bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative population genomics in two sympatric species ofStrophostyles(Fabaceae) with contrasting life histories
Authors: Herron Sterling A. , Harris Zachary N. , Rubin Matthew J. , Miller Allison J.
Published: June 2021

PREMISE OF THE STUDY

Life history is an important predictor of population genetic variation, although this link remains unexplored in numerous important plant lineages. One such lineage is the legume genusStrophostyles, which contains both annual and herbaceous perennial vines native to eastern North America. Specifically, it remains to be determined whetherStrophostylesspecies with different life histories show different patterns of genetic differentiation and diversity, as well as if these species hybridize across their range.

METHODS

Here we sampled the perennialStrophostyles helvolaand annualS. leiospermain five sites across a latitudinal transect in the central United States, including three sites where the species occur in sympatry. Using genotyping-by-sequencing, we identified 5556 polymorphic SNPs across 166 individuals.

KEY RESULTS

There is no evidence thatStrophostyles helvolaandS. leiospermahybridize in the populations examined. Within species,Strophostyles helvola(perennial) displays admixture among populations, whileS. leiosperma(annual) does not, although both species show more genetic diversity among rather than within populations. Patterns of genetic diversity are varied across populations of both species, with both heterozygote excess and deficiency.

CONCLUSIONS

The complex patterns of genetic differentiation and diversity warrant further investigation of life history and population dynamics inStrophostyles, particularly mating system and modes of gene flow. This study exemplifies the diversity of population genetic patterns even within a small genus, and it reinforces the need to characterize such diversity in non-model systems to gain a more complete understanding of how life history contributes to population genetics.
Removing Thermostat Distortions of Protein Dynamics in Constant-Temperature Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Hicks Alan , MacAinsh Matthew , Zhou Huan-Xiang
Published: June 2021

Molecular dynamics simulations are widely used to determine equilibrium and dynamic properties of proteins. Nearly all simulations nowadays are carried out at constant temperature, with a Langevin thermostat among the most widely used. Thermostats distort protein dynamics, but whether or how such distortions can be corrected has long been an open question. Here we show that constant-temperature simulations with a Langevin thermostat dilate protein dynamics and present a correction scheme to remove the dynamic distortions. Specifically, ns-scale time constants for overall rotation are dilated significantly but sub-ns time constants for internal motions are dilated modestly, while all motional amplitudes are unaffected. The correction scheme involves contraction of the time constants, with the contraction factor a linear function of the time constant to be corrected. The corrected dynamics of eight proteins are validated by NMR data for rotational diffusion and for backbone amide and side-chain methyl relaxation. The present work demonstrates that, even for complex systems like proteins with dynamics spanning multiple timescales, one can predict how thermostats distort protein dynamics and remove such distortions. The correction scheme will have wide applications, facilitating force-field parameterization and propelling simulations to be on par with NMR and other experimental techniques in determining dynamic properties of proteins.

TOC graphic
Priorities for Future Research about Screen Use and Adolescent Mental Health:
A Participatory Prioritization Study
Authors: Juan Norha Vera San , Oram Sian , Pinfold Vanessa , Temple Rachel , Foye Una , Simpson Alan , Johnson Sonia , Hardt Selina , Abdinasir Kadra , Edbrooke-Childs Julian
Published: June 2021

This study aimed to identify research priorities for future research on
screen use and adolescent mental health, from the perspectives of young people,
parents/carers, and teachers.

Methods

The study design was informed by the James Lind Alliance Priority
Setting Partnership approach. A three-stage consensus-based process of
consultation to identify research priorities using qualitative and
quantitative methods. Research was guided by a steering group comprising
researchers, third sector partners, clinicians, parents/carers and young
people. A Young People’s Advisory Group contributed at each stage.

Results

Initial steps generated 26 research questions of importance to children
and young people; these were ranked by 357 participants (229 children and
young people and 128 adults). Consensus was reached for the prioritization
of four topics for future research: (i) the impact of exposure to adult
content on young people’s mental health and relationships; (ii) the
relationship between screen use and the wellbeing of young people from
vulnerable groups; (iii) the impact of screen use on brain development; and
(iv) the relationship between screen use and sleep.

