bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Humans Use Forward Thinking to Exert Social Control
Authors: Na Soojung , Chung Dongil , Hula Andreas , Jung Jennifer , Fiore Vincenzo G. , Dayan Peter , Gu Xiaosi
Published: August 2019

Social control, the ability to exert influence over others, is critical in interpersonal interactions yet uninvestigated. Here, we used functional neuroimaging and a social exchange paradigm in which people’s current choices either did, or did not, influence their partners’ proposals in the future. Computational modeling revealed that participants used forward thinking and calculated the downstream effects of their current actions regardless of the controllability of the social environment. Furthermore, greater levels of estimated control correlated with better performance in controllable interactions and less illusory beliefs about control in uncontrollable interactions. Neural instantiation of trial-by-trial values of social controllability were tracked in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), striatum, and insula for controllable interactions, but only in vmPFC for uncontrollable interactions. These findings demonstrate that humans use forward thinking, a strategy similar to model-based planning, to guide social choices; and that subjective beliefs about social controllability might not be grounded in reality.
Broad spectrum antibiotic-degrading metallo-β-lactamases are phylogenetically diverse and widespread in the environment
Authors: Pedroso Marcelo Monteiro , Waite David W. , Melse Okke , Wilson Liam , Mitić Nataša , McGeary Ross P. , Antes Iris , Guddat Luke W. , Hugenholtz Philip , Schenk Gerhard
Published: August 2019

Antibiotic resistance has emerged as a major global health threat. The Zn2+-dependent metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs) are of particular concern as they act on the most widely prescribed class of antibiotics, the β-lactams, and are largely unaffected by commonly used β-lactamase antagonists such as clavulanic acid. MBLs are subdivided into three groups (B1 to B3); despite low overall sequence similarity, their catalytic centers are conserved with two closely spaced Zn2+ binding sites (α and β site). We recovered almost 1500 B3 MBLs from >100,000 public microbial genomes representing a wide range of habitats including pristine sites not impacted by human activity. Although homologs were predominantly identified in members of the bacterial phylum Proteobacteria, the recovered B3 MBLs represent a much broader phylogenetic diversity than is currently appreciated based on the study of model pathogens. This includes three active site variants inferred to have arisen from the ancestral B3 enzyme. One of these variants, B3-RQK, is noteworthy for being broadly sensitive to clavulanic acid. Through targeted mutations we demonstrate that the presence of a lysine residue (Lys263) in the β site of the catalytic center of this variant confers sensitivity to this compound. Replacing this lysine with the canonical histidine (His263) found in all other MBLs restored resistance. Crystallographic and computational data reveal that clavulanic acid inhibits B3-RQK MBLs by displacing the Zn2+ ion in the β site. Therefore, modifying clavulanic acid to effectively interact with His263 may increase the therapeutic range of this widely used antibiotic resistance drug.

Significance

This study surveys the environmental and phylogenetic diversity of the B3 subgroup of antibiotic-degrading metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs). B3-like MBLs are more widespread in the environment than previously appreciated suggesting multiple unrecognized reservoirs of antibiotic resistance. Three variants of the canonical active site were identified, including B3-RQK, which amongst the B3 MBLs is uniquely inhibited by the antibiotic resistance drug clavulanic acid. We demonstrate that the mode of inhibition involves the displacement of a catalytically essential Zn2+ ion from the active site. It may thus be possible to modify clavulanic acid so that it can compete with the Zn2+ ions in other MBLs as well, increasing the therapeutic range of this compound.
Readthrough errors purge deleterious cryptic sequences, facilitating the birth of coding sequences
Authors: Kosinski Luke , Masel Joanna
Published: August 2019

De novoprotein-coding innovations sometimes emerge from ancestrally non-coding DNA, despite the expectation that translating random sequences is overwhelmingly likely to be deleterious. The “pre-adapting selection” hypothesis claims that emergence is facilitated by prior, low-level translation of non-coding sequences via molecular errors. It predicts that selection on polypeptides translated only in error is strong enough to matter, and is strongest when erroneous expression is high. To test this hypothesis, we examined non-coding sequences located downstream of stop codons (i.e. those potentially translated by readthrough errors) inSaccharomyces cerevisiaegenes. We identified a class of “fragile” proteins under strong selection to reduce readthrough, which are unlikely substrates for co-option. Among the remainder, sequences showing evidence of readthrough translation, as assessed by ribosome profiling, encoded C-terminal extensions with higher intrinsic structural disorder, supporting the pre-adapting selection hypothesis. The cryptic sequences beyond the stop codon, rather than spillover effects from the regular C-termini, are primarily responsible for the higher disorder. Results are robust to controlling for the fact that stronger selection also reduces the length of C-terminal extensions. These findings indicate that selection acts on 3′ UTRs inS. cerevisiaeto purge potentially deleterious variants of cryptic polypeptides, acting more strongly in genes that experience more readthrough errors.
Cryo-EM structure of the human Mixed Lineage Leukemia-1 complex bound to the nucleosome
Authors: Park Sang Ho , Ayoub Alex , Lee Young Tae , Xu Jing , Kim Hanseong , Zhang Wei , Zhang Biao , An Sojin , Zhang Yang , Cianfrocco Michael A. , Su Min , Dou Yali , Cho Uhn-Soo
Published: August 2019

