bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct observation of a crescent-shape chromosome inBacillus subtilis
Authors: Tišma Miloš , Bock Florian Patrick , Kerssemakers Jacob , Japaridze Aleksandre , Gruber Stephan , Dekker Cees
Published: February 2023

Bacterial chromosomes are folded into tightly regulated three-dimensional structures to ensure proper transcription, replication, and segregation of the genomic information. Direct visualization of the chromosomal shape within bacterial cells is hampered by cell-wall confinement and the optical diffraction limit. Here, we combine cell-shape manipulation strategies, high-resolution fluorescence microscopy techniques, and genetic engineering to visualize the intrinsic shape of the bacterial chromosome in real-time in liveBacillus subtiliscells. We show that the chromosome exhibits a crescent shape with a non-uniform DNA density that is increased near the origin of replication (oriC). Additionally, we localized ParB and BsSMC proteins – the key drivers of chromosomal organization – along the contour of the crescent chromosome, showing the highest density nearoriC. Opening of the BsSMC ring complex disrupted the crescent chromosome shape and instead yielded a torus shape. These findings help to understand the threedimensional organization of the chromosome and the main protein complexes that underlie its structure.
Digital financial inclusion and economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa: the role of institutions and governance
Authors: Chinoda Tough , Kapingura Forget Mingiri
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This study examines the role of institutions and governance on the digital financial inclusion and economic growth nexus in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) from 2014 to 2020.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts the generalised method of moments technique which controls for endogeneity. The authors employed four main variables namely, index of digital financial inclusion, gross domestic product per capita growth, institutions and governance.

Findings

The results suggest a significant positive effect of institutional quality and governance on the digital financial inclusion-economic growth nexus in SSA. Furthermore, the authors find that effect of trade and population growth on economic growth was significantly positive while inflation reduces economic growth in the region.

Research limitations/implications

This study also ignored the effect of digital financial inclusion on environmental quality. Future researches should focus on addressing these drawbacks and replicating the study in Africa as a whole and other developing countries across the world that are experiencing digital financial inclusion and economic growth challenges. The results from the study imply that a positive relationship between digital financial inclusion and economic growth. It is important to note that the study was carried out on the premise that institutions play a pivotal role in enhancing economic growth in SSA.

Practical implications

The results confirm the significance of policies that enhances institutional quality and governance which are other avenues the authorities can pursue to enhance economic growth in SSA.

Social implications

The paper documents the importance of institutions in boosting economic growth which impacts on social life rather than digital financial inclusion only.

Originality/value

The paper makes a contribution through analysing the role of institutions and governance on the digital financial inclusion-economic growth nexus rather than the traditional financial inclusion–economic growth nexus which is common to the majority of the available empirical studies.
Political skills matter: the role of academic entrepreneurs in team innovation
Authors: Zhang Xueyan , Zhou Xiaohu , Wang Qiao , Wu Zhouyue , Sui Yue
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Based on social influence theory, this paper aims to explore the influence of academic entrepreneurs on team innovation activities. The innovation behavior of academic team members is the key behavior in academic entrepreneurial activities. As a special entrepreneurial group, academic entrepreneurs' political skills play an important role in stimulating team innovative behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts a multi-level study design and takes as samples the paired data of 91 academic entrepreneurial teams (n = 475). Based on team cognition, it constructs a model of the influence mechanism of academic entrepreneurs' political skills on team innovation behavior and explores the mechanism of transactive memory system in this influence effect. The authors use HLM and PROCESS macro to test our multilevel model.

Findings

The results show that academic entrepreneurs' political skills positively impact team innovation behavior, and a transactive memory system plays a mediating role between them. Team psychological safety significantly enhances the positive relationship of both academic entrepreneurs' political skills and a transactive memory system with team innovation behavior. Moreover, with enhanced perceptions of team psychological safety, academic entrepreneurs' political skills are more likely to improve team innovation behavior through the transactive memory system.

Originality/value

The study explores the influence of transactive memory system on the relationship between academic entrepreneurs' political skills and team innovation behavior, with the team cognitive perspective derived from social influence theory. This provides authors with new insights on the complex dynamics at place in the team innovation process and offers implications for how we can fruitfully manage this process.
Natural convection of NEPCM in a partial porous H-shaped cavity: ISPH simulation
Authors: Aly Abdelraheem M. , Alsedais Noura
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the conformable fractal approaches of unsteady natural convection in a partial layer porous H-shaped cavity suspended by nano-encapsulated phase change material (NEPCM) by the incompressible smoothed particle hydrodynamics method.

