bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Committed to help: the effects of frequency of corporate donations on luxury brand evaluations
Authors: Sengabira Charmant Ndereyimana , Septianto Felix , Northey Gavin
Published: March 2020

Purpose

While luxury brands have increasingly pursued CSR activities such as corporate donations, this strategy may not be effective because there is an inherent mismatch between the concepts of “luxury” and CSR. The present research examines the effects of different types of donation strategies (frequency-focused vs. amount-focused).

Design/methodology/approach

Two experimental studies were conducted. Study 1 provides initial evidence to our prediction that a frequency-focused strategy is beneficial for luxury (vs. non-luxury) brands to leverage their positive brand evaluations. Study 2 further replicates this using a different brand and establishes the underlying mechanism.

Findings

Findings show that a frequency-focused strategy is beneficial for luxury (vs. non-luxury) brands to leverage their positive brand evaluations. This is because a frequency-focused strategy makes consumers perceive the luxury brand's commitment to help, which in turn reduces consumers’ skepticism toward their CSR activities.

Originality/value

The study illustrates a novel mechanism that shows when and how different corporate donations influence luxury brand evaluations.
Social capital and livelihood strategies in response after 2013 Kedarnath disaster (India)
Authors: Naithani Sakshi , Saha Ashis Kumar
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the role of livelihood assets, strategies and local social networks in disaster response and recovery in post-disaster setting of 2013 Kedarnath disaster (India).

Design/methodology/approach

It identifies post disaster macro-spaces of Mandakini river valley (India) using change detection analysis and secondary data. Within these macro-spaces, the micro spaces of livelihood and social capital were assessed by selecting two villages for case study.

Findings

Most important issues faced by communities were loss of lives, livelihoods and access to relief aid. A shift in economic base of families suffering loss of livelihoods was observed as they switched from pilgrimage-based to skill-based opportunities. Geographical location and isolation play a crucial role in recovery trajectory of villages by influencing the social capital.

Research limitations/implications

The paper being case study based deals two of the worst-affected villages; livelihood strategies adopted and social network may be influenced by the “victim” status of villages and may not be generalized for each disaster-affected area.

Social implications

Bridging and bonding networks were significant in geographically isolated places, while “linkages” were beneficial in bringing new livelihood opportunities. Need to enhance the role of social capital by institutional intervention in form of capacity building was required.

Originality/value

The study suggests focus on human capital-based livelihood diversification programs taking geographical location and disaster context into account.
Enabling academic entrepreneurship: the I-Corps experience
Authors: Al Haddad Serina , O'Neal Thomas , Batarseh Issa , Martoncik Amber
Published: March 2020

Purpose

This paper addresses the significance of training students in entrepreneurship to enable sustained national and international competitiveness in the knowledge-based global marketplace. Entrepreneurial education is varied, ranging from basic to in-depth courses, including customer-focused programs, such as the National Science Foundation (NSF) sponsored Innovation Corps (I-Corps) program. This program is nationally-renowned with strong academic roots. A full site was launched at the University of Central Florida (UCF) in January 2015 and was the first I-Corps program in the state of Florida.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper addresses the importance of entrepreneurship education, reviews the available national training programs in entrepreneurship, presents the design methodology of the NSF I-Corps program, and analyzes the results of the teams who have participated in the NSF I-Corps program.

Findings

The results are categorized into innovative areas and show the percentage of teams who participated in the I-Corps program in each area. It also identifies the percentage of teams who engaged in actual startup activities following I-Corps participation.

Practical implications

Educators, students, and trainers can use the findings to benchmark the outcomes of training programs in entrepreneurship. Students and innovators interested in participating in I-Corps can use this paper to obtain insights and a broader understanding of what was done in terms of results and implications.

Originality/value

This paper contributes a unique analysis of the I-Corps program approach and its outcomes since its launch in 2015 and can be used as a reference for any training program in entrepreneurship.
Predicting employee attrition using tree-based models
Authors: El-Rayes Nesreen , Fang Ming , Smith Michael , Taylor Stephen M.
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop tree-based binary classification models to predict the likelihood of employee attrition based on firm cultural and management attributes.

Design/methodology/approach

A data set of resumes anonymously submitted through Glassdoor’s online portal is used in tandem with public company review information to fit decision tree, random forest and gradient boosted tree models to predict the probability of an employee leaving a firm during a job transition.

Findings

Random forest and decision tree methods are found to be the strongest attrition prediction models. In addition, compensation, company culture and senior management performance play a primary role in an employee’s decision to leave a firm.

