bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Entry and exit affordability of shared equity homeownership: an international comparison
Authors: Cheung Ka Shing , Wong Siu Kei
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Shared equity homeownership is a form of subsidised, resale-restricted housing through which lower-income households can sustain their affordability. This paper aims to distinguish two types of affordability within shared equity homeownership: “entry affordability” indicates how affordable subsidised housing is when a household first becomes a subsidised owner; while “exit affordability” means how affordable private housing is after a household has enjoyed subsidised homeownership for a period of time.

Design/methodology/approach

Using price-to-income ratios, this study compares the entry and exit affordability of shared equity homeownership programs in Australia, Mainland China, Hong Kong, Norway, the UK and the USA. Based on these international comparisons, this study generalises two distinct types of shared equity homeownership models, namely, the models of “share-to-buy” and “share forever”. A new model, “follow-as-you-go”, is further suggested to increase the elasticity of potential affordable housing supply by providing incentives for existing subsidised homeowners to move.

Findings

A key finding of this study is that while shared equity homeownership programs can improve entry affordability, homeowners’ exit affordability is weak when subsidised homeowners have to share their capital gain with the government. While many housing policy discussions around the world that support shared equity homeownership focus only on the improvement of entry affordability, these discussions usually ignore the importance of exit affordability. This study attempts to fill the void in the understanding of these two types of affordability.

Originality/value

Shared equity homeownership policy is not only about offering low-income households but also an affordable housing option. It is also about facilitating well-off subsidised homeowners to move up the housing ladder so that the affordable housing option can be freed up for others in need. In a word, it is not only entry affordability but also exit affordability that matters.
Determinants of bank shareholder value: evidence from GCC countries
Authors: Saif-Alyousfi Abdulazeez Y.H.
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of bank specific, financial structure and macroeconomic factors on the shareholder value of banks in GCC economies during 2000–2017.

Design/methodology/approach

To estimate the model and analyze the data collected from the BankScope and World Bank World Development Indicator database, the author uses static panel estimation techniques as well as two-step difference and system dynamic generalized method of moments estimator.

Findings

The results show that banks that are highly dependent on non-traditional activities have higher shareholder value. Higher opportunity cost, capitalization and demand deposits result in a better bank shareholder value. Furthermore, banks with higher loan exposure and growth have better shareholder value. Non-performing loans and market risk have insignificant effects on bank shareholder value. However, GCC banks suffer from diseconomies of scale and scope. The author also finds that banks located in countries with high inflation rates, high rates of interest or in financially developed economies offer better shareholder value. High credit to the private sector reduces the bank shareholder value. The paper also provides evidence that the impact of financial turmoil on the shareholder value of the GCC banking sector is negative and significant and has severely weakened the GCC banking system.

Practical implications

The results of this study necessitate formulation of various policy measures that can counter the effects of shareholder value of banks.

Originality/value

The present study is among the first to address the influence of financial turmoil on bank shareholder value. It also studies new variables, such as demand deposits, non-performing loans, loan growth, non-interest revenue and off-balance sheet activities, which have not been examined in relation to bank shareholder value. It also applies both static techniques and dynamic panel estimation techniques to analyze the data. The analysis is carried out at the aggregate level as well as at the national level and also provides several robustness analyses using various model specifications.
Economic analysis of using green accounting and environmental accounting to identify environmental costs and sustainability indicators
Authors: Rounaghi Mohammad Mahdi
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Manufacturing and service companies are likely to make a variety of costs possible. Environmental costs are one of those costs. Environmental performance is one of the most important factors in assessing a company’s success. For environmental accounting, companies need to work together as teams of system designers, chemists, engineers, production managers, operators, employees, purchasing circle and accountants (those who may have never worked together before).

Design/methodology/approach

Nowadays, most of the companies are facing environmental issues and are seeking an appropriate way to report and disclose the information to the public. The environmental pollution issue is among the most important problems of today’s human society. Therefore, this is very important to use environmental accounting as an attempt towards protecting the environment.

Findings

Green accounting is a type of accounting that attempts to factor environmental costs into the financial results of operations. Apart from answering the question whether the economy has performed sustainably during one or more accounting periods, green accounting indicators [green gross domestic product (GDP)] can be used in policy formulation and evaluation. Green GDP calculations can contribute to raise awareness for sustainability concerns among national governments/policy-makers, who tend to concentrate on their countries’ fast economic development.