Design/methodology/approach

The partial hot sources with variable height L_Hot are in the H-cavity’s sides and center. The performed numerical simulations are obtained at the variations of the following parameters: source of hot length L_Hot = (0.4–1.6), conformable fractal parameterα(0.97–1), fusion temperatureθf(0.05–0.9), thermal radiation parameterRd(0–7), Rayleigh numberRa(103–106), Darcy parameterDa(10−2to 10−5) and Hartmann numberHa(0–80).

Findings

The main outcomes showed the implication of hot source length L_Hot, Rayleigh number and fusion temperature in controlling the contours of a heat capacity within H-shaped cavity. The presence of a porous layer in the right zone of H-shaped cavity prevents the nanofluid flow within this area at lower Darcy parameter. An increment in the thermal radiation parameter declines the heat transfer and changes the heat capacity contours within H-shaped cavity. The velocity field is strongly enhanced by an augmentation on Rayleigh number. Increasing the Hartmann number shrinks the velocity field within H-shaped cavity.

Originality/value

The novelty of this work is solving the conformable fractal approaches of unsteady natural convection in a partial layer porous H-shaped cavity suspended by NEPCM.
Don't hate the players, hate the system! – The continuation of deep-rooted travel patterns in the face of shock events
Authors: Papp Bernadett , Neelis Ivar , Heslinga Jasper Hessel
Published: February 2023

Purpose

It has been established that values, beliefs and norms are good predictors of pro-environmental behaviour; however, it is less explored how these constructs can be influenced. The purpose of this paper is to assess whether the COVID-19 pandemic, as a shock event, was a “game changer” or it had limited impacts on deep-rooted travel patterns.

Design/methodology/approach

To understand whether the pandemic has influenced people’s value orientations with regards to sustainable travel, the authors have made use of the value–belief–norm (VBN)theory of environmentalism and conducted a large-scale survey in Germany, Italy, France, The Netherlands and UK (N = 1545).

Findings

The findings showed that the pandemic caused only temporary change in deep-rooted travel patterns as (self-reported) pre-pandemic behaviour of respondents align with their value orientations and proved to be a good predictor of projected travel behaviour. Based on projected travel behaviour and value orientations, four market segments were identified – Frontrunners, Laggards, Comfortable Crowd and Entitled Stewards. While all segments showed willingness to adapt, the authors found variations in the extent of adaption and in the phases of the customer journey where travellers are likely to make changes.

Originality/value

According to our knowledge, using the VBN theory of environmentalism to understand the impact of shock events on deep-rooted travel patterns represents a new perspective. Moreover, to the best of authors’ knowledge, this study is one of the first, written in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, which looks at the impact of the health crisis on deep-rooted travel patterns, instead of the commonly studied risk perception.
The perspective of new managerialism on changes in Hong Kong's self-financing post-secondary education institutions: progress, challenges and outlook
Authors: Lau Yui-yip , Cheung Lok Ming Eric , Chan Eve Man Hin , Lee Stephanie Wing
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The present study adopts the analytical framework of new managerialism (NM) to explore the progress, challenges and outlook of self-financing post-secondary institutions in Hong Kong since 2000. This study also identified issues and related managerial implications for developing this niche form of higher education in Hong Kong.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducted a critical review of self-financing post-secondary institutions in Hong Kong, including the sub-degree and degree sectors, via collecting a series of policy documents and archives from the Legislative Council of Hong Kong, the Public Records Office and other government bodies. To supplement the findings, semi-structured in-depth interviews of 18 academic staff of Hong Kong's self-financing post-secondary institutions were carried out.

Findings

The study shows that self-financing post-secondary institutions not only encounter challenges related to insufficient resources but also face pressure from accreditation requirements of various international organisations. The study also suggests that massification and privatisation of self-financing post-secondary institutions, and embracing a managerial approach for operation and governance will induce a new wave of self-financing post-secondary institutions in the near future.

