bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
X-ray optics and beam characterization using random modulation: theory
Authors: Berujon Sebastien , Cojocaru Ruxandra , Piault Pierre , Celestre Rafael , Roth Thomas , Barrett Raymond , Ziegler Eric
Published: February 2020

X-ray near-field speckle-based phase-sensing approaches provide efficient means of characterizing optical elements. Presented here is a theoretical review of several of these speckle methods within the framework of optical characterization, and a generalization of the concept is provided. As is also demonstrated experimentally in a parallel paper [Berujon, Cojocaru, Piault, Celestre, Roth, Barrett & Ziegler (2020), J. Synchrotron Rad.
27, (this issue)], the methods theoretically developed here can be applied to different beams and optics and within a variety of situations where at-wavelength metrology is desired. By understanding the differences between the various processing methods, it is possible to find and implement the most suitable approach for each metrology scenario.
X-ray optics and beam characterization using random modulation: experiments
Authors: Berujon Sebastien , Cojocaru Ruxandra , Piault Pierre , Celestre Rafael , Roth Thomas , Barrett Raymond , Ziegler Eric
Published: February 2020

A parallel paper [Berujon, Cojocaru, Piault, Celestre, Roth, Barrett & Ziegler (2020),J. Synchrotron Rad.27, 284–292] reviewed theoretically some of the available processing schemes for X-ray wavefront sensing based on random modulation. Shown here are experimental applications of the technique for characterizing both refractive and reflective optical components. These fast and accurate X-ray at-wavelength metrology methods can assist the manufacture of X-ray optics that transport X-ray beams with a minimum amount of wavefront distortion. It is also recalled how such methods can facilitate online optimization of active optics.
Development of XANES nanoscopy on BL7C at PLS-II
Authors: Park Jae Yeon , Singh Jitendra Pal , Lim Jun , Lee Sangsul
Published: February 2020

X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) imaging is a powerful tool to visualize the chemical state distribution of transition-metal-based materials at synchrotron radiation facilities. In recent years, the electrochemical working rechargeable battery has been the most studied material in XANES imaging owing to the large increase of portable electronics and electric vehicles. This work acknowledges the importance of battery analysis and has developed the XANES imaging system on BL7C at Pohang Light Source-II (PLS-II). BL7C employs an undulator taper configuration to obtain an energy band >130 eV near the K-absorption edge of the target element with a minimum energy interval >0.2 eV. While measuring energy-dependent images, the zone plate translation maintains the best focus, and then various data processes such as background correction, image registration and clustering allow single XANES spectrum extraction and chemical distribution mapping. Here, the XANES imaging process is described, the XANES spectrum quality is identified and the chemical states of the partially charged cathode material used in lithium-ion batteries as an application example are examined.
Resonant inelastic X-ray scattering using a miniature dispersive Rowland refocusing spectrometer
Authors: Ditter Alexander S. , Holden William M. , Cary Samantha K. , Mocko Veronika , Latimer Matthew J. , Nelson Erik J. , Kozimor Stosh A. , Seidler Gerald T.
Published: February 2020

X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) beamlines worldwide are steadily increasing their emphasis on full photon-in/photon-out spectroscopies, such as resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS), resonant X-ray emission spectroscopy (RXES) and high energy resolution fluorescence detection XAS (HERFD-XAS). In such cases, each beamline must match the choice of emission spectrometer to the scientific mission of its users. Previous work has recently reported a miniature tender X-ray spectrometer using a dispersive Rowland refocusing (DRR) geometry that functions with high energy resolution even with a large X-ray spot size on the sample [Holdenet al.(2017).Rev. Sci. Instrum.88, 073904]. This instrument has been used in the laboratory in multiple studies of non-resonant X-ray emission spectroscopy using a conventional X-ray tube, though only for preliminary measurements at a low-intensity microfocus synchrotron beamline. This paper reports an extensive study of the performance of a miniature DRR spectrometer at an unfocused wiggler beamline, where the incident monochromatic flux allows for resonant studies which are impossible in the laboratory. The results support the broader use of the present design and also suggest that the DRR method with an unfocused beam could have important applications for materials with low radiation damage thresholds and that would not survive analysis on focused beamlines.
Structure and mechanism of copper–carbonic anhydrase II: a nitrite reductase
Authors: Andring Jacob T. , Kim Chae Un , McKenna Robert
Published: February 2020

