bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supercharged Cellulases Show Reduced Non-Productive Binding, But Enhanced Activity, on Pretreated Lignocellulosic Biomass
Authors: Nemmaru Bhargava , Douglass Jenna , Yarbrough John M , De Chellis Antonio , Shankar Srivatsan , Thokkadam Alina , Wang Allan , Chundawat Shishir P. S.
Published: October 2021

Non-productive adsorption of cellulolytic enzymes to various plant cell wall components, such as lignin and cellulose, necessitates high enzyme loadings to achieve efficient conversion of pretreated lignocellulosic biomass to fermentable sugars. Carbohydrate-binding modules (CBMs), appended to various catalytic domains (CDs), promote lignocellulose deconstruction by increasing targeted substrate-bound CD concentration but often at the cost of increased non-productive enzyme binding. Here, we demonstrate how a computational protein design strategy can be applied to a model endocellulase enzyme (Cel5A) from Thermobifida fusca to allow fine-tuning its CBM surface charge, which led to increased hydrolytic activity towards pretreated lignocellulosic biomass (e.g., corn stover) by up to ∼330% versus the wild-type Cel5A control. We established that the mechanistic basis for this improvement arises from reduced non-productive binding of supercharged Cel5A mutants to cell wall components such as crystalline cellulose (up to 1.7-fold) and lignin (up to 1.8-fold). Interestingly, supercharged Cel5A mutants that showed improved activity on various forms of pretreated corn stover showed increased reversible binding to lignin (up to 2.2-fold) while showing no change in overall thermal stability remarkably. In general, negative supercharging led to increased hydrolytic activity towards both pretreated lignocellulosic biomass and crystalline cellulose whereas positive supercharging led to a reduction of hydrolytic activity. Overall, selective supercharging of protein surfaces was shown to be an effective strategy for improving hydrolytic performance of cellulolytic enzymes for saccharification of real-world pretreated lignocellulosic biomass substrates. Future work should address the implications of supercharging cellulases from various families on inter-enzyme interactions and synergism.
14-3-3ζ constrains insulin secretion by regulating mitochondrial function in pancreatic β-cells
Authors: Mugabo Y , Zhao C , Tan JJ , Ghosh A , Campbell SA , Fadzeyeva E , Paré F , Pan SS , Galipeau M , Ast J , Broichhagen J , Hodson DJ , Mulvihill EE , Petropoulos S , Lim GE
Published: October 2021

While critical for neurotransmitter synthesis in the brain, members of the 14-3-3 protein family are often assumed to have redundant, over-lapping roles due to their high sequence homology and ubiquitous expression. Despite this assumption, various mammalian 14-3-3 isoforms have now been implicated in regulating cellular and organismal metabolism; however, these functions were primarily observed in cell lines or from systemic knockout mouse models. To date, we have begun to define the contributions of 14-3-3ζ in adipocytes, but whether 14-3-3ζ has additional metabolic roles in other cell types, such as the pancreatic β-cell, is unclear. We previously documented a pro-survival role of 14-3-3ζ in MIN6 insulinoma cells, as depletion of 14-3-3ζ induced cell death, but paradoxically, whole-body deletion of 14-3-3ζ in mice resulted in significantly enlarged β-cell area with no effects on insulin secretion. To better understand the role of 14-3-3ζ in β-cells, we generated β-cell-specific 14-3-3ζ knockout (β14-3-3ζKO) mice, and while no differences in β-cell mass were observed, β14-3-3ζKO mice displayed potentiated insulin secretion due to enhanced mitochondrial function and ATP synthesis. Deletion of 14-3-3ζ led to profound changes to the β-cell transcriptome, where pathways associated with mitochondrial respiration and oxidative phosphorylation were upregulated. Acute treatment of mouse islets and human islets with pan-14-3-3 inhibitors recapitulated the potentiation in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) and mitochondrial function, suggesting that 14-3-3ζ is a critical isoform in β-cells that regulates GSIS. In dysfunctional db/db islets and islets from type 2 diabetic donors, expression of Ywhaz/YWHAZ, the gene encoding 14-3-3ζ, was inversely associated with insulin secretory capacity, and pan-14-3-3 protein inhibition was capable of enhancing GSIS and mitochondrial function. Taken together, this study demonstrates important regulatory functions of 14-3-3ζ and its related isoforms in insulin secretion and mitochondrial function in β-cells. A deeper understanding of how 14-3-3ζ influences β-cell function will further advance our knowledge of how insulin secretion from β-cells is regulated.
A simple method for mitigating error in the fixed-offset of a double-crystal monochromator
Authors: Sterbinsky George E. , Heald Steve M.
Published: October 2021

