changes in mitochondrial distribution at the axon initial segment (AIS), a neuronal compartment located in the proximal axon involved in neuronal polarization and action potential initiation. Specifically, we observe that mitochondria are partially excluded from the AIS in wild-type neurons, but that this exclusion is lost upon reduction of Cdk5 activity, concomitant with the shrinkage of the AIS domain that is known to occur in this condition. This mitochondrial redistribution into the AIS is not likely due to the shortening of the AIS domain itself but rather due to altered Cdk5 activity. Furthermore, mitochondrial redistribution into the AIS is unlikely to be an early driver of neurodegeneration in the context of reduced Cdk5 activity.

Summary statement

InDrosophila, mitochondria are excluded from the axon iniCal segment, a neuronal compartment that regulates neuron polarity and axon potenCals, and this paYern is disrupted in a model of neurodegeneraCon.
Improving composition of ultrahigh energy cosmic rays with ground detector data
Authors: Bortolato Blaž , Kamenik Jernej F. , Tammaro Michele
Published: February 2024

We show that the maximum shower depth (Xmax) distributions of ultrahigh energy cosmic rays (UHECRs), as measured by fluorescence telescopes, can be augmented by building a mapping to observables collected by surface detectors. The resulting statistical improvement of such an augmented dataset depends in a universal way on the strength of the correlation exhibited by the mapping. Building upon the publicly available data on “golden hybrid” events from the Pierre Auger Observatory, we project possible improvements in the inferred composition of UHECRs for a range of possible mappings with varying correlation strengths.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Soft and Stiff Normal Modes in Floppy Colloidal Square Lattices
Authors: Melio Julio , Henkes Silke E. , Kraft Daniela J.
Published: February 2024

Floppy microscale spring networks are widely studied in theory and simulations, but no well-controlled experimental system currently exists. Here, we show that square lattices consisting of colloid-supported lipid bilayers functionalized with DNA linkers act as microscale floppy spring networks. We extract their normal modes by inverting the particle displacement correlation matrix, showing the emergence of a spectrum of soft modes with low effective stiffness in addition to stiff modes that derive from linker interactions. Evaluation of the softest mode, a uniform shear mode, reveals that shear stiffness decreases with lattice size. Experiments match well with Brownian particle simulations, and we develop a theoretical description based on mapping interactions onto a linear response model to describe the modes. Our results reveal the importance of entropic steric effects and can be used for developing reconfigurable materials at the colloidal length scale.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Dynamics of quantum spin-nematics: Comparisons with canted antiferromagnets
Authors: Momoi Tsutomu
Published: February 2024

The identification of spin-nematic states is challenging due to the absence of Bragg peaks. However, the study of dynamical physical quantities provides a promising avenue for characterizing these states. In this study, we investigate the dynamical properties of spin-nematic states in three-dimensional quantum spin systems in a magnetic field, using a two-component boson theory that incorporates magnons and bimagnons. Our particular focus lies on the dynamical spin structure factor at zero temperature and the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxation rate at finite temperatures. Our findings reveal that the dynamical structure factor does not exhibit any diverging singularity across momentum and frequency while providing valuable information about the form factor of bimagnon states and the underlying structure of spin-nematic order. Furthermore, we find a temperature dependence in the NMR relaxation rate proportional to T3 at low temperatures, similar to canted antiferromagnets. A clear distinction arises as there is no critical divergence of the NMR relaxation rate at the spin-nematic transition temperature. Our theoretical framework provides a comprehensive understanding of the excitation spectrum and the dynamical properties of spin-nematic states, covering arbitrary spin values S and encompassing site and bond nematic orders. Additionally, we apply the same methodology to analyze these dynamical quantities in a canted antiferromagnetic state and compare the results with those in the spin-nematic states.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Elastic and inelastic strain in submicron-thick ZnO epilayers grown on r-sapphire substrates by metal–organic vapour phase deposition
Authors: Martinez-Tomas Maria Carmen , Klymov Oleksii , Shimazoe Kazuki , Sánchez-Royo Juan Francisco , Changarath Mahesh Eledath , Agouram Said , Muñoz-Sanjosé Vicente
Published: February 2024