Originality/value

This study offers insights for self-financing post-secondary institutions into implementing appropriate strategies to maintain competitiveness and retain talents in the coming years.
Going from 2D to 3D in supply chain 4.0 education: an LSP approach
Authors: Deif Ahmed
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This study aims at investigating the impact of using Lego Serious Play (LSP) on the effectiveness of teaching supply chain (SC) 4.0 in higher education by going from a traditional 2D approach to a 3D one. LSP in this study is explored as a gamification pedagogical approach that taps into the connection between hands and brain to inspire and engage students to build 3D models using metaphors and storytelling.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical study was conducted among 50 students (over two terms) who were enrolled in a SC 4.0 course and used LSP in their final project that focused on digital SC design. Two questionnaires were designed (one after the standard LSP workshop and the other upon completion of the project) to solicit feedback with respect to how LSP helped students to better understand SC 4.0 topics and fulfill their project. The results were analyzed using Bloom’s taxonomy as well as other pedagogical framework to understand the positive impact of LSP at the cognitive, motivation and social levels.

Findings

Results showed that using LSP can enhance the teaching of various SC principles and technologies beyond the abstract point of view (2D) through offering the students an opportunity to apply these principles and technologies in a futuristic project using a hands-on 3D approach. The LSP approach demonstrated its ability to help students navigate through both lower order thinking skills (LOTS) and higher order thinking skills (HOTS) in a meaningful and playful manner. Finally, improving the design skills for students was clear using LSP as it unleashes imagination and taps into internal knowledge together with collective inputs.

Research limitations/implications

The reliance on one case study can be a limitation regarding the generalization of the proposed results. This limitation is attenuated by the representativeness of the case study analyzed. Furthermore, the presented work should encourage future analyses as well as expanding the implementation of LSP to other SC 4.0 teaching contexts and applications.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the very few literatures regarding using gamification in SC education and specifically how LSP methodology can be adopted in teaching SCM 4.0.
Are environmental sustainability thoughts a panacea for environmental performance? Social innovation and moderating role of green innovation
Authors: Khattak Amira
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This study aims to explore the association between environmental sustainability thoughts and environmental performance. Mediation through social innovation and moderating role of green innovation is also tested.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative research design was used for analyzing the personal/lived experience of 387 small–medium enterprises (SMEs) managers. Data were collected from persons who were performing their job, that is, it is based on current data. Cross-section data were collected through questionnaires. Correlation and regression analysis was used to test the study hypotheses.

Findings

Green innovation encourages firms to grow to be competent and increase their environmental performance. Results proved that businesses can work in a sustainable way through environmental sustainability thoughts and green innovation. Moreover, social innovation leveraged the interplay of environmental sustainability thoughts and the environmental performance.

Originality/value

The uniqueness of this research is that it combined environmental sustainability thoughts, social innovation and green innovation for developing environmental performance model for SMEs. This research includes new approach on sustainability domain and offered newest relevant factors to achieve a wider perceptive and multifaceted analysis of all dimensions that influence environmental performance.
The financial implications of XPS: an organizational learning perspective
Authors: Hekneby Torbjørn , Powell Daryl John
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of a company-specific lean program (a so-called company-specific production system [XPS]) on the company’s financial performance. This study analyzes data from the implementation of XPS in multiple plants of a multinational corporation and examines the results through an organizational learning lens.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts a longitudinal single-case design to investigate a Norwegian multinational company in the process industry, producing silicon for the global market. The company has developed, implemented and institutionalized its own XPS since 1991. The program has directly contributed to extensive cost reduction and significantly strengthened the organization’s competitive position.

Findings

The findings of this study show a link between organizational learning and the improvement of financial results in the organization. This study presents a sand cone model that illustrates how the development and deployment of an XPS through individual- and orchestrated learning subsequently created a common platform for institutionalized learning within and across the multinational organization. This organizational learning capability managed to tie the company’s continuous improvement efforts directly to the improvement of cost levels throughout the value chain.

Practical implications

The practical implications of this work are significant, as this study uncovers the importance for managers to consider both individual-, orchestrated- and institutionalized learning (within and across a multinational network) when designing and implementing XPS to drive the improvement of an organization’s financial performance.

Originality/value

Documenting the financial impact of such programs is a common challenge. Therefore, the insights presented in this research are of value to both researchers and practitioners, in particular, managers and executives in large multinational organizations.
Impact pathways: managing relational risk in project operations
Authors: Bryde David J. , Shahgholian Azar , Joby Roger , Taylor Simon , Singh Ruchi
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess how we implement new ways of managing relational risk at the operational level of outsourced projects and to provide guidance to project management (PM) policy makers and practitioners seeking to ensure project operations consistently deliver project relational risk management (PRRM) strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

Through exploratory study data were obtained from a panel of six experts in PM and from a pilot survey of PM practitioners. The data reveal future directions and vectors for scholarship and research activity in terms of the impact of PRMM-related mechanisms and deliverables on project success and the implementation process to enhance PRRM as a key PM capability.