Mixed Lineage Leukemia (MLL) family histone methyltransferases are the key enzymes that deposit histone H3 Lys4 (K4) mono-/di-/tri-methylation and regulate gene expression in mammals. Despite extensive structural and biochemical studies, the molecular mechanism by which the MLL complexes recognize histone H3K4 within the nucleosome core particle (NCP) remains unclear. Here, we report the single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structure of the human MLL1 core complex bound to the NCP. The MLL1 core complex anchors on the NCP through RbBP5 and ASH2L, which interacts extensively with nucleosomal DNA as well as the surface close to histone H4 N-terminal tail. Concurrent interactions of RbBP5 and ASH2L with the NCP uniquely align the catalytic MLL1SET domain at the nucleosome dyad, allowing symmetrical access to both H3K4 substrates within the NCP. Our study sheds light on how the MLL1 complex engages chromatin and how chromatin binding promotes MLL1 tri-methylation activity.
Characterizing allele-by-environment interactions using maize introgression lines
Authors: Li Zhi , Tirado Sara B. , Kadam Dnyaneshwar C. , Coffey Lisa , Miller Nathan D. , Spalding Edgar P. , Lorenz Aaron J. , de Leon Natalia , Kaeppler Shawn M. , Schnable Patrick S. , Springer Nathan M. , Hirsch Candice N.
Published: August 2019

Relatively small genomic introgressions containing quantitative trait loci can have significant impacts on the phenotype of an individual plant. However, the magnitude of phenotypic effects for the same introgression can vary quite substantially in different environments due to allele-by-environment interactions. To study potential patterns of allele-by-environment interactions, fifteen near-isogenic lines (NILs) with >90% B73 genetic background and multiple Mo17 introgressions were grown in 16 different environments. These environments included five geographical locations with multiple planting dates and multiple planting densities. The phenotypic impact of the introgressions was evaluated for up to 26 traits that span different growth stages in each environment to assess allele-by-environment interactions. Results from this study showed that small portions of the genome can drive significant genotype-by-environment interaction across a wide range of vegetative and reproductive traits, and the magnitude of the allele-by-environment interaction varies across traits. Some introgressed segments were more prone to genotype-by-environment interaction than others when evaluating the interaction on a whole plant basis throughout developmental time, indicating variation in phenotypic plasticity throughout the genome. Understanding the profile of allele-by-environment interaction is useful in considerations of how small introgressions of QTL or transgene containing regions might be expected to impact traits in diverse environments.

Key Message

Significant allele-by-environment interactions are observed for traits throughout development from small introgressed segments of the genome.
Soft X-ray varied-line-spacing gratings fabricated by near-field holography using an electron beam lithography-written phase mask
Authors: Lin Dakui , Liu Zhengkun , Dietrich Kay , Sokolov Andréy , Sertsu Mewael Giday , Zhou Hongjun , Huo Tonglin , Kroker Stefanie , Chen Huoyao , Qiu Keqiang , Xu Xiangdong , Schäfers Franz , Liu Ying , Kley Ernst-Bernhard , Hong Yilin
Published: August 2019

A fabrication method comprising near-field holography (NFH) with an electron beam lithography (EBL)-written phase mask was developed to fabricate soft X-ray varied-line-spacing gratings (VLSGs). An EBL-written phase mask with an area of 52 mm × 30 mm and a central line density greater than 3000 lines mm−1 was used. The introduction of the EBL-written phase mask substantially simplified the NFH optics for pattern transfer. The characterization of the groove density distribution and diffraction efficiency of the fabricated VLSGs indicates that the EBL–NFH method is feasible and promising for achieving high-accuracy groove density distributions with corresponding image properties. Vertical stray light is suppressed in the soft X-ray spectral range.
Process improvement capability: a study of the development of practice(s)
Authors: Jones Oliver , Gold Jeff , Claxton Julia
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on a research project, using intervention research (IR), which aims to identify how a higher education institution could develop process improvement (PI) capability.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopts a practice perspectives of routines, and classifies and catalogues the potential routines that could form PI capability. The development of these routines are investigated using the constructive research approach, a form of IR), in the action research mode. Within this approach, the methodology of mediated discourse analysis was employed to trace the empirical trajectory of the routine development, in a student management office within the context of an improvement project by the institutions PI unit.