Practical implications

Environmental accounting can be applied to large and small companies in various industries, as well as in manufacturing or service sectors. Environmental accounting can be applied on a large or a smaller scale in a systematic manner for the required bases.

Social implications

Environmental accounting requires the collection of information from all the groups. People of various groups need to talk to each other to achieve a common vision and understanding of environmental accounting and to realize this vision.

Originality/value

Undoubtedly, to establish an ideal system of environmental accounting in the country, accountants can become a powerful forearm of the government regarding economical and financial controls. To achieve this goal, environmental accounting objectives and tasks should be identified and defined in detail, and the standards, rules and criteria should be grounded and codified based on reasonable and practical principles.
Service quality, perceived value and behavioral intentions among highly and lowly identified baseball consumers across nations
Authors: Ma Shang Chun , Kaplanidou Kyriaki
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand how team identification and country influence professional baseball team spectators’ evaluations of service quality factors, perceived value and future behavioral intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected online from sports consumers of the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL) in Taiwan (n = 600) and Major League Baseball in the USA (n = 460). A regression-based estimation method (PROCESS) and structural equation modeling approach were used to assess the relationships.

Findings

Both direct and indirect (via perceived value) effects of most service quality factors (schedule convenience, economic consideration, game amenities, ticket service and venue quality) on behavioral intentions are stronger for lowly than for highly identified CPBL fans. The indirect effect of home team on behavioral intentions is stronger for the lowly identified CPBL fans. The direct effect of game amenities and the indirect effect of venue quality (via perceived value) on behavioral intentions are stronger for the highly identified MLB fans. The indirect effect of opposing team and economic consideration is stronger for the lowly identified MLB fans. The positive relationship between venue quality and perceived value is stronger for the USA than for Taiwan fans. The relationships between game amenities and perceived value and between perceived value and behavioral intention are perceived to be invariant between fans from the two countries. Taiwan fans’ behavioral intentions tend to be directly and indirectly affected by service quality factors, whereas US fans’ behavioral intentions tend to be indirectly affected by service quality factors.

Originality/value

The study provides empirical evidence of the moderating role of team identification associated with the relationships between separate service quality factors, perceived value and behavioral intentions among consumers of a professional spectator sports in two different countries.
Alike but different: four ancient capitals in china and their destination images
Authors: Wang Fang , Lu Lijun , Xu Lu , Wu Bihu , Wu Ying
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Tourists’ destination image is crucial for visiting intentions. An ancient capital with diverse characteristics is an important component of China’s urban tourism. The purpose of this paper is to address the following questions: what are the differences and commonalities of the perceived destination image of ancient capitals? What makes the difference of the perceived destination image in these cities? Aside from the exterior factors, are there internal factors of cities that influence tourists’ cognition and perception of destination image?

Design/methodology/approach

The comment text data of Baidu tourism website were used to determine the differences in the destination images of China’s four great ancient capitals: Beijing, Xi’an, Nanjing and Luoyang. ROST content mining and semantic network analysis were for differences and commonalities of the perceived destination image, and correlation analysis was used to explore the internal factors of cities that influence tourists’ cognition and perception of destination image.

Findings

Though the same as ancient capital, the four ancient capitals’ images are far apart; historical interests are the core of tourism experience in ancient capital city; image perception is from physical carrier, history and culture, and human cognition; tourist’ destination affect of ancient capital is most from its history and culture; protecting identity and maintaining daily life are crucial for ancient city tourism.

Originality/value

Previous studies on ancient capitals have focused on the invariable identity of ancient capitals’ destination images, and left a gap on determining from where the invariable identity comes in general and how much it influences destination image. This gap was addressed in this study, by analyzing the destination images of four ancient capitals in China as cases. In this way, this study provided reference to the other ancient cities worldwide.
Egypt’s perceived destination image and its impact on tourist’s future behavioural intentions
Authors: Ragab Hany , Mahrous Abeer A. , Ghoneim Ahmed
Published: September 2019

Purpose

There is a substantial body of the literature on the role of destination image in tourist’s future behavior, however, the majority of these studies were conducted in “Sun-and-Sand” destinations, and only a few studies have addressed this research topic in “Historical-and-Cultural” destinations context. The purpose of this paper is to fill this gap by investigating the impact of Egypt’s perceived destination image – as one of the most famous cultural and historical destinations in the global tourism arena – and tourist satisfaction on tourists’ future behavioral intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a mixed methodology (a combination of survey questionnaire based on a quota sample from 400 tourists, as well as semi-structured interviews with tourists from different nationalities). Data were analyzed using exploratory factor analyses, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results related to the impact of the perceived destination image are discussed. Also, some practical implications related to destination management organizations are highlighted.

