bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plant-microbe-mediated decrease of greenhouse gases under dynamic wetland hydrology
Authors: Bledsoe Regina B. , Finlay Colin G. , Peralta Ariane L.
Published: June 2020

While wetlands represent a small fraction (∼5-10%) of the world’s land surface, it is estimated that one third of wetlands have been lost due to human activities. Wetland habitat loss decreases ecosystem benefits such as improving water quality and mitigating climate change. These microbially mediated functions are dependent on redox conditions, which are altered by soil hydrology and the presence of plants. In this study, we hypothesized that redox status due to continuous flooding would support greater abundance of microbial taxa involved in methanogenesis (obligate anaerobes), but plant-mediated oxygen transport would decrease methane emissions. Using a mesocosm design, we manipulated the duration of hydrologic conditions (i.e., stable dry, stable flooding, and alternating wet/dry) and presence of plants to induce soil redox changes in wetland soils. We measured soil redox status, used targeted amplicon and shotgun metagenomic sequencing to characterize microbial communities, and measured greenhouse gas production to assess microbial function. Results showed that hydrologic history influenced microbial community composition while plant presence and hydrologic treatment altered microbial functional gene composition to a lesser degree. Plant presence decreased greenhouse gas production while differences in the community composition of functional genes related to carbohydrate metabolism, denitrification, and methanogenesis also explained variation in emissions of carbon dioxide and to a lesser extent, methane. While previous studies do not often include plants when assessing greenhouse gas emissions, this study highlights that plant-mediated decreases in greenhouse gas emissions are important and plant-mediated effects should be considered when estimating the carbon balance of ecosystems.

Importance

This study revealed that initial hydrologic conditions (compared to manipulated hydrology) strongly influenced microbial community composition more than function. Specifically, results showed that hydrology is a strong environmental filter that determines microbial taxonomic and functional community patterns, short-term redox changes that are most distinct from historic redox conditions shift microbial communities, and plant presence can stabilize redox shifts and mediate greenhouse gas production. These results highlight the importance of plant presence and the duration of flooding and drying periods to wetland greenhouse gas production.
Knowledge, attitudes, practices of primary and middle school students at the outbreak of COVID-19 in Beijing: A cross-sectional online study
Authors: Wen Fuyuan , Meng Yi , Cao Han , Xia Juan , Li Hui , Qi Han , Meng Kai , Zhang Ling
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This study investigated the KAP towards COVID-19 and their influencing factors among primary and middle school students during the self-quarantine period in Beijing.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study among students from 18 primary and middle schools in Beijing during March 2020. Stratified cluster sampling was conducted. Demographic and KAP-related COVID-19 information was collected through an online questionnaire. The influencing factors were analyzed by multivariable logistic regression.

Results

A total of 7,377 students were included. The overall correct rate for COVID-19 knowledge was 74.1%, while only 31.5% and 40.5% could identify the high-risk places of cross-infection and warning body temperature. Although 94.5% of respondents believed the epidemic could be controlled, over 50% expressed various concerns about the epidemic. The compliance rates for basic preventing behaviors were all over 80%, while those for “rational and effective ventilation” (39.2%) and “dinning separately” (38.6%) were low. The KAP levels were significantly differed according to various school categories of students. The COVID-19 knowledge (OR= 3.309, 95% CI: 2.921, 3.748) and attitude (OR=1.145, 95% CI: 1.003, 1.308) were associated with preventive practices. Besides, female, urban students, those with a healthy lifestyle, and those with the willingness to engage in healthcare tended to have better preventive practices.

Conclusion

Most students in Beijing hold a high level of knowledge, optimistic attitudes and have appropriate practices towards COVID-19. However, targeted interventions are still necessary, especially for students with high-risk characteristics.

Implications and contributions

The performance and the potential factors of COVID-19-related knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) among students in primary and middle schools is still unclear.

This study investigates the characteristics and the level of KAP among students. The results of the study may contribute to the targeted education and interventions for students.
Epidemic Trend Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 in SAARC Countries Using Modified SIR (M-SIR) Predictive Model
Authors: Dey Samrat Kumar , Rahman Md. Mahbubur , Shibly Kabid Hassan , Siddiqi Umme Raihan , Howlader Arpita
Published: June 2020