Nitric oxide (NO) promotes vasodilation through the activation of guanylate cyclase, resulting in the relaxation of the smooth muscle vasculature and a subsequent decrease in blood pressure. Therefore, its regulation is of interest for the treatment and prevention of heart disease. An example is pulmonary hypertension which is treated by targeting this NO/vasodilation pathway. In bacteria, plants and fungi, nitrite (NO2−) is utilized as a source of NO through enzymes known as nitrite reductases. These enzymes reduce NO2−to NO through a catalytic metal ion, often copper. Recently, several studies have shown nitrite reductase activity of mammalian carbonic anhydrase II (CAII), yet the molecular basis for this activity is unknown. Here we report the crystal structure of copper-bound human CAII (Cu–CAII) in complex with NO2−at 1.2 Å resolution. The structure exhibits Type 1 (T-1) and 2 (T-2) copper centers, analogous to bacterial nitrite reductases, both required for catalysis. The copper-substituted CAII active site is penta-coordinated with a `side-on' bound NO2−, resembling a T-2 center. At the N terminus, several residues that are normally disordered form a porphyrin ring-like configuration surrounding a second copper, acting as a T-1 center. A structural comparison with both apo- (without metal) and zinc-bound CAII (Zn–CAII) provides a mechanistic picture of how, in the presence of copper, CAII, with minimal conformational changes, can function as a nitrite reductase.
The Myth of “Hong Kong Nationalism”
Authors: Loo Jeff Hai-chi
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The persistent growth of ‘nativists’ in Hong Kong not only highlighted people's consideration over mainlandization, it also stimulates Beijing's nerve on national security. This paper adopts a critical perspective to explore the development of ‘Hong Kong Nationalism’ that emerged in 2015. It will show the development of ‘Hong Kong nationalism’ is a phenomenon compounded by the creation of critical academics, government exaggeration, and pro-Beijing media labeling. In fact, this phenomenon leads to the suppression of political space for critical opposition.

Design/methodology/approach

The interaction between Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, central government, critical academics, and pro-Beijing media will be used to adopt a conceptual framework to show how their interrelationship would derive tremendous impacts to the development of ‘Hong Kong Nationalism.’ It will further investigate some implications for the further political development in Hong Kong.

Findings

The development of ‘Hong Kong Nationalism’ illustrates the triangular relations between critical academic, HKSAR and the Beijing government, and pro-Beijing media. The critical academics create and imagine such ‘Hong Kong Nationalism’ with Hong Kong's political destiny that stimulates the nerve of Beijing and HKSAR on territorial integrity. The ‘imagined nationalism’ advocated by critical and opposition academics and advanced by the activists not only opened the Pandora's box that derives a Trojan horse scenario for the development of pan-democratic camp which affects the democracy movement tremendously.

Originality

This paper is the first academic paper to explore ‘Hong Kong Nationalism’ through analyzing the discourse advocated by critical academics. This paper can also fill in the gap from existing literature about social movement in Hong Kong as most of them ignored the influence of radical nativist movement.
Sub-national consumer ethnocentrism and the importance of the origin of food products: an exploratory analysis
Authors: Fernández-Ferrín Pilar , Bande Belén , Martín-Consuegra David , Díaz Estrella , Kastenholz Elisabeth
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This study's main objective is to analyse the role of the consumer's ethnocentrism as a potential segmentation basis and to detect product origin-sensitive groups. The relationship between the consumer's regional ethnocentrism, local and regional identity and corresponding valuation and purchase of food products from a region is also examined.

Design/methodology/approach

The responses of 358 consumers residing in two Spanish regions are analysed by means of a mediation analysis and a cluster analysis.

Findings

The results suggest the convenience of considering ethnocentric consumer tendencies, also at the regional level, when studying attitudes, valuation, information search and effective purchase of foods of diverse categories and origins.

Originality/value

The main contributions of this work derive from the assessment of consumer ethnocentrism at a subnational level (which is much less present in the literature) and the evidence of its usefulness for segmenting the market and detecting groups of origin-sensitive consumers, which can be useful to companies that produce and market food products in different regions.
The Brexit dilemma for small business: European companies respond
Authors: Barron Andrew , Boutary Martine
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Focusing on the internationalization decisions of firms, this paper aims to investigate how managers of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) interpret and respond to exogenous shocks in their international sales markets. The authors specifically explore the effects of cognitive factors on French SME managers’ strategic decisions in response to the UK’s decision to leave the EU.

Design/methodology/approach

The research applies insights gleaned from the field of behavioral strategy, brought to life with illustrative examples of SME managers’ perceptions of Brexit derived from secondary and primary data sources.