Findings

Of relative significance is the implication that there is a small group of initialising PI practices which are accessible to practitioners, in contrast to a large set of critical success factors. Second, these PI practices transcend particular methodologies, meaning their development can be incorporated into customised, contextualised methodologies, by individual organisations.

Practical implications

The set of PI practices identified are able to be enacted by practitioners and are not dependent on macro-management factors. Second they are relatively simple to understand and are not associated with any particular improvement fad or fashion.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the appreciation of PI in higher education as a capability, and outlines the potential array of routines that could constitute that capability. It provides a theoretical view on how key PI routines are developed in an organisational field, and a more nuanced and richer view of “process mapping” and its effect on other PI practices.
Vegoganic AB: the dilemma of arsenic in rice products
Authors: Rotter Julia P. , Mark-Herbert Cecilia M.
Published: August 2019

Learning outcomes

This teaching case aims to stimulate the debate over the issue of arsenic in rice and prepares students to make a decision by evaluating trade-offs and aligning moral values in a business context.

Case overview/synopsis

Rice feeds people in many parts of the world. This teaching case focuses on an entrepreneurial food producer who has strong sustainability values built into his business model. The CEO, Johan Henriksson, of Vegoganic faces a dilemma when a press release by the Swedish National Food Agency potentially threatens the core existence of the business. It challenges the CEO to take a stand on food safety and food security, as well as personal and societal values.

Complexity academic level

It is a discussion case, developed with undergraduate students in mind, but could be taken to a graduate level by including more advanced literature and questions.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Subject code

CSS 8: Marketing
Organizational success, human resources practices and exploration–exploitation learning
Authors: Ubeda-Garcia Mercedes , Claver-Cortés Enrique , Marco-Lajara Bartolome , Garcia-Lillo Francisco , Zaragoza-Sáez Patrocinio
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to analyze which policies of human resource management (HRM) contribute to exploratory learning and which to exploitation learning; and second, to determine the influence of the two types of learning on organizational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The research hypotheses are tested by partial least squares with data from a sample of 100 Spanish hotels.

Findings

The results confirm that, in order of importance, selective staffing, comprehensive training and an equitable reward system lead to exploratory learning. Exploitative learning seems to be fundamentally driven by comprehensive training and an equitable reward system (but in a different way than with exploratory learning). Finally, both types of learning have a positive impact on performance.

Practical implications

Both exploratory and exploitative learning result from HRM practices. To maintain performance expectations managers should develop both learning types, which entails the utilization of the best HRM practices.

Originality/value

This study presents empirical evidence around the findings of other studies (Laursen and Foss, 2014; Minbaeva, 2013) which call for further research into whether strategic HRM configurations have positive effects on the two learning types. The results find some practices that have a positive effect in both cases, but with different intensities in their explanations. This finding reveals the need for more detailed exploration around which combinations of HRM practices, in terms of exploratory vs exploitative learning, are advisable for organizations. The study also finds that the two learning types have a positive influence on organizational performance.
Agency as the achievement of reform ownership
Authors: Godfrey Lauren , Olson Carol Booth
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore how, through the cultivation of reform ownership in the professional development (PD) program, the Pathway Project, agency was achieved for the development of teacher professionalism and teacher expertise in the cases of Mrs. Cruz and Mrs. Keyes. This, in turn, provided opportunities to advance student learning.

Design/methodology/approach

Multiple sources of data (focused classroom observations, semi-structured interviews and collected artifacts) were analyzed through a case study approach to understand the processes by which an agentic context materialized for these two teachers.

Findings

The authors identified the following three stages in the cultivation of reform ownership in the cases of Mrs. Cruz and Mrs. Keyes: emerging; developing; and deepening. Each of these stages proved critical to the achievement of agency for the development of teacher professionalism, teacher expertise and student learning.

Originality/value

The cases of Mrs. Cruz and Mrs. Keyes offer a renewed vision of the ways in which teachers can achieve agency in the current reform environment. Given the proliferation of reform efforts within today’s educational landscape, their cases suggest that PD developers take seriously the responsibility of cultivating reform ownership for the achievement of agency and deep and lasting change.
Choice-experiment-method-based research into the future improvement of Beijing’s urban forest
Authors: Zhao Zheng , Wen Yali
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to measure the influence factors of their preferences for urban forest, marginal values of various properties and relative values of different scheme portfolios, thus arriving indirectly at the city residents’ demand for urban forest improvement.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper, based on the data from the 2015–2017 field survey questionnaire of city residents over the radius of Beijing’s 5th Ring Road, uses the choice experiment method (CEM) to conduct a study of its residents’ demand for urban forest.