A novel coronavirus causing the severe and fatal respiratory syndrome was identified in China, is now producing outbreaks in more than two hundred countries around the world, and became pandemic by the time. In this article, a modified version of the well known mathematical epidemic model Susceptible (S)- Infected (I)- Recovered (R) is used to analyze the epidemic’s course of COVID-19 in eight different countries of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). To achieve this goal, the parameters of the SIR model are identified by using publicly available data for the corresponding countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Based on the prediction model we estimated the epidemic trend of COVID-19 outbreak in SAARC countries for 20 days, 90 days, and 180 days respectively. An SML (short-mid-long) term prediction model has been designed to understand the early dynamics of COVID-19 Epidemic in the south-east Asian region. The maximum and minimum basic reproduction number (R0 = 1.33 and 1.07) for SAARC countries are predicted to be in Pakistan and Bhutan. We equate simulation results with real data in the SAARC countries on the COVID-19 outbreak, and model potential countermeasure implementation scenarios. Our results should provide policymakers with a method for evaluating the impacts of possible interventions, including lockdown and social distancing, as well as testing and contact tracking.
Social, Financial and Psychological Stress during an Emerging Pandemic: Observations from a Population Web-Based Survey in the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Robillard Rebecca , Saad Mysa , Edwards Jodi D. , Solomonova Elizaveta , Pennestri Marie-Helene , Daros Alexander , Louis Veissière Samuel Paul , Quilty Lena , Dion Karianne , Nixon Ashley , Phillips Jennifer L. , Bhatla Raj , Spilg Edward , Godbout Roger , Yazji Bashour , Rushton Cynda Hylton , Gifford Wendy , Gautam Mamta , Boafo Addo , Kendzerska Tetyana
Published: June 2020

Background

Understanding the multifaceted impacts of the Coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) outbreak as it unfolds is crucial to identify the most critical needs and to inform targeted interventions.

Methods

This population survey study presents cohort characteristics and baseline observations linked to the acute-mid phase of the COVID-19 outbreak in terms of perceived threats and concerns, occupational and financial impacts, social impacts and stress as measured by the Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) collected cross-sectionally between April 3 and May 15, 2020. A multivariate linear regression model was used to identify factors associated with stress changes relative to pre-outbreak estimates.

Findings

6,040/6,685 (90·4%) participants filled out at least 1/3 of the survey and were included in the analyses. On average, PSS scores increased from 12·9+6·8 before the outbreak to 14·9+8·3 during the outbreak (p<0·001). The independent factors associated with stress worsening were: having a mental disorder, female sex, having underage children, heavier alcohol consumption, working with the general public, shorter sleep duration, younger age, less time elapsed since the start of the outbreak, lower stress before the outbreak, worse symptoms that could be linked to COVID-19, lower coping skills, worse obsessive-compulsive symptoms related to germs and contamination, personalities loading on extraversion, conscientiousness and neuroticism, left wing political views, worse family relationships, and spending less time exercising and doing artistic activities.

Interpretation

Cross-sectional analyses showed a significant increase from average low to moderate stress during the COVID-19 outbreak. Identified modifiable factors associated with an increase in stress may be informative for intervention development.
Crystal structures of two isostructural compounds: a second polymorph of dipotassium hydrogen citrate, K2HC6H5O7, and potassium rubidium hydrogen citrate, KRbHC6H5O7
Authors: Gonzalez Diana , Golab Joseph T. , Cigler Andrew J. , Kaduk James A.
Published: June 2020

The crystal structures of a new polymorph of dipotassium hydrogen citrate, 2K+·HC6H5O7
2−, and potassium rubidium hydrogen citrate, K+·Rb+·HC6H5O7
2−, have been solved and refined using laboratory powder X-ray diffraction and optimized using density functional techniques. In the new polymorph of the dipotassium salt, KO7 and KO8 coordination polyhedra share corners and edges to form a three-dimensional framework with channels parallel to the a axis and [111]. The hydrophobic methylene groups face each other in the channels. The un-ionized carboxylic acid group forms a strong charge-assisted hydrogen bond to the central ionized carboxylate group. The hydroxy group forms an intermolecular hydrogen bond to a different central carboxylate group. In the potassium rubidium salt, the K+ and Rb+ cations are disordered over two sites, in approximately 0.72:0.28 and 0.28:0.72 ratios. KO8 and RbO9 coordination polyhedra share corners and edges to form a three-dimensional framework with channels parallel to the a axis. The un-ionized carboxylic acid group forms a strong charge-assisted hydrogen bond to an ionized carboxylate group. The hydroxy group forms an intermolecular hydrogen bond to the central carboxylate group. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations on the ordered cation structures suggest that interchange of K+ and Rb+ at the two cation sites changes the energy insignificantly.
Chiral anionic layers in tartramide spiroborate salts and variable solvation for [NR
4][B(TarNH2)2] (R = Et, Pr or Bu)
Authors: Soecipto Aristyo , Wong Lawrence W.-Y. , Sung Herman H.-Y. , Williams Ian D.
Published: June 2020