A significant part of the present and future of optoelectronic devices lies on thin multilayer heterostructures. Their optical properties depend strongly on strain, being essential to the knowledge of the stress level to optimize the growth process. Here the structural and microstructural characteristics of sub-micron a-ZnO epilayers (12 to 770 nm) grown on r-sapphire by metal–organic chemical vapour deposition are studied. Morphological and structural studies have been made using scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution X-ray diffraction. Plastic unit-cell distortion and corresponding strain have been determined as a function of film thickness. A critical thickness has been observed as separating the non-elastic/elastic states with an experimental value of 150–200 nm. This behaviour has been confirmed from ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy measurements. An equation that gives the balance of strains is proposed as an interesting method to experimentally determine this critical thickness. It is concluded that in the thinnest films an elongation of the Zn—O bond takes place and that the plastic strained ZnO films relax through nucleation of misfit dislocations, which is a consequence of three-dimensional surface morphology.
The potential for blockchain to improve small-scale agri-food business’ supply chain resilience: a systematic review
Authors: Jellason Nugun P. , Ambituuni Ambisisi , Adu Douglas A. , Jellason Joy A. , Qureshi Muhammad Imran , Olarinde Abisola , Manning Louise
Published: February 2024

Purpose

We conducted a systematic review to explore the potential for the application of blockchain technologies for supply chain resilience in a small-scale agri-food business context.

Design/methodology/approach

As part of the research methodology, scientific databases such as Web of Science, Google Scholar and Scopus were used to find relevant articles for this review.

Findings

The systematic review of articles (n = 57) found that the use of blockchain technology in the small-scale agri-food business sector can reduce the risk of food fraud by assuring the provenance of food products.

Research limitations/implications

Only a few papers were directly from a small-scale agribusiness context. Key challenges that limit the implementation of blockchain and other distributed ledger technologies include concerns over the disclosure of proprietary information and trade secrets, incomplete or inaccurate information, economic and technical difficulties, low levels of trust in the technology, risk of human error and poor governance of process-related issues.

Originality/value

The application of blockchain technology ensures that the risks and costs associated with non-compliance, product recalls and product loss are reduced. Improved communication and information sharing can increase resilience and better support provenance claims and traceability. Better customer relationships can be built, increasing supply chain efficiency and resilience.
Use of nutrition facts panels and traffic light labelling and perceived healthiness of food: conjoint analysis and cross-sectional survey
Authors: Cheikh Ismail Leila , Radwan Hadia , Osaili Tareq , Mustafa Eman H. , Nasereddin Fatema M. , Saleh Hafsa J. , Matar Sara A. , Saleh Sheima T. , Mohamad Maysm N. , Al Daour Rameez , Al Rajaby Radhiya , Saif Eman R. , Stojanovska Lily , Al Dhaheri Ayesha S.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Nutrition labels provide a cost-effective method of conveying nutrition information to consumers. This study aimed to assess the use of nutrition facts panels, knowledge of traffic light labelling (TLL) and perceived healthiness of food items using TLL among consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

A web-based cross-sectional study was conducted among adults in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) (n = 1,322). TLL knowledge score was derived for each participant. Conjoint analysis was used to calculate the utilities and relative importance of the perceived healthiness scores for four attributes (fat, saturated fat, total sugar, salt) at the aggregate level.

Findings

Participants had a positive attitude towards TLL but were less familiar with TLL than the nutrition facts panel (47.4 vs 85.8%). The mean TLL knowledge score was 3.6 out of 7 (51.6%). Younger age, higher education, higher income, and health-related qualifications were associated with higher scores. Conjoint analysis showed that participants tend to choose products with greener labels, especially for sugars (80.1%) and avoid red labels for fats. Sugars had the highest percentage value of relative importance compared to the other attributes (27.1%).

Originality/value

The study outcomes offer valuable insights into the extent of consumer awareness, comprehension and utilization of nutrition facts panels in the UAE. These findings contribute essential knowledge for a deeper understanding of the impact of nutrition labels on consumer behaviour and decision-making in the region.
Audit committee attributes and bank performance in Africa
Authors: Umar Umar Habibu , Shawai Jamilu Sani , Adesugba Anthony Kolade , Jibril Abubakar Isa
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate how audit committee (AC) characteristics affect the performance of banks in Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors manually generated unbalanced panel data from 78 commercial banks operating in twelve (12) countries whose annual reports were published on the website of African Financials between 2010 and 2020.

Findings

The results indicate that AC size has an insignificant positive association with bank performance (return on equity and Tobin’s Q). AC independence has a significant positive association with bank performance. However, AC gender diversity has a significant negative association with bank performance. Besides, AC financial expertise has a significant positive and negative association with return on equity and Tobin’s Q, respectively.

