bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resting networks and personality predict attack speed in social spiders
Authors: Hunt Edmund R. , Mi Brian , Geremew Rediet , Fernandez Camila , Wong Brandyn M. , Pruitt Jonathan N. , Pinter-Wollman Noa
Published: March 2019

Groups of social predators capture large prey items collectively, and their social interaction patterns may impact how quickly they can respond to time-sensitive predation opportunities. We investigated whether various organizational levels of resting interactions (individual, sub-group, group), observed at different intervals leading up to a collective prey attack, impacted the predation speed of colonies of the social spiderStegodyphus dumicola. We found that in adult spiders overall group connectivity (average degree) increased group attack speed. However, this effect was detected only immediately before the predation event; connectivity two and four days before prey capture had little impact on the collective dynamics. Significantly, lower social proximity of the group’s boldest individual to other group members (closeness centrality) immediately prior and two days before prey capture was associated with faster attack speeds. These results suggest that for adult spiders, the long-lasting effects of the boldest individual on the group’s attack dynamics are mediated by its role in the social network, and not only by its boldness. This suggests that behavioural traits and social network relationships should be considered together when defining keystone individuals in some contexts. By contrast, for subadult spiders, while the group maximum boldness was negatively correlated with latency to attack, no significant resting network predictors of latency to attack were found. Thus, separate behavioural mechanisms might play distinctive roles in determining collective outcomes at different developmental stages, timescales, and levels of social organization.

Significance statement

Certain animals in a group, such as leaders, may have a more important role than other group members in determining their collective behavior. Often these individuals are defined by their behavioral attributes, for example, being bolder than others. We show that in social spiders both the behavioral traits of the influential individual, and its interactions with other group members, shape its role in affecting how quickly the group collectively attacks prey.
Precision timing with α-β oscillatory coupling: stopwatch or motor control?
Authors: Kononowicz Tadeusz W. , Sander Tillman , Van Rijn Hedderik , van Wassenhove Virginie
Published: March 2019

Precise timing is crucial for many behaviors ranging from street crossing, conversational speech, to athletic performance. The precision of motor timing has been suggested to result from the strength of phase-amplitude coupling (PAC) between the phase of alpha oscillations (α, 8-12 Hz) and the power of beta activity (β, 14-30 Hz), herein referred to as α-β PAC. The amplitude of β oscillations has been proposed to code for temporally relevant information, and the locking of β power to the phase of α oscillations to maintain timing precision. Motor timing precision has at least two sources of variability: variability of timekeeping mechanism and variability of motor control. There is ambiguity to with of these two factors α-β PAC could be ascribed to. Whether α-β PAC indexes precision of internal timekeeping mechanisms like a stopwatch, or α-β PAC indexes motor control precision is unclear. To disentangle these two hypotheses, we tested how oscillatory coupling at different stages of time reproduction related to temporal precision. Human participants perceived, and subsequently reproduced, a time interval while magnetoencephalography was recorded. The data show a robust α-β PAC during both the encoding and the reproduction of a temporal interval, a pattern which could not be predicted for by the motor control account. Specifically, we found that timing precision resulted from the tradeoff between the strength of α-β PAC during the encoding and during the reproduction of intervals. We interpret these results as supporting evidence for the hypothesis that α-β PAC codes for precision of temporal representations in the human brain.

Highlights

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Encoding and reproducing temporal intervals implicate α-β PAC.

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α-β PAC does not represent solely motor control.

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α-β PAC maintains the precision of temporal representations.
Ubiquitin receptors are required for substrate-mediated activation of the proteasome’s unfolding ability
Authors: Cundiff Mary D. , Hurley Christina M. , Wong Jeremy D. , Bashyal Aarti , Rosenberg Jake , Reichard Eden L. , Nassif Nicholas D. , Brodbelt Jennifer S. , Kraut Daniel A.
Published: March 2019

The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) is responsible for the bulk of protein degradation in eukaryotic cells, but the factors that cause different substrates to be unfolded and degraded to different extents are still poorly understood. We previously showed that polyubiquitinated substrates were degraded with greater processivity (with a higher tendency to be unfolded and degraded than released) than ubiquitin-independent substrates. Thus, even though ubiquitin chains are removed before unfolding and degradation occur, they affect the unfolding of a protein domain. How do ubiquitin chains activate the proteasome’s unfolding ability? We investigated the roles of the three intrinsic proteasomal ubiquitin receptors - Rpn1, Rpn10 and Rpn13 - in this activation. We find that these receptors are required for substrate-mediated activation of the proteasome’s unfolding ability. Rpn13 plays the largest role, but there is also partial redundancy between receptors. The architecture of substrate ubiquitination determines which receptors are needed for maximal unfolding ability, and, in some cases, simultaneous engagement of ubiquitin by multiple receptors may be required. Our results suggest physical models for how ubiquitin receptors communicate with the proteasomal motor proteins.
Global small-angle scattering data analysis of inverted hexagonal phases
Authors: Frewein Moritz P. K. , Rumetshofer Michael , Pabst Georg
Published: March 2019