Practical implications

This study may be used by human resources staff to better understand factors which influence employee attrition. In addition, techniques developed in this study may be applied to company-specific data sets to construct customized attrition models.

Originality/value

This study contains several novel contributions which include exploratory studies such as industry job transition percentages, distributional comparisons between factors strongly contributing to employee attrition between those who left or stayed with the firm and the first comprehensive search over binary classification models to identify which provides the strongest predictive performance of employee attrition.
The impact of social media signals on supplier selection: insights from two experiments
Authors: Banerjee Aneesh , Ries Jörg M. , Wiertz Caroline
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Online B2B markets offer buyers a new source of information provided by social media signals about suppliers. These signals have not yet received much attention in the supplier selection literature. This study advances our understanding of how buyers respond to social media signals in the supplier selection process.

Design/methodology/approach

We develop a choice-based conjoint experimental design to isolate and manipulate two signals from social media: volume (the number of ratings) and valence (average evaluation of the ratings). We test how these signals are interpreted in the context of varying deal sizes and price points.

Findings

Both volume and valence are positively correlated with supplier selection. However, (1) the signals exhibit diminishing returns and (2) the efficacy of valence is interpreted in the context of volume. We also find that (3) there is no influence of the deal size and that (4) the relationships between signals and supplier selection are negatively moderated by deviations from the reference price.

Research limitations/implications

Social media signals should be considered in supplier selection decisions as they convey valuable information to the buyer. However, signals go through a process of interpretation which has implications for buyers, suppliers, and owners of online B2B markets.

Originality/value

Our research opens new lines of inquiry in behavioural operations management research regarding the mechanisms by which buyers interpret social media signals and how these ultimately influence their choice.
Validation of employees' self-leadership using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis
Authors: Na-Nan Khahan , Saribut Salitta
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Self-leadership (SL) involves the strategic management of people's perceptions and behaviours to enable them to set directions, identify their needs and work effectively. Here, an instrument was developed to measure SL of employees, organisations and managers in Thailand context.

Design/methodology/approach

Questions were developed for a questionnaire based on concepts and theories and validated using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) along four performance dimensions. Research samples were employees in the accommodation industry in Thailand. Factor analysis results confirmed the questionnaire as a reliable SL instrument with acceptable composite reliability (CR), average variance extracted (AVE) and convergent and discriminant validity.

Findings

Four factors of SL were identified as self-visualising and goal setting, self-reward and positive thinking, self-observation and cueing and self-talking and evaluating beliefs comprising 21 items. Factor analysis confirmed the validity of the questionnaire as a reliable SL tool as evidenced by a CR of 0.811 and AVE of 0.526 with acceptable convergent and discriminant validity criteria.

Research limitations/implications

Results were limited to a single group sample of accommodation and cross-sectional design and should be carefully considered for application in different situations.

Practical implications

Findings regarding the four performance dimensions suggest that this SL scale questionnaire can be applied to different businesses and settings either as is or with slight modifications.

Originality/value

Our SL scale is novel and serves as an excellent instrument to measure the behavioural perception of employees.
Retirement concerns and financial literacy in Brunei
Authors: Pg Hj Md Salleh Pg Md Hasnol Alwee , Baha Roslee
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Despite the inclusion of financial literacy in retirement studies, there are limited studies that look into retirement concerns and how financial literacy plays a role in managing retirement concerns. Understanding retirement concerns prior to retirement is important given how it affects retirement satisfaction. Therefore, this paper aims at assessing the retirement concerns in Brunei and the role of financial literacy in managing those concerns.

Design/methodology/approach

700 government employees, divided into three groups, were interviewed: Defined Contribution Plan (DCP) employees retiring in the next 10–15 years, DCP employees retiring in 20–30 years' time and Defined Benefit Plan (DBP) employees retiring in the next 10 years. Pearson's chi-square tests and logistic regressions were used to ascertain significant relationships.

Findings

The results indicate the relatively younger DCP group is more likely to be financially literate compared to senior groups however, these respondents are more inclined to focus on private home ownership at this juncture. The findings also indicate the importance of knowing how much to save for retirement towards determining those with an additional retirement plan, and consequently reducing their retirement concerns. The value of financial advice is also significant in determining the amount to save for retirement and in possessing an additional retirement plan.

Research limitations/implications

Results cannot be generalised to the population, as purposive sampling was utilised due to the absence of a population frame.

Practical implications

The implications of the paper may provide value to policymakers to consider approaches to enhance the quality of financial advice and provide sound knowledge in computing the amount needed for retirement. Understanding the role of financial literacy vis-à-vis retirement concerns may also be useful for neighbouring countries with similar socio-cultural aspects such as Malaysia.

