bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of data length on time delay and embedding dimension for calculating the Lyapunov exponent in walking
Authors: Hussain Victoria Smith , Spano Mark L. , Lockhart Thurmon E.
Published: July 2020

The Lyapunov exponent (LyE) is a trending measure for characterizing gait stability. Previous studies have shown that data length has an effect on the resultant LyE, but the origin of why it changes is unknown. This study investigates if data length affects the choice of time delay and embedding dimension when reconstructing the phase space, which is a requirement for calculating the LyE. The effect of three different preprocessing methods on reconstructing the gait attractor was also investigated. Lumbar accelerometer data were collected from 10 healthy subjects walking on a treadmill at their preferred walking speed for 30 min. Our results show that time delay was not sensitive to the amount of data used during calculation. However, the embedding dimension had a minimum data requirement of 200 or 300 gait cycles, depending on the preprocessing method used, to determine the steady-state value of the embedding dimension. This study also found that preprocessing the data using a fixed number of strides or a fixed number of data points had significantly different values for time delay compared to a time series that used a fixed number of normalized gait cycles, which have a fixed number of data points per stride. Thus, comparing LyE values should match the method of calculation using either a fixed number of strides or a fixed number of data points.
Analysis of the changing geometry of flexible structure: 2. Analysis of flexible solid
Authors: Wu Tung-Yueh , Ting Edward C.
Published: July 2020

An alternative approach for the analysis of flexible structure is presented. Instead of following theories of finite deformation, classical models with infinitesimal strain and engineering stress are assumed as the basis of formulation. A compatible description concept is developed to handle the large geometrical change due to load. Basic concepts are discussed in an accompanied article: ‘Analysis of the changing geometry of flexible structure: 1. Approach and formulation.’ A general procedure to formulate the flexible structural model is proposed. Following the procedure, an algorithm is formulated in this article to study three-dimensional flexible solids. Numerical results are obtained to verify the concept and procedure.
In vivo Assessment of Neuroinflammation in 4-Repeat Tauopathies
Authors: Palleis Carla , Sauerbeck Julia , Beyer Leonie , Harris Stefanie , Schmitt Julia , Morenas-Rodriguez Estrella , Finze Anika , Nitschmann Alexander , Ruch-Rubinstein Francois , Eckenweber Florian , Biechele Gloria , Blume Tanja , Shi Yuan , Weidinger Endy , Prix Catharina , Bötzel Kai , Danek Adrian , Rauchmann Boris-Stephan , Stöcklein Sophia , Unterrainer Marcus , Albert Nathalie L. , Wetzel Christian , Rupprecht Rainer , Rominger Axel , Bartenstein Peter , Herms Jochen , Perneczky Robert , Haass Christian , Levin Johannes , Höglinger Günter U. , Brendel Matthias
Published: July 2020

Objective

The aim of this cross-sectional single center study was to investigate 18kDa translocator protein (TSPO)-PET as a biomarker for microglial activation in the 4-repeat tauopathies corticobasal degeneration and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP).

Methods

Specific binding of the TSPO tracer 18F-GE-180 was determined by serial PET during pharmacological depletion of microglia in a 4-repeat tau mouse model. TSPO-PET was performed in 30 patients with corticobasal syndrome (CBS, 68±9 years, 16 female) and 14 patients with PSP (69±9 years, 8 female), and 13 control subjects (70±7 years, 7 female). Group comparisons and associations with parameters of disease progression and sTREM2 were assessed by region-based and voxel-wise analyses.

Results

Tracer binding was significantly reduced after pharmacological depletion of microglia in 4-repeat tau mice. Elevated TSPO labeling (standardized-uptake-value-ratios) was observed in subcortical brain areas of CBS and PSP patients when compared to controls, most pronounced in the globus pallidus internus (CBS: 1.039 [95%CI 1.000–1.078, p<0.001], PSP: 1.046 [95%CI: 0.990–1.101, p<0.001], controls: 0.861 [95%CI 0.802–0.921]), whereas only CBS patients showed additionally elevated tracer binding in motor and supplemental motor areas. TSPO labeling was only correlated weakly with parameters of disease progression in CBS and PSP but allowed sensitive detection of 4-repeat tauopathy patients. sTREM2 did not differ between patients with CBS and controls.

