bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early Predictor for the Onset of Critical Transitions in Networked Dynamical Systems
Authors: Liu Zijia , Zhang Xiaozhu , Ru Xiaolei , Gao Ting-Ting , Moore Jack Murdoch , Yan Gang
Published: July 2024

Numerous natural and human-made systems exhibit critical transitions whereby slow changes in environmental conditions spark abrupt shifts to a qualitatively distinct state. These shifts very often entail severe consequences; therefore, it is imperative to devise robust and informative approaches for anticipating the onset of critical transitions. Real-world complex systems can comprise hundreds or thousands of interacting entities, and implementing prevention or management strategies for critical transitions requires knowledge of the exact condition in which they will manifest. However, most research so far has focused on low-dimensional systems and small networks containing fewer than ten nodes or has not provided an estimate of the location where the transition will occur. We address these weaknesses by developing a deep-learning framework which can predict the specific location where critical transitions happen in networked systems with size up to hundreds of nodes. These predictions do not rely on the network topology, the edge weights, or the knowledge of system dynamics. We validate the effectiveness of our machine-learning-based framework by considering a diverse selection of systems representing both smooth (second-order) and explosive (first-order) transitions: the synchronization transition in coupled Kuramoto oscillators; the sharp decline in the resource biomass present in an ecosystem; and the abrupt collapse of a Wilson-Cowan neuronal system. We show that our method provides accurate predictions for the onset of critical transitions well in advance of their occurrences, is robust to noise and transient data, and relies only on observations of a small fraction of nodes. Finally, we demonstrate the applicability of our approach to real-world systems by considering empirical vegetated ecosystems in Africa.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Capturing the blue-light activated state of the Phot-LOV1 domain from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii using time-resolved serial synchrotron crystallography
Authors: Gotthard Guillaume , Mous Sandra , Weinert Tobias , Maia Raiza Nara Antonelli , James Daniel , Dworkowski Florian , Gashi Dardan , Furrer Antonia , Ozerov Dmitry , Panepucci Ezequiel , Wang Meitian , Schertler Gebhard F. X. , Heberle Joachim , Standfuss Joerg , Nogly Przemyslaw
Published: July 2024

Light–oxygen–voltage (LOV) domains are small photosensory flavoprotein modules that allow the conversion of external stimuli (sunlight) into intracellular signals responsible for various cell behaviors (e.g. phototropism and chloroplast relocation). This ability relies on the light-induced formation of a covalent thioether adduct between a flavin chromophore and a reactive cysteine from the protein environment, which triggers a cascade of structural changes that result in the activation of a serine/threonine (Ser/Thr) kinase. Recent developments in time-resolved crystallography may allow the activation cascade of the LOV domain to be observed in real time, which has been elusive. In this study, we report a robust protocol for the production and stable delivery of microcrystals of the LOV domain of phototropin Phot-1 from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (CrPhotLOV1) with a high-viscosity injector for time-resolved serial synchrotron crystallography (TR-SSX). The detailed process covers all aspects, from sample optimization to data collection, which may serve as a guide for soluble protein preparation for TR-SSX. In addition, we show that the crystals obtained preserve the photoreactivity using infrared spectroscopy. Furthermore, the results of the TR-SSX experiment provide high-resolution insights into structural alterations of CrPhotLOV1 from Δt = 2.5 ms up to Δt = 95 ms post-photoactivation, including resolving the geometry of the thioether adduct and the C-terminal region implicated in the signal transduction process.
In situ serial crystallography facilitates 96-well plate structural analysis at low symmetry
Authors: Foos Nicolas , Florial Jean-Baptise , Eymery Mathias , Sinoir Jeremy , Felisaz Franck , Oscarsson Marcus , Beteva Antonia , Bowler Matthew W. , Nurizzo Didier , Papp Gergely , Soler-Lopez Montserrat , Nanao Max , Basu Shibom , McCarthy Andrew A.
Published: July 2024