Originality/value

Given the limited research on retirement concerns and financial literacy, this paper is one of the few to emphasise on the importance of knowing how much is needed to save for retirement, in relation to retirement concerns. This may also be useful in other countries/communities with similar retirement context such as those with relatively low retirement planning or with similar retirement schemes. Further, with the 1993 pension reform, there is no known publication on retirement concerns and expectations in Brunei. Left unchecked, it may lead to poverty in old age and/or dependency on welfare institutions and family support.
Key competencies for big data analytics professions: a multimethod study
Authors: Persaud Ajax
Published: March 2020

Purpose

This study aims to identify the precise competencies that employers are seeking for big data analytics professions and whether higher education big data programs enable students to acquire the competencies.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilizes a multimethod approach involving three data sources: online job postings, executive interviews and big data programs at universities and colleges. Text mining analysis guided by a holistic competency theoretical framework was used to derive insights into the required competencies.

Findings

We found that employers are seeking workers with strong functional and cognitive competencies in data analytics, computing and business combined with a range of social competencies and specific personality traits. The exact combination of competencies required varies with job levels and tasks. Executives clearly indicate that workers rarely possess the competencies and they have to provide additional training.

Research limitations/implications

A limitation is our inability to capture workers' perspectives to determine the extent to which they think they have the necessary competencies.

Practical implications

The findings can be used by higher educational institutions to design programs to better meet market demand. Job seekers can use it to focus on the types of competencies they need to advance their careers. Policymakers can use it to focus policies and investments to alleviate skills shortages. Industry and universities can use it to strengthen their collaborations.

Social implications

Much closer collaborations among public institutions, educational institutions, industry, and community organizations are needed to ensure training programs evolve with the evolving need for skills driven by dynamic technological changes.

Originality/value

This is the first study on this topic to adopt a multimethod approach incorporating the perspectives of the key stakeholders in the supply and demand of skilled workers. It is the first to employ text mining analysis guided by a holistic competency framework to derive unique insights.
A bundling sales strategy for a two-stage supply chain based on the complementarity elasticity of imperfect complementary products
Authors: Liu Yong , Wang Xiaoying , Ren Wenwen
Published: March 2020

Purpose

This paper attempts to analyze the relationship between the complementarity degrees of imperfect complementary products and sales strategies and give appropriate sales strategies for a two-stage supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach

With respect to two-stage supply chain consisting of two manufacturers who produce imperfect complementary products and one retailer who sells the products, aiming at bundling sales strategy, the authors define complementarity elasticity of products and use it to measure the degree of complementary between two products. Based on Stackelberg game and cooperation, the authors analyze the relationship between the complementarity degrees of imperfect complementary products and appropriate sales strategies.

Findings

As the impact of complementarity degree on sales strategy decision-making is better, the authors can pinpoint out which sales decision-making is optimal and which bundling sales strategy is the best for a two-stage supply chain. Considering that the degree of complementarity has a significant impact on the product sales strategy, the authors can point out which sales decision-making is optimal, that is, which bundled sales strategy is the optimal in the secondary supply chain of selling complementary products.

Practical implications

An innovative bundling can expand the sales of existing products and new products. It helps a retailer transcend and defeat competitors by reducing marketing expenses while increasing profits. Proper use of bundling can improve consumers utility and create an overall positive effect for both the enterprises and consumer.

Originality/value

The research can help some retailers to make many appropriate bundling sales strategies.
Drivers and inhibitors of the compromise effect – a conceptual overview
Authors: Schliwa Victor Andrej , Ciornea Raluca
Published: March 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to review numerous known drivers and antecedents of compromise behavior, proposing a basic categorization of the various contributions. This is done with the goal to integrate drivers and antecedents, previously largely discussed in isolation of one another, into a single conceptual model. This sheds light on the issue of previously overstated or understated relevance of individual drivers. The picture is completed by the proposition of new potential drivers of the compromise effect like lay rationalism and approval motivation.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes a conceptual approach in reflecting on prior findings from the field of compromise effect research and adjacent fields to develop a number of propositions aggregated in a conceptual model.

Findings

A number of previously overlooked, but potentially highly relevant interaction effects among known drivers of the compromise effect are proposed along with the proposition of several new drivers.