Additionally, young participants prioritized questions about online
bullying, advertisements targeting young people, and the relationship
between social media and specific mental health conditions. Research topics
of interest arising specifically during the pandemic included the effects on
adolescent mental health of exposure to constant news updates and online
racial bias, and how young people take part in activism online

Conclusion

These findings will enable researchers and funders to conduct research
that is needs-oriented and relevant to the target audience.

Key points and relevance of the study

▪

Evidence about the effects of screen use on adolescent
mental health is weak and has been driven by researchers and
technology developers.

▪

Young people, parents and teachers prioritized research
questions about exposure to adult content online; wellbeing
of vulnerable populations; impact of screen use on
development; and relation of screen use with sleep.

▪

Young people additionally prioritized research questions
related to social media and developing specific mental
disorders, online bullying, and companies exploiting
adolescents’ vulnerabilities (for example through targeted
publicity).

▪

Findings should inform calls for research and funding
allocation in order to develop evidence-based policy and
guidelines about screen use.
Across-area synchronization supports feature integration in working memory
Authors: Barbosa Joao , Babushkin Vahan , Temudo Ainsley , Sreenivasan Kartik K. , Compte Albert
Published: June 2021

Working memory function is severely limited. One key limitation that constrains the ability to maintain multiple items in working memory simultaneously is so-called swap errors. These errors occur when an inaccurate response is in fact accurate relative to a non-target stimulus, reflecting the failure to maintain the appropriate association or “binding” between the features that define one object (e.g., color and location). The mechanisms underlying feature binding in working memory remain unknown. Here, we tested the hypothesis that features are bound in memory through synchrony across feature-specific neural assemblies. We built a biophysical neural network model composed of two one-dimensional attractor networks – one for color and one for location – simulating feature storage in different cortical areas. Within each area, gamma oscillations were induced during bump attractor activity through the interplay of fast recurrent excitation and slower feedback inhibition. As a result, different memorized items were held at different phases of the network’s oscillation. These two areas were then reciprocally connected via weak cortico-cortical excitation, accomplishing binding between color and location through the synchronization of pairs of bumps across the two areas. Encoding and decoding of color-location associations was accomplished through rate coding, overcoming a long-standing limitation of binding through synchrony. In some simulations, swap errors arose: “color bumps” abruptly changed their phase relationship with “location bumps”. This model, which leverages the explanatory power of similar attractor models, specifies a plausible mechanism for feature binding and makes specific predictions about swap errors that are testable at behavioral and neurophysiological levels.
Financial soundness of Islamic banks: does the structure of the board of directors matter?
Authors: Khalil Afef , Ben Slimene Imen
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the Board of Directors’ characteristics and their impact on the financial soundness of Islamic banks.

Design/methodology/approach

Regression analysis is applied to test the impact of the Board of Directors’ characteristics on the financial soundness of Islamic banks, using a panel data set of 67 Islamic banks covering 20 countries from 2005 to 2018. The Z-score indicator is used to evaluate the Islamic banks’ soundness. To check the robustness of the results, this paper uses other dependent variables (CAMEL) than the Z-score.

Findings

The main results show that the presence of an independent non-executive director negatively impacts the financial soundness of Islamic banks, while the chief executive officer duality practice has a positive effect on it. Other characteristics of the Board of Directors do not significantly impact the financial soundness of Islamic banks (foreign director, institutional director, chairman with a Shari’ah degree, interlocked chairman and the Board of Directors’ size).

Practical implications

This study aims to fill the gaps in the literature that discuss the Board of Directors’ role in corporate governance and its impact on the financial soundness of Islamic banks. In other words, it shows the role played by the Board of Directors and improves the knowledge of the corporate governance-financial soundness relationship. Plus, managers, investors and regulators may gain evocative insights, particularly those looking to improve their Islamic banks’ soundness by restructuring their boards’ composition.

Originality/value

This study sheds new light on the literature on Islamic banking by clarifying the relationship between the Board of Directors and the financial soundness of Islamic banks. Contrary to previous research, this paper uses an additional hypothesis stating that a chairman with a Shari’ah degree (Fiqh Muamalt) has a positive impact on the financial soundness of Islamic banks.
Pulling from the front or pushing from behind: how competency prioritisation should differ to optimise firm competitiveness
Authors: Lafuente Esteban , Vaillant Yancy
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This study aims to contrast the disparities in optimal competitiveness configurations across international economies. Additionally, we analyse the competitive efficiency across firms of different performance endowments to identify distinctions and determine whether standardised or customised competitiveness configurations are optimal.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a multilevel regression model to confirm country-specific effects followed by a non-parametric “Benefit-of-the-Doubt” (BoD) method to conduct an international comparison of the competitive efficiency of top- and poor-performing firms across eight European and Latin American economies.