In order to maintain a constant monochromatic synchrotron X-ray beam height for all energies, the separation between the crystals of a double-crystal monochromator is typically adjusted, via translation of the second crystal, while X-ray energy is varied, via rotation of the crystal pair. The ability to accurately translate the second crystal requires precise knowledge of the separation between the two crystals and, when present, crystal miscuts. Here, a simple method for calibrating the crystal gap from measured variation in the X-ray beam height that eliminates error in the fixed beam offset is provided.
Relationship between learning strategies and academic performance: a comparison between accreditation of prior experiential learning (APEL) and regular entry undergraduates
Authors: Tan Saw Fen , Din Eak Arathai , Ooi Li Hsien , Abdullah Anna Christina
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study aims to compare the academic performance and types of learning strategies used by APEL and regular entry undergraduates. It also explored the relationship between the academic performance and the types of learning strategies utilised by these two groups of undergraduate.

Design/methodology/approach

This quantitative study involved 400 undergraduates from an open distance learning (ODL) institution. A correlational research design was used in this study. Data were collected through archival data and questionnaire. Independent t-test and Pearson’s correlation analyses were performed using SPSS.

Findings

Regular entrants were found to perform slightly better than APEL entrants. There is no significant difference between the types of learning strategies used by APEL and regular entrants. For both groups, the higher performers adopted time and study environment management as well as effort regulation strategies. Besides this, there was no correlation between cognitive skills and peer learning with their academic performance. Meta-cognitive self-regulation and help-seeking which were found to affect the regular entrants’ academic performance did not correlate with those of APEL entrants.

Research limitations/implications

This study was conducted within only one institution. The generalisation of findings may therefore be limited. Future studies could be conducted to include students from several institutions.

Practical implications

Time management training could be provided to students. Additional support, like foundation courses and supplementary readings, could be provided to APEL entrants to support their learning.

Originality/value

The findings would be beneficial to ODL institutions who offer APEL entry to understand the academic performance and learning strategies used by APEL entrants relative to regular entrants.
An investigation on cutting of the MWCNTs doped composite plates by CO2 laser beam
Authors: Ceritbinmez Ferhat , Yapici Ahmet
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to obtain strong materials with multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) doped and investigate laser cut of MWCNTs also find the effect of the laser cutting parameters on composite materials.

Design/methodology/approach

The laminated composite plates were manufactured by using a vacuum infusion process. The mechanical properties of the composite materials produced were determined according to American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D3039M, ASTM D3171, ASTM D 792 and ASTM D2583. A 130 Watts carbondioxide (CO2) laser cutting machine was used for drilling the two different composite plates with a thickness of 1.6–1.5 mm. Three variables were considered as process parameters including laser power (in three levels of 84.50, 104.00 and 127.40 W), cutting speed (in three levels of 4, 6, 8 mm/s) and 14 mm fixed focal position.

Findings

The fibers could not be cut due to insufficient melting in the experiments performed using 84.50 and 104.00 W laser power but the cutting was successfully completed when the laser power was 127.40 W. However, as the cutting speed increased, the contact time of the laser beam with the material decreased, so the kerf decreased, but the increased laser power created a thermal effect, causing an increase in hardness around the cutting surface. This increase was lower in MWCNTs doped composites compared to pure composites. It has been found that the addition of nanoparticles to layered glass fiber composite materials played an effective role in the strength of the material and affected the CO2 laser cutting quality.

Originality/value

This study is a unique study in which the CO2 laser cutting method of MWCNT-doped composite materials was investigated and the machinability without cutting errors, such as delamination, splitting, distortion and burring using the most suitable laser cutting parameters was revealed.
The role of boundary management in open innovation: towards a 3D perspective
Authors: Capurro Rosita , Fiorentino Raffaele , Garzella Stefano , Lombardi Rosa
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to investigate the role of boundary management when firms should implement open innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

The relevant literature on strategic management, firm boundaries and open innovation fields is revised and critically assessed. An interpretive-qualitative methodology is applied to analyse empirical data obtained from a questionnaire and subsequent interviews of a sample of Italian listed firms. By critically integrating literature review and empirical analysis, a framework is provided with the objective of supporting open innovation implementation.

Findings

The study shows that on the one hand, open innovation and many modern paths of growth are connected to a firm's boundaries and that on the other hand, boundary management plays a key role in the implementation of open innovation.

