bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-read RNA sequencing reveals widespread sex-specific alternative splicing in threespine stickleback fish
Authors: Naftaly Alice S. , Pau Shana , White Michael A.
Published: June 2021

Alternate isoforms are important contributors to phenotypic diversity across eukaryotes. Although short-read RNA-sequencing has increased our understanding of isoform diversity, it is challenging to accurately detect full-length transcripts, preventing the identification of many alternate isoforms. Long-read sequencing technologies have made it possible to sequence full-length alternative transcripts, accurately characterizing alternative splicing events, alternate transcription start and end sites, and differences in UTR regions. Here, we use Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) long-read RNA-sequencing (Iso-Seq) to examine the transcriptomes of five organs in threespine stickleback fish (Gasterosteus aculeatus), a widely used genetic model species. The threespine stickleback fish has a refined genome assembly in which gene annotations are based on short-read RNA sequencing and predictions from coding sequence of other species. This suggests some of the existing annotations may be inaccurate or alternative transcripts may not be fully characterized. Using Iso-Seq we detected thousands of novel isoforms, indicating many isoforms are absent in the current Ensembl gene annotations. In addition, we refined many of the existing annotations within the genome. We noted many improperly positioned transcription start sites that were refined with long-read sequencing. The Iso-Seq-predicted transcription start sites were more accurate and verified through ATAC-seq. We also detected many alternative splicing events between sexes and across organs. We found a substantial number of genes in both somatic and gonadal samples that had sex-specific isoforms. Our study highlights the power of long-read sequencing to study the complexity of transcriptomes, greatly improving genomic resources for the threespine stickleback fish.
Possible novel features of synaptic regulation during long-term facilitation in Aplysia
Authors: Jin Iksung , Kassabov Stefan , Kandel Eric R. , Hawkins Robert D.
Published: June 2021

Most studies of molecular mechanisms of synaptic plasticity have focused on the sequence of changes either at individual synapses or in the cell nucleus. However, studies of long-term facilitation at Aplysia sensory neuron–motor neuron synapses in isolated cell culture suggest two additional features of facilitation. First, that there is also regulation of the number of synaptic contacts between two neurons, which may occur at the level of cell pair-specific branch points in the neuronal arbor. Branch points contain many molecules that are involved in protein synthesis-dependent long-term facilitation including neurotrophins and the RNA binding protein CPEB. Second, the regulation involves homeostatic feedback and tends to keep the total number of contacts between two neurons at a fairly constant level both at rest and following facilitation. That raises the question of how facilitation and homeostasis can coexist. A possible answer is suggested by the findings that they both involve spontaneous transmission and postsynaptic Ca2+, which can have bidirectional effects similar to LTP and LTD in hippocampus. In addition, long-term facilitation can involve a change in the set point of homeostasis, which could be encoded by plasticity molecules such as CPEB and/or PKM. A computational model based on these ideas can qualitatively simulate the basic features of both facilitation and homeostasis of the number of contacts.
Effect of aging differs for memory of object identity and object position within a spatial context
Authors: Tran Tammy , Tobin Kaitlyn E. , Block Sophia H. , Puliyadi Vyash , Gallagher Michela , Bakker Arnold
Published: June 2021

There has been considerable focus on investigating age-related memory changes in cognitively healthy older adults, in the absence of neurodegenerative disorders. Previous studies have reported age-related domain-specific changes in older adults, showing increased difficulty encoding and processing object information but minimal to no impairment in processing spatial information compared with younger adults. However, few of these studies have examined age-related changes in the encoding of concurrently presented object and spatial stimuli, specifically the integration of both spatial and nonspatial (object) information. To more closely resemble real-life memory encoding and the integration of both spatial and nonspatial information, the current study developed a new experimental paradigm with novel environments that allowed for the placement of different objects in different positions within the environment. The results show that older adults have decreased performance in recognizing changes of the object position within the spatial context but no significant differences in recognizing changes in the identity of the object within the spatial context compared with younger adults. These findings suggest there may be potential age-related differences in the mechanisms underlying the representations of complex environments and furthermore, the integration of spatial and nonspatial information may be differentially processed relative to independent and isolated representations of object and spatial information.
Pyridinium 3-nitrobenzoate–3-nitrobenzoic acid (1/1)
Authors: Howarth Alexis , Barbosa Tony J. , Zeller Matthias , Hillesheim Patrick C.
Published: June 2021