Findings

Not only are national ecosystems significant differentiators of competitive efficiency, but contras firm-level characteristics also explain these differences. It is found that more recent start-ups tend to experience significantly greater competitive efficiency. However, by separating the top-performing firms from the poor performers in each economy, it is found that the configurational outputs that potentially contribute most to competitive efficiency are not necessarily the same; while “technology” is a key factor for driving the competitive efficiency of top-performing firms, “market” drivers are most essential for improving the competitive potential of poor performers.

Originality/value

The configurational outputs that potentially contribute most to competitive efficiency are not necessarily universal.
Thermal performance of parabolic-trough solar collector using double-population LBM with single-node/curved scheme and experimental evaluation on properties of SiO2-TiO2/EG nanofluid
Authors: Shariatifard Alireza , Hasani Malekshah Emad , Akbar Narges
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze the effect of absorber’s geometry and operating fluid on the thermal and hydrodynamic behaviors of a solar collector. Two different profiles are proposed for the absorber which is wavy and flat. Also, the inner tube of HTF (i.e. heat transfer fluid) is considered as single and double. The solar collector is filled with hybrid nanofluid of SiO2-TiO2/ ethylene glycol (EG) which its thermal conductivity and dynamic viscosity are measured using KD2 Pro and Brookfield LVDV III Ultra; respectively, in the temperature range of 30°C to 80°C and nanoparticle concentration in the range of 1.5% to 3.5%.

Design/methodology/approach

Among the solar collector, the parabolic-trough solar collector is one of the most efficient models for extracting solar thermal power. A parabolic trough solar collector with two different models of absorbers and included with two models of inner HTF tube is proposed.

Findings

The corresponding regression equations are derived versus temperature and volume fraction and used in the numerical process. For the numerical process, the thermal lattice Boltzmann method manipulated with a single-node curved scheme is used. Also, in the final step, the second law analysis is carried out in local and volumetric forms. The influential factors are Rayleigh number, the concentration of hybrid nano-powder and the structure of absorber profile.

Originality/value

The originality of the present work is combining a modern numerical method (i.e. double-population lattice Boltzmann method) with experimental observation on characteristics of SiO2-TiO2/EG nanofluid to analyze the thermal performance of parabolic trough solar collector.
Real earnings manipulation surrounding mergers and acquisitions: the targets’ perspective
Authors: Elrazaz Tariq Zaglol , Elmassri Moataz , Ahmed Yousry
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate whether UK public targets manage their earnings using real activities manipulation in the period prior to the announcement of a mergers and acquisition (M&A). It also examines whether the payment method in M&As affects the degree to which takeover targets manipulate earnings.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of 131 UK listed targets acquired over the period 1995–2013, this paper examines real earnings management (REM) by employing OLS regression models. The data related to deals have been mainly collected from Thomson One Banker and Thomson Reuters Eikon databases. REM is examined by investigating abnormal cash flow from operations, abnormal discretionary expenses and abnormal production costs. This analysis was supplemented by conducting additional robustness checks.

Findings

The results show that UK takeover targets manage earnings upwards through cutting discretionary expenses in the year prior to the acquisition, while they do not do so by manipulating sales or production costs. Moreover, targets of cash-only or mixed-payment deals do not have the same strong motivation to manage their earnings as stock-financed deal target counterparts do. Our results continue to hold after using alternative accrual earnings management (EM) measures, controlling for unobservable firm heterogeneity using the fixed-effect model and controlling for endogeneity using the two-stage Heckman (1979) model.

Practical implications

The main findings of this study could be beneficial for various parties involved M&As, such as standard setters and regulators. A need arises to improve disclosure rules and enhance overall financial reporting quality in the capital markets with the aim of reducing information asymmetry and agency conflicts.

Originality/value

As far as the literature on EM around M&As is concerned, only EM by acquirers has been examined, and not much attention has been paid to targets’ EM.
Evaluation and control of opinion polarization and disagreement: a review
Authors: Li Yuejiang , Zhao Hong
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the recent studies on opinion polarization and disagreement.