Research limitations/implications

The study considered only 78 banks that operate in twelve (12) African countries. Besides, the authors consider only four (4) AC attributes.

Practical implications

The findings suggest the need to maintain a smaller AC, appoint more independent members to AC, reduce the number of women appointed to AC and ensure most AC members have financial expertise. These measures could improve bank performance in Africa.

Originality/value

Unlike previous African studies that are mostly restricted to a country level, the study examined how AC attributes influence the performance of banks that operate in Africa.
An institutional approach to analyze the multi-level policymaking system of online social networks: a case study of Iran
Authors: Namdarian Leila , Khedmatgozar Hamid Reza
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aims to elucidate institutional analysis as an effective approach to investigating and designing the multilevel policymaking system of online social networks (OSN) for achieving a participatory model.

Design/methodology/approach

The institutional mapping approach has been used to analyze Iran’s OSN multilevel policymaking system. A combination of two matrices, including institutions-institutions and institutions-functions, was used to perform the institutional mapping. Two main steps were taken to draw the mentioned matrices. First, a review of related studies in Iran’s OSN policymaking system was conducted and the policy functions mentioned in these studies were identified and categorized using the meta-synthesis. Second, based on analyzing two policy documents of Iran’s OSN, institutions and their interactions were identified and policy functions were allocated to institutions.

Findings

Based on the results, the most important policy functions in the current OSN policymaking system in Iran are support, regulatory, monitoring and evaluation, business environment development, culture building and promotion, organizing licenses and permissions, policymaking and legislation. Also, the results show that there are shortcomings in this system, some of the most important of which are lack of transparency in regulatory, little work in culture building and promotion, neglect of the training of specialized human resources and research and development, slow development of the business environment and neglecting the role of nongovernmental organizations in policymaking.

Originality/value

By examining and analyzing how different institutions operate within a multilevel policymaking system, the policymaking process and its overall effectiveness can be enhanced. This analysis helps identify any inconsistencies, overlaps or conflicts in the roles and policies of these institutions, leading to a better understanding of how a multilevel policymaking system is organized.
Assessing green innovation practices in construction firms: a developing-country perspective
Authors: Dang Chau Ngoc , Wipulanusat Warit , Nuaklong Peem , Witchayangkoon Boonsap
Published: February 2024

Purpose

In developing countries, construction organizations are seeking to effectively implement green innovation strategies. Thus, this study aims to assess the importance of green innovation practices and develop a measurement model for quantifying the green innovation degrees of construction firms.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-methods research approach is adopted. First, an extensive literature review is performed to identify potential green innovation items, which are then used to design a preliminary questionnaire. Next, expert interviews are conducted to pilot-test this questionnaire. Subsequently, by using a convenience non-probability sampling method, 88 valid responses are collected from construction firms in Vietnam. Then, one-sample and independent-samples t tests are employed to assess the importance of green innovation practices. Fuzzy synthetic evaluation (FSE) is also applied to quantitatively compare such practices. Finally, green innovation level (GIL) is proposed to measure the green innovation indexes and validated by a case study of seven construction firms.

Findings

This study identifies 13 green innovation variables, of which several key practices are highlighted for small/medium and large construction firms. The results of FSE analysis indicate that green process innovation is the most vital green category in construction firms, followed by green product and management innovations, respectively. As a quantitative measure, GIL could allow construction firms to frequently evaluate their green innovation indexes, thereby promoting green innovation practices comprehensively. Hence, construction firms would significantly enhance green competitive advantages and increasingly contribute to green and sustainable construction developments.

Originality/value

This research is one of the first attempts to integrate various green innovation practices into a comprehensive formulation. The established indexes offer detailed green innovation evaluations, which could be considered as valuable references for construction practitioners. Furthermore, a reliable and practical tool (i.e. GIL) is proposed to measure the GILs of construction firms in developing countries.
How does COVID-19 affect workplace employee relations in China? Evidence based on a survey of firms from Guangdong province
Authors: Sun Zhongwei , Zhang Xuchuang , Wu Xiaofang
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study investigates the mediating role of wage and workforce adjustments, along with the moderating influence of collective bargaining system and employees’ localization, in elucidating the relationship between the COVID-19 shock and workplace employee relations (ER) tension.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data from 1,483 enterprises across 21 prefectural cities in China’s Guangdong Province are collected. The hypotheses are tested by logistic regression.