The crystal structure of the product of the neutralization reaction between 3-nitrobenzoic acid and pyridine is reported. The entities that crystallized are a pyridinium cation, a 3-nitrobenzoate anion and a 3-nitrobenzoic acid molecule in a 1:1:1 molar ratio, C5H6N+·C7H4NO4
−·C7H5NO4. Distinct sets of hydrogen bonds link the pyridinium and benzoate ions (N—H...O) and the acid and benzoate moieties (O—H...O). The hydrogen bonding along with π–π stacking between the acid and benzoate moieties accounts for the long-range ordering of the crystal.
Revisiting the service recovery paradox in the restaurant industry
Authors: Kim Jong-Hyeong , Du Wenxuan , Youn Hyewon
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The service recovery paradox (SRP) refers to a particular effect whereby an excellent recovery can turn angry and frustrated customers into loyal ones. Researchers who have studied the SRP have reported mixed findings, with some providing evidence in its support and others not finding any such evidence. To address this discrepancy, this study aims to investigate the SRP.

Design/methodology/approach

This study re-examined the phenomenon of the SRP with a field study and provided further evidence in a subsequent experimental study in which the failure and recovery conditions were carefully manipulated.

Findings

The results of this study suggest that the SRP was observed in neither the field study nor the scenario experiment.

Practical implications

This study can influence the current service management of restaurants with regard to service failures in several ways.

Originality/value

This research is a pioneering effort to examine the SRP by conducting both a field study and a scenario experiment.
An institutional approach to the development of business angel networks in Latin American emerging countries
Authors: Martins Izaias , Romaní Gianni , Atienza Miguel
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to analyze the development of business angel networks (BANs) in emerging countries such as Chile and Colombia to understand how institutions affect their development.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive study based on a comparative analysis between countries, with the BANs in Chile and Colombia as the unit of observation. The comparative analysis was made in relation with the creation, operation and sustainability of the BANs. The study interviews the partners/managers of the active networks in each of the countries, as well as key informants, totalling 12 interviews.

Findings

BAN activity in Chile and Colombia is quite recent, and the countries are on a similar level of development. However, in the long term, depending on how the cultural aspects evolve in both countries and the interest that the State may have in developing business angel activity, the results could be indeed different.

Originality/value

Business angel activity in Latin America is quite recent; nevertheless, this activity is increasing in the region. In that sense, this comparative analysis between Colombia and Chile contributes to a better understanding of business angel markets in Latin America and also to obtain better insights into the core challenges that these markets face in emerging countries due to the existence of institutional voids. This paper is a contribution for further knowledge of BANs in emerging countries’ economies from an institutional perspective.
Topological sensitivity analysis with respect to a small idealized bolt
Authors: Rakotondrainibe Lalaina , Allaire Grégoire , Orval Patrick
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This paper is devoted to the theoretical and numerical study of a new topological sensitivity concerning the insertion of a small bolt connecting two parts in a mechanical structure. First, an idealized model of bolt is proposed which relies on a non-local interaction between the two ends of the bolt (head and threads) and possibly featuring a pre-stressed state. Second, a formula for the topological sensitivity of such an idealized bolt is rigorously derived for a large class of objective functions. Third, numerical tests are performed in 2D and 3D to assess the efficiency of the bolt topological sensitivity in the case of no pre-stress. In particular, the placement of bolts (acting then as springs) is coupled to the further optimization of their location and to the shape and topology of the structure for volume minimization under compliance constraint.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology relies on the adjoint method and the variational formulation of the linearized elasticity equations in order to establish the topological sensitivity.

Findings

The numerical results prove the influence of the number and locations of the bolts which strongly influence the final optimized design of the structure.

Originality/value

This paper is the first one to study the topology optimization of bolted systems without a fixed prescribed number of bolts.
Knowledge base, technology gap and technology development speed in technological catch-up: innovation choice for China's knowledge-intensive enterprises (KIEs)
Authors: Zhang Zhengyi , Jin Jun , Wen Ting , Chen Zan
Published: June 2021

Purpose

With the fierce competition in a knowledge economy, knowledge-intensive enterprises (KIEs) make technological progress in their catching-up processes through implementing product innovation and process innovation. In this study, the aim is to understand the determinants of enterprise innovation type in China's catch-up environment. Further, this paper intends to deal with two related questions. First, what effect does the internal knowledge base have on KIEs' technology innovation activities? Second, considering the technology gap and technology development speed, what are the different impacts of the knowledge base on the type of technology innovation activities?