A global analysis model has been developed for randomly oriented, fully hydrated, inverted hexagonal (HII) phases formed by many amphiphiles in aqueous solution, including membrane lipids. The model is based on a structure factor for hexagonally packed rods and a compositional model for the scattering length density, enabling also the analysis of positionally weakly correlated HII phases. Bayesian probability theory was used for optimization of the adjustable parameters, which allows parameter correlations to be retrieved in much more detail than standard analysis techniques and thereby enables a realistic error analysis. The model was applied to different phosphatidylethanolamines, including previously unreported HII data for diC14:0 and diC16:1 phosphatidylethanolamine. The extracted structural features include intrinsic lipid curvature, hydrocarbon chain length and area per lipid at the position of the neutral plane.
Refinement of protein structures using a combination of quantum-mechanical calculations with neutron and X-ray crystallographic data
Authors: Caldararu Octav , Manzoni Francesco , Oksanen Esko , Logan Derek T. , Ryde Ulf
Published: March 2019

Neutron crystallography is a powerful method to determine the positions of H atoms in macromolecular structures. However, it is sometimes hard to judge what would constitute a chemically reasonable model, and the geometry of H atoms depends more on the surroundings (for example the formation of hydrogen bonds) than heavy atoms, so that the empirical geometry information for the H atoms used to supplement the experimental data is often less accurate. These problems may be reduced by using quantum-mechanical calculations. A method has therefore been developed to combine quantum-mechanical calculations with joint crystallographic refinement against X-ray and neutron data. A first validation of this method is provided by re-refining the structure of the galectin-3 carbohydrate-recognition domain in complex with lactose. The geometry is improved, in particular for water molecules, for which the method leads to better-resolved hydrogen-bonding interactions. The method has also been applied to the active copper site of lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase and shows that the protonation state of the amino-terminal histidine residue can be determined.
The third structural switch in the archaeal translation initiation factor 2 (aIF2) molecule and its possible role in the initiation of GTP hydrolysis and the removal of aIF2 from the ribosome
Authors: Nikonov Oleg , Kravchenko Olesya , Nevskaya Natalia , Stolboushkina Elena , Garber Maria , Nikonov Stanislav
Published: March 2019

The structure of the γ subunit of archaeal translation initiation factor 2 (aIF2) fromSulfolobus solfataricus(SsoIF2γ) was determined in complex with GDPCP (a GTP analog). Crystals were obtained in the absence of magnesium ions in the crystallization solution. They belonged to space groupP1, with five molecules in the unit cell. Four of these molecules are related in pairs by a common noncrystallographic twofold symmetry axis, while the fifth has no symmetry equivalent. Analysis of the structure and its comparison with other known aIF2 γ-subunit structures in the GTP-bound state show that (i) the magnesium ion is necessary for the formation and the maintenance of the active form of SsoIF2γ and (ii) in addition to the two previously known structural switches 1 and 2, eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 (eIF2) and aIF2 molecules have another flexible region (switch 3), the function of which may consist of initiation of the hydrolysis of GTP and the removal of e/aIF2 from the ribosome after codon–anticodon recognition.
Individual social entrepreneurship orientation: towards development of a measurement scale
Authors: Satar Mir Shahid , Natasha Saqib
Published: March 2019

Purpose

While the literature has described social entrepreneurs as overwhelmingly occupying a pivotal role in social entrepreneurship (S-ENT) process, there is a high inconsistency prevailing with respect to entrepreneurial traits, attitudes and skills of social entrepreneurs. One explanation for this may be the lack of a suitable scale measuring entrepreneurship orientation of social entrepreneurial individuals. The purpose of this study is to address this gap by proposing an initial assessment tool for individual S-ENT orientation (ISEO).

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed methods research design, along with a two-stage Delphi process, helped in generating appropriate constructs for ISEO. While the items for the first dimension of scale were directly derived from the Delphi study, the items of the remaining dimensions were mainly found based on the three individual entrepreneurial orientation dimensions presented by Bolton and Lane. By means of exploratory factor analysis, the final examination of the ISEO items was undertaken through a survey of 71 social entrepreneurs across India. The process eventually resulted in reliable and valid measures for four dimensions of ISEO.