Findings

The study reveals a positive correlation between the COVID-19 shock and workplace ER tension across crisis-hit enterprises, irrespective of their size or industrial sector. Wage reduction and mass layoffs emerge as significant mediators, while the collective bargaining system (CBS) and employees’ localization act as moderators.

Research limitations/implications

The measurement of ER is limited in a single-item scale. Representation of China is also limited since the study exclusively focuses on Guangdong province. The study offers some contributions that firm-level data reveal the pathway through which COVID-19 creates ER tension.

Practical implications

On the one hand, the authors recommend the establishment of an effective communication system between employers and employees. On the other hand, managers should consider the role of informal institutions. Furthermore, the authors suggest implementing tailored strategies at the enterprise level.

Social implications

Intense external shocks result in widespread layoffs and increased wage reductions within workplaces, and under such circumstances, formal or informal institutions may be insufficient to alleviate ER tension. In this case, the state authorities – including governments and other public agencies or bodies – are necessary to intervene in to organize tripartite dialogue.

Originality/value

While numerous emerging studies on COVID-19 explore how different countries manage industrial relations tension at the national level, few focus on ER at workplace level, particularly in developing countries. Understanding how workplace ER evolve during external shocks and identifying institutional measures to mitigate their negative impact is crucial for future crisis management.
Firm performance in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic: the role of perceived organizational support during change and work engagement
Authors: Katsaros Kleanthis K.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

By drawing on the perceived organizational support (POS) theory and the extended job demands-resources model (JD-R model), the aim of this study is to investigate the influence of different levels of organizational support during change (i.e. organizational level, supervisory level, coworker level) on firm financial performance and to explore the role of employee work engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected during the second outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in two waves, approximately 2 weeks apart. A total of 291 employees in the Greek telecommunication industry completed questionnaires examining the POS during change and consequently, their supervisors evaluated their work engagement. The research model was tested with the use of structural equation modeling.

Findings

The research findings note the importance of different levels of organizational support during change; they describe how each level influences employees' work engagement as well as they confirm that employee work engagement mediates the relationship between POS during change and firm financial performance. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.

Practical implications

The results indicate that should firms manage to influence positively employees' work engagement by providing support at all levels during change, they may boost their financial performance.

Originality/value

The research findings provide new insights into how POS and work engagement may influence firm financial performance. The originality of this study lies in the finding that employees' work engagement mediates the relationship between POS during change and firm financial performance. Further, the study was carried out in the Greek telecommunication industry during the second outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A framework towards the implementation of freedom of information legislation in South Africa
Authors: Mojapelo Makutla Gibson
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate a framework for the implementation of freedom of information (FOI) legislation in South Africa, against Article 19’s nine principles of FOI legislation.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative study used semi-structured interviews to collect data from six experts selected by means of the snowball sampling technique and content analysis. The study used a modified Delphi design consisting of two rounds of interviews.

Findings

The results showed that little effort is made by government officials to demonstrate commitment to the implementation of FOI legislation.

Practical implications

The passing of FOI is expected to reduce corruption, increase public participation, reduce the level of secrecy and increase transparency and openness. This is not the case as the implementation of this socioeconomic right in South Africa is faced by numerous challenges, such as a lack of political will, secrecy laws providing for the opposite of what the FOI legislation seeks to achieve, poor legislative interpretation and a lack of clear policies. The study proposes a framework aimed at addressing these challenges.

Originality/value

The study provides a framework for the implementation of FOI legislation. The framework was developed under the guidance of Article 19 principles of freedom of information legislation.
Role of perceived technological innovativeness (PTI) across genders vis-à-vis open government data (OGD) adoption and usage
Authors: Matheus Ricardo , Saxena Stuti , Alexopoulos Charalampos
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to understand the moderating impact of perceived technological innovativeness (PTI) in terms of gender differences as far as adoption and usage of Open Government Data (OGD) is concerned.

Design/methodology/approach

Partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) methodological approach is used wherein the adapted unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model is being used for estimating the research model.

Findings

PTI has been attested to have moderating impact on the UTAUT-BI relationships in select cases (SI, SQ, IQ, TR-BI). Furthermore, gender differences were observed as far as far as the PTI's moderating role on UTAUT-BI relationships were concerned.