Originality/value

This conceptual paper offers a novel, broadly applicable categorization of compromise effect research. Further, it seems to be the first paper dedicated to an extensive review of established drivers of the compromise effect to examine the interdependence and possible interaction effects and of those drivers. Additionally, completely new potentially relevant drivers are discussed in detail and integrated into a conceptual model.
At what level of corruption does economic growth decrease?
Authors: Trabelsi Mohamed Ali , Trabelsi Hédi
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of corruption on economic growth by testing the hypothesis that the relationship between these two variables is nonlinear and by assessing the veracity of the assumption that corruption is always detrimental to economic growth. Several cross-country studies have treated this question but the findings are not universally robust.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, a panel data analysis has been used to examine 88 countries over the 1984-2011 period. A cross-sectional framework is used in which growth rate and the International Country Risk Guide (ICRG) index are observed only once for each country.

Findings

The findings indicate that beyond an optimal threshold, both high and low corruption levels can decrease economic growth. Under this optimal threshold, a moderate level of corruption, defined by the point of reversal of the curve of the marginal corruption effect on growth, could have advantages for economic growth.

Originality/value

This paper shows that the threshold would be a corruption level between 2.5 and 3, which represents the “acceptable corruption level”. This result is conforming to one of the ten principles of economics: “Rational people think at the marginal change”. This threshold represents the point where the marginal benefits of corruption are equal to marginal costs incurred by corruption. Conversely, lack of corruption may be a mechanism that slows down growth.
Halal certification, the inadequacy of its adoption, modelling and strategising the efforts
Authors: Haleem Abid , Khan Mohd Imran , Khan Shahbaz
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Need for effective adoption of halal certification through assessment and accreditation (HCAA) is imperative for the higher level of customer satisfaction. To achieve this, all stakeholders need to be involved in developing the policy. Thus, this study aims to identify barriers to the adoption of HCAA and analyses through structural model of interrelated barriers

Design/methodology/approach

The structural and hierarchical model of barriers to the adoption of HCAA is developed after extensive systematic literature survey along with opinions from various types of experts. Interpretive structural modelling is identified as the appropriate tool in making this model, which is further analysed using MICMAC (Matriced’ Impacts croises-multipication applique’ and classment). Corresponding issues for every barrier as identified may help in further developing the action plan for each stakeholder. Objectives and action plan for various stakeholders were evolved and provided.

Findings

The significant finding indicates to developing a globally accepted halal certifying organisation, as to contain the mislabelling, and this further needs extensive government and customer support. The customer needs to be more aware of the proper idea of halal. Therefore, to succeed, the industry needs to develop a brand identity with a distinct/unique/clear marketing message, not just certifying products/services as halal.

Originality/value

Specific direction for different stakeholders has been derived along with academic finding for researchers and to further develop the action plan.
Job stress and its impact on health of employees: a study among officers and supervisors
Authors: Sidhu Amanpreet Kaur , Singh Harwinder , Virdi Sandeep Singh , Kumar Raman
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this research paper is to identify the sources of job stress and their impact on health of employees.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 650 employees of power sector in Punjab (India) responded to the survey. Exploratory factor analysis and ANOVA were performed. Further, post hoc was conducted to find out which variable differs significantly.

Findings

The findings indicates that five parameters, namely workload, working environment, concentration, positivity and future perspective are the factors that are responsible to create stress in employees. There is great impact on health as “frequency of visit to a doctor” and “numbers of diseases” they have are high and “employee's time spared for exercise” is less.

Research limitations/implications

Since the survey was conducted only in power sector, it is difficult to generalize the results. However, the findings from this study will provide the factors that cause job stress and how they impact on health of employees.

Practical implications

The result indicates the impact of job stress on health of employees in power sector. Current research suggests that job stressors should be treated timely to minimize the impact of job stress.

Originality/value

While previous research has focused on the effect of stress on health, the present study provides evidence of the relationship between the sources of job stress and health, particularly in power sector in Punjab. This study would be contributing to the existing literature in Indian context.
Talent quotient: development and validation of a measurement scale
Authors: Yogalakshmi J.A. , Supriya M.V.
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The aim of the current study was to develop and validate a measure for identifying talent in the workplace. This is a gap long identified by researchers in this field.

Design/methodology/approach

Hinkins methodology was adopted for the establishment of a psychometrically sound measure. A 16-item scale for assessing the construct was developed. The reliability and validity were established by analyzing content adequacy, convergent validity, divergent validity and external validity. Primary data were collected from employees signaled as talent by their organization.

Findings

The study yielded a six-factor structure scale for the construct. These factors accounted for 66.8 percent of observed variance. All six dimensions, namely, calling orientation, critical insight, continuous learning, collaboration, cohesiveness and challenge drive established acceptable reliability and validity.

Social implications

The research provides a precise definition of the talent construct. Identification and retention of individuals with a high talent quotient is a critical challenge to organizations. Identifying talent is made possible through this measurement scale.