Findings

The authors find that a combination of decision-makers’ previous experience and emotions can help account for their interpretations and strategic responses to Brexit.

Practical implications

The research highlights the need for managers to be more aware of how their personal characteristics can influence their mindsets and shape how they choose to respond to uncertain and ambiguous developments in foreign markets.

Originality/value

The research exposes important, behavioral dimensions of decision-making, which remain under-explored in the existing international business literature.
Can you balance the gaps? Ambidexterity in service firms
Authors: Öberg Christina , Kollberg Beata
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Ambidexterity refers to the ability to balance contradictory items and has been extensively described in relation to technological advancement in large-sized manufacturing firms. Few studies on hospitality and tourism firms have described the balancing of innovative developments, often focusing on the operational level of firms. Ambidexterity could though be understood also in dimensions of customer/market development and collaborative interaction. This paper describes and discusses ambidexterity in the dimensions of technological advancement, customer/market development and collaborative interaction in service firms to inspire this debate and bridge the gap between strategy and the service field.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study describing a service firm's 25-year development functions as the empirical source of inspiration to understand how service firms also in tourism and hospitality sectors would work with strategies and their developments related to technology, customers and collaboration. The case study is analysed using an activity-based time schedule to capture dimensions of ambidexterity and how they are linked to one another.

Findings

The findings indicate how the service firm balanced exploitation and exploration over time, rather than allowing such activities to occur simultaneously and in parallel. Generally, the firm only managed to explore in one dimension at the time.

Originality/value

The paper broadens the lens on ambidexterity to include collaboration and customer involvement and the link among the various dimensions of ambidexterity. It also discusses how ambidexterity in these dimensions may be handled by service firms so as to inspire strategic developments among tourism and hospitality firms.
Competition and market structure of the Malaysian Islamic banking industry
Authors: Basri Mohd Faizal
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the impact of competition in the Malaysian Islamic banking industry and the market structure of the industry by focusing on the particular impact created by the entrance of fully fledged foreign Islamic banks plus the introduction of Islamic subsidiaries of existing conventional banks in the country (domestic and foreign ownership).

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of 16 Islamic banks in the country that operated between 2008 and 2015, this paper measures the competition among the Islamic banks using the Panzar-Rosse Model and by looking at the market structure of the industry using the k-bank concentration ratio and the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index.

Findings

The study found that between 2008 and 2015, the Malaysian Islamic banking industry operated in monopolistic competition conditions with a moderately concentrated market structure. The introduction of foreign Islamic banks caused the market structure to become more competitive and less concentrated by comparing the results that include foreign Islamic banks against the results generated with a subsample of domestic Islamic banks only. Bank Negara Malaysia’s (BNM’s) financial reform and the liberalisation of the financial system were proven to induce competition making the financial system more resilient, competitive and dynamic. The Islamic banks have recorded consistently increased annual performance with the under-performing Islamic banks catching up on the top performers.

Originality/value

Very few research studies have focused on the market structure and competition of the Islamic banking industry in Malaysia, especially using recent financial data; this study will contribute to filling the existing gap.
Social disclosure: compliance of Islamic banks to governance standards No. 7 of AAOIFI (2010)
Authors: Brahim Nouha Ben , Arab Mounira Ben
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the compliance of Islamic banks (IBs) with the AAOIFI standard No. 7, in Middle East and North Africa area during the period 2010-2014. The authors seek to identify, among the 15 countries and 72 banks, those which conform more to this standard. The level of compliance is expected to be more stringent in countries where AAOIFI standards are made mandatory.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses the unweighted disclosure method which measures the corporate social report disclosure (CSRD) score of a bank as additive. Each country and bank are assessed according to two obligatory and voluntary CSRDs.

Findings

The empirical results indicate that even though the global disclosure index has been improved over the observation period, it has remained relatively low. The results also allowed us to see that the global, mandatory and voluntary societal disclosures vary according to the country and banks. Further, it has been seen that banks allow more attention to the mandatory disclosure recommendations of AAOIFI Governance Standard No. 7, in comparison with the voluntary CSRD.

Research limitations/implications

One limitation of this study is that the sample is restricted to only the Islamic banking sector. Future research could include other Islamic financial institutions (IFIs) such as insurance companies. Second, the study could be extended to other countries to better control the religious system and cultural effects. Because in our modern era, traditional laws in the Muslim world have been widely replaced by statutes inspired by European models, the authors suggest then to apply a new classification that separates, for instance, countries that rely on an Islamic model from those with a western model, and national banks from those allied with western banks. Finally, the paper’s data collection relies solely on annual reports and does not include publications from bank sites. Future research could consider all these limitations. Another possible avenue could examine the determinants of such disclosure level.