Design/methodology/approach

In this work, recent advances in opinion polarization and disagreement and pay attention to how they are evaluated and controlled are reviewed.

Findings

In literature, three metrics: polarization, disagreement and polarization-disagreement index are usually adopted and there is a tradeoff between polarization and disagreement. Different strategies have been proposed in literature which can significantly control opinion polarization and disagreement based on these metrics.

Originality/value

This review is of crucial importance to summarize works on opinion polarization and disagreement and to the better understanding and control of them.
The Worker’s Rights Act 2019 of Mauritius: a critical assessment of its salient features and provisions
Authors: Mahadew Roopanand
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to highlight and critically assess the salient features of the Worker’s Rights Act 2019 of Mauritius.

Design/methodology/approach

The various essential sections of the Act is assessed to underline the way they provide for an upgrade and progress in comparison with former labour legislation of Mauritius. The standards set by the International Labour Organisation are used as parameters to assess the salient features of the Act.

Findings

The new law puts the worker, as an individual human being, at the centre of the law and employment-related legal provisions have been designed accordingly. This law is an essential and much-needed shift from employer’s centred labour legislation to labour legislation that emphasises on rights of workers.

Practical implications

This study enables foreign and local employers and workers operating in Mauritius to understand and be acquainted with the new provisions on employment laws in force in the country.

Originality/value

This study is currently amongst the few available legal literatures on worker’s rights in Mauritius which adds to its originality. In addition, it is proposed as a building block on which further research on employment laws can be invited.
From nowhere to nowhere. Homelessness and incarceration: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Bashir Ahmad Y. , Moloney Noreen , Elzain Musaab E. , Delaunois Isabelle , Sheikhi Ali , O'Donnell Patrick , Dunne Colum P. , Kelly Brendan D. , Gulati Gautam
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This study aims to review international literature systematically to estimate the prevalence of homelessness among incarcerated persons at the time of imprisonment and the time of discharge.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic review methodology was used to identify quantitative observational studies that looked at the prevalence of homelessness at the time of imprisonment, or up to 30 days prior to that point (initial homelessness), and at the time of discharge from prisons. Studies reported in English from inception to 11 September 2019 were searched for using eight databases (PsycInfo, Medline, Embase, CINAHL, PsycArticles, Scopus, Web of Science and the Campbell Collaboration), in addition to grey literature. Studies were screened independently by three researchers. Results of studies meeting inclusion criteria were meta-analysed using a random effects model to generate pooled prevalence data.

Findings

A total of 18 out of 2,131 studies met the inclusion criteria. All studies originated from the USA, Canada, UK, Ireland or Australia. The estimated prevalence of initial homelessness was 23.41% and at time of discharge was 29.94%. Substantial heterogeneity was observed among studies.

Originality/value

People in prisons are over twenty times more likely to be homeless than those in the general population. This is likely attributable to a range of health and social factors. Studies in this analysis suggest higher rates of homelessness in minority populations and among those with mental illnesses and neurodevelopmental disorders. While there was significant heterogeneity among studies, the results highlight the global burden of this issue and a clear necessity for targeted interventions to address homelessness in this population.
The ecological footprint and environmental sustainability of students of a public university in Ghana: developing ecologically sustainable practices
Authors: Adjei Rita , Addaney Michael , Danquah Leslie
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This study aims to determine the impact of resource use behaviours of students of a public university in Ghana on ecological sustainability. It examines the land area required to provide the resources used and also to assimilate the wastes produced. It also suggests an effective way to initiate participative discussions on environmental sustainability and consequences of resource use in a university setting.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts a mixed methods approach to gather and analyse data on students’ lifestyles concerning ecological footprint. The data was analysed using the Predictive Analytics Software and a modified version of the ecological footprint analysis (EFA).

Findings

The current ecological footprint of students in the university is not environmentally sustainable. The sample population had high average ecological footprint of 3.62 hectares, representing an ecological impact score of 135.85. The findings provide lessons on how universities and analogous institutions interested in sustainable practices could foster ecologically sustainable development.

Research limitations/implications

Additional data collection methods such as a longitudinal study would provide a more comprehensive assessment of the impact of resource use behaviour of students in a public university in Ghana on ecological sustainability.

Social implications

EFA and findings can support universities to effectively integrate sustainability practices into their policies and practices to help students contribute to making society more sustainable.