Originality/value

This research made an attempt to develop a reliable and valid measurement scale for the talent construct. The scale provides a precise definition of the talent construct. This simple sound scale could be useful at both the individual and organizational levels. It helps individuals to identify and focus on critical areas for achieving talent status. Organizations benefit through better human resource management practice. Identification and retention of talent are essential to career management. Overall, it also satisfies the urgent need in talent management research for a clear definition of the talent construct.
Risk investment decisions within the deterministic equivalent income model
Authors: Song Yan , Li Xin Yun , Li Yi , Hong Xianpei
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to establish a deterministic equivalent income model (DEIM) based on the risk cost (RC) and risk aversion of investors. The model fully considers both subjective and objective factors that affect risk investment and reasonably evaluates risk investment schemes to choose the correct investment scheme and gain greater investment returns.

Design/methodology/approach

The utility function is used to measure the extent to which an investor is satisfied by investment returns in various scenarios. Risk aversion expresses subjective attitude of investors to risk. RC represents risk loss in currency. This methodology is based on risk aversion function, utility function and RC theory to establish DEIM.

Findings

This study shows that investors with different risk preferences have different certainty equivalent returns (CER), so their choices of investment options change accordingly.

Practical implications

In this paper, the authors use DEIM to test an investment case and conclude that the CER and investment scheme both change with different risk preferences. At the same time, case analysis shows that DEIM is reasonable and stable when evaluating risk investment schemes.

Originality/value

In this study, the authors innovate by introducing both the RC and risk aversion degree into risk investment schemes evaluation and by deriving a utility function from the absolute risk aversion function to build a utility decision matrix and establish DEIM. The model combines the subjective and objective factors that influence risk investment decisions.
Towards understanding key enablers to green humanitarian supply chain management practices
Authors: Bag Surajit , Luthra Sunil , Venkatesh V.G. , Yadav Gunjan
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Humanitarian supply chains (HSCs) by their very nature require urgent reaction to unforeseeable needs, making it difficult to properly plan for the support of actual demands. As such, integrating sustainability into traditional HSC practices continues to present a challenge to governments, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and other humanitarian-related agencies. This study focuses on identifying and categorizing the leading enablers to green humanitarian supply chains (GHSCs) and proposes a model for improving the responsiveness based upon a fuzzy total interpretive structural modelling approach.

Design/methodology/approach

Total interpretive structural modelling (TISM) uses group decision-making to identify contextual relationships among each pair of enablers and elucidates the nature of each underlying relationship. The fuzzy TISM shows the level of strength (very high influence, high influence, low influence and very low influence) of each enabler in relation to other enablers, which can help to inform management decision-making.

Findings

GHSC management requires strategic planning of inventory and logistics management. The importance of collaborative relationship building with HSC partners for developing capability and the effective use of available resources are keys to success. These improved relationships also help to promote postponement and similar speculation-based logistics strategies, as well as advanced purchasing and pre-positioning strategies. Finally, the speed and quality of response is found to be the top enabler in GHSC management.

Research limitations/implications

One noted shortcoming of the chosen research method is its reliance on subjective expert judgement. However, collecting judgements is at the basis of many research methods, and the research team took utmost care throughout the research process to allay biases. Future empirical research can further examine the relationships suggested herein. Managers can use the model developed in this research to consider impactful ways to design and execute sustainable HSCs.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is a novel attempt to identify enablers to GHSC management. Secondly, the research team has used an advanced methodology (fuzzy TISM) to develop the contextual inter-relationships among the enablers which has not been used earlier in this direction before and thus advances the GHSC literature.
Pricing decisions and subsidy preference of government with traditional and green products
Authors: Zhen Xueping , Xu Shuangshuang , Shi Dan , Liu Fangjun
Published: March 2020

Purpose

This study aims to explore the government’s subsidy preference and pricing decisions of a manufacturer who produces traditional and green product simultaneously under different government subsidy policies.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors establish a model consisting of a government, a set of heterogeneous consumers and a manufacturer. Three government subsidy policies are investigated without government subsidy (NS), government subsidy to consumer (CS) and government subsidy to the manufacturer (MS).

Findings

The results show that the government subsidy can increase both the green product’s demand and the manufacturer’s profit. The subsidy level and government’s utility under the CS policy are equal to those under the MS policy. Furthermore, if the government’s subsidy level is exogenous, there exists a Pareto improvement region when social welfare for unit greenness level is high. That is, if the government’s subsidy level under the CS policy is higher than that under the MS policy, both government and manufacturer prefer the CS policy; otherwise, they prefer the MS policy.