Findings

Deliverables for PRRM need to part of a multidimensional framework that includes mechanisms besides the contract. Such a framework enables the codification of PM knowledge so that PRRM contributes to project success. With knowledge codified, PRRM strategies can be consistently delivered at the operational level. The framework is novel in that it integrates hereto disparate elements that are encompassed under the broad umbrella of relational governance mechanisms.

Practical implications

PM policy makers and practitioners recognise the importance of effective relationships to deliver projects successfully, yet they lack practical solutions to address the negative effects of dysfunctional relationships. The authors provide a list of PM deliverables for effective PRRM, including deliverables besides those related to the contract, which can be used in practice to bring the gap between PRRM strategy development and implementation. This will enable client organisations that outsource their projects to an external contractor to enhance their PRRM capability and increase the likelihood of project success.

Originality/value

The authors provide insights into how PRRM is practised at the project operations’ level where PM is outsourced. These insights lead to three pathways of impactful Operations Management (OM)/PM scholarship and research, namely, the following: 1) How PM deliverables act as a key success factor for effective PRRM? 2) How the duality of roles carried out by PM actors influences PRMM practices? 3) How companies innovate to enhance their PRMM capability? These pathways will enable PM research and scholarship to address disconnects between PRMM strategy and operations and hence go beyond answering “what” PRMM is to encompass “how” it is implemented.
The use of innovation uptake in identification of business models in the Indonesian smallholder cattle value chain
Authors: Asikin Zenal , Baker Derek , Villano Renato , Daryanto Arief
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to guide commercial and policy action to improve smallholder Indonesian cattle systems.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey (n = 304) of smallholder cattle farms in six villages in two districts of Nusa Tenggara Barat, Indonesia. Principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis (CA) were employed to classify cattle farms into business models according to observed innovation. Differences between business models were identified using a one-way-analysis-of-variance (ANOVA).

Findings

Four business models were identified, representing profiles of innovation adoption and elements of business models, socio-economic characteristics, farming system and performance variables including revenue, cost and profit. The business models display a range of orientation to buyer requirements and a range of approaches to production, indicating a need to promote in a variety of ways the change from supply-push to demand-pull in the cattle value chain.

Research limitations/implications

This study offers guidance on how business models might be strengthened over time, by using simple indicators of performance and the models' linkage to innovation in the context of each business model. The business models developed here, and refinements to them based on localised conditions, offer a targeted and accelerated pathway to improved performance in smallholder systems.

Originality/value

This study proposed a novel approach to the recognition of business models based on innovation.
Assessment tools used in adult safeguarding practice within the UK and Ireland: results from a small-scale qualitative study
Authors: Doyle Laura , Montgomery Lorna , Donnelly Sarah , Mackay Kathryn , Penhale Bridget
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Across the UK and Ireland, there are a range of processes and interventions offered to adults who, because of personal characteristics or life circumstances, require help to keep themselves safe from potential harm or abuse. The ways in which the statutory and voluntary sectors have chosen to safeguard these adults varies. Different models of intervention and the utilisation of a range of assessment tools, frameworks and approaches have evolved, often in response to policy and practice wisdom. Empirical research in this area is limited. The primary research purpose of the project on which this paper is based is to gather information on the range of tools and frameworks that are used in adult safeguarding practice across the UK and Ireland. In so doing, this paper seeks to contribute and inform the future development of an evidence based adult safeguarding assessment framework.

Design/methodology/approach

A team of academics from England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland wanted to explore the possibility of adapting a pre-existing assessment framework currently in use in family and childcare social work to consider its utility in assessing carers involved in adult safeguarding referrals. This paper reports on a small pilot study which sought to inform the adaptation of this framework for use in adult safeguarding. This paper is based on a qualitative study involving 11 semi-structured telephone interviews with adult safeguarding social work managers and experienced practitioners. Two to four professionals from each region of England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland were interviewed to elicit their perceptions and experiences of engaging in adult safeguarding assessment processes and their views about models of assessment.

Findings

This study identified considerable variation in and between the nations under review, in terms of the assessment frameworks and tools used in adult safeguarding practice. To a large extent, the assessment frameworks and tools in use were not evidence based or accredited. Participants acknowledged the value of using assessment frameworks and tools whilst also identifying barriers in undertaking effective assessments.