Originality/value

This is an original research and makes a contribution to EFA and sustainable practices of public universities in Ghana.
The structure of automotive nostalgia: a hedonic price analysis of classic car model value formation
Authors: Baltas George , Giakoumaki Christina
Published: June 2021

Purpose

For several years, the classic car market has been attracting considerable media and public attention, but the research literature is virtually nonexistent. The purpose of this paper is to address the factors that determine the values of classic car models and explain the remarkable price differences among them.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper develops and tests a set of research hypotheses about the effects of model characteristics on market values in the context of a generalized hedonic price model that also accounts for heterogeneity among classic car brands.

Findings

It is demonstrated that classic car model values reside at several levels and are determined by observable characteristics pertaining to aesthetics, rarity, engineering and performance. In addition, we show that classic car marques play a critical role in the determination of model values and account for considerable variation in values, even after controlling for observable model attributes

Originality/value

This is one of the first empirical studies to address classic car model value formation. The findings reveal how measurable, observable factors determine classic car model values and augment our understanding of a very interesting but understudied market.
Does financial system development, capital formation and economic growth induces trade diversification?
Authors: Amjed Sohail , Shah Iqtidar Ali
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate long-run and short-run relationships between trade diversification, financial system development, capital formation and economic growth.

Design/methodology/approach

ARDL estimation approach is applied to analyze long-run and short-run relationships between the financial system development, capital formation, economic growth and trade diversification in case of the Sultanate of Oman over the period 39 years starting from 1979 till 2017.

Findings

The results show that financial system development and economic growth has a positive impact on trade diversification in the short-run and long-run. However, capital formation has a negative impact on trade diversification in the short run and long run. The negative relationship between trade diversification and capital formation implies that over the period of study, the investment in capital goods was made to enhance the production capacity of the oil sector to maximize revenue.

Research limitations/implications

This research is limited to analyze long-run and short-run relationship between the financial system development, capital formation and economic growth and trade diversification in case of Sultanate of Oman.

Practical implications

To achieve the diversification goal, the policymakers need to formulate policies to strengthen the financial system and invest in infrastructure development to promote the non-oil sector. The research findings of this study will provide insights to the policymakers to formulate an effective diversification policy.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the existing literature by providing empirical evidence of the short-run and long-run analysis of the selected variables in the context of an oil-dependent country.
Barriers to the implementation of COVID-19 safety regulations: insight from Ghanaian construction sites
Authors: Simpeh Fredrick , Bamfo-Agyei Emmanuel , Amoah Christopher
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The new normal introduced by COVID-19 has ushered in new safety regulations that are required to be implemented by all organisations, including the construction industry. The implementation of the COVID-19 regulations, like any health and safety regulation, is not without hindrances. Consequently, this study aims to explore factors hindering the implementation of COVID-19 safety regulations at construction sites in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a qualitative research method using an open-ended questionnaire as a data collection instrument. The set of questionnaires were distributed by means of purposive and snowball sampling methods. The collected data were analysed by means of the thematic analysis technique.

Findings

It became evident that several factors militate against implementing COVID-19 safety regulations at construction sites. Cost of implementing COVID-19 safety measures, lack of compliance and ignorance were identified as the most hindering factors, whereas superstition, lack of personal protective equipment supply and theft of COVID-19 materials were reported by fewer respondents.

Research limitations/implications

The set of questionnaires were limited to small construction firms who were operating on site within the Central, Western and Greater Accra regions of Ghana during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the findings may be applicable to firms outside these regions because most of the small construction firms in the country share similar characteristics.

Practical implications

The recommendations proffered could help construction organisations devise strategies to overcome the barriers that hamper the implementation of COVID-19 safety regulations on site. Moreover, the findings could inform policymakers on what is required to enforce compliance on site.

Originality/value

COVID 19 is still new, and as a result, the body of knowledge is at the infancy stage. This article contributes to advancing the body of knowledge in the area of COVID-19 implementation challenges on construction sites.
Global ethics for the digital age – flourishing ethics
Authors: Kantar Nesibe , Bynum Terrell Ward
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore an emerging ethical theory for the Digital Age – Flourishing Ethics – which will likely be applicable in many different cultures worldwide, addressing not only human concerns but also activities, decisions and consequences of robots, cyborgs, artificially intelligent agents and other new digital technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

In the past, a number of influential ethical theories in Western philosophy have focused upon choice and autonomy, or pleasure and pain or fairness and justice. These are important ethical concepts, but we consider “flourishing” to be a broader “umbrella concept” under which all of the above ideas can be included, plus additional ethical ideas from cultures in other regions of the world (for example, Buddhist, Muslim, Confucianist cultures and others). Before explaining the applied approach, this study discusses relevant ideas of four example thinkers who emphasize flourishing in their ethics writings: Aristotle, Norbert Wiener, James Moor and Simon Rogerson.