Practical implications

Almost no study has been limited to the text of the AOIFFI. This detail is important for some countries where the AAOIFI standards are mandatory.

Social implications

The findings may be of interest to shareholders and all those who deal with IBs that have religious expectations.

Originality/value

Despite the fact that most studies investigated compliance of IB Sharia law, almost no study has been limited to the text of the AOIFFI. This detail is important for some countries where the AAOIFI standards are mandatory. The findings may be of interest to shareholders and all those who deal with IBs that have religious expectations.
Marketing Islamic services: tackling misconceptualisation of commercial insurance
Authors: Kadirov Djavlonbek
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to offer an alternative conceptualisation of commercial insurance that is based on service thinking and compares it to the ideas flowing from goods thinking that currently appears to be a dominant mindset.

Design/methodology/approach

When deliberating on commercial insurance, Muslim jurists and scholars followed a misleading route of logical reasoning that is based on comparing insurance to other approved commercial contracts within Islamic Law. In this paper, the author questions such reasoning by contrasting the framework of service thinking to that of goods thinking.

Findings

The alternative framework proposed in this paper repositions commercial insurance as a unique type of service (rather than a good). It shows that commercial insurance can be seen as a bundle of benefits, which unfold in a gradual, intermittent, sporadic manner depending on the circumstances. This mode of a servicing relationship focuses on harm removal rather than the opportunistic actualisation of unfair monetary gain. Insurance premium is conceptualised as an availability fee, while compensation payout is recast as the restoration of value.

Practical implications

Muslim jurists and marketing practitioners can use this framework to further scrutinise the permissibility of different varieties of commercial insurance in the contexts of both Muslim and non-Muslim majority countries. As service thinking radically repositions the essence and structure of commercial insurance, the views on the relevance of “gharar” and “riba” may undergo significant re-conceptualisation. Moreover, the design of takaful options can be improved on this basis.

Social implications

Service thinking can better elucidate a positive societal role of commercial insurance that is in accord with the societal and Islamic maxim of harm removal. Some objections to commercial insurance relate to public policy failures. Well-regulated commercial insurance industries can substantially contribute to the economic development of impoverished societies.

Originality/value

This paper exemplifies compelling power as well as potential of the discipline of Islamic marketing in contributing to significant debates concerning the permissibility of modern commercial options.
A conceptualization of the role of religiosity in online collaborative consumption behavior
Authors: Abutaleb Soha , El-Bassiouny Noha M. , Hamed Sara
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of religiosity in online collaborative consumption contexts. It analyzes the impact of religiosity in influencing consumer life decisions and behaviors. The proposed framework is based on the norm activation theory (NAT) with religiosity added to it based on the extant literature. The paper aims to provide implications for marketing researchers and practitioners derived from its analysis and propositions.

Design/methodology/approach

The current paper proposes a model for marketing researchers to consider the role of religiosity as a cultural and psychological factor in influencing online collaborative consumption. The NAT is adopted as the base of the conceptual model. The model posits research propositions on the potential interaction of religiosity with existing relationships in the theory to predict online collaborative consumption behavior.

Findings

The NAT is considered a prominent model in studying pro-environmental behaviors and it was adopted in various studies. Some researchers adopted the theory to study collaborative consumption as a pro-environmental behavior. Religiosity was found to significantly impact pro-environmental behaviors, but no research was found regarding its impact on collaborative consumption. The paper concludes with recommendations for future research and implications to marketing practitioners about the role of religiosity in influencing collaborative consumption behavior.

Originality/value

Although there were few research studies that exist in discussing the role of religiosity in explaining consumer behavior, it could be argued that this paper is the first of its kind, according to the best of the authors’ knowledge, that discusses the role of religiosity in online collaborative consumption contexts through the use of NAT.
Bounded and discrete data in data envelopment analysis with assurance regions
Authors: Zhang Bao , Feng Chenpeng , Yang Min , Xie Jianhui , Chen Ya
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate design performance of 51 gear shaping machines by using data envelopment analysis (DEA).