Findings

The scale-development process eventually resulted in a 13-item scale, measuring four dimensions of ISEO (social passion, innovativeness, risk-taking and pro-activeness). By developing a set of relevant ISEO indicators, the study answers the call for a scale development of ISEO in S-ENT literature.

Research limitations/implications

There is a need to further validate this instrument among other stakeholders (students) as well as in samples with different demographic characteristics across different regions of the country and the world. To further evaluate the reliability and validity properties and to confirm the newly established subscales and their relationship with the ISEO construct, there is need for conducting a confirmatory factor analysis using larger sample sizes.

Practical implications

The measurement of SEO at an individual level will assist in S-ENT education, training and development of present and prospective social entrepreneurs, as well as assist individuals who want to assess the strength of their orientation towards S-ENT. The understanding of ISEO at the individual level will be equally useful for S-ENT incubators, the government and other S-ENT stakeholders who are considering supporting S-ENT proposals.

Originality/value

The paper is the first to develop an ISEO scale which is based on empirical data in S-ENT field.
Contradictory results on environmental concern while re-visiting green purchase awareness and behavior
Authors: Malik Muhammad Imran , Nawaz Mir Faisal , Hussain Saddam , Hyder Shabir , Anwar Asim , Khan Zia Ullah , Nawab Noman , Shah Syed Farjad Ali , Waseem Muhammad
Published: March 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the mediating role of environmental concern in the relationship of green purchase awareness and purchasing behavior of fast food consumers keeping in view the theory of planned behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative, cross-sectional design is used by collecting primary responses through a validated questionnaire. In all, 1,008 male and female buyers of fast food were sampled. Structural equation modeling is applied.

Findings

The results revealed that green purchase awareness has a positive relationship with green purchase behavior, and environmental concern has no mediation in the relationship. Upon having awareness, the respondents adopted green or pro-environmental behavior, but at the same time, they were found having least concern for the protection of environment.

Research limitations/implications

This is a cross-sectional study with questionnaire. Multiple sources of data collection results in weakening self-reporting bias.

Practical implications

Implications count toward individuals, enterprises and society at general.

Originality/value

The study highlights the issue of not having concern for the protection of the environment even after having green purchase awareness. This is the first time the environmental concern is examined as a mediator in the selected relationship. The contradictory results of having no environmental concern differentiate this study from others.
Urban segregation and food consumption
Authors: Han Xinru , Yang Sansi , Chen Yongfu , Wang Yongchun
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impacts of China’s urban segregation caused byhukourestrictions on food consumption.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the 2007–2009 Urban Household Survey data from six China provinces conducted by the National Bureau of Statistics of China, the authors adopt a propensity score matching (PSM) method to correct for potential selection bias. A Rosenbaum bounds test is applied to evaluate the sensitivity of the PSM results to unobserved variables.

Findings

The results show that holding ruralhukou(RHs) reduces the consumption of livestock products and vegetables and fruit by 8.8 and 4.8 percent, respectively. The status ofhukoudoes not affect the consumption of grain and edible oil.Hukouimpacts on food consumption are heterogeneous across income levels, with low-income and middle-income households more vulnerable to urban segregation andhukoudiscriminations. A stronger motivation for precautionary saving and higher welfare expenditures that not compensated by social security lead to the lower food consumption by migrant households with RHs.

Originality/value

This paper advances the research frontier by investigating the impacts ofhukousystem on the structure of food consumption, which accurately reflects the household welfare.
Artificial intelligence: scope, players, markets and geography
Authors: Simon Jean Paul
Published: March 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to clarify the notion of artificial intelligence (AI), reviewing the present scope of the phenomenon through its main applications. It aims at describing the various applications while assessing the markets, highlighting some of the leading industrial sectors in the field. Therefore, it identifies pioneering companies and the geographical distribution of AI companies.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper builds upon an in-depth investigation of public initiatives focusing mostly on the EU. It is based on desk research, a comprehensive review of the main grey and scientific literature in this field.

Findings

The paper notes that there is no real consensus on any definition for this umbrella term, that the definition does fluctuate over time but highlights some of the main changes and advances that took place over the past 60 years. It stresses that, in spite of the hype, on both the business and consumer sides, the demand appears uncertain. The scope of the announced disruptions is not easy to assess, technological innovation associated with AI may be modest or take some time to be fully deployed. However, some companies and regions are leading already in the field.