Interpretation

Our data indicate a potential of 18F-GE-180 PET to detect microglial activation in the brain of 4-repeat tauopathy patients, fitting to predilection sites of the phenotype. TSPO-PET may serve as a sensitive early disease stage biomarker in 4-repeat tauopathies.
Cell-type and cytosine context-specific evolution of DNA methylation in the human brain
Authors: Jeong Hyeonsoo , Mendizabal Isabel , Berto Stefano , Chatterjee Paramita , Layman Thomas , Usui Noriyoshi , Toriumi Kazuya , Douglas Connor , Singh Devika , Huh Iksoo , Preuss Todd M. , Konopka Genevieve , Yi Soojin V.
Published: July 2020

Cell-type specific epigenetic modifications are critical for brain development and neuropsychiatric diseases. Here we elucidate evolutionary origins of neuron- and oligodendrocyte-specific DNA methylation in human prefrontal cortex, and demonstrate dynamic and distinctive changes of CG and CH methylation. We show that the human brain has experienced pronounced reduction of CG methylation during evolution, which significantly contributed to cell-type specific active regulatory regions. On the other hand, a substantial increase of CH methylation occurred during human brain evolution, associated with fine-tuning expression in development and neuronal subtypes. The majority of differential CG methylation between neurons and oligodendrocytes originated before the divergence of hominoids and catarrhine monkeys, and carries strong signal for genetic risk for schizophrenia. Remarkably, a substantial portion of differential CG methylation between neurons and oligodendrocytes emerged in the human lineage and harbors additional genetic risk for schizophrenia, implicating epigenetic evolution of human cortex in increased vulnerability to neuropsychiatric diseases.
Using a regional climate model to develop index-based drought insurance for sovereign disaster risk transfer
Authors: Hohl Roman , Jiang Ze , Tue Vu Minh , Vijayaraghavan Srivatsan , Liong Shie-Yui
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Examine the usability of rainfall and temperature outputs of a regional climate model (RCM) and meteorological drought indices to develop a macro-level risk transfer product to compensate the government of Central Java, Indonesia, for drought-related disaster payments to rice farmers.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on 0.5° gridded rainfall and temperature data (1960–2015) and projections of the WRF-RCM (2016–2040), the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) are calculated for Central Java over different time spans. The drought indices are correlated to annual and seasonal rice production, based on which a weather index insurance structure is developed.

Findings

The six-month SPI correlates best with the wet season rice production, which generates most output in Central Java. The SPI time series reveals that drought severity increases in future years (2016–2040) and leads to higher payouts from the weather index structure compared to the historical period (1960–2015).

Practical implications

The developed methodology in using SPI for historical and projected periods allows the development of weather index insurance in other regions which have a clear link between rainfall deficit and agricultural production volatility.

Originality/value

Meteorological drought indices are a viable alternative for weather index insurance, which is usually based on rainfall amounts. RCM outputs provide valuable insights into future climate variability and drought risk and prolong the time series, which should result in more robust weather index insurance products.
Heat transfer and deformation analysis of flexible printed circuit board under thermal and flow effects
Authors: Lim Chong Hooi , Abdullah M.Z. , Abdul Azid I. , Khor C.Y. , Abdul Aziz M.S. , Ishaik M.H.H.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate heat transfer and deformation of flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) under thermal and flow effects by using fluid structure interaction. This study simulate the electronic cooling process when electronic devices are generating heat during operation at FPCB under force convection.

Design/methodology/approach

The thermal and flow effects on FPCB with attached ball grid array (BGA) packages have been investigated in the simulation. Effects of Reynolds number (Re), number of BGA packages attached, power supplied to the BGA packages and size of FPCB were studied. The responses in the present study are the deflection/length of FPCB (δ/L) and Nusselt number (Nu).

Findings

It is important to consider both thermal and flow effects at the same time for understanding the characteristic of FPCB attached with BGA under operating condition. Empirical correlation equations of Re, Prandtl number (Pr), δ/L and Nu have been established, in which the highest effect is of Re, followed by Pr and δ/L. The δ/L and

Nu¯ were found to be significantly affected by most of the parametric factors.

Practical implications

This study provides a better understanding of the process control in FPCB assembly.

Originality/value

This study provides fundamental guidelines and references for the thermal coupling modelling to address reliability issues in FPCB design. It also increases the understanding of FPCB and BGA joint issues to achieve high reliability in microelectronic design.
Hardware accelerated range Doppler algorithm for SAR data processing using Zynq processor
Authors: Mewada Hiren K. , Chaudhari Jitendra , Patel Amit V. , Mahant Keyur , Vala Alpesh
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging is the most computational intensive algorithm and this makes its implementation challenging for real-time application. This paper aims to present the chirp-scaling algorithm (CSA) for real-time SAR applications, using advanced field programmable gate array (FPGA) processor.

Design/methodology/approach

A chirp signal is generated and compressed using range Doppler algorithm in MATAB for validation. Fast Fourier transform (FFT) and multiplication operations with complex data types are the major units requiring heavy computation. Therefore, hardware acceleration is proposed and implemented on NEON-FPGA processor using NE10 and CEPHES library.