Findings

Beijing’s city residents are generally inclined to accept a relatively low payment of urban forest while hoping to access a relatively high urban afforestation coverage with the construction of relatively many city parks, especially focusing on the specialized park management; the marginal values of biodiversity and greenery coverage are far higher than those of greenbelts in quantity and the maximum marginal value of biodiversity remains as high as RMB29.42, indicating that the city residents do not favor much the number of greenbelts over other aspects but they generally hope to achieve a higher greenery coverage and a richer biodiversity.

Research limitations/implications

Generally speaking, what Beijing City needs most is not continuing the increase in the number of greenbelts, but engaging in the rational retrofit of its existing greenbelts and optimizing its urban forest structure.

Originality/value

This paper may provide reference for determining the city residents’ payment criteria for urban forest and will be of equally great significance to developing cities and their urban forest.
Analysis of the influencing factors on China’s forestry economic growth based on grey correlation model
Authors: Ke Shuifa , Qiao Dan , Chen Zhangchun
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the influence of different factors on forestry production, with an aim to explore the degree of connection between forestry economic growth and influencing factors such as forestry investment, labor input, afforestation area, scientific and technologies progress, and the reform of property-rights regimes.

Design/methodology/approach

According to the data of China Forestry Statistical Yearbook from 1978 to 2017, this paper uses the grey correlation analysis to observe and analyze the factors influencing China’s forestry economics growth.

Findings

The results show that capital investment demonstrates the largest impact on the forestry output value, followed by property system, afforestation area, labor input and technologies progress. The correlation coefficients of the above factors are 0.874451654,0.85827468,0.835138412,0.832985604 and 0.825747493. This means that forestry capital investment plays a major role in contributing to forest economic growth; forest property system also plays a positive role in the growth of forestry economy.

Originality/value

This paper uses continuous data collected during 1978‒2017, which are quite extensive as compared to data used in the existing research, considering the influencing factors are comprehensive, especially the impact of property right system reform on forestry economic growth.
Memory objects and boarding school trauma
Authors: Jack Christine Trimingham , Devereux Linda
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide language and meaning to open up silence around traumatic boarding school memories through the symbolic aura (Nora 1989) surrounding key memory objects. The secondary aim is to illustrate to historians the importance of paying attention to interviewees’ discussion of material objects as clues to uncovering deeper, unexplored memories.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach draws on Vamik Volkan’s (2006) understanding of “linking objects” – significant objects preserved or created by traumatised people. Traumatic emotions become linked with loss and grief associated with the object, turning it into a tightly packed symbol whose significance is “bound up in the conscious and unconscious nuances of the relationship that preceded the loss” (Volkan, 2006, p. 255). The experiences of the two authors are examined as exemplars in this process.

Findings

The exemplars illustrate how complicated and long term the process of remembering and understanding is for those who experience boarding school trauma and the power of “linking objects” to open up memory surrounding it. The case studies also alert educational historians to how emotionally fraught revealing what happened can be and how long it may take to confront the events.

Originality/value

Linking objects have not previously been used in relationship to surfacing boarding school trauma. The paper is also unique in offering deep analysis of boarding school trauma undertaken by skilled educational researchers who incorporate reflections from their own experience informed by broad theory and pertinent psychological research.
Effect of natural resources extraction on energy consumption and carbon dioxide emission in Ghana
Authors: Kwakwa Paul Adjei , Alhassan Hamdiyah , Adu George
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Even though many studies have attempted to understand the drivers of carbon dioxide emission and energy consumption to help tackle environmental issues, not much has been done to estimate the effect of natural resources extraction on these two variables. This paper aims to analyze the long-run and short-run carbon dioxide emission and energy consumption effect of natural resources extraction in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

The theoretical foundation for this study is the Stochastic Impacts Regression on Population, Affluence and Technology (STIRPAT) model. Secondary Data sourced from World Development Indicators (2018) for the period of 1971-2013 were used. Estimation was done by using the autoregressive distributed lag.

Findings

It was found among other things that urbanization, and extraction of natural resources contribute to Ghana’s carbon dioxide emission, while official development assistance helps in reducing carbon dioxide emission in the long run. Again, while income and extraction of natural resources increase energy consumption, urbanization and official development assistance reduce environmental degradation in the long run. Regarding the short run, income and urbanization both increase energy consumption and carbon dioxide emission; trade openness and official development assistance decrease both carbon dioxide emission and energy consumption.