Design/methodology/approach

Existing studies extend traditional DEA by handling bounded and discrete data based on envelopment models. However, value judgment is usually neglected and fail to be incorporated in these envelopment models. In many cases, there is a need for prior preferences. Using existing DEA approaches as a backdrop, the current paper presents a methodology for incorporating assurance region (AR) restrictions into DEA with bounded and discrete data, i.e. the assurance region bounded discrete (AR-BD) DEA model. Then, the AR-BD DEA model is combined with a context-dependent DEA to obtain an efficiency stratification.

Findings

The authors examine different AR restrictions and calculate efficiency scores of five scenarios of AR restrictions by using the proposed AR-BD DEA model. It shows that AR restrictions have a great impact on the efficiency scores. The authors also identify nine efficient frontiers in total. For each decision-making unit, it could set benchmarks and improve its performance based on each higher efficient frontier.

Originality/value

This paper first evaluates efficiency of gear shaping machines by considering different (bounded and discrete) variable types of data and including AR restrictions. The AR-BD DEA model and context-dependent AR-BD DEA model proposed in this paper further enrich the DEA theory. The findings in this paper certainly provide useful information for both producers and consumers to make smart decisions.
A picture is worth a thousand words! How visual storytelling transforms the aesthetic experience of novel designs
Authors: Seifert Christin , Chattaraman Veena
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This study aims to provide a holistic understanding of how visual storytelling influences the objective and subjective cognitive responses of consumers, namely objective aesthetic impression and subjective aesthetic association, and aesthetic judgments in response to differing levels of novelty in design innovations.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-factorial experimental study manipulating the novelty of chair designs (moderate/high) and visual design stories (present/absent) was conducted among 263 female US consumers to test the proposed research model.

Findings

With respect to the main effects of novelty and visual design stories, consumers had more positive cognitive responses and aesthetic judgments to: product designs with moderate (vs high) novelty; and products with visual design stories than without. A significant interaction effect uncovered that visual design stories particularly aided products with high (vs moderate) design novelty with respect to objective aesthetic impressions. Examination of the structural relationships between the variables revealed that subjective aesthetic associations mediate the relationship between objective aesthetic impressions and aesthetic judgments.

Practical implications

To mitigate risk in radical design innovations, marketers should use visual storytelling to communicate product form associations and enable consumers to successfully decode the meaning of novel designs during initial encounters.

Originality/value

By examining a holistic model involving both perceptual and conceptual product concepts, this study fills a critical research void to develop insightful implications on bridging the gap between novel product designs and consumer understanding.
The effect of brand identity-cognitive style fit and social influence on consumer-based brand equity
Authors: Alvarado-Karste Diego , Guzmán Francisco
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Brand identities have a dual nature that appeals to the head (rational appeal) and to the heart (emotional appeal) of their consumers. Furthermore, consumers can process information in a predominately analytic or intuitive cognitive style (CS) manner. This study aims to analyze the influence of brand identity-cognitive style (BI-CS) fit on the perceived value of a brand. It also analyzes how different forms of social influence affect the perceived value of the brand.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a two-step experimental design, Step 1 examines the effect that BI-CS fit has on consumer-based brand equity (CBBE); Step 2 evaluates the effect that the three elements of social influence–compliance, identification and internalization–have on CBBE.

Findings

Both the BI-CS fit, and the identification and internalization forms of social influence have a significant and positive effect over the perceived value of the brand. A rational brand identity is given a higher perceived brand value by analytic CS consumers than intuitive CS consumers. Conversely, an emotional brand identity is given a higher perceived brand value by intuitive CS consumers than analytic CS consumers. However, whether the brand identity is more emotional or rational is less important than the values and beliefs that the brand communicates to create social influence.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to the branding literature by introducing the CS concept to better understand the influence of emotional and rational brand identities on consumers with either rational or intuitive cognitive thinking styles and reinforce the importance of the brand duality concept.

Practical implications

The results demonstrate the importance of brand duality and show how firms could present emotional or rational brand identities depending on their consumers’ CS to increase the effectiveness of their messaging to build stronger brand images that increase the perceived value of the brand. These findings could have important implications for market segmentation.

Originality/value

Brand identities can be emotional or rational, and this creates more or less value depending on the consumers’ CS, but what is more important is that consumers internalize the brand’s message or identify with what the brand represents. Although this has been discussed in prior literature, the original contribution of this paper is tying all these concepts together.
Think versus feel: two dimensions of brand anthropomorphism
Authors: Huang Rong , Zhou Xinyue , Ye Weiling , Guo Siyuan
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to clarify an important nuance by proposing that people attribute human mind to brands on two distinct dimensions: think and feel.