Findings

The heuristic analysis of the algorithm using timing analysis and resource usage is presented. It has been observed that FFT execution time is reduced by 61% by boosting the performance of the algorithm and speed of multiplication operation has been doubled because of the optimization.

Originality/value

Very few literatures have presented the FPGA-based SAR imaging implementation, where analysis of windowing technique was a major interest. This is a unique approach to implement the SAR CSA using a hybrid approach of hardware–software integration on Zynq FPGA. The timing analysis propagates that it is suitable to use this model for real-time SAR applications.
Artists as catalysts: the ethical and political possibilities of teaching artists in literacy classrooms
Authors: Crampton Anne , Lewis Cynthia
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This study aims to discuss the ethical and political possibilities offered by the presence of teaching artists (TAs) and visual artwork in racially and culturally diverse high school literacy (English Language Arts) classrooms.

Design/methodology/approach

This study explores episodes from two separate ethnographic studies that were conducted in one teacher’s critical literacy classroom across a span of several years. This study uses a transliteracies approach (Stornaiuloet al., 2017) to think about “meaning-making at the intersection of human subjects and materials” (Kontovourkiet al., 2019); the study also draws on critical scholarship on art and making (Ngoet al., 2017; Vossoughiet al., 2016). The TA, along with the materials and processes of artmaking, decentered the teacher and literacy itself, inviting in new social realities.

Findings

TAs’ collective interpretation of existing artwork and construction of new works made visible how both human and nonhuman bodies co-produced “new ways of feeling and being with others” (Zembylas, 2017, p. 402). This study views these artists as catalysts capable of provoking, or productively disrupting, the everyday practices of classrooms.

Social implications

Both studies demonstrated new ways of feeling, being and thinking about difference, bringing to the forefront momentary possibilities and impossibilities of complex human and nonhuman intra-actions. The provocations flowing from the visual artwork and the dialogue swirling around the work presented opportunities for emergent and unexpected experiences of literacy learning.

Originality/value

This work is valuable in exploring the boundaries of literacy learning with the serious inclusion of visual art in an English classroom. When the TAs guided both interpretation and production of artwork, they affected and were affected by the becoming happening in the classroom. This study suggests how teaching bodies, students and artwork pushed the transformative potential of everyday school settings.
Competitive intelligence: a prescription for US health-care?
Authors: Freyn Shelly L. , Farley Fred
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to illustrate how integrating competitive intelligence (CI) into a US health-care firm can aid in information sharing and building knowledge for the organization.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is exploratory using a systematic literature review to develop a conceptual model applied to the US health-care industry.

Findings

This research presents key propositions of CI’s role in the CI process along with the C-suite’s role in supporting a process and culture to ultimately, gain competitive advantage through the knowledge-based view.

Practical implications

With the growing volume of data, a unified system and culture within a firm is paramount. The US health-care system is a privatized industry that has become more competitive stifling information sharing. The need for prompt and accurate decision-making has become an imperative. Crises, like the current COVID-19 pandemic, only exacerbate the issue. This model offers a blue print for executives to build a CI function and encourage information sharing.

Originality/value

Previous research has focused on the CI process and its value. Yet, little research is found on how to integrate CI into a firm and its role through the CI process. This study builds a conceptual model addressing integration and the flow of information to knowledge along with key firm dynamics to nurture the function. Although the model is applied specifically to US health care, it offers application to most any industry.
Assessment of the thermal insulation properties of multilayered mittens considering the airflow speed
Authors: Hourian Tabarestani Fatemeh Zahra , Mousazadegan Fatemeh , Ezazshahabi Nazanin
Published: July 2020

Purpose

In the present work, the thermal insulation characteristics of multilayered mittens were studied in different airflow conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the thermal behavior of four groups of mittens consisting of one two-layer and three three-layer mittens containing nonwoven wadding materials with various weights and thicknesses was investigated during the exposure to airflows with different speeds. In order to evaluate the correlation between the heat transfer rates of different mittens with the human perception of cold, a set of pair-comparison tests was performed using Thurstone's law of comparative judgment.

Findings

The analysis of the results revealed that by an increment in the weight and the thickness of the wadding material, the thermal protection performance of mittens improves. Moreover, in the presence of airflow and by increasing its speed, due to the forced convective heat loss, the outer surface temperature of the mittens decreases and therefore the conductive heat transfer rate rises. This fact leads to the transfer of higher quantity of body warmth to the environment and thus feeling of coldness. According to the results, there was a proper correlation between the subjective perception of cold and the heat transfer rate of mittens. The statistical analysis of the results clarified that the effect of mitten's structural parameters and the airflow speed on the thermal protection behavior of mittens are significant at the confidence range of 95%.