The advent of serial crystallography has rejuvenated and popularized room-temperature X-ray crystal structure determination. Structures determined at physiological temperature reveal protein flexibility and dynamics. In addition, challenging samples (e.g. large complexes, membrane proteins and viruses) form fragile crystals that are often difficult to harvest for cryo-crystallography. Moreover, a typical serial crystallography experiment requires a large number of microcrystals, mainly achievable through batch crystallization. Many medically relevant samples are expressed in mammalian cell lines, producing a meager quantity of protein that is incompatible with batch crystallization. This can limit the scope of serial crystallography approaches. Direct in situ data collection from a 96-well crystallization plate enables not only the identification of the best diffracting crystallization condition but also the possibility for structure determination under ambient conditions. Here, we describe an in situ serial crystallography (iSX) approach, facilitating direct measurement from crystallization plates mounted on a rapidly exchangeable universal plate holder deployed at a microfocus beamline, ID23-2, at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility. We applied our iSX approach on a challenging project, autotaxin, a therapeutic target expressed in a stable human cell line, to determine the structure in the lowest-symmetry P1 space group at 3.0 Å resolution. Our in situ data collection strategy provided a complete dataset for structure determination while screening various crystallization conditions. Our data analysis reveals that the iSX approach is highly efficient at a microfocus beamline, improving throughput and demonstrating how crystallization plates can be routinely used as an alternative method of presenting samples for serial crystallography experiments at synchrotrons.
Crystal and molecular structure of 2-methyl-1,4-phenylene bis(3,5-dibromobenzoate)
Authors: Weeks Nathan J. , Lauer Moira K. , Balaich Gary J. , Iacono Scott T.
Published: July 2024

The aryl diester compound, 2-methyl-1,4-phenylene bis(3,5-dibromobenzoate), C21H12Br4O4, was synthesized by esterification of methyl hydroquinone with 3,5-dibromobenzoic acid. A crystalline sample was obtained by cooling a sample of the melt (m.p. = 502 K/DSC) to room temperature. The molecular structure consists of a central benzene ring with anti-3,5-dibromobenzoate groups symmetrically attached at the 1 and 4 positions and a methyl group attached at the 2 position of the central ring. In the crystal structure (space group P\overline{1}), molecules of the title aryl diester are located on inversion centers imposing disorder of the methyl group and H atom across the central benzene ring. The crystal structure is consolidated by a network of C—H...Br hydrogen bonds in addition to weaker and offset π–π interactions involving the central benzene rings as well as the rings of the attached 3,5-dibromobenzoate groups.
Reshaping an issue-based field: assessing the impact of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) on the global development aid agenda
Authors: Humphrey Christopher , Mardini Perla , O'Dwyer Brendan
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The paper studies how the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) positioned itself in the process through which capacity building in developing countries was interpreted and enacted within the global development aid agenda from 1999 to 2016.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is an in-depth case study drawing on a comprehensive analysis of publications, reports and archival materials.

Findings

The paper unveils how IFAC shaped the interpretation of capacity building and its associated practices in a manner aligned with its expansionary aims thereby transforming itself into a prominent actor within, what we term, the capacity building issue-based field. It unpacks the strategies pursued by IFAC as it mobilised economic, social and cultural resources in support of its global capacity building ambitions for the accountancy profession. It reveals how key interactions between actors in the international development exchange field and the professional exchange field of accounting underpinned IFAC’s infiltration of, and impact on the evolution of, the capacity building issue-based field. We show how IFAC increased its influence in this field despite initially operating on the periphery of the global development aid agenda.

Practical implications

The paper reveals how the global accountancy profession’s engagement with the capacity building activities of international development agencies became central to its commitment to serving the public interest. Our analysis suggests that deeper explorations of capacity building by the global accountancy profession in specific developing countries are required in order to determine whether these efforts have effectively catered to the needs of the citizens of those countries.

Originality/value

The work of professional accountancy organizations (PAOs) operating at the global level in the area of capacity building has been addressed in a fragmented fashion in prior research. This paper presents a unique analysis of developing alliances between the global accountancy profession and international aid agencies aimed at supporting the globalising efforts of IFAC within the realm of capacity building in international development aid. Theoretically, the paper advances prior work exploring the evolution of issue-based fields, in particular the role of inter-field relations in interstitial spaces within these processes.
Financial reporting quality, industrial revolution 4.0 and social well-being among Malaysian public companies
Authors: Wan Ismail Wan Adibah , Madah Marzuki Marziana , Lode Nor Asma
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study examines the relationship between financial reporting quality, Industrial Revolution 4.0 and social well-being of stakeholders among public companies in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample of the study includes 232 firm-year observations of Malaysian publicly listed companies from 2013 to 2017. Social well-being is measured using social pillar scores from the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) data provided by Refinitiv. The study identified companies as an adopter of IR 4.0 based on their disclosure on the use of autonomous robots, simulation, cloud, horizontal and vertical system integration, cybersecurity, additive manufacturing, augmented reality and big data analytics in their financial reports. Financial reporting quality is measured using discretionary accruals.