Design/methodology/approach

This paper collected data from 212 KIEs in China through a two-stage questionnaire survey, combined with statistical data for research. The hypothesis was tested by regression analysis. Specifically, descriptive statistics and regression analysis are introduced to test the hypothetical relationship between the knowledge base and technology innovation. Meanwhile, multiple regression is used to test whether there is any difference in the influence of technology gap and technology development speed on enterprise knowledge base and technology innovation. Finally, the corresponding robustness tests are done.

Findings

This study finds that in a sample of Yangtze River Delta KIEs, firms' knowledge base influences innovation types. Specifically, the knowledge base width (KBW) and knowledge base depth (KBD) positively influence process innovation, and KBD positively affects product innovation. Regarding the effects of catch-up context factors on KIEs’ innovation choice, a wide technology gap tends to positively influence product innovation in industries with high levels of KBW. Moreover, when technology development speed is high, its potential positive influence on process innovation will be more significant for industries with deeper knowledge bases.

Originality/value

This paper fills the research gap that existing studies ignore the relationship between types of technology innovation and knowledge base dimensions, especially for KIEs. First, this paper deepens the understanding of the impact mechanism of KIEs' existing knowledge base on innovation activities; the unique use of resources by enterprises is the basis of enterprises' competitive advantage and will become enterprises' competitive advantage. Second, this study indicates that against different backdrops of technology gap and technology development speed, enterprises with different knowledge bases will adopt different types of technology innovation activities. Third, this paper shows that a wider technology gap provides broader innovation space, so the technology gap plays a pulling role in KBW and product innovation, thus pushing forward enterprises' technological catch-up.
A hierarchal model of coding knowledge towards facilitating knowledge transfer in organizations
Authors: Valmohammadi Changiz , Rahmani Farzaneh
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to present a hierarchal and operational model of coding knowledge towards facilitating the transformation of knowledge in organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology used, is based on collaborative participation in knowledge coding that is widely used in large settings such as Wikipedia.

Findings

Knowledge coding means the transfer of knowledge into a model which can be stored and shared. According to this definition, Knowledge can be accepted as a set of facts and the relationships among them. Through the suggested hierarchical model, primarily facts and initial entities are determined and knowledge record begins with the start of recording routines. In general, each routine is made up of simpler routines and facts. Thus the final model, which is a set of compound and complicated routines, can encode different levels of knowledge with different complexities. The suggested model in the explained processes is a conceptual model and a descriptive model in explaining facts.

Research limitations/implications

Due to high-level programming expertise, in this paper, only the method of implementation of the proposed operational model has been explained. The proposed method maintains various advantages such as applicability, comprehensibility by different people in an organization, the possibility of knowledge coding at different levels, supporting abstract concepts besides operational ones and finally the possibility of implementing it by existing tools.

Practical implications

The suggested model can be used for a variety of needs. For instance, in this paper, the first modelling example referred to a software concept, while the other referred to the implementation of an organizational process. Due to a hierarchy in describing knowledge, the suggested model can be used by any user with any level of knowledge (either user or registrar).

Social implications

This method can create a change in social media and make it possible for anyone in any society with any level of information to share their knowledge at their own level and use the knowledge of others at the same level.

Originality/value

The strength of the proposed model stems from its hierarchical nature which is considered for knowledge coding at different levels and includes advantages such as comprehensibility for different people in an organization, the possibility of knowledge coding at different levels and supporting abstract concepts in addition to operational ones.
Rice farm income diversification in Ghana and implications on household consumption expenditure
Authors: Amfo Bismark , Osei Mensah James , Ali Ernest Baba , Dagunga Gilbert , Etuah Seth , Aidoo Robert
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This study investigates implications of crop and income diversifications on consumption expenditure (welfare) of rice-producing households in Ghana. It further compares diversification by three rice production systems: two-season rain-fed, two-season irrigated and one-season rain-fed rice production.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data were sourced from 225 rice farmers. Margalef index and three-stage least-squares were employed.

Findings

Majority of rice-farming households in Ghana diversify livelihoods. The extent of livelihood diversification differs among two-season rain-fed, two-season irrigated and one-season rain-fed rice-producing households. Credit, distance to district capitals, production purpose and number of farming seasons influence crop and income diversifications, and consumption expenditure of rice-producing households. While crop diversification reduces consumption expenditure, income diversification increases it. Crop and income diversifications positively influence each other. Consumption expenditure reduces crop diversification but increases income diversification.