Originality/value

Mitten is one of the important personal protective clothing, especially in cold environments. Thus, the thermal resistance of them has a prominent role in the protection of the hands and fingers from cold and frostbiting.
e-Healthcare service quality: consumer satisfaction and its association with demographic characteristics
Authors: Verma Prachi , Kumar Satinder , Sharma Sanjeev K.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Use of technology for quality healthcare services has developed into a new field known as “e-Healthcare services.” Healthcare providers often judge their quality of services with consumer satisfaction. With e-Healthcare services, consumer satisfaction is influenced by the quality of healthcare services provided and the demographic characteristics. The purpose of the present case study is to recognize the important predictors of quality, which are significant for consumer satisfaction with e-Healthcare services by using Zineldin's 5Qs model. It also aims to find the strength of association among the predictors of consumer satisfaction and the demographic characteristics of the respondents.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire-based study was conducted at a public (PGIMER, Chandigarh) and a private hospital (Fortis Hospital, Mohali) of Punjab, India, from February 2018 to March 2019. The structured, closed-ended questionnaire, to be marked on a 1–5 point Likert scale, was adapted from Zineldin's 5Qs model and was distributed to the respondents sitting in the waiting halls of the selected hospitals. The respondents comprised of both the patients and their attendants who were aware of e-Healthcare services and were using them.

Findings

The analysis identified quality of interaction, quality of hospital atmosphere and quality of object to be the key predictors of consumer satisfaction with e-Healthcare services. The results reveal a strong association between different demographic characteristics and overall consumer satisfaction with e-Healthcare services.

Practical implications

The results suggest that improvements in the quality of interaction, quality of hospital atmosphere and quality of object may result in higher consumer satisfaction with e-Healthcare services. Working on the identified dimensions of quality will help the e-Healthcare providers in identifying functional problems of e-Healthcare services and developing improvement strategies, which will also result in better health and quality outcomes. The results of this study will help the e-Healthcare providers in better segmentation of e-Healthcare consumers based on their demographic characteristics and in developing better marketing strategies.

Originality/value

This paper focuses on the quality of e-Healthcare services only and attempts to identify the quality dimensions, which leads to the satisfaction of e-Healthcare consumers. The identified quality dimensions will help in designing better e-Healthcare services and framing policies. It also highlights the association of demographic characteristics with important quality dimensions.
The effectiveness of technical strategies in Malaysian Sharīʿah vs conventional stocks
Authors: Ling Pick-Soon , Abdul-Rahim Ruzita , Said Fathin Faizah
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This study aims to investigate Malaysian stock market efficiency from the view of Sharīʿah-compliant and conventional stocks based on the effectiveness of technical trading strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses unconventional trading strategies that mix buy recommendations of Bursa Malaysia analysts with sell signals generated from 10 selected technical trading strategies (simple moving average, moving average envelopes, Bollinger Bands, momentum, commodity channel index, relative strength index, stochastic, Williams percentage range, moving average convergence divergence oscillator and shooting star) that are detected using ChartNexus. The period from 1 January 2013 until 31 December 2015 produces a total sample consisting of 1,265 buy recommendations of 125 Sharīʿah-compliant stocks and 400 buy recommendations of conventional stocks. The study period is extended until 31 March 2016 to provide an ample time for detecting the sell signal especially for buy recommendations that are released towards the end of 2015.

Findings

The resulting Jensen’s alpha show 8 out of 10 strategies are effective in generating abnormal returns in Sharīʿah-compliant samples while only 3 out of 10 strategies are effective in conventional samples. Prominent effectiveness of technical trading strategies in Sharīʿah-compliant stocks implies clear inefficiency in that stock market segment as opposed to those of the conventional stocks.

Originality/value

The results based on unconventional trading strategies provide new insights of Malaysian stock market efficiency especially in Sharīʿah-compliant and conventional stocks. The paper provides more robust findings on market efficiency as firms’ equity level data were focussed together with analysts’ buy recommendations from Bursa Malaysia.
Playing safe games – thematic analysis of victims’ perspectives on gendered bullying in academia
Authors: Krishna Arathi , Soumyaja Devi
Published: July 2020

Purpose

High incidence of workplace bullying in Indian organizations is well-acknowledged, but less is known about the games that bullies play to create a favorable atmosphere for bullying in academic institutions. This study aims to reveal the “safe game” tactics that the bullies use to chase targets like a predator chases his prey.