Originality/value

The study contributes theoretically and empirically to destination image literature, by improving the understanding of the multi-dimensional nature of destination image and its impact on revisit intention and word-of-mouth recommendation. Also, it helps in guiding Egypt’s destination image management activities to rebuild Egypt’s image as a safe destination for all the world’s travelers.
Principal normal stress cavitation criterion for CFD analysis of loading capacity in journal bearings
Authors: Li Qiang , Zhang Shuo , Wang Yujun , Xu Wei-Wei , Wang Zengli , Wang Zhenbo
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Shear stresses have a considerable influence on the characteristics of lubricants and become significant at high rotating speeds. This study aims to investigate the influences of shear cavitation (SC) on loading capacity of journal bearings.

Design/methodology/approach

A principal normal stress cavitation criterion based on the stress applied to flowing lubricant in journal bearings is developed and used to investigate SC in journal bearings. A computational fluid dynamic (CFD) model for calculating the loading capacity is established using this criterion. After validation with experimental results, the loading capacity is calculated under different conditions.

Findings

The calculation results indicate that SC intensifies when viscosity, speed and eccentricity increase. Angle of loading capacity with SC is larger than that without SC. The magnitude of loading capacity with SC is smaller than that without SC due to the decrease in the ultimate pressure. In addition, the magnitude difference between the loading capacity with and without SC increases when viscosity, speed and eccentricity increases.

Originality/value

Present research can provide some guidance for calculating the loading capacity when a journal bearing is operating at high speed or with a high viscosity lubricant.
Physical and chemical indexes of synthetic base oils based on a wavelet neural network and genetic algorithm
Authors: Wang Guomin , Wu Yuanyuan , Jiang Haifu , Zhang Yanjie , Quan Jiarong , Huang Fuchuan
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to use the wavelet neural network and genetic algorithm to study the effects of polyalphaolefin, TMP108 and OCP0016 on the kinematic viscosity, viscosity index and pour point of lubricating oil.

Design/methodology/approach

Wavelet neural network is used to train the known samples, test the unknown samples and compare the obtained results with those obtained with a traditional empirical formula.

Findings

It is found that the wavelet neural network prediction value is closer to the experimental value than the traditional empirical formula calculation value.

Originality/value

The results show that the wavelet neural network can be used to study the physical and chemical indexes of lubricating oil.
The tribological properties of bulk Fe2B with pre-oxidation treatment at 750°C in air
Authors: Li Kemin , Huang Zhifu , Ma Hanwen , Wang Shaofei , Qin Chaofeng , Liu Pengcheng
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the tribological properties of bulk Fe2B with pre-oxidation treatment.

Design/methodology/approach

Bulk Fe2B was oxidized in an electric box furnace with a soaking time of 9 min under 750°C in air. Then, the tribological experiments were carried out on an UMT-Tribolab tester.

Findings

The oxide layer was composed of Fe, Fe2O3, Fe3O4, B2O3 and H3BO3. The oxidative direction of bulk Fe2B was perpendicular to the sample surface. But, the oxidative direction of Fe2B crystals was irregular. At 0.1 m/s, the friction coefficient was the lowest. The effects of shortening the running-in period of friction and reducing the friction coefficient by pre-oxidation treatment at 0.1 m/s were remarkable. Nevertheless, the effect of pre-oxidation treatment was futile at 0.2 m/s. Wear mechanisms of oxidized Fe2B mainly were adhesive and abrasive wear.

Originality/value

The effects of shortening the running-in period of friction and reducing the friction coefficient by pre-oxidation treatment were remarkable.
A method designed for bionic air bearing based on the structure of long-eared owl wing
Authors: Gao Siyang , Sun Jianwei , Zhang Bangcheng
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to design a kind of air bearing which is based on bionics. Compare with ordinary air bearing, the air pressure consumption is reduced and energy is saved.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper puts forward a proposition that a bionic bearing structure is designed based on the bionics principle. First, the authors analyze the microstructure of the wings of long-eared owls and the structural mapping model is established. Second, the theoretical formula is derived through the model, and the structural parameters are optimized by sequence quadratic program (SQP). Lastly, the experimental model is made by 3D printing technology, and the experimental data are analyzed to verify the feasibility of the theory.