Findings

This study found that financial reporting quality and IR 4.0 are related to social well-being, particularly the workforce. These results imply that companies with higher adoption of IR 4.0 are more likely to provide more information concerning job satisfaction, a healthy and safe workplace, maintaining diversity, equal and development opportunities for its workforce. Furthermore, the results show that firms with lower discretionary accruals (i.e. higher quality of financial reporting) are more likely to provide more information about social well-being. The results are robust even after addressing endogeneity issues.

Research limitations/implications

This research contributes new insights into the role of financial reporting quality and IR 4.0 in enhancing social well-being in Malaysia. These findings offer valuable input for regulators striving to advance the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Practical implications

This study carries substantial practical implications for policymakers and businesses alike. It underscores the importance of embracing IR 4.0 technologies and integrating them into strategic planning to foster social well-being. These insights can guide policymakers in shaping economic strategies and assist businesses in prioritizing financial reporting quality while engaging stakeholders to promote social well-being.

Originality/value

This is the first study to investigate the combined relationship of financial reporting quality and IR4.0 on social well-being, which provides valuable evidence in this novel domain. While previous studies have primarily explored the relationship of IR4.0 on sustainability from an environmental and human resource perspective, this study sheds light on the specific dimension of social well-being, hence promoting sustainable development goals by the United Nations in 2030.
Omnichannel word-of-mouth genesis: the confluence of online-offline experiences, social influence and skepticism
Authors: Jeong Eunye , Jo Hyeon
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This research aims to examine the integral elements of omnichannel retailing, an evolving approach that blends online and offline shopping experiences. It focuses on how various factors – merchandise variety, monetary saving, personal interaction, complaint handling, social influence, perceived crowd and skepticism – affect relative advantage, consumer satisfaction and word-of-mouth (WOM) advocacy in an omnichannel context.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive survey was conducted with 258 participants, and the data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). This methodology provided insights into the complex relationships between different omnichannel retailing factors and their impact on customer satisfaction and WOM.

Findings

The study found that monetary saving influences both relative advantage and satisfaction. Personal interaction was observed to affect complaint handling and relative advantage. Importantly, relative advantage was found to impact both satisfaction and WOM. Additionally, the study highlighted the roles of social influence and satisfaction in enhancing WOM.

Originality/value

This research adds to the existing literature by providing a nuanced understanding of the dynamics of consumer engagement in omnichannel retailing. It bridges a gap in existing research by concurrently examining the impact of online and offline retail factors on consumer satisfaction and WOM in an omnichannel setting.
Responsible consumption trend in Generation Z and millennials its impact on SDG 12. A Peruvian case study
Authors: Ramirez Lozano Julianna Paola , Peñaflor Guerra Renato , Sanagustin-Fons M. Victoria
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the responsible consumption of Generation Z and millennials in the Latin American market, with special emphasis on the Peruvian case, to identify their differences with consumers born in 1980 and earlier and to evaluate their contribution to Sustainable Development Goal 12.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted on a sample of 309 persons living in Lima. After developing and validating an instrument, an online questionnaire was used to collect data. These data were analyzed descriptively and inferentially, using chi-square tests to validate the relationship between variables.

Findings

The study identifies and explains the new trend of responsible consumption among Generation Z and millennials in emerging markets, where end consumers interact with and prefer products and services from companies that demonstrate responsible behavior and offer trust. It identifies new consumption variables that go beyond the traditional ones.

Research limitations/implications

The study reveals a trend in the responsible consumption of Generation Z and millennials in Peru. However, it is necessary to complement the study in other countries in the region, as well as to study the new generations, such as the alpha generation and their consumption patterns.

Practical implications

The new trend of responsible consumption among Generation Z and millennials is forcing companies to implement strategies and develop corporate social responsibility programs. These companies must demonstrate ethical, environmental, socially responsible and sustainable behaviors in their daily operations to satisfy their stakeholders.

Originality/value

The study reveals a new trend in Peru, a developing country, where the market – the end consumer – is more informed and therefore demands better corporate performance from companies, including care for the environment and a contribution to society that includes a good relationship with its stakeholders.
Food waste reduction, corporate responsibility and national policies: evidence from Europe
Authors: Biggi Gianluca , Principato Ludovica , Castellacci Fulvio
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This paper investigates strategies for addressing the global challenge of food loss and waste (FLW) within the food industry. It examines the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and state regulatory interventions for reducing FLW.

Design/methodology/approach

This mixed method study utilizes a unique panel dataset which includes the 150 largest food industry companies in Italy, Norway and the UK. It combines quantitative data analysis with qualitative insights derived from corporate strategies and corporate communications.