Design/methodology/approach

The study explores various manifestations of academic bullying by analyzing the victimization experiences of women faculty in academic institutions. The data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews and informal discussions to explore the victimization episodes in detail.

Findings

The analysis indicates a set of common manifestations framed by bullies in academia to create a favorable environment for bullying. These manifestations often play out in a sequence. Initially, the targets are overloaded with work to portray the victims as incapable and less competent. Then, the bullies lodge many formal complaints with the help of their supporters. Finally, they create an environment of silence by threatening them for their responses against bullying.

Originality/value

This paper is supported by previous research in this area and progresses by exploring the experiences of the victims in academics to find a common sequence in the mistreatment they suffer. The study concludes by showing unexplored areas in research on workplace bullying in the academic sector and provides a foundation for further research.
Platform-mediated tourism micro-entrepreneurship: implications for community-based tourism in Thailand
Authors: Ditta-Apichai Morakot , Kattiyapornpong Uraiporn , Gretzel Ulrike
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to bridge micro-entrepreneurship, sharing economy and community-based tourism (CBT) literature by analyzing the specific ways in which technological platforms mitigate risks and create opportunities that benefit local communities.

Design/methodology/approach

Six online platforms (two local and four international) used by tourism micro-entrepreneurs in Thailand were systematically analyzed to compare and contrast nuances in their business models, as well as their features to highlight benefits to CBT. Thematic analysis was used in the data analysis.

Findings

Three different types of business models based on tourism offers, membership policy and contributions to the destination community were identified. The variety of tourism offers includes tailor-made tours and private tour guides, local food experiences, skilled workshops and other local/community-based activities. Importantly, Thai platforms work closely with the Thai Government to promote tourism micro-entrepreneurship.

Originality/value

This paper adds to tourism micro-entrepreneurship, sharing economy and CBT literature by dissecting the business models of online platforms and their roles as mediators of CBT, discussing the platforms’ contributions to the achievement of sustainable development goals.
Respecting the autonomy of the living and dying
Authors: Stavert Jill
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to inform those who are supporting persons who are dying and are responsible for planning, commissioning or delivering palliative care about the need to support and maximise the decision-making ability and choices of persons with advanced dementia or severe frailty.

Design/methodology/approach

This article will consider the legal and human rights principles applicable to Scotland, and indeed to other jurisdictions, which govern decisions about care and treatment of persons with and without capacity and the application of these principles to palliative care situations.

Findings

It is important that those involved in the care and support of the dying are fully aware of the need to support and maximise their decision-making ability concerning palliative care and treatment choices.

Research limitations/implications

It is a well-established legal and human rights principle that the decisions of a person with capacity must be respected, including decisions about palliative care and treatment at the end of life. Moreover, recent developments in international human rights law reinforce the message that this principle applies equally to all. Applying this principle into persons with advanced dementia or severe frailty therefore requires skilled assessment and supported decision-making in order to optimise capacity and respect autonomy.

Originality/value

The discussion applies the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities approach concerning equality of rights enjoyment and supported decision-making to palliative care and treatment situations.
Audit committee members with CEO experience and the value of cash holdings
Authors: Choi Sunhwa , Han Jinwoong , Jung Taejin , Song Bomi
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine whether the presence of an audit committee (AC) members with Chief Executive Officer (CEO) experience (supervisory experts) affects the market value of cash holdings.

Design/methodology/approach

To estimate the marginal value of cash holdings, this study uses the model proposed by Faulkender and Wang (2006). The sample is 2,031 firm-year observations in Korea from 2000 through 2015.

Findings

The authors find that the presence of supervisory experts on ACs has a negative impact on the value of cash holdings. This result suggests that supervisory experts on ACs weaken monitoring of managerial actions. The authors also find that the negative effect of supervisory experts on the value of cash holdings is mitigated when there are other AC members with accounting expertise.

Practical implications

The findings that AC supervisory expertise impairs the effectiveness of ACs, and thus destroys shareholder value have policy implications because the current regulations in many countries use a broad definition of financial expertise that includes supervisory expertise.

Originality/value

This is the first study that directly examines the effect of AC supervisory expertise on the value of cash holdings. The study also contributes to the literature on the role of ACs in emerging markets by documenting the limitations of corporate governance systems adopted from the Anglo–Saxon model.
A novel mathematical model for municipal waste collection and energy generation: case study of Kermanshah city
Authors: Valizadeh Jaber
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Waste production and related environmental problems have caused urban services management many problems in collecting, transporting and disposal of waste. Since collecting and transporting waste are important parts of waste management budget, it is necessary to apply an appropriate method to reduce costs of collection. The aim of this study is to design a new model for urban waste collection vehicle routing problem with time windows and energy generating from waste.