The spiroborate anion, namely, 2,3,7,8-tetracarboxamido-1,4,6,9-tetraoxa-5λ4-boraspiro[4.4]nonane, [B(TarNH2)2]−, derived from the diol L-tartramide TarNH2, [CH(O)(CONH2)]2, shows a novel self-assembly into two-dimensional (2D) layer structures in its salts with alkylammonium cations, [NR
4]+ (R = Et, Pr and Bu), and sparteinium, [HSpa]+, in which the cations and anions are segregated. The structures of four such salts are reported, namely, the tetrapropylazanium salt, C12H28N+·C8H12BN4O8
−, the tetraethylazanium salt hydrate, C8H20N+·C8H12BN4O8
−·6.375H2O, the tetrabutylazanium salt as the ethanol monosolvate hemihydrate, C16H36N+·C8H12BN4O8
−·C2H5OH·0.5H2O, and the sparteinium (7-aza-15-azoniatetracyclo[7.7.1.02,7.010,15]heptadecane) salt as the ethanol monosolvate, C15H27N2
+·C8H12BN4O8
−·C2H5OH. The 2D anion layers have preserved intermolecular hydrogen bonding between the amide groups and a typical metric repeat of around 10 × 15 Å. The constraint of matching the interfacial area organizes the cations into quite different solvated arrangements, i.e. the [NEt4] salt is highly hydrated with around 6.5H2O per cation, the [NPr4] salt apparently has a good metric match to the anion layer and is unsolvated, whilst the [NBu4] salt is intermediate and has EtOH and H2O in its cation layer, which is similar to the arrangement for the chiral [HSpa]+ cation. This family of salts shows highly organized chiral space and offers potential for the resolution of both chiral cations and neutral chiral solvent molecules.
Theoretical study of the properties of X-ray diffraction moiré fringes. III. Theoretical simulation of previous experimental moiré images
Authors: Yoshimura Jun-ichi
Published: June 2020

As a practical confirmation of a recently published X-ray moiré-fringe theory [Yoshimura (2015). Acta Cryst. A71, 368–381], computer simulations using this theory were conducted for previous experimental moiré images of a strained bicrystal specimen [Yoshimura (1996). Acta Cryst. A52, 312–325]. Simulated moiré images with a good or fairly good likeness are presented as a result of this simulation, in which the characteristic fringe-and-band and local strain patterns in the experimental images are reproduced well. Experimental moiré images taken when the inclination of the lattice planes was forcedly increased in one of the component crystals of the bicrystal specimen were also fairly well simulated in this computation, and their fringe patterns of inclined fringes are shown to be in accordance with the prediction by the theory. This moiré-fringe theory is thus considered to be widely applicable to the study of moiré images. Furthermore, the successful simulation of the previous experimental moiré images means that a satisfactory theoretical explanation was given for the experimental images, with respect to their characteristic global features. However, this study by the theoretical simulation shows explicitly that some significant peculiarities in the fringe profiles of the experimental images still remain unexplained by this moiré-fringe theory.
On an extension of Krivovichev's complexity measures
Authors: Hornfeck Wolfgang
Published: June 2020

An extension is proposed of the Shannon entropy-based structural complexity measure introduced by Krivovichev, taking into account the geometric coordinational degrees of freedom a crystal structure has. This allows a discrimination to be made between crystal structures which share the same number of atoms in their reduced cells, yet differ in the number of their free parameters with respect to their fractional atomic coordinates. The strong additivity property of the Shannon entropy is used to shed light on the complexity measure of Krivovichev and how it gains complexity contributions due to single Wyckoff positions. Using the same property allows for combining the proposed coordinational complexity measure with Krivovichev's combinatorial one to give a unique quantitative descriptor of a crystal structure's configurational complexity. An additional contribution of chemical degrees of freedom is discussed, yielding an even more refined scheme of complexity measures which can be obtained from a crystal structure's description: the six C's of complexity.
[1,3-Bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-1,3-dihydro-2H-imidazol-2-ylidene]triiodoborane benzene hemisolvate
Authors: Schödel Frauke , Lerner Hans-Wolfram , Bolte Michael
Published: June 2020

In the title hemisolvate, C27H36BI3N2
.0.5C6H6, the dihedral angles between the central heterocyclic ring and pendant benzene rings are 82.9 (8) and 88.7 (9)° and the complete benzene solvent molecule of crystallization is generated by a crystallographic centre of inversion. In the crystal, one very weak C—H...I interaction links the molecules into [001] chains.
Adoption of crop insurance in Ghana: an application of the complementary log-log truncated Poisson double-hurdle model
Authors: Addey Kwame Asiam , Jatoe John Baptist D. , Kwadzo George Tsey-Mensah
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to identify the factors that influence rice farmers' decisions to adopt crop insurance and premium payments (willingness to pay [WTP] amounts). The paper also demonstrates the usefulness of the complementary log-log (cloglog) truncated Poisson double-hurdle model as an alternative hurdle model.

Design/methodology/approach

The study first investigated the nature of the dependent variable, which had non-normal residuals and was overdispersed. The probit truncated normal regression double-hurdle model was tried but it failed the normality and homoscedasticity tests; hence, the cloglog truncated Poisson double-hurdle model was employed in the study.

Findings

An estimated 61% of respondents would purchase crop insurance, despite farmers not having prior experience with this product. Amongst others, the factors that influence insurance adoption amongst rice farmers are the share of rice in total income, reliability perception of crop insurance schemes and the probability of failure to achieve target yields. The latter helps the authors to address adverse selection, a central issue to the viability of such an insurance programme. The determinants of farmers' WTP are also identified.