Research limitations/implications

The paper, based on desk research, does not consider any expert opinions. Besides, the scientific literature on the phenomenon is still scarce (but not the technical one in the specific research sectors of AI). Most of the data come from consultancies or government publications which may introduce some bias, although the paper gathered various, often conflicting viewpoints.

Originality/value

The paper gives a thorough review of the available literature (consultancies, governments) stressing the limitations of the available research on economic and social aspects. It aims at providing a comprehensive overview of the major trends in the field. It gives a global overview of companies and regions.
Overcoming African institutional voids: market entry with networks
Authors: Chipp Kerry , Wocke Albert , Strandberg Carola , Chiba Manoj
Published: March 2019

Purpose

Literature on modes of entry has focussed on firm-level strategies. The predominant theories used are institutional theory and the resource-based view. Using an alternate approach – network theory – this paper aims to demonstrate an additional mode of entry: multiple firms entering together as an extension of an existing loose network, known as a bridging network. The extension of an external network across borders is an appropriate mode of entry in emerging markets, with no pre-existing networks or existing networks within a market that are weak, immature or missing.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual review, which develops four propositions, demonstrating that market entry with bridging networks may be the preferred mode of entry in the presence of institutional voids. Alternative modes may not be viable because of costs and risks associated with overcoming such voids.

Findings

Existing theory and case examples support the contention that market conditions facilitate firms to enter as networks rather than as singular entities. These conditions are found in markets with institutional voids and explain the dominant form of business groups in many countries and the operation of loose strategic alliances in emerging markets. Network entry facilitates market access speed may allow for local ties to remain undeveloped or be a first step in building in-country networks.

Originality/value

This paper heeds to the call for a network ecosystem approach to market entry, arguing that firms may enter as a collective in subsistence and emerging markets, which would explain the preponderance of business groups and loose alliances found.
Enhancing the effectiveness of entrepreneurship education: the role of entrepreneurial lecturers
Authors: Otache Innocent
Published: March 2019

Purpose

Despite the inclusion of entrepreneurship education (EE) in the curricula of tertiary education institutions in Nigeria, graduate unemployment is still an issue of serious concern. This calls into question the effectiveness of EE in influencing students’ entrepreneurial intentions (EIs) and behaviours. Perhaps, the issue is with the EE lecturers. The questions, which should be answered include: are the lecturers who teach EE entrepreneurially inclined? Can lecturers who are not entrepreneurially inclined teach students to become entrepreneurs? The purpose of this paper, therefore, is to empirically explore the role of entrepreneurial lecturers in the relationship between EE and students’ EIs.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a quantitative approach. Thus, a self-reported questionnaire was administered to a randomly selected sample of 256 Higher National Diploma II students of the Federal Polytechnic, Idah, Nigeria, who were exposed to EE. To analyse the data collected, partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was performed using SmartPLS 2.0.M3 software.

Findings

Data analysis showed a significantly positive relationship between EE and students’ EIs on the one hand and between EE and perceived entrepreneurial lecturers (PELs) on the other hand. It was also found that PELs had a significantly positive link with students’ EIs. Further analysis indicated that PELs had a mediating effect on the relationship between EE and students’ EIs.

Research limitations/implications

This study was a single institutional study. Thus, the generalisability of its findings to other institutions is limited. Extending the research to other institutions and countries might be required to validate the findings presented.

Practical implications

This research work has some insightful implications for the teaching of EE. By implication, it provides an answer to the question: who should teach EE? To achieve greater impact of EE on students’ EIs and behaviours, entrepreneurial lecturers are required. It implies that EE lecturers should be entrepreneurially inclined. They should demonstrate sufficient entrepreneurial attitudes, intentions and behaviours.

Social implications

It has been argued that graduate unemployment constitutes a social problem to the society. In this regard, the suggestions made in this paper, if applied, would help resolve the problem of graduate unemployment in Nigeria and other countries.

Originality/value

This study is the first to provide empirical evidence of the role of entrepreneurial lecturers in the relationship between EE and students’ EIs. It has demonstrated that entrepreneurial lecturers could transfer the influence of EE to students’ EIs. Also, it has confirmed that EE lecturers are critical in the EE-students’ EIs relationship. Overall, this study makes a significant contribution to the discussion on how to enhance the effectiveness of EE in influencing students’ EIs and behaviours.
The entrepreneurial profile after failure
Authors: Espinoza-Benavides Jorge , Díaz David
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the profile of entrepreneurs who failed in previous businesses, but despite their initial failure, decide to start or maintain another business. Based on the literature, re-entrepreneurs present some unique characteristics that allow them to overcome and learn from their previous ventures. Moreover, following the institutional dimensions literature, the paper shows that these dimensions should also affect the prevalence and type of re-entrepreneurial profiles.