Design/methodology/approach

A multiobjective model is presented with the objectives of minimizing cost of waste collection, reducing emissions from environmental pollutants and increasing income of recycles trade and energy recovery. Concerning the complexity of the model and its inability to solve large-scale problems, hyperactive genetic algorithms and multiple objective particle swarm optimization are applied.

Findings

The proposed model not only affects costs and income but also reduces the emissions of environmental pollutants. To solve the formulated model, multitarget approaches are applied on the processing site of Kermanshah city as a case study. The solutions of these algorithms and the exact method of partial constraints are compared and the outcomes are verified by numerical analysis by solving various examples in small, medium and large scales. The proposed model helps to collect urban wastes in the shortest possible time in addition to reducing the total cost, revenues from the sale of recycled materials and energy generation.

Research limitations/implications

Waste collection is related to VRP issue. Considering the environmental requirements in waste management, the concept of green supply chain is approached. This study provides a better understanding of urban waste management by examining various articles and combining economic and environmental dimensions. Waste management with a green approach and energy production from disposable waste involves many common stakeholders.

Practical implications

This study suggests that proper waste management can generate revenue from municipal waste. Moreover, it reduces cost of collecting and emission of environmental pollutants. These findings could motivate companies to waste management with a sustainable approach.

Originality/value

The proposed model boosts the current understanding of the waste management and energy generation of waste. The paper adds additional values by unveiling some key future research directions. This guidance may demonstrate possible existing and unexplored gaps so that researchers can direct future research to develop new processes.
Manufacturers' and distributors' capabilities influencing dual channel choice
Authors: Ishii Ryuta
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Many manufacturers implement a dual channel strategy, which can be defined as the simultaneous use of integrated and independent channels of distribution for the same product line. This study employs the resource-based theory and examines how manufacturers' and distributors' capabilities affect manufacturers' choices of dual channel strategy. The study also examines how fit between organisational capability and channel structure affects channel system performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical testing was conducted using survey data collected from 262 Japanese business-to-business manufacturers. This study performed a multinomial logistic regression analysis to examine the antecedents of dual channel strategy and a t-test to examine its performance implications.

Findings

The results show that manufacturers' information capabilities and the availability of distributors' selling capabilities affect whether manufacturers choose a dual channel strategy, and that market turbulence moderates the effects of these two capability factors. The results also indicate that manufacturers can improve their channel system performance by choosing channel strategies that fit organisational capabilities.

Originality/value

Most previous studies employ transaction cost theory to identify the factors driving the choice of dual channel strategy. However, these studies neglect the heterogeneity of resources/capabilities. Little is known about whether capability factors affect the dual channel strategy, and how this choice can be linked to channel system performance. By addressing this knowledge gap, this study contributes to enhance our understanding of dual channels.
Adding a strategic lens to feasibility analysis
Authors: Berry Gregory , Shabana Kareem M.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Traditional feasibility analysis is focused on the immediate and urgent needs of a new venture start-up. All four parts of the feasibility analysis (product/service, industry/market, organizational, and financial) are valuable and essential, but what is missed is a part that provided attention to the longer-term requirements for success and sustainability. A fifth strategic feasibility analysis is needed, focused on the long-term sustainability of the new venture. This strategic/contingent context-dependency lens considers the organization's long-term survival, confirming that organizational success depends on the new venture's ability to emphasize its uniqueness and fit with its external environment.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper takes advantage of the decades-long literature review in Strategy to combine known data with entrepreneurial practice in undertaking the feasibility analysis.

Findings

This enhanced feasibility analysis adds a strategic lens beyond the traditional four-part feasibility analysis, resulting in identifiable value-added benefits and awareness of potential opportunities or threats in the longer term.

Research limitations/implications

This research is conceptual and theoretical at this point, without field implementation.

Practical implications

New venture failure is an ongoing concern for many. This suggested strategic lens, especially the sustainability aspect (beyond the “what-do-we-need-to-do-to-open-the-doors” of much feasibility analysis) may prove very useful. Competitive advantage is examined in the traditional feasibility analysis, but this strategic lens suggests a longer term examination, and engages with competitor response.

Social implications

If adopted, this enhanced analysis may lead to greater success for new venture start-ups, thus less wasted time, energy and money.

Originality/value

This is the first attempt at adding a focused strategic lens to the traditional entrepreneurial feasibility analysis. This may seem like a simple and elementary shift of perspective, but the implications are huge, and take advantage of the decades-long research stream in strategic thinking and planning.
Interactional justice and willingness to share tacit knowledge: perceived cost as a mediator, and respectful engagement as moderator
Authors: Gupta Bindu , Wang Karen Yuan , Cai Wenjuan
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Managing tacit knowledge effectively and efficiently is a huge challenge for organizations. Based on the social exchange and self-determination theories, this study aims to explore the role of social interactions in motivating employees' willingness to share tacit knowledge (WSTK).