Originality/value

While there has been ample impetus upon the OGD adoption and usage propensities underscoring the role of different variables, the present study's contribution lies in terms of understanding the moderating role of PTI as far as individual-centric analysis is concerned.
Reassessing Saudi Arabia’s foreign investment laws: from protectionism to liberalization
Authors: Alotaibi Ibrahim Mathker Saleh , Alhejaili Mohammad Omar Mohammad , Badran Doaa Mohamed Ibrahim , Abdelhady Mahmoud Abdelgawwad
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the extent to which these reforms address the limitations of Saudi Arabia’s previous investment framework. Long viewed as a hostile environment in which to do business, the Saudi Government has enacted a broad sweep of measures aimed at restoring investor confidence in central aspects of the country’s evolving private law framework.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper offers a timely assessment of the raft of foreign investment reforms, both legislative and regulatory, that have been introduced in Saudi Arabia over the last decade.

Findings

The paper will proceed by outlining the perceived failings of the old investment regime before going on to reforms.

Originality/value

It will consider the remaining obstacles to the flow of foreign investment in Saudi Arabia in the context of the dual forces that have historically defined the Kingdom’s ambivalent investment law regime.
Prioritization of critical factors toward Industry 4.0 adoption in service industries: an emerging economy perspective
Authors: Sahoo Poonam , Saraf Pavan Kumar , Uchil Rashmi
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Significant developments in the service sector have been brought about by Industry 4.0. Automated digital technologies make it possible to upgrade existing services and develop modern industrial services. This study prioritizes critical factors for adopting Industry 4.0 in the Indian service industries.

Design/methodology/approach

The author identified four criteria and fifteen significant factors from the relevant literature that have been corroborated by industry experts. Models are then developed by the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and analytical network process (ANP) approach to ascertain the significant factors for adopting Industry 4.0 in service industries. Further, sensitivity analysis has been conducted to determine the sensitivities of the rank of criteria and sub-factors to corroborate the results.

Findings

The outcome reveals the top significant criteria as organizational criteria (0.5019) and innovation criteria (0.3081). This study prioritizes six significant factors information technology (IT) specialization, digital decentralization of all departments, organizational size, smart services through customer data, top management support and Industry 4.0 infrastructure in the transition toward Industry 4.0 in the service industries.

Practical implications

The potential factors identified in this study will assist managers in determining strategies to effectively manage the Industry 4.0 transition by concentrating on top priorities when leveraging Industry 4.0. The significance of organizational and innovation criteria given more weight will lay the groundwork for future Industry 4.0 implementation guidelines in service industries.

Originality/value

Our research is novel since, to our knowledge, no previous study has investigated the potential critical factors from organizational, environmental, innovation and cost dimensions. Thus, the potential critical factors identified are the contributions of this study.
Female immigrant entrepreneurship – predicted by women’s empowerment in host country
Authors: Gaweł Aleksandra , Toikko Timo
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The social inclusion of immigrants has been a central public policy issue in European countries, and entrepreneurship is often promoted as a form of integration. Female immigrants face double discrimination of gender and ethnicity while becoming entrepreneurs. The aim of the paper is to investigate the female empowerment in the host country as a predictor of immigrant women engagement in entrepreneurship.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on panel data for European Union countries for years 2006–2021, female immigrant entrepreneurship was modelled by the impact of variables showing the empowerment of women in host countries. Data availability was the determinant regarding the inclusion of 22 countries: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden were all in the research sample.

Findings

Although immigrant entrepreneurship is highly context-oriented and locale-specific (as in the physical setting for relationships among people), some universal patterns for a group of countries are found. A stronger political and managerial position of power for the women in host countries encourages female immigrant entrepreneurship, while the gender pay gap is statistically insignificant.

Originality/value

The originality of the paper is due to the multi-country level and female-focused research perspectives in immigrant entrepreneurship. The study refers to the intersectionality of gender and ethnicity, arguing that the empowerment of women in host countries affects female immigrant entrepreneurship at the macro-level.
Graph-based multi-information integration network with external news environment perception for Propaganda detection
Authors: Liu Xinyu , Ma Kun , Ji Ke , Chen Zhenxiang , Yang Bo
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Propaganda is a prevalent technique used in social media to intentionally express opinions or actions with the aim of manipulating or deceiving users. Existing methods for propaganda detection primarily focus on capturing language features within its content. However, these methods tend to overlook the information presented within the external news environment from which propaganda news originated and spread. This news environment reflects recent mainstream media opinions and public attention and contains language characteristics of non-propaganda news. Therefore, the authors have proposed a graph-based multi-information integration network with an external news environment (abbreviated as G-MINE) for propaganda detection.