Design/methodology/approach

Traditional ANOVA and logistic regression analysis were used as a way to test several hypotheses. Moreover, decision trees were implemented to provide further insights with respect to the characteristics of the relationships under study. Data from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor Survey (Adult Population Survey 2016 for Chile) is the main source of information.

Findings

The results of this paper show that for Chilean entrepreneurs, there is a different profile between those who fail and abandon and those who decide to start a new business after failing. These differences show that post-failure entrepreneurs behave like angel investors, have better business skills and are more experienced. Additionally, they are more likely to share ownership of their new business.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the literature with empirical results that validate that failure determines special characteristics in entrepreneurs through a methodology that is relatively new in the community. Also, the paper discusses how institutions (institutional theory) could play a role in this phenomenon. This can help decision makers and the academic community better understand the nature of this type of entrepreneur and thus provide insights for more focussed public policies and better-informed business decisions.
Is a bit more experience bad? The role of entrepreneurial experience on investment rate
Authors: Nguyen Bach
Published: March 2019

Purpose

This study investigates the influence of entrepreneurial experience on small business investment. The purpose of this paper is to examine whether entrepreneurs with more prior start-up experience are better able to identify business opportunities and successfully transform these opportunities into investment projects.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical setting in this study is Vietnam. The authors employ a panel data of small businesses (mostly households) from 2005 to 2013, and use a fixed effect method to estimate the regression coefficients. The results are also re-checked using the general method of moments and matching technique.

Findings

Empirically, it is found that entrepreneurial experience is an important determinant of investment decisions. Specifically, entrepreneurs with one start-up experience make more investments than novice entrepreneurs. However, entrepreneurs with more than one start-up experience do not make more investments than entrepreneurs with one start-up experience.

Research limitations/implications

This is country-specific research. Further study may employ data from multi-countries to re-test the validity of the hypotheses.

Originality/value

This study provides a new perspective for analysing the role of entrepreneurial experience on entrepreneurial investments. It shows that prior start-up experience may turn out to be a liability to entrepreneurs since it restricts their ability to identify new opportunities.
An organisational framework for analysis of crowdsourcing initiatives
Authors: Martinez-Corral Alberto , Grijalvo Mercedes , Palacios Miguel
Published: March 2019

Purpose

Since Howe (2006) first used the term crowdsourcing to define the outsourcing of activities by companies to individuals through the use of the internet, a growing literature has developed on the subject. Its emergence as a new paradigm in problem solving and value creation in the digital innovation ecosystem has produced significant publications in the management field, but publications about some aspects of organisations are still missing. Such is the case regarding the impact that these crowdsourcing initiatives have on organisations. This paper advances in that direction by proposing a new approach for the review of these activities through a detailed model of the elements of organisational levels that describe the crowdsourcing processes. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Crowdsourcing models in the literature are reviewed to propose the new model, complemented by a survey of scholars and practitioners to validate the approach introduced.

Findings

The results provide a detailed link between the two fields: crowdsourcing models and organisational levels, developed through the connection of the elements of organisational levels and the dimensions of different crowdsourcing models. The identification of the elements that constitute each organisational level, their inclusion in a new model and the order of relevance of the different elements in the crowdsourcing initiatives could have an implication for academics and practitioners involved in implementing crowdsourcing.

Originality/value

The originality of this research is the introduction of a new approach for the analysis of crowdsourcing initiatives, establishing a new framework model to connect crowdsourcing models and organisational levels for new organisations.
Analysis of project managers’ leadership competencies
Authors: Podgórska Marzena , Pichlak Magdalena
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between the three dimensions of leadership competencies, which refer to the competency school by Dulewicz and Higgs (2003) and impact on project success as well as the moderating influence of project type.

Design/methodology/approach

The mixed method was used and supported by survey questionnaire and semi-structured interview questionnaire. In total, 102 project managers as well as 11 senior project managers and people supervising project managers assigned to the projects participated in the study. Correlation analysis and regression analysis were performed to understand the relationship between leadership and project success.

Findings

The results provided empirical support for the influence of project manager’s leadership competencies, as well as their emotional and managerial skills on project success. What is more, the analysis of the results also pointed out that, depending on the type of the project, its success is influenced by other competencies.

Research limitations/implications

The research results are restricted by several limitations, i.e., the research model does not include the influence of other variables on the project success as well as operationalization methods of leadership and project success are not exhaustive. These limitations create possibilities for further analyses in this area.

Practical implications

The paper presented guidelines for the project management community concerning the proposals in terms of present management system modifications being about basing them on competencies and their development, as well as self-improvement of project managers.