Practical implications

Policy should be directed towards the promotion of more livelihood activities to boost rice farmers' welfare. There should be awareness creation and training programmes to enable rice farmers realize different economic activities within and outside the agricultural value chain.

Originality/value

Crop and income diversifications were measured as continuous response variables, unlike previous studies that used a binary response variable. The authors established a synergy among crop and income diversifications, and consumption expenditure (welfare). The authors further compared crop and income diversifications by three rice production systems: two-season rain-fed, two-season irrigated and one-season rain-fed rice production systems.
A framework for integrating sustainable development concepts into the chemistry curriculum towards achieving education for sustainable development in Malaysia
Authors: Kanapathy Suganty , Lee Khai Ern , Mokhtar Mazlin , Syed Zakaria Sharifah Zarina , Sivapalan Subarna
Published: June 2021

Purpose

In Malaysia, research indicates that there is an interest amongst the stakeholders, namely, administrators and academicians to be engaged in education for sustainable development (SD), but it is rarely implemented as a part of the higher education curriculum due to various barriers. This paper aims to develop a framework for integrating SD concepts into the chemistry curriculum, using a case study approach.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was conducted at a local university located in Selangor, Malaysia, offering a foundation programme to students between 17 to 18 years of age. Data was collected using a qualitative approach that involved 12 experts as informants. The collected data was analysed via three coding stages, namely, open coding, category coding and thematic encoding using Atlas.ti 7.0 software.

Findings

The research revealed that six aspects contribute to the integration of SD concepts into the chemistry curriculum, namely, educational policy, awareness, resources, curriculum, pedagogical approach and stakeholders’ engagement. The proposed framework was formulated by considering these aspects.

Originality/value

The findings of this study can be used as a guide to facilitate the integration of SD concepts into the chemistry curriculum. It is expected to encourage the involvement of more teachers in adopting sustainable chemistry teaching.
Promoting recycling, reducing and reusing in the School of Design: a step toward improving sustainability literacy
Authors: Lee Seyeon , Manfredi Louise R.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to explore systematic strategies implemented at the School of Design, X University, to use materials more sustainably and responsibly in the design studios.

Design/methodology/approach

Printing and prototype fabrication are a vital facet of design education. These physical products which consume vast quantities of materials are key to evaluating ideas, and for training students to effectively communicate design intent to their professors and future clients. Despite the University’s initiatives for campus-wide sustainability efforts, waste generated from repeated design iteration is still a big problem in studio culture.

Findings

This effort between faculty, staff and students has initiated a sustained conversation about the excessive landfill waste generated by projects undertaken. Together, this paper aims to find ways in which the outcomes could be self-sustaining.

Originality/value

This research would be beneficial to anyone who plans to raise awareness and understanding of institutional waste management strategies at the university level.
Motivations as predictive variables of satisfaction and loyalty in coastal and marine destinations: a study in Acapulco, Mexico
Authors: Solis-Radilla María Magdalena , Carvache-Franco Mauricio , Carvache-Franco Orly , Carvache-Franco Wilmer
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to find the underlying variables of travel motivations associated with a coastal and marine destination, and the motivations that predict satisfaction and the intention to return and recommend a destination, as loyalty variables.

Design/methodology/approach

Coastal and marine destinations are highly visited by travelers for their variety of tourist activities. Motivation is one of the crucial aspects to understand visitors’ behavior in these tourist places. This in situ research was conducted in Acapulco, a major tourist destination in Mexico. The 441 questionnaires gathered were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and the stepwise multiple regression method.

Findings

The results show six underlying variables or motivational factors: heritage and nature, learning, sun and beach and physical activities, authentic coastal experience, social interaction and novelty. The “novelty” dimension is the most important and influential predictor of satisfaction and loyalty, followed by “social interaction” and “learning.”

Research limitations/implications

Timing was the main limitation of the present study, considering that the survey was administered in March and April, and the demand could vary in different seasons. The findings will contribute to academic literature and will offer valuable information to tourist destination planners.

Practical implications

Acapulco’s potential for coastal and marine tourism has been identified. This destination should organize activities related to the motivational factors found, for example, visits to museums, craft markets and walks can increase visitors’ “heritage and nature” motivations. Community visits can help to promote the “authentic coastal experience” dimension. Increasing the offer of water sports will better position the “sun & beach and physical activities” motivation. As “novelty” is the most predictive variable, activities that include the novelty component and related to beach festivals, coastal events, educational workshops, sports contests, parades, gastronomic activities and navigable tours should be carried out.