Practical implications

The paper has implications for practitioners by driving them to shift the focus of open innovation implementation towards the management of boundaries, in which boundary capabilities and activities play a key role.

Originality/value

This paper sheds light on the advantages and risks that can jeopardize a successful opening up innovation processes without the effective management of boundary studies. Thus, the authors identify and propose causes for reflection and tools maximizing potentiality and reducing risks in the implementation of such processes.
Boosting innovative business ideas through hackathons. The “Hack for Travel” case study
Authors: Franco Stefano , Presenza Angelo , Petruzzelli Antonio Messeni
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Technological platforms encourage the exchange of knowledge and creation of new ideas that create new value for participating members who pool and combine their knowledge, facilities, tools and skills, thus contributing to the development of innovative solutions. This paper focuses on hackathon platforms, working as open innovation intermediaries, investigating their role and functions and exploring how they encourage the collaboration and the innovativeness among participants in order to boost their innovative new ideas.

Design/methodology/approach

The research method is a qualitative design that includes in-depth interviews of ten stakeholders that play different roles in “Hack for Travel,” the case under analysis. It is a hackathon organized entirely online, as a response to the crisis generated by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Findings

Findings revealed six processes developed by the hackathon platform used to effectively organize the event and facilitate participants to cooperate and share knowledge in order to boost the spread of innovative ideas. Results identify how hackathons should be organized and through which processes they work as innovation platforms.

Originality/value

This is one of the first attempts to study the increasing phenomenon of hackathons, providing theoretical contribution and practical implications about their role in developing innovation.
E-work evaluation through work–life balance, job effectiveness, organizational trust and flexibility: evidence from Kosovo during COVID-19
Authors: Gashi Albanë , Kutllovci Enver , Zhushi Genc
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This study aims to assess e-working remotely from the perspective of online workers based on important theoretical aspects that have been found to have an impact in this regard. Specifically, the study examines the influence that work–life balance, job effectiveness, organizational trust and flexibility have on e-workers experience in terms of satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

For this research, the E-Work Life (EWL) scale, which consists of 17 questions and yields four critical dimensions, namely work–life balance, job effectiveness, organizational trust and flexibility, was adapted to measure remote e-working experience. Data were collected by sending the electronic questionnaire link to e-workers. In order to define the factorial structure and test whether the data fit the hypothesized measurement model, factor analysis was initially conducted on a sample of 230 e-workers. The relationship between EWL scale variables and e-worker experience was examined using order logit model.

Findings

This paper initially provides the validity and reliability of the EWL scale. Exploratory factor analysis optimally supported three factors and 13 items in contrast to the original scale. The influence that the remaining structure comprised of work–life balance, job effectiveness and flexibility has on e-worker experience was also measured. Results indicate that work–life balance and job effectiveness have a positive influence on e-workers satisfaction with online working, while flexibility does not show a positive association in this regard. Of the three variables, job effectiveness shows to be the most influential factor for e-worker satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

For the nature of this study, a larger sample size would have been more preferable. It must also be noted that the study took place in circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic where social activities were limited, and this could have interfered with employees' emotions to some level and ultimately with their evaluation of e-work. It is suggested that further research be conducted.

Practical implications

Owing to the increasing occurrence of these working practices worldwide, particularly with the COVID-19 situation, this study, through its' findings, contributes to a broader knowledge on successful implementation of e-work environments. It helps individuals to comprehend crucial e-work-related issues and supports organizations to identify areas for improvement, so that effective strategies can be developed to increase productivity while supporting worker's well-being and satisfaction at the same time.

Originality/value

This paper addresses a previously identified need for further validation of the newly developed EWL scale in a different setting and with a new sample. At the same time, it adds to the understanding of the impact of important dimensions previously shown to affect e-worker satisfaction with online working.
User satisfaction with outsourced facility management (FM) services in multi-tenanted shopping malls in Ghana
Authors: Tannor Oliver , Attakora-Amaniampong Elvis , Appau Williams Miller
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This study aims to assess the satisfaction of users with outsourced facility management (FM) services in multi-tenant shopping malls (SMs) in Accra, Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

This study measured user satisfaction (US) with 15 FM services using the perception of internal users about the attitude and courtesy of the personnel who provide the services, the reliability of the services, their responsiveness and their competence. This study used survey data from 117 users who have actively used these services for at least 12 months using structured questionnaires. The data was descriptively analysed to assess the perceived satisfaction of the users in five SMs.

Findings

The results showed that users were satisfied with the delivery of all 15 services (each had a mean above 3.0 which is the benchmark satisfaction point). The findings also showed high levels of service quality with the four dimensions of satisfaction investigated.