Research limitations/implications

Sampling was limited to farmers using irrigation and living in one region of Ghana, which may limit the study’s wider applicability.

Originality/value

As far as the authors are aware, this study is the first to select the appropriate hurdle model based on established properties of the dependent variable on this topic – crop insurance decisions.
How to increase demand for carp? Consumer attitudes and preferences in Germany and Poland
Authors: Zander Katrin , Feucht Yvonne
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Carp is a traditional aquaculture fish with decreasing relevance in European markets. Despite this, it is a protein source which could contribute to the worldwide protein supply. Traditional carp ponds are part of human cultural heritage with high relevance for biodiversity. But, market shares of carp are small compared to other seafood market, mainly due to low consumer demand. The aim of this research was to contribute to the discussion on how to increase demand for carp by testing the acceptance of selected preprocessed carp products.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative online survey was conducted in Germany and Poland with the aim of identifying consumers' attitudes towards carp and carp products. On this basis recommendations on how to best market carp products are developed.

Findings

Carp is perceived to be a fish eaten primarily at Christmas and New Year's Eve and to be difficult to prepare. The analyses reveal that a potential for novel carp products does exist in Germany and in Poland. The wider introduction of a bonecut filet to the market, a better availability of carp products, and the avoidance of off-flavors are important prerequisites for higher market relevance of carp.

Research limitations/implications

In this research consumer preferences were elicited “theoretically” by showing pictures of carp products and asking them for their preferences. In this regard, the results presented here state a general consumer interest and a potential for new carp products. Further research, integrating product tastings might give additional information on the likely success of new types of carp products.

Practical implications

In order to let people know about the new products and at the same time to combat the sometimes existent bad image of carp, product tastings, also in combination with information regarding local origin and environmental/cultural impact, should be offered at the point of sale.

Originality/value

Carp is a highly sustainable fish and offers a valuable protein source for human consumption. But, in its common ways of market presentation it is not highly appreciated by consumers. This paper demonstrates options of overcoming this situation.
Cross-channel spillover effect of price promotion in fashion
Authors: Kim Yunjeong , Lee Yuri
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether consumers differ in their online or offline purchase intention, depending on which channel with price promotion information they are first exposed to, and to analyse the moderating role of brand trust.

Design/methodology/approach

Overall, 174 responses were obtained via an online survey using two contact channels (online/offline) by two levels of brand trust (high/low) between-subject designs.

Findings

Spillover effects were found across channels when a consistent price promotion is executed in both online and offline channels, purchase intentions for cross-channel and contact channel increase simultaneously. Although there was a similar effect in the discrepancy of purchase intentions towards the cross-channel according to contact channels, it varied depending on brand trust. When brand trust is high, having contact with offline price-discount information has a large online spillover effect. When brand trust is low, the spillover effect from online to offline is large.

Research limitations/implications

This study expands the multi-channel research by proving the spillover effects between channels and confirming the difference according to brand trust.

Practical implications

Increasing promotion information for online contact is effective in driving offline visits for new brands, and the effective use of promotion information at offline stores can have a positive impact on online channels for well-known brands.

Originality/value

This study explores the cross-channel spillover effect of price promotion and proves that these effects depend on brand trust.
Reverse (brand) anthropomorphism: the case of brand hitlerization
Authors: Kucuk S. Umit
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Although marketer-generated brand anthropomorphism impacts on positive company returns is studied broadly, consumer-generated brand anthropomorphisms that focus on demonizing and hitlerizing brands is not extensively studied. This study aims to examine these consumer interpretations of the evil, its symbols and personifications of brands as evil, with a new concept: “reverse brand anthropomorphism.”

Design/methodology/approach

This paper provides a literature review of brand anthropomorphism and the application of the concept of evil. This paper also uses a qualitative analysis with consumer interviews to explore the proposed reverse brand anthropomorphism concept.

Findings

This study’s findings reveal that consumers see corporations as consciously evil, loosely as an embodiment of Adolf Hitler. Consumer interviews points out that corporate brand power aimed at controlling consumer value systems is associated with “evil,” an evil that secretly aims at possessing consumers and controlling their consumption practices. The findings of this study indicate that consumers also develop their own alternative moral market value systems, ones parallel to religious morality. Although “evil” imagery is often found distractive and disrespectful by consumers, the younger generation accept it as a new and alternative form of market speech.

Originality/value

This is the first study to introduces and conceptualize a “reverse brand anthropomorphism” concept with examples of consumer brand hitlerization semiotics. Further, this study is also the first study to discuss evil in a consumption context.
Taxonomy of organizational alignment: implications for data-driven sustainable performance of firms and supply chains
Authors: Contador Jose Celso , Satyro Walter Cardoso , Contador Jose Luiz , Spinola Mauro de Mesquita
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify, characterize, classify and conceptualize different perspectives onstrategic alignmentstill in use, propose a taxonomy and definitions that allow understanding the various coexisting concepts, as well as investigate the implications of strategic alignment for data-driven sustainable performance of firms and supply chains.