Research limitations/implications

The implications from the results include the need to strictly enforce laws regulating extractive activities in the country to ensure a safe environment; and also to raise tariff and non-tariff barriers on products that do not promote a friendly environment and vice versa.

Originality/value

The effect of natural resources extraction on carbon emission and energy consumption is examined.
A novel image super-resolution reconstruction algorithm based on improved GANs and gradient penalty
Authors: Liu Shuangshuang , Li Xiaoling
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Conventional image super-resolution reconstruction by the conventional deep learning architectures suffers from the problems of hard training and gradient disappearing. In order to solve such problems, the purpose of this paper is to propose a novel image super-resolution algorithm based on improved generative adversarial networks (GANs) with Wasserstein distance and gradient penalty.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed algorithm first introduces the conventional GANs architecture, the Wasserstein distance and the gradient penalty for the task of image super-resolution reconstruction (SRWGANs-GP). In addition, a novel perceptual loss function is designed for the SRWGANs-GP to meet the task of image super-resolution reconstruction. The content loss is extracted from the deep model’s feature maps, and such features are introduced to calculate mean square error (MSE) for the loss calculation of generators.

Findings

To validate the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed algorithm, a lot of compared experiments are applied on three common data sets, i.e. Set5, Set14 and BSD100. Experimental results have shown that the proposed SRWGANs-GP architecture has a stable error gradient and iteratively convergence. Compared with the baseline deep models, the proposed GANs models have a significant improvement on performance and efficiency for image super-resolution reconstruction. The MSE calculated by the deep model’s feature maps gives more advantages for constructing contour and texture.

Originality/value

Compared with the state-of-the-art algorithms, the proposed algorithm obtains a better performance on image super-resolution and better reconstruction results on contour and texture.
Older persons with dementia in prison: an integrative review
Authors: Peacock Shelley , Burles Meridith , Hodson Alexandra , Kumaran Maha , MacRae Rhoda , Peternelj-Taylor Cindy , Holtslander Lorraine
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The number of prisoners over 55 years is increasing and many are at risk of developing dementia. This has generated new responsibilities for prisons to provide health and social care for older persons. The purpose of this paper is to synthesize the existing research literature regarding the phenomenon of the health and social care needs of older persons living with dementia in correctional settings.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an integrative review method based on Whittemore and Knafl, the inclusion criteria for the review are: articles written in English; a focus on some form of dementia and/or older persons with discussion of dementia; to be set in a correctional context (correctional facility, prison and jail); be derived from a published peer-reviewed journal or unpublished dissertation/thesis; and be a qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods study. Based on those criteria, a search strategy was developed and executed by a health sciences librarian in the following databases: Medline, CINAHL, Embase, PsychINFO, Proquest Nursing and Allied Health and Web of Science; searches were completed up to April 2019. After data were extracted from included studies, synthesis of findings involved an iterative process where thematic analysis was facilitated by Braun and Clarke’s approach.

Findings

Eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Key findings of the eight studies include recognition of dementia as a concern for correctional populations, dementia-related screening and programming for older persons and recommendations for improved screening and care practices. Most significant is the paucity of research available on this topic. Implications for research are discussed.

Originality/value

This paper identified and synthesizes the limited existing international research on the health and social care needs of older persons with dementia living in correctional settings. Although existing research is scant, this review highlights the need for increased awareness of dementia as a concern among older persons living in correctional settings. As well, the review findings emphasize that enhanced screening and interventions, particularly tailored approaches, are imperative to support those living with dementia in correctional settings.
Posttraumatic stress, panic disorder, violence, and recidivism among local jail detainees
Authors: Combs Elizabeth , Guston Kaitlin , Kopak Albert , Raggio Alyssa , Hoffmann Norman G.
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Most research on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and offending has been conducted with special populations (e.g. veterans and female inmates) and generally overlooks the additive effect of panic disorder (PD) in offending patterns. The purpose of this paper is to assess the prevalence of PTSD and PD among jail inmates, while simultaneously examining the relationships between these disorders, offending types and frequency.

Design/methodology/approach

A random sample of adults recently booked into a local county jail participated in the Comprehensive Addictions and Psychological Evaluation-5 (CAAPE-5), a structured psychological assessment. The study sample was comprised of 200 male and 83 female inmates.