Findings

Flourishing Ethics is not a single ethical theory. It is “an approach,” a “family” of similar ethical theories which can be successfully applied to humans in many different cultures, as well as to non-human agents arising from new digital technologies.

Originality/value

This appears to be the first extended analysis of the emerging flourishing ethics “family” of theories.
Robotic involvement in the service encounter: a value-centric experience framework and empirical validation
Authors: Wu Laurie , Fan Alei , Yang Yang , He Zeya
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Taking a mixed-method approach, this research developed and validated a novel, value-centric experience framework delineating robotic involvement in the service encounter and its subsequent impact on customers' experiences.

Design/methodology/approach

Focused on robotic restaurant businesses where robots are mainly involved in food production processes, this research utilized online customer review data and a multistage, mixed-method design for empirical examination. Automated thematic analysis was first adopted to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the empirical reality as reflected in online customer reviews. Following an analytic induction process, a theoretical framework was developed integrating prior literature with the empirical reality to uncover the relationships across robotic involvement, experiential values and evaluative outcomes. A theory-driven, dictionary-based content analysis together with path analysis further enabled empirical validation of the developed theoretical framework.

Findings

The current research developed and validated a value-centric experience framework to theorize robotic involvement in the service encounter and its downstream impact on customers' experiences. Specifically, this framework conceptualizes robotic involvement as a five-dimensional composition of robotic visibility, competency, performanism, co-creativity and prominence. In addition, the framework specifies seven dimensions of experiential values revolving around high-tech–high-touch robotic service encounters, namely sensorial, utilitarian, hedonic, social, agentic, epistemic and aesthetic values. Following empirical validation, this framework sheds light on robotic involvement and experience design for high-tech–high-touch service businesses aiming to incorporate robots in their service encounters.

Originality/value

Drawing on classic service role theory and consumption value theory, this research developed and validated a novel theoretical model connecting robotic involvement dimensions with experiential consumption values and downstream customer evaluative outcomes. This research and theoretical framework open an exciting avenue for future research in robotic services and customer experiences.
Is it love or just like? Generation Z’s brand relationship with luxury
Authors: Shin Hyunju , Eastman Jacqueline , Li Yuan
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This study aims to focus on understanding the consumer-luxury brand relationships among Generation Z. Generation Z is an up-and-coming generational cohort that has received limited research attention in the domains of both consumer-brand relationships and luxury branding, despite its growing size and purchasing power. Therefore, this study highlights the distinctive patterns of Generation Z’s relationship with luxury by identifying their choice of a luxury brand, the nature of the brand relationships, what characterizes these relationships and the internal and external influences that shape these relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used brand collage construction. A total of 56 Generation Z respondents created brand collages that covered 38 different luxury brands. The data from the collages and their accompanying descriptions were evaluated using content analysis.

Findings

This study identifies Generation Z’s unique yet expansive view of luxury that encompasses not only traditional luxury but also masstige and non-traditional luxury brands. Moreover, the findings generally support that Generation Z’s relationships with luxury brands are characterized by “like” rather than “love”; while Generation Z may feel a high level of loyalty toward luxury brands in terms of attitudes and behaviors, they do not necessarily have strong, passionate feelings for them.

Originality/value

The findings of this study offer a comprehensive understanding of Generation Z’s brand relationship with luxury. Luxury marketers need to recognize that for Generation Z consumers, luxury is an integral part of their everyday lifestyle more than a display of success, which is clearly different from previous generations.
Assessing levers of guilt in luxury consumption: an international perspective
Authors: Kapferer Jean-Noel , Valette-Florence Pierre
Published: June 2021

Purpose

For as long as luxury has existed, it has been criticized, by philosophers and moralists, who condemn self-indulgence, hedonism and vanity. Yet these concerns have not prevented the remarkable expansion of the luxury sector, evidence that most buyers revel in unashamed luxury. Modern economists point out the link between the development of the luxury market and the growth of social inequality. This study aims to assess how much guilt consumers feel during luxury purchases and identify its levers.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on 3,162 real luxury buyers from 6 countries, both Asian and western, emerging and mature luxury markets, a partial least squares-structural equation models (PLS-SEM) analysis assesses the level of guilt experienced during luxury purchases and identifies which drivers most impact guilt.