Originality/value

This study demonstrates US with outsourced FM services for multi-tenant SMs in Ghana. Practically, property owners, potential investors and other stakeholders can rely on the findings for effective FM strategy decision-making. Facility managers can rely on these findings to review their service delivery for the better.
The impact of business process reengineering on organizational performance during the coronavirus pandemic: moderating role of strategic thinking
Authors: Shahul Hameed Nur Shahira , Salamzadeh Yashar , Abdul Rahim Noor Fareen , Salamzadeh Aidin
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the impact of business process reengineering on organizational performance in the Malaysian electronics manufacturing industry during the coronavirus pandemic. It also studied the moderating effect of strategic thinking on the relationship between these two concepts.

Design/methodology/approach

Data of 103 samples are obtained from a survey of the electronics manufacturing companies listed in the Federation of Malaysia Manufacturers’ directory. Data is analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling.

Findings

The results show that business process reengineering dimensions, i.e. top management commitment, organizational readiness for change, information technology capabilities and people management have significant positive impacts on organizational performance; whereas organizational structure and other abovementioned dimensions were found to have a much stronger impact on organizational performance whilst strategic thinking exists in the organization.

Practical implications

As the studied firms have been affected by the pandemic, the results will be useful for managers of the firms in the Malaysian electronics manufacturing industry by highlighting the dimensions of business process reengineering that can have a positive and significant impact on the organizational performance and by advising them to incorporate strategic thinking.

Originality/value

The results extend the literature on business process reengineering dimensions, which impact organizational performance by empirically testing the relationship of those dimensions on the performance, with strategic thinking as a moderating variable in Malaysian electronics manufacturing companies. From the knowledge, studying strategic thinking as a moderator in the relationship between business process reengineering and organizational performance in electronics manufacturing companies in Malaysia is unique, especially during a global crisis, i.e. the pandemic.
Adapting to change in academic libraries
Authors: Aslam Mohammad
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discover the main reasons for change, why change is necessary and how library professionals can adapt to change. Academic institutions are rapidly changing around the world where libraries are facing similar challenges and adapting change is a demand for growth and improvement. Library administrators need a clear vision and strategic plan to meet the upcoming challenges, they must have self-confidence, ability to work with diversity. Library professionals need to show flexibility and a willingness to develop new skills, they also need to adopt new ways of working and dealing with the academic community.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature review is built on resources from offline and online full-text databases such as ProQuest, EBSCO, Emerald, Library Literature and Information Science databases. This paper is based on a systematic literature review method which includes 50 research articles and 5 print books. A total of 109 articles were collected at the beginning stage but after their analysis in detail, they were reduced to 50 articles as the rest of the articles did not exactly focus on adapting to change in academic libraries. Basic keyword and advanced searching options have been used to retrieve the relevant literature on the topic from peer-reviewed and scholarly resources.

Findings

Changes are the result of organizational restructuring, user expectations and accessibility to a growing range of digital content, so library professionals are under pressure to adopt change in academic libraries and introduce new services and technology. Library professionals need to change traditional ways of working and boost their knowledge and skills, collaborative attitude, redesign and policies and procedures and create a willingness to adapt to the change. Challenges can be managed if an individual has a keen interest and eagerness to keep up to date with the current knowledge and emerging trends in academic libraries.

Research limitations/implications

Appropriate literature on the topic was reviewed systematically, not all publications were included. Literature on this topic is relatively limited so more research and publications are needed to deal with current and future scenarios of academic libraries.

Practical implications

This paper offers a useful overview of the ways and approaches used to adopting change by library professionals and the approaches that can be used in the current and future settings of academic libraries. Suggestions and recommendations can be used in the field of LIS, as well as library professionals may apply in the academic and research libraries to effectively change.

Originality/value

This paper focuses on the concept of adapting to change in academic libraries, rather than responding to change. This piece of opinion contributes to library science in the area of how to manage and implement change, suggests ways and frameworks which can be used to adopting change by library professionals.
Transonic buffet of a space launcher aileron: Fanno and Rayleigh flows analogies
Authors: Gourdain Nicolas , Dumon Jéromine , Bury Yannick , Molton Pascal
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The transonic buffet is a complex aerodynamics phenomenon that imposes severe constraints on the design of high-speed vehicles, including for aircraft and space launchers. The origin of buffet is still debated in the literature, and the control of this phenomenon remains difficult. This paper aims to propose an original scenario to explain the origin of buffet, which in turn opens promising perspectives for its alleviation and attenuation.