Research limitations/implications

This paper considers the market where there is a monopoly green manufacturer and a government that only provides subsidy policy. In fact, competition from traditional manufacturers and carbon taxes are also worth exploring in future research.

Practical implications

This study provides some suggestions for government subsidy and provides guidance for the manufacturer’s pricing decisions under different government subsidy policies.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to compare government subsidy to consumer with a government subsidy to the manufacturer and investigate the pricing decisions of a manufacturer who produces traditional and green product simultaneously by considering an endogenous subsidy level of government.
Unpacking transformational leadership: dimensional analysis with psychological empowerment
Authors: Minai Mohammad Haris , Jauhari Hemang , Kumar Manish , Singh Shailendra
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Scholarly studies have criticized transformational leadership (TFL) for its lack of conceptual clarity and inadequate operationalization. This study endeavors to do a detailed examination of the dimensions of the construct to address the lack of conceptual clarity. Further, with respect to concerns regarding operationalization, the study does an exploratory evaluation of reconceptualized TFL's relationship with psychological empowerment, a construct through which TFL mostly has its beneficial outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

Respondents (n = 335) from an Indian information technology (IT) services organization report on their psychological empowerment and the transformational behaviors of their supervisors using temporally separated (15 days) online questionnaires.

Findings

As expected, the dimensions of transformational leadership are not equally salient in influencing psychological empowerment; however, they explain variance in all dimensions of psychological empowerment. Visioning relates to meaning and impact; inspirational communication relates to all dimensions of empowerment; personal recognition relates to impact and competence; finally, intellectual stimulation relates to self-determination. Contrary to expectations, however, data did not support the relationship of intellectual stimulation and supportive leadership on competence.

Research limitations/implications

Data collected from a single organization limit the claims of generalizability, and the use of a cross-sectional design prevents claims of causality. Given the significant variation in relational properties of individual dimensions, scholars can use dimensions of TFL, and therefore theorizing with these is possible.

Originality/value

This paper provides additional support for the unpacking of TFL, by hypothesizing and demonstrating the dimensional relationships between TFL and psychological empowerment.
Design and development of a bio-digester for production of biogas from dual waste
Authors: Okwu Modestus Okechukwu , Samuel Olusegun D. , Otanocha Omonigho B. , Balogun Promise P. , Tega Ogugu J. , Ojo Ebenezer
Published: March 2020

Purpose

A novel cost-effective bio-digester was explored to convert biological waste into useful clean energy. The bioreactor was aimed to anaerobically digest locally sourced cow dung and chicken droppings.

Design/methodology/approach

The design consideration is a batch horizontal 267 L digester made from cast iron with centrally positioned four-impeller shaft to enhance mixing. The system operated with a retention time of 63 days and a substrate (cow dung and poultry waste) ratio of 1:2 and water substrate ratio of 1:0.5 in the gasholder system. The purification, compression and performance evaluation of the generated biogas were also conducted.

Findings

The total volume of gas produced for each substrate compositions designed over 14 days ranges between 49.34 and 52.91 mL/day. The optimal value of 52.45 ml using cow dung and poultry waste (w/w) 20:80 was obtained. The average ambient temperatures during the study were within the mesophilic range of 20-40°C. The pH values were stable and always in the optimal range of 6.5-8.0. The reductions in moisture content, ash content, total solids and volatile solids were from 80.50-0.20 per cent, 39.60-14 per cent, 18.50-5.90 per cent and 11.60-4.90 per cent, respectively.

Originality/value

The developed digester is cost-effective and would help minimize solid waste disposal. The estimated methane contents of the gas from cow dung and chicken waste after scrubbing were found to be 71.95 per cent and could be harnessed in solving the energy crisis in the developing nations.
Experimental N and P additions relieve stoichiometric constraints on organic matter flows through five stream food webs
Authors: Demi Lee M. , Benstead Jonathan P. , Rosemond Amy D. , Maerz John C.
Published: March 2020

Human activities have dramatically altered global patterns of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) availability. This pervasive nutrient pollution is changing basal resource quality in food webs, thereby affecting rates of biological productivity and the pathways of energy and material flow to higher trophic levels.

Here, we investigate how the stoichiometric quality of basal resources modulates patterns of material flow through food webs by characterizing the effects of experimental N and P enrichment on the trophic basis of macroinvertebrate production and flows of dominant food resources to consumers in five detritus‐based stream food webs.

After a pre‐treatment year, each stream received N and P at different concentrations for 2 years, resulting in a unique dissolved N:P ratio (target range from 128:1 to 2:1) for each stream. We combined estimates of secondary production and gut contents analysis to calculate rates of material flow from basal resources to macroinvertebrate consumers in all five streams, during all 3 years of study.