Social implications

The results will serve as management guides for the destination management organizations and as sources of information for the companies involved in marketing to develop products according to the demand found.

Originality/value

Until now, tourism studies have been carried out on the influence of motivations as predictive variables of satisfaction and loyalty in different types of destinations. However, research in coastal and marine destinations is scarce, representing a gap in the academic literature.
Tribiological behavior of modified phenolic resin composites for braking applications
Authors: Yusubov Fikrat
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of binder effect on tribological behavior of brake friction composite materials: a case study of phenolic resin modified by N-Methylaniline.

Design/methodology/approach

Four different friction materials have been fabricated by varying modified phenolic resin content. The samples were prepared by the conventional powder metallurgy methods following ball milling, mixing, pre-forming, hot pressing and post-curing processes. Thermogravimetric analysis was used to determination of the degradation mechanism of organic components and study of thermal stability of the samples. A friction test was carried out in dry conditions using a vertical tribometer. Analysis of worn surfaces was performed using a scanning electron microscope.

Findings

The experimental results revealed that the sample containing 25 Wt.% phenolic resin has good mechanical and thermal properties with stable friction characteristics.

Originality/value

This paper presents the effect of N-methylaniline modified phenolic resin on friction composites to improve tribological performance by its thermal properties.
Strategic IT-business alignment capability and organizational performance: roles of organizational agility and environmental factors
Authors: Panda Sukanya
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This study aims to test a model in which the effect of strategic information technology (IT)-business alignment capability (hereafter referred to as “strategic alignment”) on organizational performance is examined via the mediating role of organizational agility [studied as operational adjustment agility (OAA) and market capitalizing agility (MCA)] along with the moderating influence of environmental uncertainty.

Design/methodology/approach

The research uses survey data accumulated from 220 managers (IT and bank managers) working in the regional rural banks of Odisha, India. A structural equation modelling approach is used to investigate the strategic alignment-performance relationship.

Findings

The findings demonstrate the positive effect of strategic alignment on agility (studied as OAA and MCA). This paper finds the positive effects of strategic alignment and both OAA and MCA on organizational performance. The moderation analysis reveals that in an uncertain environment, strategic alignment has more impact on MCA than OAA. However, the test of mediation exhibits OAA as a more significant mediator promoting the strategic alignment-performance linkage, than MCA. This was further validated from the moderated-mediation analysis.

Originality/value

Although previous research studies (mostly conducted in the context of developed countries) have reported about the positive strategic alignment-agility-performance linkages, yet the literature is silent regarding the influence of external contingent factors on these relationships from a rural banking perspective in a developing country setting (such as India). The research extends the strategic alignment-agility-performance theories and provides empirical support for these unique associations in the context of rural banking in India and thereby, greatly contributes to the existing strategic alignment literature.
Customers’ purchasing behavior toward home-based SME products: evidence from UAE community
Authors: Alkaabi Khaula Abdulla
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore factors influencing customers’ purchasing behavior toward home-based small and medium enterprise (SME) products. Moreover, this study explores customer perception of home-based SME products and services, as assesses their satisfaction with the parking area layouts and delivery service systems of home-based SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

Relevant variables were drawn from the literature review. A well-structured, internet-based customer questionnaire was developed for this empirical study and sent to a targeted sample of 117 respondents. The statistical methodologies such as ranking scale analysis, analysis of variance and Pearson’s correlation were used to assess the gathered data using SPSS software.

Findings

The main findings revealed that 83% of the customers perceived the quality of home-based SME products and services as “at least good,” and that convenience was ranked as 21.1% with the most crucial factor for customers, which includes easy access, effective delivery and quicker processes. Moreover, the study reveals that approximately 50.4% of customers rated the parking area layouts as “at least good,” while 33.9% considered it dissatisfactory. The evidence from the correlation analysis indicates that consumers’ purchasing behavior correlates significantly with accessibility, ease of finding online shopping sites and availability of parking areas at a 95% significance level.

Research limitations/implications

The research findings will bring insights to SME owners and entrepreneurs to infer and fulfill customer expectations and achieve brand loyalty. However, research limitations include the relatively small sample size, as well as the study, focuses on home-based SMEs’ consumer behavior which cannot be generalized to other firm types.