Design/methodology/approach

G-MINE is proposed to comprise four parts: textual information extraction module, external news environment perception module, multi-information integration module and classifier. Specifically, the external news environment perception module and multi-information integration module extract and integrate the popularity and novelty into the textual information and capture the high-order complementary information between them.

Findings

G-MINE achieves state-of-the-art performance on both the TSHP-17, Qprop and the PTC data sets, with an accuracy of 98.24%, 90.59% and 97.44%, respectively.

Originality/value

An external news environment perception module is proposed to capture the popularity and novelty information, and a multi-information integration module is proposed to effectively fuse them with the textual information.
COVID-19 pandemic and the impacts on dental education: an evaluation by progress testing
Authors: Ribeiro Cleide Gisele , Ferraz Júnior Antônio Márcio Lima , Porto Fernanda Ribeiro , de Oliveira Fabiana Aparecida Mayrink , Hespanhol Fernando Luiz , de Oliveira Rodrigo Guerra
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way in which education was delivered in early 2020, and the impacts of these changes continue to be questionable. The aims of this study were to evaluate: (1) the results obtained by students of the Dentistry course in the progress test carried out both before and after the pandemic, (2) the results obtained by a specific group of students who took the test in 2019–2022, and compare their results and (3) subjects that showed a reduction in the percentage of correct answers when the two tests were compared.

Design/methodology/approach

The progress test consisting of 100 multiple choice questions was applied before and after the pandemic to all students in the Dentistry course. The analyses were performed using the IBM SPSS for Statistics v.26 software program. The level of significance of 5% was adopted (<0.05).

Findings

The test was applied to 320 students in 2019 and to 272 in 2022, of whom the sample of this study was composed. The mean score values in 2019 (M = 49.10; SD = 12.03) were significantly (p = 0.026) higher than those in the year 2022 (M = 46.97; SD = 12.15), with the disciplines in the area of specific knowledge showing a greater drop in the percentage of correct answers by students. This study showed that the emergency remote education had a negative effect on the academic performance of students, based on the progress testing as an evaluation method.

Originality/value

Many studies that assessed the impacts of the pandemic on teaching were focused on the opinions of students. However, the great advantage of our study was the use of a theoretical assessment tool to verify student performance. The post-pandemic landscape beckons for comprehensive inquiries into these domains. This type of research would be valuable for gathering evidence relative to the performance of students after the emergency remote education.
A conceptual model of individuals' decision to engage in global mobility: integrating self-determination theory and theory of planned behavior
Authors: Quatrin Denise R. , Aguzzoli Roberta , Lengler Jorge
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Companies target globally mobile workers and face the war for talent, while individuals are more reluctant to engage in global mobility. This scenario led us to propose a model to understand the individuals' decision process to engage in global mobility.

Design/methodology/approach

Building on the self-determination theory, the theory of planned behavior and the literature on decisions for global mobility, the authors propose mechanisms through which psychological variables and assignments' factual and perceived contextual aspects (directly or indirectly) explain the decision to engage or not in global mobility.

Findings

This study offers a conceptual model with the authors' novel propositions to explain individuals' decision to engage in global mobility.

Originality/value

The model provides a more comprehensive explanation of the individuals' decision-making process to engage in global mobility than previous models and potentially yields more effective organizational practices to attract both well-established and emerging phenomena of globally mobile workers.
Understanding Indian ride-sharing consumers: the role of psychographics and perceived value
Authors: Bhatt Kedar
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explain the influence of four socio-psychological variables: social comparison orientation, face saving (FS), status consumption (STC) and frugality (FGL) on consumers’ value perception toward ride-sharing services – one of the most widely used collaborative consumption models. Furthermore, it assesses how perceived value affects consumers’ intention to use (IU) the ride-sharing services and intentions to substitute ride-sharing services for using a personally owned car. It also assesses the moderating effect of psychographics on the relationship between consumers’ perception and behavioral intention.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured questionnaire was developed using existing scales adapted from the literature to test the hypothesized relationships. The data for the study were collected from 489 users of ride-sharing services in India. Structural equation modelling was performed to test the proposed model using AMOS 18 and moderation analysis was performed using PROCESS MACRO.

Findings

The findings of the study suggest that social comparison, FS, STC and FGL have a significant influence on consumers’ value (utilitarian and hedonic) perception. Furthermore, the results supported the effect of consumers’ value perception on their IU the ride-sharing services as well as their intention to substitute ride-sharing services for using a personally owned car. Lastly, the results also evidenced the moderating role of psychographic variables.