Design/methodology/approach

This work relies on the use of numerical simulations, with the idea to reproduce the buffet phenomenon in a transonic aileron designed for small space launchers. Two numerical approaches are tested: unsteady Reynolds averaged Navier–Stokes (URANS) and large-eddy simulation (LES). The numerical predictions are first validated against available experimental data, before to be analysed in detail to identify the origin of buffet on the studied configuration. A complementary numerical study is then conducted to assess the possibility to delay the onset of buffet.

Findings

The buffet control strategy is based on wall cooling. By adequately choosing the wall temperature, this work shows that it is feasible to delay the emergence of buffet. More precisely, this paper highlights the crucial role of the subsonic flow inside the boundary layer, showing the existence of upstream travelling pressure waves that are responsible for the flow coupling between both sides of the airfoil, at the origin of the buffet phenomenon.

Originality/value

This paper proposes a new scenario to explain the origin of buffet, based on the use of a Fanno and Rayleigh flow analogies. This approach is used to design a control solution based on a modification of the wall temperature, showing very promising results.
Detecting fake hospitality reviews through the interplay of emotional cues, cognitive cues and review valence
Authors: Wang Erin Yirun , Fong Lawrence Hoc Nang , Law Rob
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the dynamics of emotional cues and cognitive cues in review fakeness. Additionally, the boundary condition (i.e. review valence) for the dynamics between emotional cues and cognitive cues is investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

This research conducted two studies, which analyzed restaurant and hotel reviews collected from Yelp.com. The authors adopted linguistic inquiry and word count 2015 to code review contents and tested the hypotheses using logistic regression.

Findings

Fake reviews contain more emotional cues compared with authentic reviews. Moreover, the dynamics of emotional cues and cognitive cues are salient among negative reviews.

Practical implications

This research provides implications to identify fake online reviews based on linguistic cues.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the literature by revealing the competition of mental resources between emotional and cognitive systems when deception is for harming others. Grounded in interpersonal deception theory, this paper investigates the interactive effect and complements the literature, which mainly used emotional cues and cognitive cues individually to detect fake reviews.
Treating top management team conflicts through employee voice for reducing intentions to quit: moderating role of union instrumentality
Authors: Chaudhry Naveed Iqbal , Roomi Muhammad Azam , Eugien Marium , Chaudhry Javed Iqbal
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This study aims to explain the relationship of employee voice and turnover intention with the mediating role of top management team (TMT) conflicts. Moreover, this study also aims to find the moderating influence of union instrumentality among employee voice and TMT conflicts.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted by using a quantitative approach and data was collected from 300 employees of the manufacturing sector of Pakistan through questionnaires. Data were analyzed by applying different statistical tools and tests through SPSS-21 and AMOS.

Findings

Results demonstrate that employee voice has a significant negative impact on employee turnover intention; TMT conflicts significantly mediate employee voice and intention to quit. However, union instrumentality is only initiated to moderate the relationship between employee voice and cognitive conflict.

Research limitations/implications

This research focuses on the manufacturing sector and data have been collected from manufacturing firms situated in Gujranwala, Pakistan only. Moreover, the sample size of the study is also small. Therefore, the current study is an addition to the knowledge and understanding of the studied variables.

Practical implications

This study is of great use for managerial level employees because the adequate implication of employee voice can reduce turnover intention.

Originality/value

This study aims to add value to the existing exit-voice theory and discuss the internal organizational factors that generate quitting intentions. Moreover, it provides insights about union instrumentality and its significant role as a moderator and the significant mediating role between employee voice and intention to quit paving new ways for future researchers.
Comparing shopping experiences in department stores and street markets: a big data analysis of TripAdvisor reviews
Authors: Phucharoen Chayanon , Jarumaneerat Tatiyaporn , Sangkaew Nichapat
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Based on big data analytical and statistical techniques, this study aims to examine tourists’ shopping experiences at department stores and street markets in Phuket.

Design/methodology/approach

A Naïve Bayes machine learning algorithm was used to identify the most frequently used terms in TripAdvisor reviews of both department stores and street markets contributed by the same pool of 729 tourists.

Findings

A total of 18 out of 62 terms used were common in reviews of both shopping settings. However, the study found significant differences in the mean use of the 18 common terms and the likelihood of those terms being used in overall positive reviews.

Practical implications

The study’s findings indicate differences in tourist shopping experiences at department stores and street markets. Several concrete recommendations are made, including a greater focus on the linkage to the national characteristic of street markets, and particularly the quality of local fruit, to enhance the tourist shopping experience.