Findings

By comparing the experimental data, it can be seen that the air pressure of the original air bearing is reduced by 27 per cent, and the validity of the theory and design method is verified.

Originality/value

In this paper, a design method of air bearing based on bionic principle is presented, which can save the air pressure required for working of air bearing, and the structure of air bearing is expected to be applied in engineering.
On the lubrication characteristics of piston ring under different engine operation conditions
Authors: Sun Jun , Zhang Xiao , Zhu Jianxiong , Gao Yaming , Wang Hu , Zhao Xiaoyong , Teng Qin , Ren Yanping , Zhu Guixiang
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Currently, lubrication analysis of piston ring is generally done under engine rated operating condition. However, the engine (such as the vehicle engine) does not always operate in rated operating condition, and its operating condition changes frequently in actual use. In addition, the lubrication status of piston ring is generally assumed as the flooded lubrication or a certain form of poor lubrication in most of the lubrication analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, based on the equations about the flow rate of lubricating oil and the variation of control volume, the flow model of lubricating oil in the piston ring-cylinder liner conjunction is established. The lubrication analysis of piston ring for a four-stroke engine under different engine operating conditions is done, in which the lubricating oil at the inlet of piston ring is considered as the lubricating oil attached on the relevant location of cylinder wall after the piston ring moves over at the previous stroke.

Findings

There is remarkable difference for the lubrication characteristics of the piston ring under different engine operating conditions. The worst lubrication status of piston ring may not take place under engine rated operating condition.

Originality/value

In this paper, based on the measured engine cylinder pressure, the lubrication analysis of piston ring for a four-stroke engine under different engine operating conditions is done in which the lubricating oil supply condition at the inlet of piston ring is considered. The results of this paper are helpful for the design and research of engine piston ring-cylinder liner conjunction.
Outlook on organized retailing of perishable produce in India: cross-city comparison
Authors: Selvaraj Aravazhi , Nedumaran S. , Bose Disha , Padmanabhan Jyosthnaa , Pangiraj Yesudas , Sharma Kiran
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to estimate the market demand and compare the average market margins for six broad categories of fresh produce in different retail formats across five select cities of the country. It also tries to qualitatively understand the supply chain management practices of these retailers across cities.

Design/methodology/approach

Registered retail outlets were selected randomly from online sources. Market potential was estimated as the average sales of each category of fresh produce. Personal interviews were conducted with the market players in order to collect qualitative data about their supply chain management practices.

Findings

Potatoes, onions and tomatoes are the largest consumed category of fresh produce across cities. Consumers in Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities exhibit different buying behavior and preferences. Large retailers and small retailers coexist in the cities. Marketing margins of retail formats are not uniform across cities.

Research limitations/implications

The study did not capture the reasons for the differences observed in consumer preferences and buying behavior across cities. The study has taken into consideration only registered neighborhood stores in the study locations.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the paper is first of its kind which has attempted to estimate the categorywise market potential of fresh produce across study cities.
Effects of government supports and credits on Turkish agriculture
Authors: Koç Ahmet Ali , Yu T. Edward , Kıymaz Taylan , Sharma Bijay Prasad
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Domestic supports on Turkish agriculture have substantially increased over the past decade while empirical evaluation of their output impact is limited. Also, the existing literature often neglects potential spatial spillover effects of agricultural policies or subsidies. The purpose of this paper is to quantify the direct and spillover effects of Turkish agricultural domestic measures and agricultural credits use on the added agricultural value.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applied a spatial panel model incorporating spatial interactions among the dependent and explanatory variables to evaluate the impact of government support and credit on Turkish agricultural output. A provincial data set of agricultural output values, input factors and government subsidies from 2004 to 2014 was used to model the spatial spillover effects of government supports.

Findings

Results show that a one percent increase in agricultural credits in a given province leads to an average increase of 0.17 percent overall in agricultural value-added per hectare, including 0.05 percent from the direct effect and 0.12 percent from the spillover effect. Contrary to agricultural credits, a one percent increase in government supports in a province generates a mixed direct and spillover effects, resulting in an overall reduction of 0.13 percent in agricultural value-added per hectare in Turkey.

Research limitations/implications

This study could be extended by controlling for climate, biodiversity and investment factors to agricultural output in addition to input and policy factors if such data were available.