Findings

The analysis reveals that food companies with an established CSR strategy and in particular companies whose CSR reports highlight their environmental and social achievements are more likely to achieve in effective FLW reduction. Additionally, national-level regulatory interventions guided by European Union waste strategies act as pivotal benchmarks and encourage stricter corporate food waste management policies.

Practical implications

This research underscores the significance of CSR strategies and effective state regulation in the fight against FLW and offers policymakers and businesses valuable insights enabling development of robust strategies.

Social implications

By emphasizing the interplay between CSR and regulatory intervention, this research contributes to the achievement of a more sustainable and efficient global food system that addresses both economic and ethical concerns and could have far-reaching societal and environmental implications.

Originality/value

The paper sheds light on the interplay between CSR initiatives and regulatory interventions for tackling FLW and emphasizes their synergistic impact on sustainable practices within the food industry.
The use of business and technology management (BTM) integrated practice in business development initiatives – an ADR cycle
Authors: Mourão Luis Pestana , Noce Irapuan , Carvalho João Álvaro
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The paper reports a study that evaluated the effectiveness and usefulness of Business and Technology Management (BTM), a management practice for formulating business digital strategies that address organization, processes and technology in an integrative way.

Design/methodology/approach

The research followed action design research guidelines that combine the methodological principles of design science research and action research.

Findings

Evidence from the study confirmed the adequacy and usefulness of BTM as a solution to an old management problem of internal fit, synergies, alignment or strategic integration. It also led to an improvement in its way of working, namely, a management practice with four process stages: (1) define trade objectives, (2) design an integrated business model, (3) manage the business transformation and execution and (4) evaluate the results obtained.

Research limitations/implications

The study exemplifies how practice research can be used within a long-term research pursuit to provide empirical evidence that permits evaluating and improving a research-originated management approach.

Practical implications

Being a theory-for-action, BTM has direct relevance for managers engaged in defining organizational and technological strategies connected with business results. The paper discloses an improved version of BTM together with a description of its application in a medium-sized company operating in the tourism sector.

Originality/value

BTM addresses a recurrent issue raised by researchers and practitioners concerning a failure to bring different management perspectives together when formulating a strategy. Therefore, its value lies in its ability to assist in the integration of management perspectives into business development initiatives.
“Win-lose” globalization and the weaponization of economic policies by nation-states
Authors: Mariotti Sergio
Published: July 2024

Purpose

After decades of hypergrowth, since the 2008 global financial crisis there has been a deceleration of globalization and a partial jamming of its main engines (trade and foreign direct investment [FDI]). This study aims to critically reflect on the current phase, labeling it as “win-lose globalization” characterized by firm-firm competition increasingly intertwined with that between the respective nation-states, which aim to be the relative winners, even at the expense of joint absolute gains. Acting as “strategists,” states implement policies to weaponize economic interdependences, which the paper analyzes.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is “problem setting” rather than “problem solving.” The latter offers well-defined solutions but often assumes unambiguous definitions of problems, which obscure their complexity. This phase is so intricate that the problem itself is problematic. Thus, to advance knowledge, the focus is given on nation-state policies: FDI screening and the politicization of international trade relations; protectionism; misuses of antitrust and regulation.

Findings

The intensification of firm-firm/state-state competition, seeking disproportionate gains over rivals, is the ultimate result of the contradictions and dissatisfactions accumulated over decades of globalization, the benefits of which have been far from equally distributed. Conflicts in international economic relations are bound to intensify, and a return to win-win globalization is unlikely. International cooperation to strengthen existing/new supranational governance institutions in the interest of absolute global inclusive benefits is urgently needed.

Originality/value

The paper integrates the international business debate on the fate of globalization with interpretations from industrial policy studies and international relations theory. This allows for suggestions for policymakers, corporate executives and scholars.
Empowering communication strategy for safe cyberspace: insights from trust-based quality information
Authors: Huda Miftachul
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The recent trends of managing how to achieve communication in a safe cyberspace have attracted the particular attention from scholars worldwide. The strategic initiative of having an active organization of communication pathways is required for further scholarly elaboration to enable a subsisting safe community in cyberspace. An example of the challenges is the issue of trust in information or questionable issues denoting lack of detail and clarity. Thus, this obviously refers to a dubious circumstance that needs to explain the situation on addressing the critical issue of trust-based quality information. To respond to such an apparent situation, this paper aims to critically explore the insightful value of trust in information as essential element of quality assurance. Such arranged strategy would enable individual capacity and accountability in achieving the efficient communication management for a safe cyberspace.