Originality/value

There is limited evidence available in the literature regarding the utility of assessment frameworks and tools in adult safeguarding practice. This primary research identifies four themes derived from professional’s experiences of using such frameworks and identifies broader recommendations for policy and practice in this area.
Indigenous (stone) towers in remote regions: cross cultural perspective Asir region of Saudi Arabia, the Caucasus and Sichuan of China
Authors: Alqahtany Hani M. , Al-Gehlani Wadee Ahmed Ghanem
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The author’s interest in vernacular architecture, over the years, has attracted the author’s attention to three distinctive and similar forms of architecture in faraway regions of the globe. These are; Asir region of Saudi Arabia, The Caucasus including the republic of Georgia, Chechenia, and North Ossetia, and Sichuan region in China. Stone towers dominate the landscape of these remote regions. The similarity of these towers in these far away regions is quite remarkable.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper will introduce these towers in their geographic, social and natural context. Although several studies have been done on these regions, it is the aim of this paper to introduce their architecture in a comparative approach to explore how these remotes corners of the globe with different historical, ethnic and cultural backgrounds developed similar architectural forms in total isolation from each other.

Findings

Architecture is a physical production of different and diverse factors. Geographically, isolated regions with similar natural and social factors, mountainous landscape, tribally-based, agrarian societies, produces similar architectural forms.

Originality/value

This paper is a clear testimony to the human nature and how people think, react and build, under similar conditions. Architecture becomes a manifestation of human oneness, unity, believes and behaviour.
The Reflective Fostering Programme fidelity rating scale: development and inter-rater reliability
Authors: Midgley Nick , Cirasola Antonella , Sprecher Eva A. , Redfern Sheila , Wright Hannah , Rider Beth , Martin Peter
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to describe the development of the 14-item reflective fostering fidelity rating (RFFR), an observational rating system to evaluate model fidelity of group facilitators in the Reflective Fostering Programme (RFP), a mentalisation-based psychoeducation programme to support foster carers. The authors assess usability, dimensionality, inter-rater reliability and discriminative ability of the RFFR.

Design/methodology/approach

Eighty video clip extracts documenting 20 RFP sessions were independently rated by four raters using the RFFR. The dimensionality of the RFFR was assessed using principal components analysis. Inter-rater agreement was assessed using the intra-class correlation coefficient.

Findings

The proportion of missing ratings was low at 2.8%. A single principal component summarised over 90% of the variation in ratings for each rater. The inter-rater reliability of individual item ratings was poor-to-moderate, but a summary score had acceptable inter-rater reliability. The authors present evidence that the RFFR can distinguish RFP sessions that differ in treatment fidelity.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first investigation and report of the RFFR’s validity in assessing the programme fidelity of the RFP. The paper concludes that the RFFR is an appropriate rating measure for treatment fidelity of the RFP and useful for the purposes of both quality control and supervision.
Adaptation of block chain technology in SCM for steering managerial strategies: investigative study under Indian context
Authors: Sahu Atul Kumar , Katyayan Abhijeet , Khandey Umesh , Jangde Prashant , Sahu Anoop Kumar , Sahu Nitin Kumar
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Block chain technology (BCT) has apparent capability of handling information in digital format, which has dragged attention of the practitioners for its utility in industrial and manufacturing practices. Conversely, the managerial adoption of BCT is relatively limited, which motivated the authors to identify crucial dimensions that can persuade the acceptance of BCT from an executive perspective. Thus, the present study is aimed to conduct to understand crucial barriers under BCT for managerial implementation in supply chain management (SCM) of small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Design/methodology/approach

The present study investigated evident barriers to understand implementation of BCT. A questionnaire based survey is performed to collect primary data from service and manufacturing based companies in India. Survey responses are received online and the data is analyzed in a scorecard. The scorecard embedded the scribed entries of Likert scale to determine the relative score.

Findings

In present study, sixteen barriers from three categories named as technological, organizational and environmental are evaluated, where, five sub-barriers from technological domain, seven sub-barriers from organizational domain and four sub-barriers from environmental domain are evaluated. The findings of the study determined that the three factors, i.e. “complexity in setup/use”, “Security and privacy concern” and “Technological awareness” mostly affect the adaptation of BCT in SCM. Conversely, “Market dynamics”, “Scalability” and “Cost” do not influence the intention to adopt the technology.