Design/methodology/approach

Bibliographic review was used.

Findings

The taxonomy proposes two classes ofstrategic alignment: (1)Align– more rigorous types of alignment: structure alignment, strategic congruence and strategy alignment; (2)Fit– less rigorous types of alignment: contingency strategic adjustment, strategic coalignment and strategic consistency. Companies are accumulating large amounts of data, which relevance varies widely. The strategic alignment can define criteria to select only the data that have strategic value, which restricts the amount of data to be analyzed. Each of the six types of strategic alignment is appropriate for a given situation in companies and/or supply chains.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations stem from the exclusive use of the taxonomy of strategic alignment, without considering the most diverse perspectives of strategy.

Practical implications

Decision makers will be able to identify more objectively which classes of data should be explored in each situation.

Social implications

Theoretical implications – The taxonomy proposal and the definition of each of the strategic alignment perspectives solve generalized misunderstandings resulting from the lack of a clear delimitation between the perspectives and the conceptual divergence between authors, who use them as equivalent or synonymous.

Originality/value

From 1961 to 2019, no paper was found proposing taxonomy, typology, systematization, ranking, distribution or classification of strategic alignment. The strategic alignment can define criteria to select, within the large amount of data accumulated by the company, only those that have strategic value, what restricts the quantity of data to be analyzed and facilitates the decision of the leaders.
Determinants of purchase intention of halal cosmetic products among Generation Y consumers
Authors: Khan Nasreen , Sarwar Abdullah , Tan Booi Chen
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Halal cosmetic products are considered as innovation and revolution in the cosmetic industry as they offer high-quality products that follow the halal compliance and meet the strict scientific guidelines. However, halal cosmetic brands are still facing challenges in their positioning and are unable to identify how to encourage customers to buy. Although there is an increasing awareness towards the use of halal cosmetics among the Generation Y consumers, the factors that might stimulus their purchase intention of halal cosmetics is still ambiguous. Besides, there is a lack of well-established study on the role of religious belief as a predictor to Generation Y consumers’ purchase intention. To address the gap, this study aims to propose a model to reveal the distinctive factors that influence the purchase intention of halal cosmetics among Generation Y in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

The population for this study consisted of Generation Y consumers. A closed-ended questionnaire was used for data collection from a sample of 262 respondents. The proposed model was tested using partial least squares structural equation modelling.

Findings

This study discovered that ingredient safety followed by the halal logo is very important predictor for the purchase intention of halal cosmetic products among Generation Y consumers. Unexpectedly, this study finds that religious belief plays the least important role in purchase intention.

Research limitations/implications

This study fills the gap in the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) by improving its limitation through considering the unbiased determinant of behaviour i.e. religious belief.

Practical implications

This study recommends cosmetics companies to position their products based on the importance of safety ingredient with halal logo as unique attributes of the product. It also suggests marketers to understand the right promotion strategy to be used in targeting the right market segment.

Originality/value

TPB is only based on cognitive processing and it ignores one’s needs/motivations prior to engaging in certain behaviour. Hence, this study looks into religious belief as a means of motivation and one of the important determinants of TPB.
An ISM modeling for factors affecting the purchase of green products
Authors: Singh Shalini , Gupta Ashulekha
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Dynamic changes in the marketing scenario lead to the changes in consumer purchase preferences and it is often observed that consumers get more inclinations for the purchase of green products. This paper aims to focus on the influence of factors affecting the purchase of green products.

Design/methodology/approach

This study has used two different research phases. The first phase includes identification of factors from the extensive review of the literature followed by the second phase entailing the interpretive structural modeling (ISM).

Findings

The identification phase led to 20 factors after the literature review and in consultation with 3 academicians and 2 industry experts. In the second phase, ISM is applied to establish a hierarchical paradigm for the factors affecting the purchase of green products and to develop the contextual relationships among those factors.

Research limitations/implications

This study can be used by researchers, academicians, marketing practitioners and environmentalists for filling the academic gap and to increase the usage of green products among consumers to a higher extent.

Originality/value

This study is based on the ISM providing significant insights related to factors affecting the purchase of green products. It provides valuable knowledge to marketing researchers and practitioners.
Big data and performance measurement research: trends, evolution and future opportunities
Authors: Sardi Alberto , Sorano Enrico , Cantino Valter , Garengo Patrizia
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Current literature recognised big data as a digital revolution affecting all organisational processes. To obtain a competitive advantage from the use of big data, an efficient integration in a performance measurement system (PMS) is needed, but it is still a “great challenge” in performance measurement research. This paper aims to review the big data and performance measurement studies to identify the publications’ trends and future research opportunities.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors reviewed 873 documents on big data and performance carrying out an extensive bibliometric analysis using two main techniques, i.e. performance analysis and science mapping.