Practical implications

This study provides useful information on the factors and issues influencing the purchasing behavior of customers toward home-based SME products in the UAE. Understanding of SMEs owners of customer experience would facilitate planning adequate strategies addressing customers’ needs, behaviors, expectations and future opportunities. Also, logistic and delivery companies can further support SME’s growth by providing an efficient delivery experience taking into consideration the quality of product condition and duration of the delivery cycle.

Originality/value

Home-based SMEs are emerging as intrinsic to the economic diversification process, especially in fast-growing and ambitious countries such as the UAE. The research objectives have drawn a better understanding of consumers’ preferences, perceptions and purchasing behavior which would better facilitate the growth and sustainability of home-based SMEs based on the UAE context.
Combining the social cognitive career theory, contextual factors and entrepreneurship education programs in intention-based model: a tale of two diverse regions
Authors: Munir Hina , Ramzan Sidra , Wang Miao , Rasool Yasir , Sumbal Muhammad Saleem , Iqbal Asim
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Drawing on the entrepreneurial event model (EEM), entrepreneurship education programs (EEPs) and perceived contextual support (adapted from social cognitive career theory) and perceived contextual barriers, this study aims to unravel the differences in entrepreneurial activity among university students in higher education institutes in two diverse Asian countries.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a cross-sectional survey-based data collection technique using paper and electronic methods. The study analyzes data using descriptive statistics, principal component analysis, reliability analysis and logistic regression analysis via SPSS version 25.

Findings

The findings show the positive influence of perceived desirability and feasibility on entrepreneurial intentions; however, the stronger desirability was found among university students in China and stronger feasibility toward entrepreneurial intentions among Pakistani students. The study reveals the negative significant influence of EEPs on entrepreneurial intentions, and this finding is consistent across both samples. Furthermore, the findings show that university students in both countries show insignificant impact of perceived contextual support in predicting entrepreneurial intentions. Finally, the study confirms the negative influence of perceived barriers on entrepreneurial intentions in both contexts.

Originality/value

This study provides differences in entrepreneurial activity by combing EEM, EEPs, perceived contextual support and barriers in two diverse Asian countries, and to the best of author’s knowledge, no previous study considered these factors in a single framework. Furthermore, the findings of the study enrich existing literature and also provide policy recommendations for practitioners.
Applying the Fama and French three-factor model to analyze risk/reward in the Spanish REITs: an ARDL approach
Authors: Su Zhenyu , Taltavull Paloma
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse the risk and excess returns of the Spanish real estate investment trusts (S-REITs) using various methods, though focusing primarily on the Fama-French three-factor (FF3) model, over the period from 2007Q3 to 2017Q2.

Design/methodology/approach

The autoregressive distributed lag model is used for the empirical analysis to test long-term stable relationships between variables.

Findings

The findings indicate that the FF3 model is suitable for the S-REITs market, better explaining the S-REITs’ returns variation than the traditional single-index capital asset pricing model (CAPM) and the Carhart four-factor model. The empirical evidence is reasonably consistent with the FF3 model; the values for the market, size and value are highly statistically significant over the analysis period, with 68.7% variation in S-REITs’ returns explained by the model. In the long run, the market factor has less explanatory power than the size and value factors; the positive long-term multiplier of the size factor indicates that small S-REIT companies have higher returns, along with higher risk, while the negative multiplier of the value indicator suggests that S-REITs portfolios prefer to allocate growth REITs with low book-to-market ratios. The empirical findings from a modified FF3 model, which additionally incorporates Spain’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate, two consumer price index (CPI) macro-factors and three dummy variables, indicates that GDP growth rate and CPI also affect S-REITs’ yields, while investment funds with capital calls have a small influence on S-REITs’ returns.

Practical implications

The regression results of the standard and extended FF3 model can help researchers understand S-REITs’ risk and return through a general stock pattern. Potential investors are given more information to consider the new Spanish investment vehicle before making a decision.

Originality/value

The paper uses standard techniques but applies them for the first time to the S-REIT market.
Modelling Muslims’ revisit intention of non-halal certified restaurants in Malaysia
Authors: Halimi Firdaus Firdaus , Gabarre Serge , Rahi Samar , Al-Gasawneh Jassim Ahmad , Ngah Abdul Hafaz
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to extend the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to identify the factors influencing Muslim customers’ intention to revisit non-halal certified restaurants.

Design/methodology/approach

A purposive sampling method was applied. Self-administered survey questionnaires were distributed around shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, the Northern region and the East Coast of Malaysia. From 601 questionnaires collected, only 578 questionnaires were satisfactory. SMART-PLS 3.3.2. was used to analyse the data for this study using a structural equation modelling approach.