Design/methodology/approach

Eight studies were conducted to first develop and validate the 14-item Brand Anthropomorphism Questionnaire, and then to investigate how the two subscales, think or feel dimensions, influence consumer moral judgment of brands.

Findings

This research developed a 14-item Brand Anthropomorphism Questionnaire with two subscales, which are psychometrically sound and show discriminant validity with regard to existing brand constructs. Furthermore, think or feel brand anthropomorphism dimensions can predict consumers’ moral judgment of brands.

Research limitations/implications

The present research offers preliminary evidence about the value of distinguishing between think brand and feel brand in consumer moral judgment. Further research could investigate other potential impact of the two dimensions, and possible antecedents of think/feel dimensions.

Practical implications

Managers can use the scale for assessment, planning, decision-making and tracking purposes. In addition, in the event of brand scandal or brand social responsibility activities, public-relations efforts can use the findings to earn or regain the trust of consumers, as this research demonstrates that marketers can shape (tailor) the feel or think dimensions of brand perception to change consumers’ moral judgment of the brands.

Originality/value

This research makes theoretical contribution to the brand anthropomorphism literature by differentiating the two dimensions and exploring the influence of anthropomorphism of consumer moral judgment.
Strength and microstructure characteristics of concrete with different grade exposed to standard fire
Authors: Thanaraj Daniel Paul , N. Anand , Arulraj Prince
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of standard fire on the strength and microstructure properties of concrete with different strength grades.

Design/methodology/approach

Different strength grades of concrete used for the investigation are M20, M30, M40 and M50. An electrical bogie hearth furnace was developed to simulate the International Standards Organization 834 standard fire curve.Concrete samples were subjected to high temperatures of 925, 1,029, 1,090 and 1,133°C for the duration of 1, 2, 3 and 4 h, respectively, as per standard fire curve. Compressive strength, tensile strength, thermal crack pattern and spalling of heated concrete specimens were evaluated by experimental investigation. Scanning electron microscopy and thermo-gravimetric analysis were performed to investigate the microstructure properties of heated concrete specimens.

Findings

Test results indicated reduction in the strength and changes in the microstructure properties of concrete exposed to elevated temperature. The degree of weight and the strength loss were found to be higher for concrete with higher grades. An empirical relation is proposed to determine the residual strength of concrete with different strength grade using regression analysis.

Social implications

Results of this research will be useful for the design engineers to understand the behavior of concrete exposed to elevated temperature as per standard fire.

Originality/value

When concrete is exposed to elevated temperature, its internal microstructure changes, thereby strength and durability of concrete deteriorates. The performance of concrete with different strength grade exposed to standard fire is well understood. This research’s findings will be useful for the designers to understand more about fire resistance of concrete. A simple relationship is proposed to determine the residual strength of concrete exposed to various durations of heating.
The halo effect of C2C interaction quality in prolonged close-proximity service settings
Authors: Kim Jiyoung , Choi Sunmee , Martin Drew
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Applying social capital and the social exchange theories to customer-to-customer (C2C) interactions, this study aims to propose that interaction quality perceptions affect the customer-to-service provider’s interaction quality perceptions in a prolonged, close-proximity service setting. Examining this exogenous dimension, the study also tests socio-emotional support perception’s mediating effect and customer proactiveness’ moderating effect.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts and modifies existing general services of C2C interaction dimensions to fit the health-care context. An in-person survey of 192 neurosurgery inpatients and their care-giving companions (both considered health-care customers) provides data to validate the dimensions and test the model. Structural equation modeling and moderated regression test the hypotheses.

Findings

Results show that affirmative C2C interactions positively affect the customer’s perceived socio-emotional support, whereas negative C2C interactions show no significant impact. Greater socio-emotional support acuity improves customers’ assurance and empathy quality perceptions about the provider’s service. Customer proactiveness moderates C2C interaction dimensions.

Research limitations/implications

This study extends the research of the C2C interaction to include their effect on service quality perceptions in a prolonged close-proximity service setting. Study results validate C2C interaction’s dimensions specific to an inpatient setting. Finally, this study extends the application of social capital theory and social exchange theory to C2C settings.

Practical implications

Findings emphasize the importance of managing C2C interactions during prolonged, close-proximity service delivery processes to improve customer perceptions of service quality. Results suggest that managers should monitor customer proactiveness to maximize positive C2C interactions’ positive effects while minimizing negative C2C interactions.