Design/methodology/approach

The study attempted a critical review of recent literature by analysing peer-reviewed articles from journals, books, proceedings and book chapters related to theme of communication management for safe cyberspace.

Findings

The finding reveals that the strategic approach of enabling effective communication management for safe cyberspace is actualized through advancing trust-based quality information.

Originality/value

This paper aims to contribute towards enhancing communication management for safe cyberspace by addressing issues relating to trust that would lead to the quality of information.
Racial discrimination against Asian American employees: impact of employee coping strategies on employee competence and work quality of life
Authors: Kim Kawon , Woo Bongki
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effects of workplace racial discrimination among Asian American (AA) employees in the restaurant industry and examines what kinds of employee coping responses can mitigate its detrimental effects on their work behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses an exploratory sequential mixed-methods approach, starting with a qualitative study using the critical incident technique followed by a quantitative between-subjects experiment to examine the impact of employee coping responses to racial discrimination on employee competence and work quality of life (WQOL).

Findings

The study reveals that customer-perpetrated racial discrimination is the most common form of racial discrimination that AA employees face in the restaurant industry. In addition, confrontation is the most effective coping strategy to increase employee’s self-competence. Also, the severity of discrimination moderates the effect of coping strategies on employee’s self-competence. Employees’ self-competence mediates the relationship between their response strategy against discrimination and their WQOL.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this study suggest that confrontation is an effective coping strategy for targeted employees, compared to support-seeking or avoidance. Confrontation was perceived as competent, compared to other coping strategies, and in turn, enhanced WQOL.

Originality/value

This study expands the scope of racial discrimination research in the hospitality literature for the growing diversified hospitality workforce. In addition, this study provides practical insights into competent ways of coping with racial discrimination.
How middle-skilled workers adjust to immigration: the role of occupational skill specificity
Authors: Pregaldini Damiano , Backes-Gellner Uschi
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Our study explores the effects of immigration on the employment of native middle-skilled workers, focusing on how this effect varies with the specificity of their occupational skill bundles.

Design/methodology/approach

Exploiting the 2002 opening of the Swiss labor market to EU workers and using register data on the location and occupation of these workers, our findings provide novel results on the labor market effects of immigration.

Findings

We show that the inflow of EU workers led to an increase in the employment of native middle-skilled workers with highly specific occupational skills. This finding could be attributed to immigrant workers reducing existing skill gaps, enhancing the quality of job-worker matches, and alleviating firms' capacity restrictions. This allowed firms to create new jobs, thereby providing increased employment options for middle-skilled workers with highly specialized skills.

Originality/value

Previous literature has predominantly highlighted the disadvantages of specific occupational skills compared to general skills in the context of labor market shocks. However, our findings reveal that workers with specific occupational skills can benefit from an immigration-driven labour market shock. These results suggest that policy conclusions regarding the role of specific occupational skills should be more nuanced.
Ageing risks in four Asian Tigers: global health crisis and implications for productive welfare regimes
Authors: Tian Zhen , Yuda Tauchid Komara , Hu Zhiming
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This article focuses on the continuity and changes in the Productive Welfare Regimes and investigates how the COVID-19 pandemic and population ageing can influence the established systems in Hong Kong, South Korea, Singapore and Taiwan.

Design/methodology/approach

Our research is based on document review, investigating intricate situations with numerous aspects and providing an excellent opportunity for innovation and examining theoretical presumptions in welfare regime theory, as well as exploring the complicated policy trajectories that varies among cases.

Findings

Our findings reveal that social policy responses to COVID-19 have been characterized by adopting the market-conforming role of social policy for the elderly. This is shown by many policy measures focusing on self-sufficiency and an active labour market, signalling that the COVID-19 pandemic and population ageing pressure here are viewed as an economic issue over social rights. The economic-first was adopted to maintain their proximity to the global economy as key sources of their social policy development. We can conclude by emphasizing that the responses to COVID-19 have exposed deficiencies in certain existing social policies. Yet, they have not been sufficient to catalyse substantial policy changes across domains where such change had not already been initiated, thus allowing welfare regimes to remain within productivist boundaries.