Findings

The findings confirmed that price fairness and food quality positively influenced attitude perceived behavioural control and food quality affecting the customers’ intention to revisit non-halal certified restaurants. Subjective norm was found to be an insignificant factor towards revisit intention. In addition, the attitude was found to mediate the relationship between price fairness and revisit intention and between food quality and revisit intention. Trust was highlighted as moderating the relationship between attitude and revisit intention.

Practical implications

The findings of this study will primarily benefit food premises, whether halal-certified or otherwise.

Originality/value

The study extends the TPB with food quality and price fairness to identify the factors of revisit intention for the non-halal certified restaurant among Muslim consumers in Malaysia. The study shows the mediating effects of attitude for the relationship between food quality and price fairness towards revisit intention. On top of that, the study also included the moderating effect of trust on the TPB. The findings also enrich the literature on the non-halal certified context.
Impact of Muslim decision-making style and religiosity on intention to purchasing certified halal food
Authors: Usman Hardius , Chairy Chairy , Projo Nucke Widowati Kusumo
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to: build Muslim consumer decision-making style (MCDMS); analyze the influence of the consumer decision-making style on Muslim behavior to buy halal certified food; analyze the impact of religiosity on Muslim behavior in buying halal-certified food and study the role of religiosity in the relationship between MCDMS and Muslim behavior in buying halal certified food.

Design/methodology/approach

This study’s target population is the Muslim Indonesian population age at least 18 years old. The self-administered survey method is carried out based on convenience and snowball sampling techniques and the questionnaire is distributed online. This study collects data from 396 Muslim respondents in Indonesia through an online survey. Factor analysis and regression with interaction variables are applied to test the research hypothesis statistically.

Findings

This study reveals several results: MCDMS produces 10 dimensions; halal consciousness is an important dimension; the perfectionist/high-quality conscious and price-conscious, has a significant negative effect on the intention to buy halal-certified food; the halal consciousness and the recreational/hedonic conscious have a significant positive effect on the intention to buy halal certified food; religiosity has a significant positive impact directly on the intention to purchase halal-certified food; Religiosity positively moderates the impact of a perfectionist/high-quality conscious and price-conscious on the intention to buy halal-certified food.

Originality/value

This paper will build an MCDMS by adding the dimensions of halal consciousness. The author has not found literature about MCDMS. This research will also study the impact of MCDMS and religiosity on the intention to buy halal-certified food, as well as will study the role of religiosity in relationships between Muslim decision-making styles and intention to buy halal-certified food. Similar research is still very limited in marketing literature.
Customer behaviour towards halal food: a systematic review and agenda for future research
Authors: Iranmanesh Mohammad , Senali Madugoda Gunaratnege , Ghobakhloo Morteza , Nikbin Davoud , Abbasi Ghazanfar Ali
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The halal food market is a large and fast-growing market. To maintain and boost the growth of the halal food industry, scholars have attempted to understand the behaviour of Muslims and non-Muslims towards halal food. To advance understating of previous studies on behaviour towards halal food and shedding light on future studies, this study aims to systematically review the literature.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 985 peer-reviewed papers was extracted from Scopus and Web of Science databases. A total of 96 articles related to customers' behaviour towards halal food by reviewing the titles, abstracts and contents of the extracted articles were identified and reviewed.

Findings

This study illustrates: (i) various research designs and methodology used in halal food context, (ii) theories that researchers used to explain customer behaviour towards halal food, (iii) most tested behaviours and (iv) determinants of customer behaviour towards halal food.

Originality/value

The findings provide deep insights into the current state of halal food literature. This paper highlights many gaps in the literature and suggests directions for future studies to advance the understanding of customer behaviour towards halal food. This study will help researchers to identify the new dimensions of research and contribute to the literature.
Enhancing innovative work behaviour: the role of servant leadership and creative self-efficacy
Authors: Ghulam Jan Ghulam Jan , Zainal Siti Rohaida Mohamed , Lata Lata
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the influence of an emerging and idealized leadership style in hospitality research such as servant leadership on employees’ innovative work behavior (IWB) via creative self-efficacy. This study also aims to investigate the moderating role of knowledge sharing between creative self-efficacy and IWB.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from employees working in four- and five-star hotels in Pakistan. Partial least square-structural equation modeling via Smart PLS was used for data analysis.