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a survey approach and collected data from 228 employees in service and manufacturing organizations.

Findings

Interactional justice and respectful engagement are positively related to WSTK. The perceived cost of tacit knowledge sharing (CostTKS) partially mediates the relationship between interactional justice and WSTK. Respectful engagement moderates the negative relationship between interactional justice and the perceived CostTKS.

Research limitations/implications

The study advances the understanding of the role of social interaction in facilitating employee WSTK by integrating the direct and intermediate relationships involving the effect of supervisor's interactional justice and peers' respectful engagement and employee perceived CostTKS on WSTK.

Practical implications

The findings have important practical implications for organizations as these suggest how organizations can help tacit knowledge holders experience less negative and more supportive behaviors when they engage in voluntary TKS.

Originality/value

This study examines the effect of both vertical and horizontal work-related interactions on perceived CostTKS and sequentially on WSTK, thereby extending existing literature.
Critical social science as a research methodology in universities in times of crisis
Authors: Smyth John
Published: July 2020

Purpose

To consider what a criticalist qualitative research methodology might look like for universities in the context of the contemporary COVID-19 crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

This polemical paper explores the rationale for a dramatic recasting of the approach needed in qualitative research methodology to address the challenges of the crisis-ridden times we live in. Broadly conceived of as an “evolving criticality”, to borrow from Kincheloe, the paper addresses the kind of disposition, orientation or state of mind required that provides the space and opportunities in universities within which this strategic methodological reinvention might occur. After explaining what a research methodology committed to the notion of “criticality” might look like, the paper argues that to enact this we need to start with the immediacy of our own academic work and then emanate to other public spheres.

Findings

The polemical exchange engaged in by this paper presents the underpinnings of how critical social science might be deployed in both reconceiving how we understand the purpose of research in universities and changing the nature of academic work.

Research limitations/implications

These exist only in so far as university academics are prepared to embrace what is being argued for to change the status quo.

Practical implications

The broader critical social science methodology being argued for in this paper is using a wider framing to a form of critical ethnography that has the potential to enable academic workers to extricate themselves from the ruinous situation brought on by the neoliberal paradigm that has been so drastically exacerbated by COVID-19.

Originality/value

While the paper rehearses some existing ideas of critical social science, the novelty of the papers lies in the way these are applied to the COVID-19 crisis within which universities have become embroiled.
Additive manufacturing of shape memory polymers: effects of print orientation and infill percentage on shape memory recovery properties
Authors: Villacres Jorge , Nobes David , Ayranci Cagri
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the shape memory properties of SMP samples produced through a MEAM process. Fused deposition modeling or, as it will be referred to in this paper, material extrusion additive manufacturing (MEAM) is a technique in which polymeric materials are extruded though a nozzle creating parts via accumulation and joining of different layers. These layers are fused together to build three-dimensional objects. Shape memory polymers (SMP) are stimulus responsive materials, which have the ability to recover their pre-programmed form after being exposed to a large strain. To induce its shape memory recovery movement, an external stimulus such as heat needs to be applied.

Design/methodology/approach

This project investigates and characterizes the influence of print orientation and infill percentage on shape recovery properties. The analyzed shape recovery properties are shape recovery force, shape recovery speed and time elapsed before activation. To determine whether the analyzed factors produce a significant variation on shape recovery properties, t-tests were performed with a 95% confidence factor between each analyzed level.

Findings

Results proved that print angle and infill percentage do have a significant impact on recovery properties of the manufactured specimens.

Originality/value

The manufacturing of SMP objects through a MEAM process has a vast potential for different applications; however, the shape recovery properties of these objects need to be analyzed before any practical use can be developed. These have not been studied as a function of print parameters, which is the focus of this study.
Ecotourism intention: the roles of environmental concern, time perspective and destination image
Authors: Pham Hanh Song Thi , Khanh Chi Nguyen Thi
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This study aims to examine the decisive factors that affect travellers’ intention to visit ecotourism destinations.

Design/methodology/approach

Convenience sampling method was used to develop a research sample. The research sample includes visitors at eight ecotourism destinations in Vietnam who were randomly approached and agreed to participate in a structured questionnaire survey. The data set consists of 431 valid responses. A multivariate analysis method was used to analyse the data.