Originality/value

This study responds to the current debate on the welfare regime continuity and adaptation in East Asia and suggests a new perspective of policy process in the times of insecurity.
Should the Internet of Things platform enter the smart device market?
Authors: Li Xiufeng , Ma Shaojun , Zhang Zhen
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The Internet of Things (IoT) platform empowers the digital transformation of the manufacturing industry by providing information technology services. Simultaneously, it enters the market by offering smart products to consumers. In light of different service fee scenarios, this article explores the optimal decision-making for the platform. It investigates the pricing models and entry decisions of IoT platforms.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, we have formulated a game-theoretic model to scrutinize the influence of the IoT platform ventured into the smart device market on the pre-existing suppliers operating under subscription-based and usage-based pricing agreements.

Findings

Our outcome shows that introducing an IoT platform’s smart device has a differential effect on manufacturers depending on their contract type. Notably, our research indicates that introducing the platform’s own smart device within the subscription-based model does not negatively impact the profitability of incumbent manufacturers, so long as there is a noticeable discrepancy in the quality of the smart devices. However, our findings within the usage-based model demonstrate that despite the variance in smart device quality differentiation, the platform’s resolution to launch their device and impose their pricing agreements adversely affects established manufacturers. Additionally, we obtain valuable Intel regarding the platform’s entry strategies and contractual inclinations. We demonstrate that the platform is incentivized to present its smart device when reasonable entry costs remain. Furthermore, the platform prefers subscription-based contracts when the subscription fee is relatively high in non-platform entry and entry cases.

Originality/value

These findings hold significant practical implications for firms operating in an IoT-based supply chain.
An obstacle avoidance method for robotic arm based on reinforcement learning
Authors: Wu Peng , Su Heng , Dong Hao , Liu Tengfei , Li Min , Chen Zhihao
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Robotic arms play a crucial role in various industrial operations, such as sorting, assembly, handling and spraying. However, traditional robotic arm control algorithms often struggle to adapt when faced with the challenge of dynamic obstacles. This paper aims to propose a dynamic obstacle avoidance method based on reinforcement learning to address real-time processing of dynamic obstacles.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper introduces an innovative method that introduces a feature extraction network that integrates gating mechanisms on the basis of traditional reinforcement learning algorithms. Additionally, an adaptive dynamic reward mechanism is designed to optimize the obstacle avoidance strategy.

Findings

Validation through the CoppeliaSim simulation environment and on-site testing has demonstrated the method's capability to effectively evade randomly moving obstacles, with a significant improvement in the convergence speed compared to traditional algorithms.

Originality/value

The proposed dynamic obstacle avoidance method based on Reinforcement Learning not only accomplishes the task of dynamic obstacle avoidance efficiently but also offers a distinct advantage in terms of convergence speed. This approach provides a novel solution to the obstacle avoidance methods for robotic arms.
Enterprise risk management, corporate governance and insurers risk-taking behaviour in South Africa: evidence from a linear and threshold analysis
Authors: Horvey Sylvester Senyo , Odei-Mensah Jones
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study examines the linear and non-linear effects of enterprise risk management (ERM) and corporate governance (CG) on insurers’ risk-taking behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed panel data of 63 insurers from South Africa over the period 2015 and 2019. The study used the generalised method of moments (GMM) to determine the direct relationship, while the dynamic panel threshold technique was utilised to discover whether there is non-linearity in the relationship and the threshold level at which ERM and CG stimulate insurance risk-taking.

Findings

The result from the GMM elicits a positive relationship between ERM and risk-taking, implying that insurers with a robust ERM system are more likely to pursue higher risks. The empirical evidence also suggests that board size and board independence improve insurers’ risk-taking. Contrarily, gender diversity shows an inverse relationship with risk-taking. The dynamic panel threshold regression confirms non-linearities between ERM, CG and risk-taking. The empirical evidence indicates a U-shaped relationship between ERM and risk-taking, implying that a robust ERM system increases insurers’ risk-taking and vice-versa. Further, board size and independence reveal an inverted U-shaped relationship, suggesting that larger boards and a higher proportion of independent directors exhibit lower risk-taking. However, gender diversity presents a negative relationship, demonstrating a strong impact at higher threshold levels. This tells that the presence of females on the board reduces insurers’ risk-taking preferences.