Originality/value

This study fills the gap in the literature by determining the total effect, including direct and spatial spillover effect, of domestic supports and credits on Turkish agricultural value. The findings provide crucial information to decision makers regarding the importance of incorporating spatial spillover effects in the design of agricultural policy.
Establishing thought leadership through social media in B2B settings: effects on customer relationship performance
Authors: Magno Francesca , Cassia Fabio
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Establishing thought leadership by disseminating relevant digital content through social media has become one of the main priorities for marketers in business-to-business (B2B) settings. However, academic research has only recently started to address this phenomenon. In particular, researchers have not yet examined whether and how thought leadership positively influences a firm’s relationship with its customers. This paper aims to propose and test a model to explain how a firm’s thought leadership improves its customer relationship performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional research design was applied using covariance-based structural equation modeling to estimate the suggested model. Data were collected from a sample of 160 firms in different industries that create and share content on social media.

Findings

Thought leadership on social media positively influences brand performance and, in turn, customer relationship performance in B2B settings. Moreover, establishing thought leadership on social media results from specific thought leadership capabilities and is supported by social media capabilities.

Research limitations/implications

This study advances knowledge on social media thought leadership in B2B settings by proposing and testing a model that combines available insights from three distinct but interrelated B2B streams of studies: branding, social media marketing and thought leadership. Moreover, this study conceptualizes the effects of thought leadership, which is consistent with the relational nature of B2B settings. In fact, it explores thought leadership as a means to maintain and strengthen business relationships. However, further studies are needed to explore detailed strategies that affect the effectiveness of thought leadership.

Practical implications

The results provide managers with evidence on the effectiveness of a thought leadership strategy. Establishing thought leadership on social media can help to nurture customer relationships over time. By sharing valuable content, suppliers can continuously demonstrate their cutting-edge competences and expertise, thus keeping their brand relevant to customers.

Originality/value

This is the first study to provide evidence of the benefits of social media thought leadership on customer relationships in B2B settings.
Homocide co-victims: confidence in the criminal justice system
Authors: Brown Elaine , Crego Jonathan
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address the phenomenology of family members of homicide victims; known as “co-victims”. In particular, co-victims experiences of the criminal justice system (CJS) in England and Wales.

Design/methodology/approach

In 2018, 10 kV methodology facilitated an electronic-focus group. Anonymously, volunteers from families of homicide victims responded to key questions in a session entitled “a conversation which matters: confidence”. The thematic analysis presents the responses to three questions around “what works” and “what does not” in CJS practice.

Findings

The responses indicate four themes in relation to confidence building: communication and information; outcome; honesty and fairness; and family support. Responses indicate three themes in relation to what the CJS does well: family liaison officers, homicide detectives and court services. Responses indicate three themes in relation to what is not working: court proceedings, police budget cuts and preventative interventions.

Research limitations/implications

The research considers benefits and limitations of methodology and makes suggestions for how these facets could be addressed by future research.

Practical implications

The research findings reveal good practice and points for attention to support confidence building in the CJS. Amongst other considerations, the work advances CJS practical good practice principles from the perspective of co-victims: education, interpersonal relations, working together, communication and justice.

Originality/value

Findings are of value to CJS policy makers, training and education for co-victim support, police and academics.
Investigating homicide offender typologies based on their clinical histories and crime scene behaviour patterns
Authors: Abreu Valeria , Barker Edward , Dickson Hannah , Husson Francois , Flynn Sandra , Shaw Jennifer
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify offender typologies based on aspects of the offenders’ psychopathology and their associations with crime scene behaviours using data derived from the National Confidential Enquiry into Suicide and Safety in Mental Health concerning homicides in England and Wales committed by offenders in contact with mental health services in the year preceding the offence (n=759).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used multiple correspondence analysis to investigate the interrelationships between the variables and hierarchical agglomerative clustering to identify offender typologies. Variables describing: the offenders’ mental health histories; the offenders’ mental state at the time of offence; characteristics useful for police investigations; and patterns of crime scene behaviours were included.

Findings

Results showed differences in the offenders’ histories in relation to their crime scene behaviours. Further, analyses revealed three homicide typologies: externalising, psychosis and depression.

Practical implications

These typologies may assist the police during homicide investigations by: furthering their understanding of the crime or likely suspect; offering insights into crime patterns; provide advice as to what an offender’s offence behaviour might signify about his/her mental health background. Findings suggest information concerning offender psychopathology may be useful for offender profiling purposes in cases of homicide offenders with schizophrenia, depression and comorbid diagnosis of personality disorder and alcohol/drug dependence.