Findings

Indications of PTSD were observed among 44.0 percent of male inmates and 57.8 percent of female inmates. Most male inmates (78.4 percent) with positive PTSD indications also met criteria for PD, with a similar proportion (78.1 percent) of female inmates also meeting criteria for both. The combination of PTSD and PD was not associated with offending frequency, but inmates presenting indications of both PTSD and PD were more likely to be charged with a violent offense relative to those with only PTSD.

Practical implications

Inmates with PTSD who also have panic attacks may have a more severe condition with possible implications for other risks. Observations of these conditions among adults recently booked into local jails should coincide with each other.

Originality/value

Few studies have examined mental health conditions among local jail detainees, despite the ever-present need to address them. The current study considers this important population and investigates the prevalence of co-occurring conditions.
Effects of green human resource management: testing a moderated mediation model
Authors: Chaudhary Richa
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine organizational attractiveness as a mechanism through which adoption of green human resource management (GHRM) practices affects potential employees’ intent to pursue career in an organization. Specifically, an integrative moderated mediation model with employees’ personal environmental orientation as moderator of the above-stated relationship was proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample comprised 172 final-year engineering students registered in a four-year undergraduate program in one of the top higher education institutes in India. SPSS 24 was used to test the moderated mediation model with the help of hierarchical regression procedures.

Findings

Results provided support for the moderated mediation model in which the indirect effect of GHRM on job pursuit intention through organizational attractiveness was moderated by environmental orientation of prospective applicants.

Practical implications

Results highlight the potential of GHRM in turning the organizations into talent magnets. This knowledge will motivate practitioners to effectively integrate GHRM with human resource policies, practices and employee initiatives for attracting quality applicants.

Originality/value

This research by presenting the positive outcomes of GHRM for the organizations contributes to scant academic literature on sustainable human resource management which is deficient with regard to knowledge around its consequences.
Effect of MWCNTs/Talc powder nanoparticles on the tribological and thermal conductivity performance of calcium grease
Authors: Mobasher Ahmed , Khalil Alaa , Khashaba Medhat , Osman Tarek
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the influence of nanoparticles as an additive on the tribological properties of calcium grease.

Design/methodology/approach

The nano additives in this research are with different concentration of multi carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and Talc powder (1, 2, 3, 3 and 5 per cent). The ratio of MWCNTs to Talc powder is 1:1. The tribological properties of hyper MWCNTs/Talc powder to calcium grease were evaluated using a pin-on-disk wear testing. The results show that the nano additives MWCNTs/Talc to calcium grease exhibit good performance in anti-wear and friction reduction. The action mechanism was estimated through analysis of the worm surface with x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscope.

Findings

The result indicates that boundary film mainly composed of MWCNT and Talc powder, and other organic compound was formed on the worm surface during the friction test. In addition, the wear rate and coefficient of friction of nanogreases have shown excellent improvement about 80.62 and 63.44 per cent, respectively, at 4 Wt.% of MWCNTs/Talc powder. Moreover, the thermal conductivity of nanogrease increased about 51.72 per cent.

Originality/value

This study describes the inexpensive and simple fabrication of nanogrease for improving properties of lubricants, which improve power efficiency and extend lifetimes of mechanical equipment.
Electricity consumption and GDP nexus in Bangladesh: a time series investigation
Authors: Dey Sima Rani , Tareque Mohammed
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the empirical cointegration, long-run and short-run dynamics as well as causal relationship between electricity consumption and real GDP in Bangladesh for the period of 1971‒2014.

Design/methodology/approach

Autoregressive Distributed lag (ARDL) “Bound Test” approach is employed for the investigation in this study.

Findings

Both short-run and long-run coefficients are providing strong evidence of having positive significant association between electricity consumption and GDP. Our long-run results remain robust to different measurements and estimators as well. The study reveals the unidirectional causal flow running from per capita electricity consumption to per capita real GDP in the short run. The study result also yields strong evidence of bidirectional causal relationship between per capita electricity consumption and per capita real GDP in the long run with feedback. It is suggested that both electricity generation and conservation policy will be effective for Bangladesh economy.

Originality/value

In prior studies, lack of causality between electricity consumption and GDP is due to the omitted variables. Combined effects of public spending and trade openness on GDP and electricity consumption are also considerable.
Three effects of stock repurchase on rival firms in Vietnam
Authors: Hoa Nguyen Hong Thi , Nguyen Dat Tien , Pham Anh Hong
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of share repurchase announcements on the stock price of rival firms in the same industry in Vietnam during 2010–2017.

Design/methodology/approach

Both event study and t-test are employed to test the effects of share repurchase announcements on rival firms. In addition, cross-sectional analysis by ordinary least square regression is also applied for investigating the heterogeneous effects due to information transfer.