Originality/value

Understanding the differences between shopping malls and street markets from the tourist’s perspective would further enhance the coexistence of shopping malls and street markets in tourism-led growth cities. As such, using reviews of both shopping malls and street markets from an identical pool of tourists, the present study will analyse and compare tourists’ actual shopping experiences, thereby addressing this gap in the research canon via integrated statistical and big data analysis techniques.
The motivation behind an international entrepreneurial career after first employment experience
Authors: Vrontis Demetris , El Chaarani Hani , El Nemar Sam , EL-Abiad Zouhour , Ali Rayan , Trichina Eleni
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to extend the current literature on international entrepreneurial careers by employing the structural equation modeling (SEM) technique. It mainly aims at identifying determinants of international entrepreneurial intentions among young people and after their first employment experience in Lebanon.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses SEM on a sample of 150 young Lebanese employees to analyze the relationships among the model constructs.

Findings

The SEM broadly holds and adequately fits the data. The entrepreneurship context and the motivation of young employees are the variables that positively affect entrepreneurial intentions. Entrepreneurship education and social norms have no statistically significant impact. Finally, risk awareness and professional experience are the variables that negatively affect entrepreneurial intentions. The level of international entrepreneurial intentions among young Lebanese employees is relatively low, which may be justified by the bad economic and political situation.

Research limitations/implications

Data were drawn from organizations located in a specific geographical area, namely, Lebanon. Thus, this may constrain the generalizability as well as causality of the results.

Originality/value

This study provides an empirical explanation of having an international entrepreneurial career after the first employment experience, with a sample of 150 young employees in Lebanon. By applying the SEM, this study developed a multi-perspective framework covering various factors that may affect the choice of an international career in entrepreneurship, especially after the first job experience. Even though this study's results reflect a particular case, its recommendations could facilitate the achievement of better learning outcomes.
Implicit followership theories and resistance to leaders’ unethical requests: the mediating role of organizational citizenship behavior
Authors: Aghaei Mahdi , Nasr Isfahani Ali , Ghorbani Amineh , Roozmand Omid
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This study aims to adopt a follower-centric approach in leadership and ethics research by investigating the impact of implicit followership theories (IFTs) on followers’ constructive resistance to leaders’ unethical requests. Specifically, it analyzes the mediating role of organizational citizenship behavior in the relationship between IFTs and constructive resistance. Indeed, this study aims to examine whether followers with more positive beliefs about the characteristics that a follower should have IFTs are more likely to resist unethical leadership and whether this relationship is mediated by organizational citizenship behavior as volunteering acts that exceed the formal job requirements.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed hypotheses were tested using survey data from 273 employees working in a steel manufacturer company in Iran. The variance-based structural equation modeling technique was used to analyze data.

Findings

The results show that followership antiprototype negatively affects both follower’s constructive resistance and organizational citizenship behavior. Furthermore, organizational citizenship behavior mediates the relationship between IFTs and follower’s constructive resistance. Also, both followership prototype and organizational citizenship behavior have a positive effect on follower’s constructive resistance.

Originality/value

Contrary to the dominant leader-centric approach in leadership and organizational ethics research, few studies have examined the role of followers and their characteristics. The results of this study provide important insights into the role of followers in resistance against the leader’s unethical request.
Family relations of middle-aged citizens in contemporary urban China: a grounded theory approach
Authors: Wang Qi
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Although the Chinese nation is undergoing rapid modernisation and urbanisation, there remains widespread interest in some traditional familial arrangements and practices, particularly in the intergenerational context. This paper discusses the family relations of urban middle-aged citizens in present-day China.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed the grounded theory method to investigate family relations among middle-aged citizens in urban China based on data obtained via semi-structured interviews with 34 participants. A grounded theory coding strategy was used for data analysis.

Findings

The analysis revealed evidence of a transformation towards downward solidarity, with decreasing intergenerational co-residency; that is, the traditional norm of adult children providing support to their older parents is rapidly losing popularity. However, middle-aged and older citizens continue to support their adult children by helping them purchase real estate and assisting with childcare activities.

Practical implications

The findings suggest the existence of intergenerational inequality. Policymakers should acknowledge this phenomenon and provide the younger generation with enough support to improve the wellbeing of the country's middle-aged and older population.