Originality/value

Prior service quality studies tend to focus on managing internal resources (staff, processes or physical environment); however, this study examines how the interactions among external resources create a halo effect and impact customers’ service quality perceptions. Results inform methods to improve their quality perceptions by better managing exogenous factors. The study also responds to calls for research on how C2C interactions affect functional service contexts (vs hedonic service contexts).
Narratives of exploration: from “Failure is not an Option” to “Try again. Fail again. Fail better.”
Authors: Fischer Thomas
Published: February 2020

Purpose

To trace a shift in attitudes towards control since the mid-twentieth century, as reflected in a shift in rhetoric that accompanied the extension from first- to second-order cybernetics.

Design/methodology/approach

Narratives of exploration that have emerged from NASA’s lunar programme and recent design cybernetics are juxtaposed to show a transition away from the legitimisation of goal-oriented decision-making and control towards advocacy of partial control avoidance and accommodation of the unanticipated.

Findings

Contemporary cybernetic theory recognises the importance of both the partial presence and the partial absence of control in creative epistemic practice. It is thus unsurprising that, according to historical records, NASA’s journey to the moon was enabled not only by the assurance of control but also by lapses of control. However, NASA’s rhetorical posture during the race to the moon focused on predictable control and goal orientation, differing notably from the recent design-cybernetic openness towards uncertainty, error, and serendipity. This difference is encapsulated by the “Failure is not an option” dictum that was associated with NASA’s lunar programme and the “Try Again. Fail Again. Fail Better” equivalent associated with design cybernetics. Recognition of the more recent cybernetic perspective is impeded by its continuing omission from narratives of earlier cybernetic accomplishments.

Research limitations/implications

To the extent that narratives examined in this paper refer to exceptional initiatives and spontaneous events, the repeatability and generalisability of the presented argument are limited.

Originality/value

The paper highlights changing cybernetic narratives of creative invention by examining how spontaneous changes in variety were reported to have been addressed in NASA’s lunar programme, and how recent cybernetic design theory suggests they should be addressed.
Interrelationship among resilience, robustness, and bullwhip effect in an inventory and order based production control system
Authors: Thomas A.V. , Mahanty Biswajit
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This study aims to examine the interrelationship between resilience, robustness and bullwhip effect using an inventory- and order-based production control system being subjected to operational disruption in the customer demand process.

Design/methodology/approach

Control engineering techniques and simulation are employed for the supply chain dynamics study.

Findings

The results show that resilience and robustness are two conflicting performance characteristics and therefore, a tradeoff can be established between them. It is also observed that improvement in resilience and reduction of bullwhip effect can be achieved simultaneously through a proper selection of control parameters.

Originality/value

The work establishes a relationship between the resilient behavior of a supply chain and bullwhip effect.
What do we know about organizational sustainability and international business?
Authors: Gomez-Trujillo Ana Maria , Gonzalez-Perez Maria Alejandra
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to provide a revision of the literature that links the concepts of sustainability and internationalization in the context of emerging markets

Design/methodology/approach

The results are presented following the recommendations of Challahan (2014), who introduced the concept of the “Six W” as components of a literature review.

Findings

It can be noted that there are common characteristics among the study of internationalization and sustainability in emerging markets. It is possible to suggest a framework of research that considers internationalization as a driver for the pursuit of sustainability initiatives.

Originality/value

There is an increasing evidence of the inclusion of corporate social responsibility activities and sustainable development on international business. This way, the present paper can serve as a base to understand the internationalization processes of emerging market multinationals (EMNEs) and their commitment to sustainability.
Student perceptions on using cell phones as learning tools
Authors: Ahmad Tashfeen
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to examine students’ perception, views and opinions about the usage of mobile phones in an educational setting in a higher education institution located in Jamaica. The results of these findings were used to gain insights and to assist education policymakers in adopting most suitable approaches to integrating mobile technology in learning.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey approach was used for this study. A total of 145 students participated in the study using structured questionnaire design containing 14 questions.

Findings

The results indicated an overall positive student perception toward cell phones usage as a learning tool and integrating cell phones into learning activities. Students were keen on its usage as a social connectivity and collaborative tool, which they can use for flexible and personalized learning activities.

Originality/value

Less research has been done in Caribbean and developing countries in analyzing student perception toward using cell phones for learning purposes. This research provides insights in developing policies to assist with the integration of mobile phone technology in learning and how institutions can respond to the advent of advancing mobile technology.
Interrogating place brand – a case of two cities
Authors: Ojo Sanya
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the reverse effect of the country of origin’s reputation on the notion of place brand.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a case study methodology, cases of Lagos (Nigeria) and Dubai (UAE) are examined to generate a model of place brand/branding.