Originality/value

Only few studies have endeavored to ascertain the BCT adoption in SCM of SMEs in developing country like India. Thus, the study is filling a momentous gap of mapping BCT dimensions in the scholastic literature. The findings are expected to enable SMEs to understand important factors to be considered for adopting BCT in their curriculum. Furthermore, the study may benefit the BCT developers and suppliers to endure customized solutions based on the findings.
Learning through co-creation across internal organisational professions and responsibilities
Authors: Tjulin Åsa , Klockmo Carolina
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This study explores the organisational dynamics in a change process across work units in a Swedish municipality. The purpose of this study is to understand how and why co-creation unfolds during efforts to bring different units into one united work unit.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative longitudinal study was designed using data triangulation for eight months, comprising written reflection texts, meeting protocols and interviews. This study is based on a back-and-forth inductive and abductive grounded theory analysis.

Findings

The main results of this study indicate that there was friction in the co-creation process between units, between the members of the change group and supervisors, as well as friction within the change group. Further, the results indicate that communications, relations, supervisor support and governing strategies clashed with work routines and methods, work cultures, roles and responsibilities and that the units had differing views of the needs of the intended target group. This thereby challenged the propensity for change which, in turn, may have limited developmental learning at a workplace and organisational level.

Originality/value

Working across units to find common and new paths and work methods for labour market inclusion proved to be challenging because of contextual circumstances. Crossing and merging organisational boundaries through co-creation processes was demanding because of new expectations from the organisation, as it shifted towards trust-based governance in conjunction with working during a pandemic when social interactions were restricted to digital communication channels.
Does the leader's negative feedback benefit employees' creative process engagement? The mediating effect of impression management motivation
Authors: Deng Ting , Lai Yanzhao , Tang Chunyong
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Drawing from impression management theory, this study examines how the leader's negative feedback affects the employees' creative process engagement (CPE) and whether impression management motivation plays a mediating role in this process. In addition, the moderating role of face consciousness is analyzed in the relationship between negative feedback and impression management motivation.

Design/methodology/approach

A time-lagged design with three data-collection points was implemented based on a dataset of two studies of follower–leader pairs (Ns = 165, 30 and 682, 89) in China. Ordinary least squares regression analyses were conducted to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The leader's negative feedback positively affected employees' CPE via impression management motivation. The relationship was stronger when face consciousness salience was high.

Practical implications

This study suggests that negative feedback is also valuable. Supervisors should learn how to stimulate employees' impression management motivation when delivering negative feedback and ensure that employees know that CPE can bring help and status rewards. Moreover, supervisors may consider using face strategies when providing negative feedback.

Originality/value

This study provides new insights into the association between the leader's negative feedback and employees' CPE by impression management as a psychological mechanism and face consciousness as an important boundary condition. It lays a foundation for further systematic research on CPE based on sociological theory.
High-speed train cooperative control based on fractional-order sliding mode adaptive algorithm
Authors: Lin Junting , Ni Mingjun , Liang Huadian
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This study aims to propose an adaptive fractional-order sliding mode controller to solve the problem of train speed tracking control and position interval control under disturbance environment in moving block system, so as to improve the tracking efficiency and collision avoidance performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The mathematical model of information interaction between trains is established based on algebraic graph theory, so that the train can obtain the state information of adjacent trains, and then realize the distributed cooperative control of each train. In the controller design, the sliding mode control and fractional calculus are combined to avoid the discontinuous switching phenomenon, so as to suppress the chattering of sliding mode control, and a parameter adaptive law is constructed to approximate the time-varying operating resistance coefficient.

Findings

The simulation results show that compared with proportional integral derivative (PID) control and ordinary sliding mode control, the control accuracy of the proposed algorithm in terms of speed is, respectively, improved by 25% and 75%. The error frequency and fluctuation range of the proposed algorithm are reduced in the position error control, the error value tends to 0, and the operation trend tends to be consistent. Therefore, the control method can improve the control accuracy of the system and prove that it has strong immunity.

Originality/value

The algorithm can reduce the influence of external interference in the actual operating environment, realize efficient and stable tracking of trains, and ensure the safety of train control.
Dynamic modeling of marginal expected shortfall under economic sensitivity: empirical evidence from Pakistan
Authors: Hanif Hasan
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Systemic risk is of concern for economic welfare as it can lower the credit supply to all the sectors within an economy. This study examines for the first time the complete hierarchy of variables that drive systemic risk during normal and crisis periods in Pakistan, a developing economy.