Originality/value

The paper refers to the relationship between the leadership of the project manager and the success of the project in different types of projects and highlights how these relationships are formed in transitional economies.
Managing job performance, social support and work-life conflict to reduce workplace stress
Authors: Foy Tommy , Dwyer Rocky J. , Nafarrete Roy , Hammoud Mohamad Saleh Saleh , Rockett Pat
Published: March 2019

Purpose

Workplace stress costs £3.7bn per annum in the UK and in excess of $300bn per annum in the USA. The purpose of this paper is to examine the existence, strength and direction of relationships between perceptions of social support, work–life conflict, job performance and workplace stress in an Irish higher education institution.

Design/methodology/approach

The selected theoretical framework consisted of a combination of reward imbalance theory, expectancy theory and equity theory. An organizational stress screening survey instrument was used to survey the staff (n= 1,420) of an academic institution. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationships between the independent variables (social support, work–life conflict, job performance), the covariates (staff category, direct reports, age, gender), and the dependent variable (workplace stress).

Findings

The results showed a negative correlation between social support and workplace stress, a positive correlation between work–life conflict and workplace stress, and a negative correlation between job performance and workplace stress (p< 0.05). The results also revealed significant relationships between the covariates direct reports and gender and the dependent variable workplace stress.

Practical implications

The findings from this research can trigger an organizational approach where educational leaders can enable workplace change by developing and implementing social support and work–life strategies, and potential pathways to reduce levels of workplace stress and improve quality of life for employees and enhance performance.

Originality/value

The examination and establishment of particular relationships between social support, work–life conflict and job performance with workplace stress is significant for managers.
The interplay between ideological resistance and management control: an Egyptian case study
Authors: Diab Ahmed , Aboud Ahmed
Published: March 2019

Purpose

This study explores the relationship between institutional logics and workers’ agency in business organisations. The purpose of this paper is to explain management control in a complex setting of workers’ resistance and institutional multiplicity and complexity. Exploring the inherent political volatility at the macro level, the work also investigates the political aspects of economic organisations and the intermediary role of individuals who deal with these institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

Theoretically, the study triangulates institutional logics and labour process theories, linking higher-order institutions with mundane labour practices observed in the case study. Methodologically, the study adopts a post-positivistic case study approach. Empirical data were solicited in a village community, where sugar beet farming and processing constitutes the main economic activity underlying its livelihood. Data were collected through a triangulation of interviews, documents and observations.

Findings

The study concludes that, especially in LDCs agro-manufacturing settings, economic and societal institutions play a central role in the mobilisation of labour resistance. Control can be effectively practiced, and be resisted, through such economic and social systems. This study affirms the influence of institutional logics on individuals’ agency and subjectivity.

Originality/value

The study contributes to literature by investigating the relationship between subalterns’ agency and institutional logics in a traditional political and communal context, in contrast to the highly investigated western contexts; and providing a definition of management control based on the prevalent institutional logics in the field.
Quality of environmental information disclosure and enterprise characteristics
Authors: Wang Jianshu , Zhang Bo
Published: March 2019

Purpose

Based on several important environmental protection and information disclosure policies that have been issued in China, the purpose of this paper is to test the relationship between characteristics and the environmental information disclosure quality of sample companies.

Design/methodology/approach

The OLS regression analysis is selected for this research which takes China’s heavy pollution companies listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange from 2015 to 2016 as samples.

Findings

The quality of these environmental information disclosures needs to be strengthened, and while the quality of the disclosures among the companies examined improved significantly in 2016 compared with 2015, there are still high variations in quality from industry to industry. In addition, the scale of company is most closely correlated to the quality of environmental information disclosure and the economic situation of the enterprises is the next. Other factors affecting the disclosure quality include in order the degree of local economic development the scale of the state-owned shares and the independent directors. Listed years and equity restriction show a positive correlation but not significant in statistics.

Originality/value

The research will assist administrative organizations to allocate governance sources effectively, plan governance investment as a whole, and improve the overall level of the disclosure of environmental information while strengthening the governance efficiency and effectiveness, according to the correlation and degree between the company characteristics and environmental information disclosure quality.
The moderating influence of involvement with ICTs in mobile services
Authors: Calvo-Porral Cristina , Nieto-Mengotti Manuel
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The growing availability of wireless internet services and the great popularization of smartphones and other mobile devices means a greater challenge for mobile service companies that need to identify the factors influencing the use behavior of mobile services. So considering that the level of consumer involvement can lead to differences in service outcome evaluations, this study aims to examine whether consumer involvement with information and communication technologies (ICTs) has a moderating influence on consumer behavior in mobile services

Design/methodology/approach

The authors propose an integrative model of the usage of mobile services to examine the moderating role of involvement with ICTs. Drawing on a sample of 493 users, two levels of involvement with ICTs were examined; and data were analyzed through multiple-group structural equation modeling.