Practical implications

Due to the risk-bearing nature of the insurance business, it is required that they ensure a robust ERM system for prudent risk-taking decisions. This demands strict adherence to ERM principles and allocating sufficient resources for effective implementation. Also, there is a need for strong CG structures that pay more attention to diversity when selecting board members due to their influence in ensuring improved risk-taking choices.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing literature by providing insights into the under-researched role of ERM and CG in insurers’ risk-taking behaviour. The study further extends the literature by providing evidence on the non-linearity and threshold levels at which ERM and CG influence insurers’ risk-taking choices. The findings are unique and contribute to the growing body of literature documenting the need for strong ERM and CG systems in insurance companies.
Ranking the benefits of drone-based last-mile delivery due to adoption of its enablers
Authors: Kumbhani Chandresh , Kant Ravi
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Strategic integration of enablers and the realization of drone delivery benefits emerge as essential strategies for business organizations to enhance operational efficiency and stay competitive in last-mile logistics. This paper aims to explore the benefits of drone-based last-mile delivery in the Indian logistic sector by providing a framework for ranking drone delivery benefits (DDBs) due to the adoption of its enablers.

Design/methodology/approach

This study proposes a novel hybrid framework applied in the Indian logistic sector by integrating a sentence boundary extraction algorithm for extracting benefits from literature, a spherical fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (SF-AHP) for evaluating primary enablers, unsupervised fuzzy C-means clustering (FCM) for clustering benefits and a spherical combined compromised solution (SF-CoCoSo) for ranking benefits with respect to primary enablers.

Findings

The results reveal that technological and infrastructure enablers (TIE), government and legislation enablers (GLE) and operational and service quality enablers (OSE) are the most significant enablers for drone implementation in logistics. Top-ranked benefits increase the efficiency of last-mile delivery (DDB10), foster supply chain management and logistic sustainability (DDB16) and increase delivery access to rural area and vulnerable people (DDB17).

Practical implications

This research assists scholars, entrepreneurs and policymakers in the sustainable deployment of drone delivery in the logistics sector. This study facilitates the use of drones in delivery services and provides a foundation for all stakeholders in logistics.

Originality/value

The assessments involve considering judgment from a highly knowledgeable and experienced group in India, characterized by a large volume of inputs and a high level of expertise.
Enhancing inclusive entrepreneurial activity through community engagement led by higher education institutions
Authors: O'Brien Emma , Cooney Thomas M.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

While supporting entrepreneurship through government intervention has become a global phenomenon, the OECD (2021) has identified that several communities (including women, youth, seniors, unemployed and immigrants) remain under-represented in terms of entrepreneurial activity. Inclusive entrepreneurship policies seek to enhance economic and social inclusion and emphasise the significant contribution that people from within these communities could make to local and regional development if appropriate support was offered. The purpose of this study is to examine how higher education institutions (HEIs) can co-create inclusive entrepreneurial training initiatives with local communities that support economic and social inclusion.

Design/methodology/approach

This in-depth qualitative study draws on the experiences of multiple stakeholders to highlight how an HEI can enhance entrepreneurial activity within under-represented and disadvantaged communities through its community engagement initiatives. The research was conducted through a revelatory case study of an Irish HEI that is newly constituted and is developing an inner-city campus with a focus on community benefit. Rich qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews and participant observation of an HEI community engagement initiative with disadvantaged communities. Thematic analysis methods were used in the processes of generating codes, categories and themes leading to the findings of this study.

Findings

The study identified that broadening the interpretation of entrepreneurial activity to value creation and developing enterprising behaviour has significant relevance for disadvantaged communities. These communities may not have the capacity to start a business yet might benefit from the personal development aspects of entrepreneurial education. Moreover, findings indicate how HEIs are uniquely positioned to develop inclusive entrepreneurial education initiatives to redress social inequalities in their regions.

Originality/value

As an original contribution to knowledge, this paper extends traditional education frameworks to identify individual, collective and system-level considerations in the design and development of inclusive entrepreneurial education initiatives. This study contributes an evidence-based framework to guide HEIs and their regional partners in the future development of inclusive, tailored support through entrepreneurial education.
Self-employment, financial access and economic welfare: empirical evidence from Africa
Authors: Kunawotor Mark , Ahiabor Godson
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the empirical linkages between self-employment, financial access and economic welfare in Africa. It particularly examines the moderating role of financial access in the self-employment-economic welfare nexus and determines relevant thresholds.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper samples 52 African economies from 2000 to 2018 and deploys the fixed effects and bootstrap quantile regression estimators.

Findings

The results show that self-employment has a negative and significant relationship with economic welfare, while access to finance has a positive and significant relationship with welfare. More notably, the conditional effect of self-employment and finance is significant and positive, confirming a synergetic effect. The result suggests that pushing more people into self-employment does not necessarily enhance economic welfare, other than the avoidance of unemployment, due to the large number of replicative and necessity entrepreneurs. However, granting the self-employed more access to affordable finance that boosts entrepreneurial activities enhances economic welfare.