Originality/value

The transformation towards downward solidarity implies a new intergenerational relationship in contemporary China, in which many young people rely on financial and functional support from their older parents. Meanwhile, traditional norms continue to exist despite greater downward solidarity among the younger generation. In other words, old and new norms simultaneously exist.
Impact of regulatory focus on security technostress and organizational outcomes: the moderating effect of security technostress inhibitors
Authors: Hwang Inho , Kim Sanghyun , Rebman Carl
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Organizations invest in information security (IS) technology to be more competitive; however, implementing IS measures creates environmental conditions, such as overload uncertainty, and complexity, which can cause employees technostress, eventually resulting in poor security performance. This study seeks to contribute to the intersection of research on regulatory focus (promotion and prevention) as a type of individual personality traits, technostress, and IS.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey questionnaire was developed, collecting 346 responses from various organizations, which were analyzed using the structural equation model approach with AMOS 22.0 to test the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

The results indicate support for both the direct and moderating effects of security technostress inhibitors. Moreover, a negative relationship exists between promotion-focused employees and facilitators of security technostress, which negatively affects strains (organizational commitment and compliance intention).

Practical implications

Organizations should develop various programs and establish a highly IS-aware environment to strengthen employees' behavior regarding IS. Furthermore, organizations should consider employees' focus types when engaging in efforts to minimize security technostress, as lowering technostress results in positive outcomes.

Originality/value

IS management at the organizational level is directly related to employees' compliance with security rather than being a technical issue. Using the transaction theory perspective, this study seeks to enhance current research on employees' behavior, particularly focusing on the effect of individuals' personality types on IS. Moreover, this study theorizes the role of security technostress inhibitors for understanding employees' IS behaviors.
Cultural heritage management and the effect of corruption in Nigeria: hampering sustainable development via cultural heritage destruction
Authors: Nomishan Terngu Sylvanus , Tubi Paul-Kolade , Gubam Dimas Solomon
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The aim of this research is to discuss the effect of corruption on conventional management of cultural heritage (CH) resources in Nigeria. It identifies the means by which the effect can be curtailed to bring about proper management system in the CH sector and pave the way for economic/sustainable development through cultural tourism in the country.

Design/methodology/approach

The research draws from both exploratory and comparative approaches. It took a study of selected locations and museums in the six geopolitical zones of the country, with a review of literatures on cultural heritage management (CHM). It also gives summarized information on the present overall effect of corruption in the CH sector of Nigeria.

Findings

The research reveals that there are some levels of mismanagement and destruction of CH resources in the country. This is manifested in acts of museum theft, illicit trafficking, unlawful possession and general mishandling of CH, as well as the deterioration of facilities in the sector. The research gathered that the problem came as a result of wrongful appointment of none heritage experts as heads of heritage-related institutions and agencies. It also results from lack of required attention by the government and other relevant stakeholders (such as community leaders/members, academics and law enforcement agencies, inter alia) toward CH preservation, protection, management and promotion for sustainable development. The research recommends that the government and other CH stakeholders (mentioned above) should make efforts to address the issues discussed, so as to improve the management of CH in the country for sustainable development.

Originality/value

Prior to this research, there has been no publication addressing the effect of corruption on CHM in this context and location. The article makes recommendations that call for action and also set grounds for future discourse.
The relationship between management attributes and accounting comparability
Authors: Seifzadeh Maryam , Salehi Mahdi , Khanmohammadi Mohammadhamed , Abedini Bizhan
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This study aims to concern about the relationship between management managerial attributes (management entrenchment, narcissism and overconfidence of the chief executive officer, board effort and real and accrual earnings management) and comparability of financial statements listed firms on the Tehran Stock Exchange. In other words, this paper aims to answer the question that “whether managerial attributes contribute significantly to the comparability of financial statements or not”.

Design/methodology/approach

The multivariate regression model is used for hypothesis testing. The hypotheses were examined using a sample of 768 listed observations on the Tehran Stock Exchange during 2012–2017 and by using from the multivariate regression pattern based on panel data techniques and the random-effects model.

Findings

The obtained results show a significant and negative relationship between management entrenchment, real and accrual earnings management, comparability and the relationship between management narcissism, overconfidence and board effort and comparability of financial statements is positive and significant.

Originality/value

As the present study is the pioneer study on such topics in the emerging markets, it provides valuable information concerning the intrinsic and acquired features of the management for users, analysts and legal institutions with a considerable impact on the comparability of financial statements. Moreover, this study’s results contribute significantly to the development of science and knowledge in this field and fill the gap in the literature.
Do corporate governance practices restrain earnings management in banking industry? Lessons from India
Authors: Mangala Deepa , Singla Neha
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the role of corporate governance practices in restraining earnings management in Indian commercial banks.