Findings

Findings show that the level of consumer involvement with ICTs influences the behavior in the mobile services. Further, the findings support that mobile services’ perceived quality, followed by the service perceived value are the factors with a stronger influence in satisfaction with mobile services, regardless the level of consumer involvement with ICTs. However, the mobile company corporate image has a lower influence. In addition, the results support the partial moderating role of involvement with ICTs in the loyalty toward mobile service providers, suggesting that consumers lowly involved with ICTs experience a greater impact of the service quality on their loyalty.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this study is the examination of the influence of involvement with technologies in consumer behavior in the mobile services
Diagnostic histopathological features distinguishing palmoplantar pustulosis from pompholyx
Authors: Masuda‐Kuroki Kana , Murakami Masamoto , Kishibe Mari , Kobayashi Satomi , Okubo Yukari , Yamamoto Toshiyuki , Terui Tadashi , Sayama Koji
Published: March 2019

Palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP) and pompholyx are both chronic and relapsing diseases occurring on the palms and soles. Although these two diseases have been considered completely different from each other, it is sometimes very difficult even for dermatologists to differentiate them from each other because of their similarities in clinical presentation. In this study, we aimed to analyze the histopathological features of PPP and pompholyx and find out “clues” to differentiate between PPP and pompholyx by their histopathological features. The histopathology of 11 PPP and six pompholyx patients, who were diagnosed with typical clinical history and histopathology, were carefully observed. PPP cases were divided into three phases (vesicle, pustulovesicule and pustule) and pompholyx cases were divided into two phases (vesicle and pustule), and histopathological findings and a 4‐point checklist to distinguish between PPP and pompholyx were preliminarily established. To confirm whether the checklist establishes the clues for diagnosis, biopsy samples from 43 patients (32 PPP and 11 pompholyx) who had been already diagnosed at five hospitals were examined according to our checklist without any additional clinical information. According to our 4‐point checklist, 31 of 32 PPP patients and all 11 pompholyx patients were diagnosed histopathologically consistent with their clinical diagnosis. In conclusion, histopathological findings of “vesicles without spongiosis” and “microabscess on the edges of vesicles” would be impact points for the differential diagnosis between PPP and pompholyx. The 4‐point checklist was trustworthy to distinguish between PPP and pompholyx.
Perfectly matched layer boundary conditions for frequency‐domain acoustic wave simulation in the mesh‐free discretization
Authors: Liu Xin , Liu Yang , Ren Zhiming , Li Bei
Published: March 2019

Mesh‐free discretization, flexibly distributing nodes without computationally expensive meshing process, is able to deal with staircase problem, oversampling and undersampling problems and saves plenty of nodes through distributing nodes suitably with respect to irregular boundaries and model parameters. However, the time‐domain mesh‐free discretization usually exhibits poorer stability than that in regular grid discretization. In order to reach unconditional stability and easy implementation in parallel computing, we develop the frequency‐domain finite‐difference method in a mesh‐free discretization, incorporated with two perfectly matched layer boundary conditions. Furthermore, to maintain the flexibility of mesh‐free discretization, the nodes are still irregularly distributed in the absorbing zone, which complicates the situation of artificial boundary reflections. In this paper, we implement frequency‐domain acoustic wave modelling in a mesh‐free system. First, we present the perfectly matched layer boundary condition to suppress spurious reflections. Moreover, we develop the complex frequency shifted–perfectly matched layer boundary condition to improve the attenuation of grazing waves. In addition, we employ the radial‐basis‐function‐generated finite difference method in the mesh‐free discretization to calculate spatial derivatives. The numerical experiment on a rectangle homogeneous model shows the effectiveness of the perfectly matched layer boundary condition and the complex frequency shifted–perfectly matched layer boundary condition, and the latter one is better than the former one when absorbing large angle incident waves. The experiment on the Marmousi model suggests that the complex frequency shifted–perfectly matched layer boundary condition works well for complicated models.
Peter Berger’s Early Work on Baha’i Studies
Authors: Smith Peter
Published: March 2019