Practical implications

African governments and relevant policymakers must recognize that deepening the financial sector is crucial in creating sustainable opportunity entrepreneurs and boosting general economic welfare.

Originality/value

The uniqueness of this paper centers on the exposé of the relevance of financial access/development in promoting the economic welfare of self-employed persons and entrepreneurs. It also determines relevant thresholds at which finance is most significant in procuring positive impacts on economic welfare. In addition, the simultaneous quantile regression is used to show snapshots of human development index at which this impact is paramount.
Analysis of key influencing factors on the financial performance of Jakarta Islamic Index 30 industrial firms
Authors: Kismawadi Early Ridho
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of size, asset quality, asset management, financial risk, gross domestic product and inflation rate on the financial performance of companies listed on the Jakarta Islamic Index of 30 industrial firms.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the selected criteria, this study analysed an unbalanced panel of data from 30 industrial companies on the Indonesian capital market that are members of the Jakarta Islamic index. Profitability is measured using the dependent variables return on assets (ROA), return on equity (ROE) and stock prices. The influence of explanatory variables of internal factors, namely, size, asset quality, asset management, financial risk, gross domestic product and inflation is investigated using pooled OLS, fixed and random effect estimation.

Findings

The empirical findings indicate that the scale of a company has a significant impact on its performance, asset quality, asset management and financial risk. GDP has a substantial impact on financial performance, particularly as measured by ROA and ROE. This study’s ramifications have substantial effects on a broad spectrum of stakeholders. The results of this study provide the general public and investors with a greater understanding of the factors that influence a company’s performance on the Jakarta Islamic Index 30.

Research limitations/implications

The implication of this research is that a deeper comprehension of the factors that influence the financial performance of companies within industrial sectors that follow Islamic finance principles can help design more effective strategies and policies.

Practical implications

This research has significant practical implications in a number of crucial areas. First, it provides a comprehensive comprehension of the company’s financial performance in the industrial sector in accordance with Islamic finance principles. Second, the research findings provide more precise guidance on how company size, asset quality and macroeconomic variables influence the performance of Indonesia's financial market.

Originality/value

The study’s authenticity and value hold considerable importance. This study introduces novel perspectives on the assessment of corporate financial performance within industrial sectors through the lens of Islamic finance principles. It offers valuable insights that have not yet been extensively investigated by scholars in the field.
Assessing individuals’ attitude and behavioural intention to use dietary and fitness mobile applications: evidence from India
Authors: Dahiya Himani , Saini A.K.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify and examine the determinants of individuals’ attitude (ATT) and behavioural intention (BI) to use dietary and fitness mobile apps in the context of India.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study develops a conceptual model by incorporating additional variables such as health consciousness (HC), perceived trust (PT), social influence (SI) and personal innovativeness (PI) into the original technology acceptance model (TAM). These constructs were extracted from existing theories and literature on technology adoption, individuals’ health beliefs and personality traits. The conceptual model has been empirically tested and validated by applying structural equation modelling using STATA version 15. The data was collected from both potential and actual users of dietary and fitness mobile apps through a structured questionnaire, both online and manually. Following a convenience sampling approach, a total of 450 respondents from Delhi national capital region (NCR) were contacted, of which 264 valid responses were considered for final analysis.

Findings

The results revealed that of all the factors predicting individuals’ “attitude” towards the use of dietary and fitness apps, perceived usefulness was found to be the most significant followed by PI and PT. Similarly, behavioural “intention to use” was most strongly determined by an individual’s attitude towards the usage of dietary and fitness apps followed by SI.

Practical implications

Findings of the study offer meaningful insights and implications for academics and practitioners. Mobile app developers and service providers can gain an understanding of the consumer’s behaviour towards adoption of dietary and fitness apps and improve the app’s utility, service quality, interface and features in view of the empirically validated determinants of such behaviour. Furthermore, it is essential for the service providers to undertake promotional efforts to not only create awareness of the availability of such apps but also at the same time educate people on the needs, functionalities and utilities they offer. Also, to gain a wider acceptance of the apps, focus on more communication and gamification/ entertainment features is required.

Originality/value

This study adds value by identifying the factors from varied perspectives (technical, social, health and personal) impacting individuals’ attitude and BI to use an innovative health intervention i.e. dietary and fitness mobile apps in a developing economy. Furthermore, the study proved the robustness of extended TAM in the area of healthcare. Lastly, this paper is among the few papers in the Indian context that assessed the adoption of dietary and fitness mobile apps.