Findings

Results point to a significant increase in the number of publications on big data and performance, highlighting a shortage of studies on business, management and accounting areas, and on how big data can improve performance measurement. Future research opportunities are identified. They regard the development of further research to explain how performance measurement field can effectively integrate big data into a PMS and describe the main themes related to big data in performance measurement literature.

Originality/value

This paper gives a holistic view of big data and performance measurement research through the inclusion of numerous contributions on different research streams. It also encourages further study for developing concrete tools.
Does policy uncertainty affect corporate environmental information disclosure: evidence from China
Authors: Pan Yue , Chen Qiuping , Zhang Pengdong
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether and how policy uncertainty affect corporate environmental information disclosure.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducts a difference-in-difference estimation and systematically investigates the relationship between policy uncertainty and corporate environmental information disclosure. The baseline regression results are robust to a series of robustness and endogeneity tests.

Findings

The authors show that firms located in cities with stronger policy uncertainty disclose less information on environmental issues. Furthermore, this negative relationship is stronger in the Midwest and in pre-industrial regions and for stated-owned firms and firms in highly polluting industries.

Practical implications

This study argues that policy uncertainty reduce the corporate disclosure of environmental information. Therefore, the results provide evidence on how to better emphasize the importance of green gross domestic product in the performance appraisal system for officials.

Social implications

This study confirms that corporate environmental disclosure is a response to public pressure. The results encourage the government and the public to increase corporate awareness of environmental protection.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature in the following ways. First, the authors provide a new perspective to study the relationship between policy uncertainty and corporate finance. Second, it contributes to the literature on corporate environmental information disclosure by linking policy uncertainty with firms’ disclosure of environmental information. Third, this study is a serious attempt to solve the problem of endogeneity between policy uncertainty and corporate environmental information disclosure.
Exploring social innovation through co-creation in rural India using action research
Authors: Cornet Souresh , Barpanda Saswat
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Social innovation (SI) has been promoted by policymakers for addressing all kinds of social issues in the context of diminishing government resources. It is, however, difficult to assess the efficiency of SI-based public policies, as the process of SI itself remains largely nebulous. The purpose of this paper is to better understand this process with a focus on its early stage, until the point of identifying a socially innovative idea and in the context of disadvantaged rural communities in India.

Design/methodology/approach

Co-creation workshops were facilitated to generate socially innovative solutions in villages, using co-design technique. Following an action research approach, qualitative data was collected to produce case studies.

Findings

This study found that SI was appropriate for addressing development challenges in rural India. Facilitated co-creation was successful in involving all citizens and effective in generating SI. The authors developed a framework of generating SI through co-creation that gives a more precise understanding of the SI process.

Practical implications

The authors propose a method for co-creating SI that can be of significant use for practitioners. Findings can help design better and more socially impactful public policies.

Originality/value

This paper focusses on understanding the process of generating SI, using a participatory approach. It is the first work that has been conducted of this sort in the context of Indian rural villages.
Dimensions of social capital and learning culture: a case of an IT organization
Authors: Srirama Mamatha V. , Iyer Parameshwar P. , Reddy Hariprasad
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Earlier studies of social capital have focused on its influence on various aspects of business. There is substantial void in the literature on how social capital enables learning culture in organizations. The purpose of this paper is to explore direct and indirect relations between dimensions of social capital and learning culture in the organizational context.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey-based research was conducted in which the questionnaire based on the Dimensions of Learning Organization Questionnaire (DLOQ) and social capital was used. Participants in this study were employees from an IT organization based in India. Data was subjected to structural equation modeling to understand causal relations between social capital and learning culture.

Findings

This empirical study emphatically shows that parameters of social capital positively influence individual learning. Results show that shared vision, shared narratives in the cognitive dimension; trust and identification in the relational dimension; and mutual confiding in the structural dimension have a positive influence on individual learning.

Originality/value

Findings in this paper indicate that a culture of learning in organizations starts with individuals and it can be fueled and sustained by social capital embedded within the organization if managers focus on enabling the factors identified in this study through policies and practices.
Luxury shopping tourism: views from Chinese post-1990s female tourists
Authors: Li Cui Stacey , Zhang Carol Xiaoyue , Chen Xiaoqing , Wu Meng Shan Sharon
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This study aims to explore how the concept of extended self-influences luxury shopping tourism consumption among Chinese tourists. It explores why luxury shopping is important for Chinese tourists. Specifically, this study focuses on a strategically important emerging market segment: post-1990s female Chinese tourists.

Design/methodology/approach

To explore the link between the extended self and luxury shopping tourism consumption among post-1990s Chinese female tourists, this study adopted a qualitative and interpretive approach. A total of 22 semi-structured in-depth interviews were carried out to collect the data.

Findings

This qualitative inquiry found that luxury shopping during overseas holidays has some subtle differences from luxury shopping in China, as the conceptualisation of luxury is highly context-based. Through a focus on gender and generational differences, the current study reveals that the idea of individuality has started to influence their luxury purchases.