At the very beginning of his academic career, Peter Berger made an important contribution to the sociological study of the Babi and Baha’i religions. This article provides an overview of (1) Berger’s early ideas in the sociology of religion; (2) his overall analysis of the Babi and Baha’i movements; (3) his account of the contemporary Iranian Baha’i community; and (4) his impressions of the American Baha’i community of the time. A brief discussion of the continuing value of Berger’s Babi‐Baha’i study in the Sociology of Religion and in Baha’i Studies is also offered.
“This Greater Issue of Light against Darkness”: Sereno Edwards Bishop, Missionary Religion, and the Hawaiian Islands, 1827–1909
Authors: Ratnapalan Laavanyan Michael
Published: March 2019

The history of nineteenth‐century missions provide a fruitful field to explore the development of religious thought and practice in a secular setting. This article shows how the religious views of the clergyman and educator Sereno Edwards Bishop, born in Hawai‘i of American missionary parents, were shaped by his childhood among the mission community in Hawai‘i and by his American college education. These instilled in him a liberal approach to theology that was informed by a spiritually alert sense of Hawaiian geography and environment. Contrary to the notion that he cast his faith aside in addressing matters of wider social and political importance, Bishop emerges as someone who thought critically about mid‐nineteenth‐century Protestant Christianity, grounding his perspective on politics, society, and natural history in Hawai‘i according to his religious principles. Given Bishop’s specific intellectual and cultural heritage, it is difficult to subsume his perspective within broader narratives of American expansion; rather, both Pacific and mainland American elements shaped the thought of such mission‐descended figures.
Effect of religious priming in prosocial and destructive behaviour
Authors: Zhang Jipeng , Brown Elizabeth , Xie Huan
Published: March 2019

In this paper, we study the behavioural impact of religious priming by showing participants religious words in a scrambled sentence task before a dictator game and a joy‐of‐destruction game. We also elicited data on individual religiosity and religious affiliation using a questionnaire. Priming religious words significantly increased prosocial behaviour in the dictator game, and the effect was especially striking among those reporting no religion, atheists and agnostics. The religious prime has no significant effect in mitigating destructive behaviour or own expectations of the other's destruction choice, but both destructive behaviour and expectations correlate positively with the multi‐dimensional religiosity measure.
Impacts of Starch and the Interactions Between Starch and Other Macromolecules on Wheat Falling Number
Authors: He Yuezhen , Lin Yu‐Lian , Chen Chen , Tsai Min‐Hui , Lin Amy Hui‐Mei
Published: March 2019

Wheat with a low falling number (FN) has been particularly prevalent in recent years and has resulted in a loss of more than $140 million in a single year in the wheat industry in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. FN measurement is a standard method for the evaluation of grain α‐amylase activity, and a low FN indicates a reduction in hot wholemeal paste viscosity due to sprouting damage. Recent studies show that a low FN may result from a developmental change of starch and adverse effects of non‐α‐amylase macromolecules on wheat. In this review, we describe the principles of FN measurement and the relationship between FN and α‐amylase. We also discuss the isozymes, locations, and inhibitors of wheat α‐amylase. The effects of various aspects of starch, which is the substrate of α‐amylase, on wheat FN are also discussed, including starch structural characteristics (for example, starch granule architecture), starch susceptibility to α‐amylase, and the interaction between starch and nonstarch macromolecules (for example, lipids). Studies on the effects of planting environments (for example, temperature) and agronomic practices (for example, irrigation and fertilization) on both starch paste viscosity and FN are also reviewed. This paper highlights the importance of considering the impacts of starch and the interactions of starch and other macromolecules, including wheat α‐amylase, on wheat FN, which is important for developing strategies to solve the low FN problem.
The Reconstruction of the Dynamic of a Murder Using 3D Motion Capture and 3D Model Buildings: The Investigation of a Dubious Forensic Case
Authors: Aquila Isabella , Sacco Matteo A. , Aquila Giuseppe , Raffaele Roberto , Manca Alfredo , Capoccia Giuseppe , Cordasco Fabrizio , Ricci Pietrantonio
Published: March 2019

Photographic surveying is fundamental to crime scene investigation. It is performed using 2D images; however, this method is limited because it does not offer a detailed view. We present a 3D (three‐dimensional) experimental model that has clarified unsolved aspects of a homicide. A woman was found dead in her home. Considering the large number of injuries on the victim, signs of the use of two weapons, and the absence of traces of the killer/s, several hypotheses about the dynamics and the number of offenders were made. The forensic surveys suggested that a single offender had used two weapons at the same time, but this hypothesis was considered to be impossible by investigators. Our 3D model allowed us to experimentally reproduce the murder and compare various dynamics. The model was used as evidence in Court to prove the hypothesis of a single killer and demonstrate that no other people were involved.