Findings

The finding shows that stock repurchase announcements result in a positive and significant valuation effect for both announcing firms and rival firms in Vietnam. Furthermore, the degree of signal to the industry is conditional on the degree of signal about the announcing firms as a contagious effect. Intra-industry effects are more favorable when profit performance of rival firms is good and when leverage of rival firms is low.

Practical implications

Rival firms can seize opportunities surrounding share repurchase announcements in the same industry in Vietnam. However, due to firm characteristics, intra-industry effects of stock repurchases differ among industries.

Originality/value

By examining different methods, the paper attributes valuable results to investigate the stock price behavior of rival firms in the same industry when firms announce stock repurchase in Vietnam.
Independent directors and corporate investment: evidence from an emerging market
Authors: Tran Quoc Trung
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether independent directors reduce corporate overinvestment and improve investment efficiency in an emerging market.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the author developed a research model in which corporate investment is a function of Tobin’s Q, the proportion of independent directors in the board and an interaction between them. Second, the author divided the full sample into groups of firms with a low- and high-financial constraint to compare the effects of independent directors between financially unconstrained and constrained firms.

Findings

With a full sample of 1,281 observations collected from 193 firms listed in Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange during the period from 2009 to 2017, the author find that the proportion of independent directors is negatively related to firm investment but its interactive term with Tobin’s Q is positively related to corporate investment. These findings imply that independent directors can help firms reduce overinvestment and improve investment efficiency. Moreover, the research findings indicate that these effects of independent directors are stronger for financially constrained firms.

Originality/value

The extant literature shows that independent directors are an effective mechanism to reduce agency problems in firm decisions and operating performance. However, there has been no research on the role of independent directors in corporate investment policy.
Key risk factors affecting renewable energy independent power producer (IPP) set-up projects in developing countries
Authors: Addy Michael Nii , Akunyumu Stephen , Simons Barbara
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Sustained access to efficient electricity plays an essential role in improving living conditions of people and contributes to the economic development of the nation as a whole. Volta River Authority (VRA) mainly manages the generation plants (hydropower sources and thermal plants) alongside independent power producers (IPPs). Power generation in the country has been influenced by myriads of factors. Thus, the purpose of this study is to assess the key risk factors affecting renewable energy of IPPs set-up project in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative approach was adopted for the study. Empirical investigation was carried out using the survey approach. The likelihood of occurrence of the risk and the degree of impact of same motivated the use of risk significance index to analyze the data and make deductions from the results.

Findings

From the study, three key risk factors have high level of severity, which include long and complex procedures for authorization of project activities, stability of the policy environment and ease of obtaining rights to land. These risks could be found in the business/strategic risks and policy/regulatory risks categories, respectively. A total of 25 key risk factors had moderate level of severity and 12 key risk factors have low level of severity on renewable energy IPP set up projects.

Practical implications

Top-ranked risk factors require maximum attention. The identified risks should be alleviated with strategies to reduce levels of severity by targeting either the likelihood of occurrence or the level of impact. This will serve as a catalyze to promoting renewable energy IPP set-up projects in Ghana.

Originality/value

Key contribution of the paper to the body of knowledge is demonstrated by the empirical evidence of the risks IPPs are likely to encounter in setting up renewable energy plants in Ghana. The distinctive attribute of this study is further demonstrated by the fact that it focused on the set-up stage, which is a critical stage in the renewable energy provision value chain.
Perceptions of future hospital management in Finland
Authors: Pihlainen Vuokko , Kivinen Tuula , Lammintakanen Johanna
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe how Finnish experts perceive future (year 2030) hospital management and leadership.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 33 experts participated in a three-round Argument Delphi process. Opposing views of management and leadership in 2030 were analyzed using inductive content analysis.

Findings

The experts’ perceptions were divided into two main categories: management and leadership orientation and future organization. Perceptions relating to management and leadership orientation were classified as relating to patient-centred, clinical dominance, professionally divided and management career options. Perceptions relating to future management and leadership organization were classified as representing shared, pair, team and the individual-centered leadership. The results highlighted the most distinctive issues raised by the participants.

Research limitations/implications

This qualitative study was conducted in the context of Finnish healthcare according to the principles of the Argument Delphi Method. The panel consisted of high-level experts representing a diverse set of roles. However, as suggested in previous literature, these experts may not be the most astute in predicting the future development of hospital organizations.

Practical implications

The findings can be used to develop and renew management and leadership training and management practices in hospitals.

Social implications

The findings can be exploited in discussions, planning and decision making regarding future management and leadership in hospitals.