Practical implications

The study shows how different selves are associated with luxury shopping. It thus provides empirical evidence regarding the reasons behind their motivation, especially for shopping overseas to get a good price and an exclusive and enjoyable luxury shopping experience abroad. Also, it was found that curiosity about buying luxury products is viewed as less favoured and logical shopping will be a future trend. Individuality is becoming a trend for younger consumers.

Originality/value

Theoretically, by linking the “extended self” with luxury shopping tourism, this study provides the social-psychological aspects of luxury shopping tourism. Instead of focusing on particular destinations, this study provides compressed but also focused inquiries to explore how the concept of the self-influences post-1990s female Chinese tourists’ shopping consumption while on holiday, and how this luxury shopping experience influences their concept of the self.
Children in the digital world: exploring the role of parental–child attachment features in excessive online gaming
Authors: Malik Anjali , Nanda Ambika Prasad , Kumra Rajeev
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The marketing of immersive and competitive online gaming products has proliferated in recent times. Consumption has also shown a substantial increase, especially among children. Such elevated levels of gaming have adversely affected children’s overall well-being. This paper aims to examine the role of parental attachment variables in enhancing children’s self-control behavior in counteracting the adverse effects of excessive gaming. The role of gender in excessive gaming is also studied.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual framework is tested that examines the direct relationship of features of parental attachment with excessive online gaming behavior and an indirect effect through the mediation of a child’s self-control construct using structural equation modeling.

Findings

The findings indicate that parental attachment through self-control can play a significant role in limiting excessive gaming behavior among vulnerable young gamers. Excessive gaming behavior was more pronounced for boys than girls. Alienation explained excessive gaming behavior among girls, while communication was significant for boys, but in a reversed direction.

Research limitations/implications

All possible antecedent variables from the literature, like parental rearing style, that may further contribute to developing a comprehensive theoretical framework could not be studied.

Practical implications

The study suggests that the priming of children achieved through parental attachment relationships may help prevent excessive gaming behavior among vulnerable young gamers.

Originality/value

This study addresses the gap in the understanding of parental attachment features related to excessive gaming among different genders. It also establishes the role of the intervening mechanism of a child’s self-control in regulating behavior in relation to excessive gaming in the Indian context.
Interaction of Escherichia coli and its culture supernatant with Vibrio vulnificus during biofilm formation
Authors: Ohn Han‐Min , Mizuno Tamaki , Sudo Yuki , Miyoshi Shin‐Ichi
Published: June 2020

Vibrio vulnificus is a foodborne pathogen causing septicemia with high mortality rate. In this study, we explored how Escherichia coli, one of the commensal bacteria in the human gastrointestinal tract, can interact with V. vulnificus. Our study results show that the amount of biofilm produced by V. vulnificus was reduced in the presence of E. coli ATCC 35218, although the growth of V. vulnificus L‐180 remained unaffected. We also detected an antibiofilm effect of E. coli culture supernatant against V. vulnificus, which could not be reduced even after heat treatment. These findings indicate that E. coli and its culture supernatant may be suitable to prevent biofilm formation by V. vulnificus. By contrast, live cells of V. vulnificus could reduce the amount of preformed E. coli biofilm, but its culture supernatant could not. This suggests that the cell‐associated factors contribute toward reduction in E. coli biofilm. Therefore, we speculate that ingestion of an infectious dose of V. vulnificus might induce dislodging of the commensal bacteria from the intestinal epithelia and thus can colonize to initiate the infection.
Acute hypotensive effect of diminazene aceturate in spontaneously hypertensive rats: role of NO and Mas receptor
Authors: Sartório Carmem Luíza , Pimentel Enildo Broetto , dos Santos Roger Lyrio , Rouver Wender N. , Mill Jose Geraldo
Published: June 2020

Diminazene aceturate (DIZE) has been described as an angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) activator. We aimed to investigate DIZE effects on blood pressure (BP) of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats. BP was recorded in awake and unrestrained rats 24 hours after femoral artery catheterization. DIZE (15 mg/kg, s.c.) produced a fast BP decrease only in SHR (P < .01). Pre‐treatment with L‐NAME (10 mg/kg, iv) did not change the hypotensive effect on systolic BP whereas mitigated the DIZE effect on diastolic BP (∆ Emax: −31 ± 5 DIZE vs −15 ± 1 mm Hg DIZE + L‐NAME, P < .05). BP changes after DIZE remained unchanged after the treatment of rats with A‐779 (50 ug/kg, iv), a Mas receptor blocker. Vasodilatation curves to DIZE (10‐9 to 10‐4 mol/L) in mesenteric arteries confirmed the NO‐mediation on DIZE effects in SHR, as L‐NAME (300 μmol/L) reduced the vascular sensitivity (∆EC50: −5.12 ± 0.09 CONTROL vs −4.66 ± 0.08 L‐NAME, P < .05) and the magnitude of DIZE effect (area under the curve (AUC), 357.5 ± 8.2 DIZE vs 424.7 ± 11.6 L‐NAME; P < .001), whereas A‐779 (1 μmol/L) enhanced DIZE response (AUC, 357.5 ± 8.2 DIZE vs 309.8 ± 14.7 A‐779, P < .05). Our findings indicate that DIZE acutely reduces the BP in SHR possibly by a mechanism other than Mas receptor activation. This effect seems to be mediated, at least partially, by NO.
Survival motor neuron protein protects H9c2 cardiomyocytes from hypoxia‐induced cell injury by reducing apoptosis
Authors: Zhong Xiao , Song Ziguang , Song Xiang
Published: June 2020