Design/methodology/approach

Estimation of earnings management is based on discretionary loan loss provision and discretionary realised security gains and losses using Beatty et al. (2002) model. The effect of corporate governance on earnings management is examined by performing two-way least square dummy variable regression. Data for a period of five years (2016–2020) is collected from the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy ProwessIQ database, Reserve Bank of India website, annual report of banks, National Stock Exchange and bank’s website.

Findings

Regression results exhibit that number of board committees, size and independence of audit committee and joint audit are significantly effective in curbing earnings management. Other board-related variables (size, independence, meetings and diligence) and audit committee variables (meetings and diligence) are not effective in restraining earnings management in Indian banks.

Practical implications

The findings may prove to be helpful to regulators, board of directors and investors. It shows the weak area of corporate governance in India that is lack of autonomy to independent directors, which needs regulators attention and it also suggests that the number of independent auditors should be adequate for audit purposes. The board of directors must ensure the formulation of an adequate number of committees, which perform their own super specialised functions. This study brings an alarm to investors not to rely on reported earnings alone as they may be manipulated.

Originality/value

This paper substantiates the scant literature on the role of corporate governance practices in restraining earnings management in banks of emerging markets and to the best of the authors’ knowledge impact of joint audits on earnings management is previously unexplored in Indian banks, which are examined in this study.
Study on anti-aged durability of HMA based on inherent and improved performance
Authors: Zhang Haitao , Sun Junfeng , Gong Mingyang
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to compare and analyze the anti-aging durability of asphalt and asphalt mixture under the conditions of inherent and improved performance. The research contents include: the mechanical properties (dynamic stability, bending strain, freeze-thaw splitting tensile strength ratio (TSR)) of different modified asphalt mixtures were tested by using the best modified asphalt.

Design/methodology/approach

The anti-aging durability of different modified asphalt was analyzed by using the results of macro tests such as penetration and softening point as evaluation indexes. Meanwhile, the change of the asphalt colloid instability index (Ic) in the aging process was used as the evaluation index to verify the results of the macroscopic test, and the best modified asphalt was obtained. On this basis, the composition of different modified asphalt mixtures was designed by using the best modified asphalt. Meanwhile, water stability was used as evaluation indexes to study the anti-aging durability of different modified asphalt mixtures.

Findings

The results show that styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) modified asphalt has better aging resistance. Due to the special storage time, the performance of rubber asphalt is also the best. Meanwhile, in terms of modified asphalt mixture, its high temperature performance and durability of anti-aging is as follows: 4% SBS /16% rubber modified asphalt mixture (IV) > 4% SBS modified asphalt mixture (II) > asphalt mixture (90#) (I) > 16% rubber modified asphalt mixture (III). The low temperature performance and durability of anti-aging is as follows: Ⅱ > IV > Ⅰ > Ⅲ. The water stability performance and durability of anti-aging is as follows: IV > Ⅲ > Ⅱ > Ⅰ.

Originality/value

The research results have important theoretical and guiding significance for exploring the change of intrinsic properties and improved properties of asphalt and asphalt mixture in the aging process and revealing the anti-aging mechanism of different modified asphalt mixtures.
Financial stability and supervisory cooperation (SSM in Eurozone – Banking supervisory cooperation in Egypt)
Authors: Abdelaziz Salwa , Francis Mariam Wagdy
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the impact of cooperation between banking supervisory entities on maintaining financial stability, using Single Supervisory Mechanism evolution and performance as instance. Then banking supervisory cooperation and financial stability in Egypt are reviewed.

Design/methodology/approach

The qualitative method is used to study and analyze the practices that contributed to financial instability and raised the need for supervisory cooperation. Descriptive qualitative method is used to study the interrelations between supervisory authorities on various levels and its impact on financial stability.

Findings

Findings show that maintaining financial stability through strong, consistent complete or semi unified supervisory framework faces challenges. Providing cooperation between different supervisory authorities, effective information sharing, gained experience in the long run contributes to financial stability.

Originality/value

The originality of this research paper arises from the fact that it encompasses the academic aspect through interpreting the developments that occurred to the cooperation in banking supervision in relation to the financial instability times in the Eurozone that led to the establishment of Single Supervisory mechanism, and the challenges it faced. The supervisory cooperation in Egypt is studied as well at international, regional levels and its role in contributing to financial stability. To the best of the authors' knowledge this is the first study that studies the banking supervisory cooperation between Egyptian supervisory authorities and other international and regional authorities.