Findings

This study assesses the presence of a little guilt among a significant portion of luxury buyers across countries. Two countries present extreme scores: the USA (55.6%) and Japan (32%). Overall, the main driver of guilt is that luxury makes economic inequality highly visible; interestingly the pursuit of hedonism reduces the feelings of guilt.

Research limitations/implications

These findings have notable implications for luxury companies as the long-term success of this sector would be questionable if it attracts social criticism and induces distressing feelings among clients.

Practical implications

Luxury brands need to implement guilt reducing communication strategies.

Social implications

The luxury sector as a whole should redefine its purpose and mission.

Originality/value

This level of guilt experienced during purchases rarely has been investigated in prior luxury research. Yet luxury addresses larger targets, from the happy few to the happy many. Thanks to PLS-SEM modelization, the same hierarchy of guilt driving factors is revealed across countries.
A systematic review of Asian community participation in biosphere reserves
Authors: Jaafar Mastura , Ebekozien Andrew , Mohamad Daina , Salman Ahmad
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Managing biosphere reserves (BR) have become more challenging regarding the socio-cultural conflict between communities and BR administrators. For the past two decades, community participation (CP) has become the central narrative for BR management practices in Asia. This paper aims to set out to analyse the current literature because of the paucity of systematic reviews on CP in Asian BR. Also, it proffers possible solutions to enhance biosphere performance.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 31 related studies were identified from the Scopus, Web of Science databases and materials from organisations in the field of practice of territorial conservation. Three themes emerged from the review – willingness to participate, encumbrances and possible solutions.

Findings

Factors that influence community willingness to participate in a BR, encumbrances facing the community and possible policy solutions to enhance CP in a BR in Asia were the three themes that emerged from the review. The factors that influence community willingness were categorised into the level of participants in education, perceived waste of time, no confidence of the outcome, okay with current management, land owned, household size and gender factors.

Research limitations/implications

This paper’s recommendations were based on empirical literature reviewed systematically but do not compromise the robustness concerning BR management practices in Asia. It was established that to enrich the findings of this research, regional studies of CP in BR should be conducted, including primary source data using the mixed methods paradigm.

Practical implications

As part of the practical implications, recommendations were highlighted to enhance CP in BR. Also, the paper suggested that BR administrators should have two-way communication mechanisms, cross-sectoral participation and collaboration, implement locally-based solutions through full engagement of community members in decision-making.

Originality/value

This is probably the first systematic review paper on BR management practices in Asia. Filling the theoretical gap via systematic review was part of the significant contribution to CP in Asian BR.
Constructing constructivism in management accounting education: reflections from a teaching cycle with innovative learning elements
Authors: Jayasinghe Kelum
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This study aims to address the possibility of integrating some elements of the “radical constructivist” approach to management accounting teaching. It answers the following two questions: to what extent should management accounting educators construct a “radical constructivist” foundation to guide active learning? Then, in which ways can management accounting educators use qualitative methods to facilitate “radical constructivist” education?

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a teaching cycle that implements innovative learning elements, e.g. learning from ordinary people, designed following the principles of “radical constructivism”, to engage students with “externalities” at the centre of their knowledge construction. It adopts an ethnographic approach comprising interviews and participant observation for the data collection, followed by the application of qualitative content and narrative analysis of the data.

Findings

The study findings and reflections illustrate that the majority of students respond positively to radical constructivist learning if the educators can develop an innovative problem-solving and authentic environment that is close to their real lives. The radical constructivist teaching cycle discussed in this study has challenged the mindsets of the management accounting students as it altered the traditional objectivist academic learning approaches that students were familiar with. Its use of qualitative methods facilitated active learning. Student feedback was sought as part of the qualitative design, which provided a constructive mechanism for the students and educators to learn and unlearn from their mistakes. This process enriched the understanding of learners (students) and educators of successful engagement in radical constructivist management accounting education and provides a base upon which to design future teaching cycles.