Background

Hypoxia induces cell injury in cardiomyocytes and leads to the development of cardiovascular diseases. The survival motor neuron protein (SMN) is a crucial ubiquitous protein whose functional deficiency causes motor neuron loss seen in spinal muscular atrophy. SMN has shown protective effects on the cardiovascular system and the aim of the present study was to investigate the cardioprotective effects of SMN on hypoxia‐induced cell injury.

Methods

Cobalt chloride (CoCl2) was used to induce chemical hypoxia in H9c2 cardiomyocytes. Cell proliferation was determined by the MTT assay and the mRNA levels of SMN were evaluated by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The protein expression levels of SMN, hypoxia‐inducible transcription factor 1α (HIF‐1α), and apoptosis‐related proteins, such as cytochrome c (Cyt c), B cell lymphoma‐2 (Bcl‐2), Bcl‐2 associated X protein (Bax), and cleaved caspase‐3 were evaluated by western blot analysis. Cell apoptosis was analysed using annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) staining.

Results

Treatment with CoCl2 significantly reduced H9c2 cell viability; the level of HIF‐1α, which is a hypoxia‐related indicator increased whereas the expression of SMN protein decreased. Hypoxia also induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis, indicated by reduced Bcl‐2 expression and elevated cleaved caspase‐3, Bax, and cytochrome c levels. Interestingly, SMN, which is a neuron protection factor, ameliorated CoCl2‐induced cell damage by reducing cardiomyocyte apoptosis through upregulation of Bcl‐2 and inhibition of cytochrome c, cleaved caspase‐3, and Bax expression.

Conclusion

Survival motor neuron prevents hypoxia‐induced cell apoptosis through inhibition of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, and thereby exerts a protective effect on H9c2 cardiomyocytes.
Foucault's Scholarly Virtues and Sexuality Historiography
Authors: MOORE ALISON DOWNHAM
Published: June 2020

This article looks at why many historians of sexuality appear dissatisfied with the level of theoretical precision in the field by considering the reception of Foucault's approach and why some parts of it have been more difficult to assimilate within the historical discipline than others. It proposes that Foucault has been only partially understood by most historians of sexuality, with the result that the properties of his unique disciplined ascesis have been under‐considered. The article argues that Foucault shared many of the critical and ethical goals that are inherent to certain types of historical writing, noting where he diverged from them in ways that have problematised his reception among sexuality historians. It argues that Foucault's own ascesis or ‘transformation of self’ as an intellectual might be better appreciated as a unique set of scholarly virtues expressed in his concerns about teleology, presentism, and the critical practice of ‘history of the present’ that characterise his work on sexuality.
Development of a Pencil Drawn Paper‐based Analytical Device to Detect Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD)*†
Authors: Ribeiro Maria Fernanda M. , Bento Fátima , Ipólito Antônio J. , de Oliveira Marcelo F.
Published: June 2020

The need for agile and proper identification of drugs of abuse has encouraged the scientific community to improve and to develop new methodologies. The drug lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is still widely used due to its hallucinogenic effects. The use of voltammetric methods to analyze narcotics has increased in recent years, and the possibility of miniaturizing the electrochemical equipment allows these methods to be applied outside the laboratory; for example, in crime scenes. In addition to portability, the search for affordable and sustainable materials for use in electroanalytical research has grown in recent decades. In this context, employing paper substrate, graphite pencil, and silver paint to construct paper‐based electrodes is a great alternative. Here, a paper‐based device comprising three electrodes was drawn on 300 g/m2 watercolor paper with 8B pencils, and its efficiency was compared to the efficiency of a commercially available screen‐printed carbon electrode. Square wave voltammetry was used for LSD analysis in aqueous medium containing 0.05 mol/L LiClO4. The limits of detection and quantification were 0.38 and 1.27 μmol/L, respectively. Both electrodes exhibited a similar voltammetric response, which was also confirmed during analysis of a seized LSD sample, with recovery of less than 10%. The seized samples were previously analyzed by GCMS technique, employing the full scan spectra against the software spectral library. The electrode selectivity was also tested against 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and methamphetamine. It was possible to differentiate these compounds from LSD, indicating that the developed paper‐based device has potential application in forensic chemistry analyses.