Findings

Findings of the study reported the significant mediating effect of creative self-efficacy beliefs between servant leadership and IWB. Furthermore, the relationship between creative self-efficacy and IWB was strengthened to the extent that knowledge sharing among employees in the hotel firms was high.

Practical implications

Practitioners looking to enhance creative self-efficacy and IWB can do so by developing the servant leadership qualities of managers.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature by showing creative self-efficacy as a crucial mediating mechanism through which servant leadership enhances employees’ IWB in the hospitality industry. Moreover, the findings add understanding in the body of knowledge that knowledge sharing among members in hospitality firms play boundary condition in the creative self-efficacy-IWB linkage.
Development and characterization of epoxy resin composite reinforced with bamboo fiber and bagasse as filler
Authors: Sukumar Nachiappan , Bayeleyegn Mekonnen , Aruna Sampath
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Recently, composites have concerned considerable importance as a potential operational material. Lots of work have been carried out to enhance the mechanical properties of composites. The main aim of this paper is to develop bamboo mat as reinforcing material with bagasse fiber as filler using epoxy resin matrix composite.

Design/methodology/approach

In this research, the effect of fiber surface treatments on mechanical properties of epoxy resin composite with bagasse as filler has been developed and investigated. The extracted bamboo fibers were treated with NaOH to improve the surface roughness fiber. Using treated and untreated bamboo fiber handwoven mat has been produced to be used as reinforcement and bagasse fiber has been converted into powder to be filled as filler. Composite material is fabricated using bamboo fiber and bagasse fiber as filler with epoxy resin as a matrix using hand layup technique.

Findings

Then, tensile, flexural and compressive strength and water absorption tests were conducted on sodium hydroxide treated and untreated fiber composites. The test results comparing with and without alkali treated composites show that there was significant change in their strength and water absorption properties on alkali treated fiber.

Originality/value

This study is an original research paper.
On the effect of irradiance on dimensional accuracy in multijet fusion additive manufacturing
Authors: Mele Mattia , Campana Giampaolo , Monti Gian Luca
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The amount of radiated energy is known to be a crucial parameter in powder-bed additive manufacturing (AM) processes. The role of irradiance in the multijet fusion (MJF) process has not been addressed by any previous research, despite the key role of this process in the AM industry. The aim of this paper is to explore the relationship between irradiance and dimensional accuracy in MJF.

Design/methodology/approach

An experimental activity was carried out to map the relationship between irradiance and dimensional accuracy in the MJF transformation of polyamide 12. Two specimens were used to measure the dimensional accuracy on medium and small sizes. The experiment was run using six different levels of irradiance. For each, the crystallinity degree and part density were measured.

Findings

Irradiance was found to be directly proportional to part density and inversely proportional to crystallinity degree. Higher irradiance leads to an increase in the measured dimensions of parts. This highlights a predominant role of the crystallisation degree and uncontrolled peripherical sintering, in line with the previous literature on other powder-bed AM processes. The results demonstrate that different trends can be observed according to the range of sizes.
Exploring relationship between crude oil price volatility and stock indices movement using wavelet analysis: evidence from India and China
Authors: Mishra Shekhar , Debasish Sathya Swaroop
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This study aims to explore the linkage between fluctuations in the global crude oil price and equity market in fast emerging economies of India and China.

Design/methodology/approach

The present research uses wavelet decomposition and maximal overlap discrete wavelet transform (MODWT), which decompose the time series into various frequencies of short, medium and long-term nature. The paper further uses continuous and cross wavelet transform to analyze the variance among the variables and wavelet coherence analysis and wavelet-based Granger causality analysis to examine the direction of causality between the variables.

Findings

The continuous wavelet transform indicates strong variance in WTIR (return series of West Texas Instrument crude oil price) in short, medium and long run at various time periods. The variance in CNX Nifty is observed in the short and medium run at various time periods. The Chinese stock index, i.e. SCIR, experiences very little variance in short run and significant variance in the long and medium run. The causality between the changes in crude oil price and CNX Nifty is insignificant and there exists a bi-directional causality between global crude oil price fluctuations and the Chinese equity market.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, very limited work has been done where the researchers have analyzed the linkage between the equity market and crude oil price fluctuations under the framework of discrete wavelet transform, which overlooks the bottleneck of non-stationarity nature of the time series. To bridge this gap, the present research uses wavelet decomposition and MODWT, which decompose the time series into various frequencies of short, medium and long-term nature.