Nutrient enrichment resulted in a 1.5× increase in basal resource flows to primary consumers, with the greatest increases from biofilms and wood. Flows of most basal resources were negatively related to resource C:P, indicating widespread P limitation in these detritus‐based food webs. Nutrient enrichment resulted in a greater proportion of leaf litter, the dominant resource flow‐pathway, being consumed by macroinvertebrates, with that proportion increasing with decreasing leaf litter C:P. However, the increase in efficiency with which basal resources were channelled into metazoan food webs was not propagated to macroinvertebrate predators, as flows of prey did not systematically increase following enrichment and were unrelated to basal resource flows.

This study suggests that ongoing global increases in N and P supply will increase organic matter flows to metazoan food webs in detritus‐based ecosystems by reducing stoichiometric constraints at basal trophic levels. However, the extent to which those flows are propagated to the highest trophic levels likely depends on responses of individual prey taxa and their relative susceptibility to predation.
Puerarin 6″‐O‐xyloside suppresses growth, self‐renewal and invasion of lung cancer stem‐like cells derived from A549 cells via regulating Akt/c‐Myc signalling
Authors: Tao Xiaomei , Yin Yefeng , Lian Dongbo , Gu Hongyan , Chen Wen , Yang Lu , Yin Gang , Liu Pengfei , Li Lili , Wei Yuanyuan , Xie Zhengzheng , Liu Fei , Sui Hangshuo , Yan Dan , Tao Weiwei
Published: March 2020

Cancer stem cells have been identified as the major cause of cancer initiation and progression. To investigate the effects of puerarin 6″‐O‐xyloside (PXY), derived from Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi, on lung cancer stem cells, we enriched and identified a subpopulation of lung cancer stem‐like cells (LCSLCs) derived from lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells with traits including high self‐renewal and invasive capability in vitro, elevated tumourigenicity in vivo, and high expression of stem cell markers CD44, CD133 and aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1). We found that PXY could impair cell viability, suppress self‐renewal and invasive capability, and decrease CD133, CD44 and ALDH1 mRNA expression in LCSLCs in a dose‐dependent manner. Furthermore, we showed that PXY suppressed the self‐renewal and invasive capability of LCSLCs at least in part through suppressing the activation of Akt/c‐Myc signalling. In conclusion, PXY can block the traits of LCSLCs, indicating that PXY may be a candidate compound for lung adenocarcinoma therapy via eliminating LCSLCs.
A general method for comparative dynamics in continuous‐time models
Authors: Gong Liutang , Wang Wei
Published: March 2020

This paper develops a general and applicable method for the computation of comparative dynamics in continuous‐time perfect foresight models. The key technique in our method is the Jordan decomposition of the Jacobian matrix. This enables us to derive analytical solutions when dealing with high‐dimensional systems with repeated eigenvalues. In an application, we compute comparative dynamics of an unanticipated expansionary monetary policy in scenarios with and without repeated eigenvalues. We find that the short‐run effects on the social welfare are opposite in the two scenarios, while the long‐run effects are similar.
Energy mix persistence and the effect of carbon pricing
Authors: Best Rohan , Burke Paul J.
Published: March 2020

Energy mix persistence is a defining characteristic of energy systems, for reasons including the long‐lived nature of energy infrastructure and the role of local endowments. This persistence is evident in current energy‐type use being strongly influenced by past use. Our analysis uses data for eight energy types and a large sample of countries, finding varying degrees of energy mix persistence. We also find evidence that carbon pricing appears to have played a key role in tilting energy mixes from coal towards renewable energy. Our estimates provide empirical support to policymakers seeking to implement carbon pricing to transition their energy systems in a lower‐carbon direction.
The role of a residential aged care pharmacist: Findings from a pilot study
Authors: McDerby Nicole C. , Kosari Sam , Bail Kasia S. , Shield Alison J. , Peterson Gregory , Thorpe Richard , Naunton Mark
Published: March 2020

Objective

To explore the feasibility of integrating a residential care pharmacist and describe the activities they subsequently undertake in an established residential aged care facility.

Methods

A residential care pharmacist was integrated part‐time (15 hours per week) into a 104‐bed residential aged care facility in the Australian Capital Territory, for 6 months. The pharmacist documented all activities performed during the study period.

Results

The residential care pharmacist documented 335.3 hours performing 284 activities. The two broad classes of activities were as follows: (1) organisation‐oriented, which were system‐level interventions to improve medication safety, and (2) resident‐oriented, which were clinical interventions conducted at the individual level. The activities most frequently performed were pharmaceutical opinion, quality improvement and comprehensive medication review. The stakeholder and organisational demand for these activities indicated feasibility for the role.