Originality/value

Empirical studies with an emphasis on offender profiling have almost exclusively focussed on the inference of offender demographic characteristics. This study provides a first step in the exploration of offender psychopathology and its integration to the multivariate analysis of offence information for the purposes of investigative profiling of homicide by identifying the dominant patterns of mental illness within homicidal behaviour.
Supply chain management, national culture, and refugee network performance
Authors: Woldt Jason James , Prasad Sameer , Tata Jasmine
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the flow of refugees through the dual lens of supply chain management and national cultural values.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed model is first developed based upon an extensive literature review. The model is then applied to an example of migrants from Honduras traveling to the USA and those being repatriated back to Honduras.

Findings

The connection between national cultural values and elements of refugee supply chain management is identified in this research. The model examines four elements of refugee supply chain management (relationship continuity, partner involvement and development, inter-organizational communication, and network structure), and identifies the influence of these four elements on integrative and collaborative processes along the supply chain and, consequently, on the delivery of services to the refugees (refugee network performance).

Research limitations/implications

The model presented in this paper is tested using a single case and does not utilize an empirical methodology.

Practical implications

This research enables local municipalities and state entities along international migration paths to better manage their relationships with upstream/downstream players and improve refugee network performance by reducing transit time, lowering overall costs, ensuring the health and safety of the refugees, and identify eligible refugees (those likely to gain asylum) to support. Furthermore, the model provides specific recommendations for international Non-Governmental Organizations to help with the integrative and collaborative processes among the supply chain partners.

Originality/value

This research provides a unique perspective in examining the flow of refugees within the context of an international supply chain. The authors look at the critical players along refugee supply chains and develop a model that connects elements of refugee supply chain management with the cultural characteristics of nations.
“Corruption premium” on municipal borrowing cost: the case of Spanish Mayors
Authors: Bastida Francisco , Guillamón María-Dolores , Benito Bernardino , Ríos Ana-María
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of mayors’ corruption on the municipal interest rate set by lenders.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample consists of a panel data for all the Spanish cities with population over 50,000 for 2002–2013 (130 municipalities). In line with previous literature and the structure of the panel data, the authors use a generalized method of moments equation to the main model and three robustness checks.

Findings

The results, robust to different specifications, indicate that banks do not take mayors’ corruption as a significant risk component of the municipal solvency. The data show a “corruption premium” ranging from −1 to 33 basis points, which aligns with the size of the “corruption premium” found by the literature, but the significance is low. This finding is connected, on the one hand, with the rigid, thorough Spanish legal framework ruling municipal financial management, and on the other hand, with the characteristics of mayors’ corruption. Robust evidence shows that key financial indicators influence interest rates: current saving, with a strong influence, and level of indebtedness, to a lesser extent. Besides, more populated cities pay lower interest rates.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation stems from the calculation of interest rate, because but sharp debt changes may decrease the accuracy.

Practical implications

The data prove that banks value this surplus as a sign of solvency and set lower interest rates. Considering that this financial indicator is key for setting the interest rate, as a point for practitioners, current saving should be monitored by the municipal financial officer, as a way to reduce the financial cost. Besides, legislation should consider current saving as a benchmark to set balanced budget rules or to establish conditions for municipalities to get into greater indebtedness.

Originality/value

This is the first research on municipal interest rate premium due to corruption in Spain.
Understanding innovation through the vocational student work-placement experience
Authors: Smith Raymond , Hodge Steven
Published: September 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to report and discuss findings from the first exploratory phase of a research project that examined how and in what ways the practice of vocational student work-placement contributes to innovation in host organisations. The focus of the paper is on identifying and clarifying how innovation is understood in this context and outlines six different meanings of innovation variably used by those involved in the work-placement provision – vocational education students, training providers and host organisation staff. The paper suggests that these six meanings evidence the disparity of work-based understandings of innovation and the need to be more explicit and accurate about what the term means in specific work contexts if innovation is to be realised.

Design/methodology/approach

The qualitative first phase of the project interviewed 41 students, trainers and organisational staff about the nature of their work and learning practices and the kinds of changes and improvements to those practices that they experienced through the placement program. Through these interview conversations participants were asked to describe and explain their understandings and experiences of innovation in their work. The interviews were transcribed and thematically analysed.

Findings

Interview analysis gave rise to a set of six distinguishable meanings that operate as definitions of innovation. These six meanings highlight the range of meanings the term innovation carries within small business work-learning contexts and the need of those who promote and encourage innovation to be mindful of these various usages.