Originality/value

Very few studies have examined the role of psychographics in the adoption of collaborative consumption services. The paper attempts to fill this gap. It assesses the effect of four relevant consumer traits on perceived value in the ride-sharing services context. Furthermore, it expands the understanding of the role of psychographics by measuring their moderating effects apart from direct effects. The results of the study bear important implications for academicians, policymakers and marketers.
Performance management and measurement impacts on universities: (re)viewing the past, present and future
Authors: Guthrie James , Manes-Rossi Francesca , Orelli Rebecca Levy , Sforza Vincenzo
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This paper undertakes a structured literature review to analyse the literature on performance management and measurement (PMM) in universities over the last four decades. Over that time, PMM has emerged as an influential force in universities that impacts their operations and redefines their identity.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured literature review approach was used to analyse a sample of articles on PMM research from a broad range of disciplines over four decades. This was undertaken to understand the impacts of PMM practices on universities, highlight changes over time and point to avenues for future research.

Findings

The analysis highlights the fact that research on PMM in universities has grown significantly over the 40 years studied. We provide an overview of published articles over four decades regarding content, themes, theories, methods and impacts. We provide an empirical basis for discussing past, present and future university PMM research. The future research avenues offer multiple provocations for scholars and policymakers, for instance, PMM implementation strategies and relationships with various government programs and external evaluation and the role of different actors, particularly academics, in shaping PMM systems.

Originality/value

Unlike a traditional literature review, the structured literature review method can develop insights into how the field has changed over time and highlight possible future research. The sample for this literature review differs from previous reviews in covering a broad range of disciplines, including accounting.
Beyond the pages: unleashing holograms and holographic technology in Caribbean academic libraries
Authors: Duncan Adrian St. Patrick
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This paper is intended to spark discourse on the impact of holograms and holographic technology on libraries and the possibility of their usage in Caribbean academic libraries for assisting users, especially those from the physically challenged community, as well as distance library users.

Design/methodology/approach

A thorough assessment of literature was done of all academic and higher institution libraries across the English-speaking Caribbean to determine the effective use of holograms and holographic technology in Caribbean libraries. Literature from several developed countries was studied, paying keen attention to the emerging holograms and holographic technology and the plausibility for inclusion and exploitation by academic libraries.

Findings

Revealing the possibilities for fostering great levels of efficacy, as well as saving time and reducing the possibility for inefficiencies in the system through smoother check-in and check-out while offering more accountability.

Research limitations/implications

This research focused primarily on holograms and holographic technology that can assist libraries and their users in the near future. It further attested to the need for there to be greater consideration for physically challenged individuals and their access to material from the library.

Originality/value

This paper is the genesis for discussion surrounding holograms and holographic technology in the English-speaking Caribbean. It sought to bring awareness to the possible uses of holograms while exploring the practical implications of its use in libraries across the English-speaking Caribbean.
CEO intellectual capital, dual innovation and sustainable growth of small and medium-sized enterprises: evidence from China
Authors: Zhang Hui , Li Shaoheng
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This paper examines the direct and indirect effects of CEO intellectual capital on sustainable growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in China.

Design/methodology/approach

It adopts a quantitative approach based on 3,474 unbalanced panel data in 836 Chinese listed SMEs from 2008 to 2017.

Findings

The findings reveal a significant positive relationship between CEO intellectual capital and sustainable growth of SMEs. The findings also reveal that dual innovation (exploitative innovation and exploratory innovation) has a partial mediating effect on the relationship.

Practical implications

It further provides an original contribution to identifying and testing the mediating effect of dual innovation on the relationship between CEO intellectual capital and sustainable growth of SMEs.

Originality/value

In contrast to most of the extant literature, which considers intellectual capital as a whole at the organizational level or focuses on employee intellectual capital, this paper highlights the role of CEO intellectual capital for SMEs’ growth. It provides an original contribution to identifying and testing the mediating effect of dual innovation on the relationship between CEO intellectual capital and sustainable growth of SMEs.
Artificial intelligence and predictive marketing: an ethical framework from managers’ perspective
Authors: Naz Hina , Kashif Muhammad
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Artificial intelligence (AI) offers many benefits to improve predictive marketing practice. It raises ethical concerns regarding customer prioritization, market share concentration and consumer manipulation. This paper explores these ethical concerns from a contemporary perspective, drawing on the experiences and perspectives of AI and predictive marketing professionals. This study aims to contribute to the field by providing a modern perspective on the ethical concerns of AI usage in predictive marketing, drawing on the experiences and perspectives of professionals in the area.