Originality/value

Only a few studies have investigated perceptions of future management in hospitals. This study adopted the Argument Delphi Method to identify distinct perceptions on the future orientation and organization of management and leadership in hospitals.
Intellectual capital and performance of Islamic and conventional banking
Authors: Buallay Amina
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Intellectual capital (IC) is considered as a lifeblood of the high-tech and knowledge-based sectors. Therefore, there is a great need to highlight the importance of IC in the banking sector. Since the banking sector in the gulf countries is mainly based on Islamic and conventional banking, the purpose of this paper is to provide a comparative empirical analysis between IC efficiency in Islamic and conventional banks, and its impacts on a bank’s operational, financial and market performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study examined 59 banks for five years to end up with 295 observations. The independent variable is the modified value added IC components; the dependent variables are performance indicators (return on assets, return on equity and Tobin’s Q). Two control variables are utilized in this study: bank-specific and macroeconomic.

Findings

The findings deduced from the empirical results demonstrate that there is a positive relationship between IC efficiency and financial performance (ROE) and market performance (TQ) in Islamic banks. However, in conventional banks, there is a positive relationship between IC and operational performance (ROE) and financial performance (ROE).

Originality/value

The results of this study can be used to present a successful model for the Islamic and conventional banks to concentrate more on the role of IC in enhancing the bank’s performance. In addition, the results of this study may provide a wake-up call for Islamic banks to examine the reasons for the imperfect relationship between the IC and asset efficiency (ROA), as well as for conventional banks to examine the reasons for an imperfect relationship between the IC and market value (TQ).
Property valuation: the hedonic pricing model – location and housing submarkets
Authors: Lisi Gaetano
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to comment upon the use of hedonic pricing models for the valuation of property. This model can be particularly useful for some housing markets.

Design/methodology/approach

This Education Briefing is an explanation of the how hedonic pricing can be useful in looking at the effect of “location” on the house prices within different submarkets using the Italian real estate market as an example.

Findings

Although, this case study is relatively straightforward, it shows how the application of the market approach can provide insights in cases where the comparable properties belong to different submarkets with relatively few transactions.

Practical implications

In cases of mass appraisals, hedonic pricing models can provide a broad indication of value across submarkets.

Originality/value

This paper develops a general framework that connects multiple regression analysis, direct comparison model and submarket binary variables.
Effect of temperature on stress–strain behaviour of pre-damaged confined concrete
Authors: Kumar Virendra
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to study the residual test results under uni-axial compression of tie confined pre-damaged normal strength concrete short columns subjected to elevated temperatures.

Design/methodology/approach

The test variables included temperature of exposure, spacing of transverse confining reinforcement and pre-damage level. An experimental program was designed and carried out involving testing of hoop confined concrete cylindrical specimens exposed to elevated temperatures ranging from room temperature to 900 °C.

Findings

The test results indicate that the residual strength, strain corresponding to the peak stress and the post-peak strains of confined concrete are not affected significantly up to an exposure temperature of 300 °C. However, the peak confined stress falls and the corresponding strain increase considerably in the temperature range of 600 to 900 °C. It is shown that an increase in the degree of confinement reinforcement results in an increased residual strength and deformability of pre-damaged confined concrete.

Research limitations/implications

It is applicable in finding the residual strength and strain of the pre-damaged confined concrete in uni-axial compression after exposure to elevated temperature.

Practical implications

The practical implications is that the test result is applicable in finding the residual strengths of pre-damaged confined concrete under uni-axial compression after exposure to elevated temperature.

Social implications

The main aim of the present investigation is to provide experimental data on the residual behaviour of pre-damaged confined concrete subjected to high temperatures.

Originality/value

The results of this study may be useful for developing the guidelines for designing the confinement reinforcement of reinforced concrete columns against the combined actions of earthquake and fire, as well as for designing the retrofitting schemes after these sequential disasters.
Scaring the bras off women
Authors: Mayer Jessica , Zainuddin Nadia , Russell-Bennett Rebekah , Mulcahy Rory Francis
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the role of perceived threat, brand congruence, and social support on consumer coping strategies for a preventative health service.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey of 570 women aged over 50 in one Australian state was conducted (users and non-users of the service). The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings

A competing models approach reveals that threat on its own is associated with avoidance coping; however, when brand congruence is high, there is an association with active coping. Social support appears to have a buffering effect on threat and is associated positively with active coping and negatively with avoidance coping.

Originality/value

The study findings suggest that threat appeals should be used with caution in increasing participation in transformative preventative health services due to its double-edged sword effect (increasing both avoidance and active coping). When consumers have social support, this results in active coping and buffers avoidance coping. This research offers useful insights for social marketing and transformative service research.