Research limitations/implications

The findings reported emerge from a small sample and are only one aspect of the overall project. Further larger scale research is needed.

Social implications

The term innovation should not be considered commonly understood and accepted by those who promote it and within workplaces and organisational practice. Clear, accurate and specific work context consideration of the term is needed.

Originality/value

The project reports the voices and understandings of those whose work and learning are foundational to the emergence and enactment of innovation in work. These voices are all too often seldom heard and heeded. The six meanings they articulate for innovation contrast markedly with typical innovation research literature.
Wearable computing in libraries – applications that meet the needs of users and librarians
Authors: Wójcik Magdalena
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The subject of this paper is wearable computing technology. The purpose of this paper is to determine its potential in libraries to meet the needs of both users and librarians. The specific goals include: description of the main features of wearable computing from the perspective of its potential usefulness in libraries; analysis of areas of wearable computing use in public institutions; discussion of the potential of wearable computing for library users; and discussion of the potential of wearable computing for librarians to determine its potential in libraries to meet the needs of users and librarians.

Design/methodology/approach

The method of subject literature overview was used. The state of research from the period 2008 to 2018 on the use of wearable computing in libraries was established based on a search of selected sources Web of Science, Scopus, Elsevier and Emerald databases and LISTA database.

Findings

Wearable computing can be used in many areas of library activities to serve the needs of users and librarians. In the context of services for users, wearable computing can be used, among others, to help users navigate the library, to provide resources in new and interesting forms, and in education and entertainment. For the needs of librarians, additional data provided via wearable devices can accelerate the process of cataloguing resources and increase motivation to work via gamification options and features that make it possible to measure personal work efficiency. Librarians can also use the data obtained wearable computing devices to more quickly track, identify, select and organize resources. As with users, librarians can also use wearable computing in their education.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is a viewpoint based on subject literature. It presents only a sketch of potential wearable computing applications in libraries. The aim of the paper is to initiate further discussion on the possibilities of using wearable devices to improve both services for users and internal library processes. The author’s hope is that the concepts presented here will be tested in practice by librarians, which will allow further development of research on this subject.

Practical implications

The results can be widely used in practice as a framework for the implementation of wearable computing solutions in libraries.

Social implications

The paper can help to facilitate the debate on the role of the implementation of new technologies in libraries.

Originality/value

The issue of the use of wearable computing has not yet been widely discussed in library and information science journals. In the very few publications on similar topics, only the perspective on the application of new solutions in services for users is presented. This paper also shows the potential for improving libraries’ internal processes with the use of wearable computing.
Globalized service providers’ perspective for facility management outsourcing relationships
Authors: Lok Ka Leung , So Albert , Opoku Alex , Song Haiyu
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The Contingency Outsourcing Relationship (CORE) model originated from the Four Outsourcing Relationship Types (FORT) model and the CORE model is used in the globalized facility management (FM) industry while the FORT model is originally used in the global information technology industry. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the CORE model through the rankings of relationship between a client and a globalized FM service provider from the perspective of the FM service provider in one of the four categories (i.e. in-house, technical expertise, commitment and common goals) and the application of this model with the aid of artificial neural networks (ANNs).

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative methodology using a survey is used to analyze the four types of outsourcing categories. First, the background theory and a set of rules of the CORE is introduced and discussed regarding the proper ways to identify the rankings collected from the survey.

Findings

The study reveals that an interesting understanding of the outsourcing categories can be systematically implemented into the FM outsourcing relationships through the methodology of scientific artificial intelligence. FM outsourcing categorization may help to define the appropriate relationship; as either not too aggressive or too passive.

Originality/value

The outcome generated from the ANN can be considered a strong and solid reference to assess and define the existing outsourcing relationships between the stakeholders and the service providers with the goal to assign an outsourcing category to the service provider based on the learnt rules.
Management discussion and analysis: a tone analysis on US financial listed companies
Authors: Caserio Carlo , Panaro Delio , Trucco Sara
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether financial companies of the USA are inclined to manipulate the management discussion and analysis (MD&A) tone and thus to follow impression management behaviours. Also, the paper proposes a tone analysis of MD&As conducted by comparing the tone of MD&As of one year with financial conditions of the same year and the next.

Design/methodology/approach

The tone analysis is conducted on two sub-samples of US-listed financial companies, unhealthy firms and healthy firms, which experienced different financial conditions between 2002 and 2011.