Originality/value

The paper provides proof of the ability of accounting educators, as change agents, to apply radical constructivist epistemology combined with multiple qualitative research methods by creating new constructive learning structures and cultures associated with innovative deep-learning tasks in management accounting education.
Economic downturns and working capital management practices: a qualitative enquiry
Authors: Simon Sunday , Sawandi Norfaiezah , Kumar Satish , El-Bannany Magdi
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This study aims to explore changes in working capital management (WCM) practices in response to economic downturns, especially during the coronavirus pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts an interpretative approach. This paper used semi-structured interviews with 2 finance directors and 13 top managers for data collection. This paper used thematic analysis for analysing the interview data.

Findings

The study findings suggest that the traditional ways of managing working capital may no longer be sufficient during a crisis. Instead, dynamic financing, trade credit policy and continuous staff training to develop new skills are alternative WCM practices to navigate the challenges of a crisis. Further, this paper finds that economic conditions, such as inflation rates, interest rates, exchange rates and government policy, negatively affect WCM.

Practical implications

The study findings highlight practical issues that may help firms meet their present and future financing needs, manage their day-to-day operational activities and enhance performance, both operational and financial. The study is beneficial for regulators in understanding a firm’s constraints during crises and respond appropriately.

Originality/value

This is the first study, to the best of the knowledge that uses a qualitative approach to investigate the impact of economic downturns on WCM practices of firms. Thus, this study offers new insights into the fundamentals of WCM practices during crises.
Institutional drivers for corporate social responsibility in the utilities sector
Authors: Bandeira Pinheiro Alan , da Silva Filho José Carlos Lázaro , Moreira Márcia Zabdiele
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of characteristics of the institutional environment on the disclosure of corporate social responsibility (CSR).

Design/methodology/approach

This is a quantitative and descriptive research. The dependent variables used were environmental dimension (ED) and social dimension (SD) that together compose the corporate social performance (CSP). The independent variables that will be used are the characteristics of the institutional environments of Brazil and the UK. Thus, for this end, variables of the national business system of both countries will be used: corruption transparency, access to credit by countries, quality of the education system and labor relations. After their collection, the data were submitted to descriptive and inferential statistics and hierarchical regression.

Findings

Data show that UK companies make more disclosure in CSR than Brazilian companies. Through linear regression, it can be seen that the institutional environment affects disclosure in CSR. In the UK, a country with better educational, labor, political and financial indicators than Brazil, it presented better CSR practices. The findings reveal that the better an institutional environment, the more firms act in CSR. The findings of the research confirm the premise of institutional theory: different institutional fields can modify business performance.

Research limitations/implications

The study analyzed only the disclosure practices of companies in the public sector. Thus, the results should be carefully analyzed, without generalizations for all industry sectors. Therefore, it is suggested that future research looks at other industry sectors as well as other institutional contexts, i.e. other countries.

Practical implications

Multinational companies may have different CSR practices according to the institutional environment in which they operate. For example, companies in developed countries, such as the UK, have greater stakeholder pressure. Given this, managers must adapt their environmental strategies according to the institutional environment in which they operate.

Originality/value

This research contributes to CSR studies in various institutional contexts. There is a consensus in the literature that institutional environments affect firms' CSR practices. However, few empirical studies show results between the national business system and CSR. Thus, the present study intends to fill this research gap.
Mix and match: bicultural expatriates in multicultural Malaysia
Authors: Richardson Christopher
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the expatriate adjustment experiences of “biculturals”, defined here as individuals who have internalised at least two cultural profiles, in a host-country setting that is itself also culturally diverse.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach was adopted, involving semi-structured interviews with a small number of bicultural expatriates working in Malaysia.

Findings

The findings here echo previous studies in demonstrating bicultural expatriates’ ability (and tendency) to switch cultural frames as part of their adjustment. Despite this, however, their professional and social networks appear to still be shaped by cultural factors, with expatriates drawn towards networks whose members mainly comprise certain ethnic groups whose values and norms are perceived as being more closely aligned with those of the expatriate.

Originality/value

Though the literature on bicultural expatriates continues to grow, little emphasis has been given to a host-country setting that is itself culturally diverse. The findings here suggest that in such a setting, professional and social networks serve as an aid in the adjustment. Importantly, however, these networks, rather than being culturally impartial, as it were, may primarily comprise certain ethnic groups who are considered culturally “closer” to the expatriate in question.