Design/methodology/approach

Secondary data of the bank, sector and country variables are used for the purpose of the analysis spanning from 2000 to 2020. Systemic risk is computed using marginal expected shortfall (MES). One-step and two-step system GMM is performed to estimate the impact of firm, sector and country-level variables on systemic risk.

Findings

The findings of the study highlight that sector-level variables are also highly significant in explaining the systemic risk dynamics along with bank and country-level variables. In addition, economic sensitivity influences the significance level of variables across crisis and post-crisis periods and modifies the direction of relationships in some instances.

Research limitations/implications

The study examines the systemic risk of a developing economy, and findings may not be generalizable to developed economies.

Practical implications

The outcome of the study provides a comprehensive framework for the central bank and other regulatory authorities that can be translated into timely policies to avoid systemic financial crisis.

Social implications

The negative externalities generated by systemic risk also affect the general public. The study results can be used to avoid the systemic financial crisis and resultantly save the loss of the general public's hard-earned holdings.

Originality/value

The firm, sector and country-level variables are modeled for the first time to estimate systemic risk across different economic conditions in a developing economy, Pakistan. The study can also act as a reference for researchers in developed economies as well regarding the role of sector-level variables in explaining systemic risk.
Organizational incivility: a conceptual framework
Authors: Vasconcelos Anselmo Ferreira
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Overall, the purpose of this paper is to define and delineate the meaning of the concept of Organizational Incivility (OI) by examining its features, scope and implications. Furthermore, it depicts a set of research propositions aiming to guide future research.

Design/methodology/approach

Toward this end, this paper draws upon the literature of workplace incivility, unethical behavior, organizational dark side behavior and corporate social irresponsibility, which have been examined through distinct theoretical streams and frames them under the lens of OI concept. The ensuing analysis focuses on some well-known business-cases and their tragic consequences. In doing so, it also argues that the OI concept provides a solid theoretically based framework about how uncivil mindset have been specifically shaped at the organizational level.

Findings

Overall, it is proposed that OI is a by-product of conscious (bad) decisions in which the organizational leaderships are allured, at some point and for distinct reasons, to embrace moral disengagement and unethical choices. In doing so, the organizations overlook or neglect their commitments to society’s well-being and environmental preservation. As a result, the organizations start to play a dirty game without any sense of respect for those that rely on them (i.e. consumers and citizens).

Practical implications

The implementation of strict ethical codes and governance measures have proved not to be enough to contain the OI practices. In this regard, organizational leaderships should question themselves if their companies are truly aligned with a civilized conduct. In turn, government agencies, federal laws and institutions dedicated to preserve people’s well-being should play a more incisive role by identifying and stifling the organizational dark side.

Originality/value

On the face of it, it is argued that a myriad of demonstrations of organizational dark side that are identified worldwide can be theoretically explored through the lens of OI and therein lies the major contribution of this work. More specifically, it demonstrates that incivility can go, in fact, beyond organization frontiers spilling over the stakeholders in a negative manner and damaging the interactions. Further, it also contributes to theory by suggesting that OI is a process carefully designed by the organizational leaderships to achieve obscure goals and/or darker purposes.
Supply chain accountability, COVID-19, and violations of workers’ rights in the global clothing supply chain
Authors: Uddin Shahzad , Ahmed Md Shoaib , Shahadat Khandakar
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This study aims to contribute to the debate on the efficacy of softer regulations to prevent violations of workers’ rights in the global clothing supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach

This study draws on value trap and adverse incorporations as a theoretical lens to understand the reasons behind the continued violations of workers’ rights. The empirical findings are based on an analysis of 24 semi-structured interviews with workers and owners. Extensive documentary evidence to track the plight of workers in Bangladeshi clothing factories during the pandemic.

Findings

The study demonstrates how imbalances in supply chain relationships allow retailers to take advantage of the pandemic. The authors find that some retailers worsened the working conditions by cancelling orders, demanding discounts on old orders and forcing suppliers to agree to a lower price for new orders. Large brands and retailers’ responses to the COVID-19 pandemic remind us that softer regulations, such as third-party audits, are likely to be ineffective given the power imbalance at the heart of the supply chain.

Practical implications

The study presents a case for regulatory frameworks and intense stakeholder activism to encourage large retailers and brands to behave responsibly. This is especially important when a supply chain is value-trapped and workers are adversely incorporated and unprotected.