Findings

Three pathways of the flow of causality between nation brand and city brand were emphasised, and problematic themes of interest to focus are recommended as a way forward for aspiring cities to create and improve their global reputation to generate increased footfalls of visitors and investors.

Practical implications

It is possible for cities to create effective brands irrespective of the reputation (strong or weak) of their countries of origin. The implication of the reverse relationship between nation and city brand has the potential to expand the theoretical framework of a place brand.

Originality/value

The study’s uniqueness is in highlighting the different relations between nation branding and city branding that could guide practitioners in actualising a successful city brand project.
Employees’ perceptions of corporate social responsibility and ethical leadership: are they uniquely related to turnover intention?
Authors: Nejati Mehran , Brown Michael E. , Shafaei Azadeh , Seet Pi-Shen
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the simultaneous effect of ethical leadership (EL) and corporate social responsibility (CSR) on employees’ turnover intention and examine the mediating mechanism in these relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a field study of 851 employees across a variety of industries. This study applied partial least squares structural equation modelling for hypothesis testing.

Findings

The results show that employees’ perceptions of CSR as well as EL are both uniquely and negatively related to turnover intention. The authors also found that employees’ job satisfaction but not commitment, mediates these relationships.

Research limitations/implications

This study answers the recent call (Schminke and Sheridan, 2017) for ethics researchers to put competing explanations to the test to determine their relative importance. Research limitations have been discussed in the paper.

Social implications

Through providing empirical support for the positive impact of CSR and EL on employee-related outcomes and creating a decent and empowering work environment, this study provides further support for CSR and EL. As CSR and EL require accountability, responsible management and addressing societal well-being of stakeholders, this study can contribute to the United Nations sustainable development goals.

Originality/value

Previous research has found that both employees’ perceptions of supervisory EL and CSR are negatively related to employees’ turnover intentions. Yet, researchers know little about their relative importance because these relationships have not been adequately examined simultaneously.
Tourism ethics: a perspective article
Authors: Jamal Tazim
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a personal perspective essay on ethics and tourism.

Design/methodology/approach

It provides a comprehensive literature review and a personal perspective on tourism ethics.

Findings

It is evident that too little attention has been given in tourism literature to ethical and justice theories, philosophy, animal welfare (and rights), diverse world views, climate change and social action. Greater attention is therefore required to be given to the above mentioned areas for the future of tourism.

Research limitations/implications

Greater responsibility and care is required to be undertaken by all stakeholders in tourism, including residents, business and tourists.

Practical implications

The paper argues that academia needs to include ethics and climate change in the curriculum to better prepare students for the future.

Social implications

Awareness raising, information sharing and academic research as well as social action is urgently needed to readdress ecological and climate justice.

Originality/value

This paper calls for action to address justice and ethics in research and practice.
Effects of environmental characteristics and business partner relationships on improving innovation performance through the mediation of knowledge management practices
Authors: Ernawati Ernawati , Hamid Nurdjannah
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This study aims to know the effects of environmental characteristics and business partner relationships on improving innovation performance through the mediation of knowledge management practices (KMPs).

Design/methodology/approach

The population of this research was all manufacturing companies engaged in the food and beverage sector categorized into large industries. According to Jakarta’sBadan Penyelenggara Jaminan Sosial (BPJS) Ketenagakerjaan(social insurance administration body of employment), large industries are industries with a number of employees > 100. However, in this research, the total population did not reach 100 but only 89 companies. The analysis unit used in this research was the companies. Data collection for this research relied on questionnaires with closed questions. The questionnaires were then distributed to the sample companies by using enumerator services. In accordance with the hypotheses formulated, the data analysis used in this research was partial least square.

Findings

The three findings are the significant and negative effect of environmental characteristics on KMPs, the significant effect of business partner relationships on innovation performance and the insignificant effect of KMPs on innovation performance. The management of food sector manufacturing companies needs to support the activities of generating ideas carried out by employees and support their innovative ideas and creativity. Good cooperation between employees and management is highly needed in an effort to develop company innovation.

Originality/value

This research used the innovation diffusion paradigm and the combination of market-based and knowledge-based paradigms is expected to fill the previous research gap and become the uniqueness and originality of this research. The second originality is that this research examined the role of the KMP variable as the moderating variable. The third originality of this research is the focus on examining the effect of business partner relationships on innovation performance. These three originalities are rarely found in previous studies. Therefore, this research is expected to complete and expand the study of knowledge management and innovation performance.