Design/methodology/approach

The study conducted semistructured interviews for 6 weeks with 14 participants experienced in AI-enabled systems for marketing, using purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Thematic analysis was used to explore themes emerging from the data.

Findings

Results reveal that using AI in marketing could lead to unintended consequences, such as perpetuating existing biases, violating customer privacy, limiting competition and manipulating consumer behavior.

Originality/value

The authors identify seven unique themes and benchmark them with Ashok’s model to provide a structured lens for interpreting the results. The framework presented by this research is unique and can be used to support ethical research spanning social, technological and economic aspects within the predictive marketing domain.
Impact of leadership, TQM and supply chain capabilities on sustainable supply chain performance: moderating role of institutional pressure
Authors: Singh Rohit Kumar
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aims to empirically assess the influence of supply chain capabilities and total quality management on sustainable supply chain performance, factoring in the role of leadership and the moderating impact of institutional pressures.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers designed a self-administered survey, garnering responses from 278 participants. Preliminary analyses addressed nonresponse bias, examining assumptions like homoscedasticity and data normality. Confirmatory factor analysis was employed to ensure reliability and construct validity before hypothesis testing. Regression outcomes corroborate all posited assumptions, further strengthening the extant literature.

Findings

The research outcomes demonstrate the positive association between supply chain capabilities and TQM and sustainable supply chain performance, particularly under institutional pressure. Data from the cement manufacturing sector further corroborated these findings. This study lends empirical support to the tenets of institutional theory.

Originality/value

The presented model delineates how leadership impacts TQM and supply chain capabilities to amplify sustainable supply chain outcomes. Incorporating institutional pressure as a moderating variable introduces a fresh and enlightening dimension to the discussion.
Shear‐wave velocity structure derived from seismic ambient noise recorded by a small reservoir monitoring network
Authors: Barone Ilaria , Cascone Valeria , Brovelli Alessandro , Tango Giorgio , Gaudio Sergio Del , Cassiani Giorgio
Published: February 2024

Reservoir monitoring is essential to guarantee safe operations for all activities involving the production and injection of fluids into the subsurface, such as hydrocarbon production, gas storage and the exploitation of geothermal reservoirs. For this purpose, microseismic monitoring networks are operated in real time in order to identify and locate any possible seismic events in the vicinity of the reservoir. The goal of this study is to investigate whether the large amount of ambient seismic noise recorded by seismic reservoir monitoring networks can be used to infer a one‐dimensional shear‐wave velocity profile representative of the area covered by the network. Shear‐wave velocities are generally difficult to characterize and constrain, yet they are key to precisely locate seismic events. The adopted workflow consists of three steps: first, the cross‐correlation functions between all station pairs are retrieved, using 1 year of continuous data; second, the average group‐ and phase velocity dispersion curves are extracted; third, a joint group and phase velocity inversion is done. For validation, the obtained average shear‐wave velocity profile is compared with a regional model of the area as well as with local shear‐wave velocity measurements from a sonic log.
Decoding the RNA virome of the tree parasite Armillaria provides new insights into the viral community of soil‐borne fungi
Authors: Shamsi Wajeeha , Heinzelmann Renate , Ulrich Sven , Kondo Hideki , Cornejo Carolina
Published: February 2024

The globally distributed basidiomycete genus Armillaria includes wood decomposers that can act as opportunistic parasites, causing deadly root rot on woody plants. To test whether RNA viruses are involved in this opportunistic behaviour, a large isolate collection of five Armillaria species collected over 40 years in Switzerland from trees, dead wood and soil was analysed. De novo assembly of RNA‐Seq data revealed 21 viruses, 14 of which belong to putative new species. Two dsRNA viruses and an unclassified Tymovirales are formally described for the first time for Armillaria. One mitovirus occurred with a high prevalence of 71.1%, while all other viruses were much less prevalent (0.6%–16.9%). About half of all viruses were found only in one fungal species, others occurred in 2–6 fungal species. Co‐infections of 2–7 viruses per isolate were not uncommon (34.9%), and most viruses persisted circulating within fungal populations for decades. Some viruses were related to viruses associated with other Armillaria species, supporting the hypothesis that virus transmission can occur between different fungal species. Although no specific correlation between viruses and the fungal trophic strategy was found, this study opens new insights into viral diversity hidden in the soil microbiome.