Originality/value

Drawing on studies on adverse incorporations, value-trapped supply chains and the plight of workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, the study offers a broader understanding of the continued violation of workers’ rights and the efficacy of softer regulations.
Reading Anzac Religion and the Sacred: The Bible as a Central Text and Artefact of Australian Soldiers' Experience of the First World War*
Authors: Gladwin Michael
Published: February 2023

This article demonstrates the resilience of religious traditions and practices among Australian soldiers, and the need for caution about presuming connections between the experience of modern war and secularisation. A core argument is that the Bible should be understood as a central text and cultural artefact of Australian soldiers' experience of the First World War. The pocket New Testament was the most widely possessed book among Australian soldiers, and probably the most read and valued. For many it offered profound religious, moral, and emotional consolation. For others it possessed talismanic qualities, conjured home associations, or became an “object of memory.” Communal reading practices made Testaments prominent in the aural experience of war, but such practices could also elicit antipathy towards religion. Taken together, these findings inform scholarship on the mentalités and material culture of Australian war experience, challenging the longstanding scholarly and popular myth of the secular Australian soldier. Additionally, the article breaks new ground in situating Australian experience within a substantial international scholarship on the crucial role of religion (both official and popular) among soldiers of all combatant nations. Partly due to its majority Protestant population, Australian soldiers' Bible possession and usage resembled that of Anglo‐Saxon and German Protestants.
Where does the risk lie? Systemic risk and tail risk networks in the Chinese financial market
Authors: Deng Yang , Gao Chenyin
Published: February 2023

This paper studies tail risk connectedness and systemic risk in the Chinese financial market in the post‐crisis period of 2009–2017. We adopt the conditional value at risk (CoVaR) and complex theory to construct the tail risk connectedness network and identify the systemically important financial institutions during the Chinese financial turbulence. We precisely characterize the dynamic evolution of the tail risk connectedness at the institutional, sector and market levels. We find that, during normal times, the banking sector contributes the most tail risk to the market and that the real estate sector contributes the least. However, during the crisis period, the real estate sector played its role and became the most significant tail risk emitter. In addition, we identify the significant important financial institutions in the Chinese financial market, highlighting the fact that the four state‐owned commercial banks and two largest insurance companies dominate. Our results are helpful to both regulators for developing macroprudential supervision policies and investors interested in the Chinese financial market for making risk management strategies.
Hsa_circ_0001925 promotes malignant progression in triple‐negative breast cancer via miR‐1299/YY1 axis
Authors: Shen Bin‐jie , Yang Yi‐fei , Zhang Xiu‐xia
Published: February 2023

Background

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are related to the pathogenesis and progression of triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC). The aim of this study was to investigate the role and mechanism of hsa_circ_0001925 in TNBC progression.

Methods

Hsa_circ_0001925, microRNA (miR)‐1299 and Yin Yang 1 (YY1) levels were examined in TNBC via reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) and western blot. Cell counting kit‐8 (CCK‐8), colony formation, 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine (EdU) staining, flow cytometry, wound healing assay and tube formation assay were conducted to estimate the effects of hsa_circ_0001925 on malignant phenotypes of TNBC tumors. Several protein levels were measured with western blot. The regulatory relationship between miR‐1299 and hsa_circ_0001925 or YY1 was validated using a dual‐luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays. Xenograft assay was used to estimate the effect of hsa_circ_0001925 in TNBC in vivo.

Results

Hsa_circ_0001925 and YY1 levels were upregulated, while miR‐1299 abundance was downregulated in TNBC tissues and cells. Hsa_circ_0001925 silencing constrained cell proliferation, migration and angiogenesis whereas it promoted apoptosis in vitro, and hsa_circ_0001925 silencing significantly curbed xenograft tumor growth in vivo. Hsa_circ_0001925 acted as a miRNA sponge for miR‐1299. Hsa_circ_0001925 decreased YY1 expression by sponging miR‐1299. MiR‐1299 downregulation alleviated the effects of hsa_circ_0001925 knockdown on BC progression. MiR‐1299 interacted with the 3′ untranslated region (3′ UTR) of YY1, and YY1 overexpression partly reversed the effects of miR‐1299 overexpression on BC progression.

Conclusion

Our findings showed that hsa_circ_0001925 mediated TNBC progression via regulating miR‐1299/YY1 axis, providing a potential target for BC treatment.