Conclusion

Pharmacists working collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary aged care team can perform a range of clinically and operationally beneficial activities.
Socioeconomic inequality in the global burden of refraction disorders: results from the Global Burden of Diseases Study 2017
Authors: Tang Xiajing , Lou Lixia , Xu Yufeng , Jin Kai , Cao Jing , Shao Ji , Gao Zhiyuan , Yao Ke
Published: March 2020

Purpose

To explore socioeconomic inequality in global burden of refraction disorders using disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs).

Methods

World Bank categorical and national DALY numbers, crude rates and age‐standardized rates caused by refraction disorders between 1990 and 2017 were obtained. Gini coefficient and concentration index were computed to assess trends in global health inequality in refraction disorders burden.

Results

Lower middle‐income countries had the highest burden of refraction disorders and greatest decline in age‐standardized DALY rates of 15.9% (171.0 in 1990; 143.8 in 2017), followed by upper middle‐income countries, with a 9.7% decline (103.7 in 1990; 93.7 in 2017). High‐income countries had the lowest age‐standardized DALY rates (70.4 in 1990; 65.7 in 2017), while low‐income countries had the lowest DALY numbers. Between‐country inequality decreased, with Gini coefficient declining from 0.203 in 1990 to 0.184 in 2017. Socioeconomic‐associated inequality also decreased, with concentration index changing from –0.060 in 1990 to –0.041 in 2017. Small peaks of DALY numbers and crude rates occurred in the age group of 5–9 years in countries with different income levels. An earlier occurrence of high peaks of DALY estimates in older adults had been observed in countries with lower income.

Conclusion

Middle‐income countries are more burdened with refraction disorders but have achieved great progress in the last few decades. The global health improvement in refraction disorders has been accompanied by narrowing inequality. Older adults in lower income countries tend to suffer from refraction disorders at an earlier age, compared with older adults in higher income countries.
Using therapeutic drug monitoring to personalize clozapine dosing in Asians
Authors: de Leon Jose , Schoretsanitis Georgios , Kane John M. , Ruan Can‐Jun
Published: March 2020

This narrative review on clozapine blood levels or therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) includes sections focused on drug clearance and TDM, personalized dosing with TDM, clinical applications of TDM in Asians, and areas needing further study. Asian patients need half the clozapine dose (D) used in the United States to get the same blood concentrations (C). The concentration‐to‐dose (C/D) ratio measures drug clearance. In the United States, the average clozapine patient usually needs from 300 to 600 mg/day to reach 350 ng/mL. US male smokers reach this therapeutic C with a D of 600 mg/day (C/D ratio of 0.60 = 600/350), whereas US female nonsmokers usually need a D of 300 mg/day (C/D ratio of 1.17 = 300/350). While in the United States, average CLO C/D ratios typically are 0.6‐1.2 ng/mL per mg/day, in Asian populations they range from 1.20 in male smokers to 2.40 in female smokers, requiring Ds of 300 to 150 mg/day to obtain 350 ng/mL. Asian patients can become clozapine poor metabolizers (PMs), needing very low Ds (50‐150 mg/day) to get therapeutic Cs, by taking inhibitors (fluvoxamine, oral contraceptives and valproic acid), due to obesity, or during inflammations with systemic effects. In 573 Asian patients from five samples, around 1% were PMs due to taking inhibitors, 1% due to inflammation, 1% due to obesity, and 7% were potential genetic PMs. The potential genetic PMs ranged between 3% and 13%, but this prevalence will have to be better established in future studies including genetic testing for possible CYP1A2 mutations, which may explain PM status.
Rapid loss of endogenous DNA in pig bone buried in five different environments
Authors: Eriksen A. M. H. , Matthiesen H. , Kontopoulos I. , Gregory D. , Snoeck C. , Zhang G. , Collins M. J. , Gilbert M. T. P.
Published: March 2020

The rate at which endogenous DNA from differently prepared (butchered, boiled and baked) compact pig bones degrades in five different Danish terrestrial and marine environments over 12 months was investigated. Although > 70% of the estimated endogenous mtDNA is lost after just four weeks of exposure, no cytosine deamination of DNA was recognised. A correlation between the presence of oxygen and the amount of preserved DNA was observed. The results provide valuable information on the interaction between the endogenous DNA and the depositional environment in the early stages of bone diagenesis, which can be a support in the interpretation of the initial diagenetic pathways of archaeological bone.