Findings

With regard to healthy firms, MD&A tone is useful to explain the current year’s performance and helps to predict next year performance, whereas, with reference to unhealthy companies, managers use the tone to pursue impression management strategies, by using more positive words and more future-oriented words than healthy companies.

Research limitations/implications

This study analyses the correlation between MD&A tone at time t and financial performance at time t and t+1, it does not investigate other time spans. The empirical results of this study cannot be generalized to other countries.

Practical implications

Main implications are addressed to regulators and policy makers, which may contrast impression management through a more effective regulation. Another implication regards investors, who cannot fully rely on MD&As of unhealthy companies.

Originality/value

This study analyses financial companies, rather neglected by the literature on MD&A tone. Results suggest that financial firms are also inclined to engage in impression management. This research would be useful for investors who base their decisions on qualitative analysis, interested in understanding to what extent the MD&A narratives are reliable.
Pt electrode modified withβ-cyclodextrin/polyaniline for electrochemical sensing of penicillin V
Authors: Djaalab Elbahi , Samar Mohamed Elhadi , Zougar Saida , Kherrat Rochdi
Published: September 2019

Purpose

A new electrochemical analysis based onß-cyclodextrin (ß-CD) was developed for penicillin V (Peni-V) using polyaniline as a conducting polymer.

Design/methodology/approach

The preparation of modified electrode involves the incorporation ofβ-CD with membrane of polyaniline. Polyaniline, incorporatingβ-CD, was prepared by electrochemical polymerization method in a medium of hypochloride. Cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance have been used to characterize this sensor. The detection and the kinetic study of modified platinum electrode are evaluated.

Findings

Results clearly indicate thatβ-CDs interfere with the polymerization mechanism with an inhibition factor. The inclusion phenomenon ofβ-CDs has been studied and applied to detect Peni-V. The principle of this electrochemical sensor is based on the chemical properties ofβ-CD, which were studied using the cyclic voltammetric method and impedance spectroscopy. The electrochemical behavior of Peni-V at concentrations between 10–8and 10–2 M was measured versus Ag/AgCl at pH 7.4 and 30°C in a phosphate alkaline buffer. Relationship of Peni-V concentration in logarithmic mathematical form with current in potentiometric method and with resistance in impedimetric method were obtained.

Originality/value

The present study showed that the Pt electrode modified with Polyaniline–β-CD was an excellent candidate for sensitive penicillin analysis. The proposed electroanalytical technique is rapid, simple and inexpensive.
When are extinctions simply bad luck? Rarefaction as a framework for disentangling selective and stochastic extinctions
Authors: Smith Kevin G. , Almeida Ryan J.
Published: September 2019

A key challenge in conservation biology is that not all species are equally likely to go extinct when faced with a disturbance, but there are multiple overlapping reasons for such differences in extinction probability. Differences in species extinction risk may represent extinction selectivity, a non‐random process by which species’ risks of extinction are caused by differences in fitness based on traits. Additionally, rare species with low abundances and/or occupancies are more likely to go extinct than common species for reasons of random chance alone, that is, bad luck. Unless ecologists and conservation biologists can disentangle random and selective extinction processes, then the prediction and prevention of future extinctions will continue to be an elusive challenge.

We suggest that a modified version of a common null model procedure, rarefaction, can be used to disentangle the influence of stochastic species loss from selective non‐random processes. To this end we applied a rarefaction‐based null model to three published data sets to characterize the influence of species rarity in driving biodiversity loss following three biodiversity loss events: (a) disease‐associated bat declines; (b) disease‐associated amphibian declines; and (c) habitat loss and invasive species‐associated gastropod declines. For each case study, we used rarefaction to generate null expectations of biodiversity loss and species‐specific extinction probabilities.

In each of our case studies, we find evidence for both random and non‐random (selective) extinctions. Our findings highlight the importance of explicitly considering that some species extinctions are the result of stochastic processes. In other words, we find significant evidence for bad luck in the extinction process.

Policy implications. Our results suggest that rarefaction can be used to disentangle random and non‐random extinctions and guide management decisions. For example, rarefaction can be used retrospectively to identify when declines of at‐risk species are likely to result from selectivity, versus random chance. Rarefaction can also be used prospectively to formulate minimum predictions of species loss in response to hypothetical disturbances. Given its minimal data requirements and familiarity among ecologists, rarefaction may be an efficient and versatile tool for identifying and protecting species that are most vulnerable to global extinction.