Findings

This study finds strong correlations between three factors that are important in determining the Vietnamese travellers’ intention to visit ecotourism locations. These are environmental concern, future time perspective (defined as individual views towards the importance of future time) and eco-destinations image (understood as individual perceptions of an ecotourism place). This study also reports robust associations between eco-destination image, future time perspective and environmental concern.

Practical implications

This study suggests policymakers in an emerging economy such as Vietnam to use efficient regulations on protecting the natural environment in tourism locations while tourism providers and marketers should invest in building eco-image of travel locations. This study also recommends public organisations to encourage greater awareness of the importance of environmental protection through education, propaganda and media as this will foster the demand for ecotourism. Last but not least, this study advises tourism marketers to develop marketing materials emphasising future time perspective and eco-destination images if they wish to promote ecotourism.

Originality/value

This study highlights the influential role of travellers’ future time perspective and eco-destination image in their travel intention. The existing literature does not pay sufficient attention to the impacts that these two considerations have on travellers’ environmental concerns and consequently stimulate their intention to visit ecotourism destinations. This study suggests relevant management strategies for the development of ecotourism in emerging economies.
Modelling of viscoacoustic wave propagation in transversely isotropic media using decoupled fractional Laplacians
Authors: Qiao Zhihao , Sun Chengyu , Tang Jie
Published: July 2020

A new wave equation is derived for modelling viscoacoustic wave propagation in transversely isotropic media under acoustic transverse isotropy approximation. The formulas expressed by fractional Laplacian operators can well model the constant‐Q (i.e. frequency‐independent quality factor) attenuation, anisotropic attenuation, decoupled amplitude loss and velocity dispersion behaviours. The proposed viscoacoustic anisotropic equation can keep consistent velocity and attenuation anisotropy effects with that of qP‐wave in the constant‐Q viscoelastic anisotropic theory. For numerical simulations, the staggered‐grid pseudo‐spectral method is implemented to solve the velocity–stress formulation of wave equation in the time domain. The constant fractional‐order Laplacian approximation method is used to cope with spatial variable‐order fractional Laplacians for efficient modelling in heterogeneous velocity and Q media. Simulation results for a homogeneous model show the decoupling of velocity dispersion and amplitude loss effects of the constant‐Q equation, and illustrate the influence of anisotropic attenuation on seismic wavefields. The modelling example of a layered model illustrates the accuracy of the constant fractional‐order Laplacian approximation method. Finally, the Hess vertical transversely isotropic model is used to validate the applicability of the formulation and algorithm for heterogeneous media.
Policy and management actions that resulted in curbing rhinoceros poaching
Authors: Acharya Krishna Prasad , Thapa Ramesh Kumar , Kuwar Kamal Jung , Thapalia Bishnu Prasad , Paudel Prakash Kumar
Published: July 2020

Nepal almost eliminated poaching of the greater one‐horned rhinoceros Rhinoceros unicornis over the past decade, although poaching of other rhinoceros species remains a major problem in other Asian countries, as well as in Africa.

It is important to understand the processes leading to declines in poaching in Nepal that may provide insight into possible anti‐poaching interventions in other parts of world.

We argue that coordinated actions that led to (a) strengthened institutional mechanisms, (b) improved community participation and (c) enhanced interagency coordination all focused on dismantling illegal trade networks contributed to curbing poaching in Nepal.

The Government of Nepal (GoN) created a new institutional mechanism both at central and district levels aimed at formulating policies and collaborating with enforcement agencies. Security agencies (Nepal Police and Army) were given responsibilities in and around rhinoceros habitat, and local citizens, mostly youths, were involved in surveillance and reporting of poaching activities. Targeted arrests and prosecutions were carried out that resulted in much higher conviction rates than previously.

Synthesis and applications. Nepal's achievement in curbing rhinoceros poaching is a result of the collective and coordinated action of multiple stakeholders. Interagency coordination brought together the strength of each stakeholder, making it possible to fill critical gaps in anti‐poaching campaigns. There is a need for continued engagement of local communities, interagency cooperation and better training of law enforcement staff to sustain past achievements.
Mustering Memory: George Grosz's Late Montages
Authors: White Michael
Published: July 2020

This essay challenges the received account of montage practice in the later career of George Grosz as the recovery of his dada identity and anticipation of pop art. Close examination of surviving works and the traces of the practice in his archives reveals montage making to be intimately connected to Grosz's exchanges with other artists over a long period and to his work in other media. Most significantly, montage making was deeply implicated with his own changing attitude towards the avant‐garde. Dada was not a stable concept that could be reinitiated untransformed, nor was montage a static category. An examination of Grosz's participation in the reception of practices such as collage and photomontage is coupled here with reflection on the relationship between montage and processes of memorialization and recollection to demonstrate their unexpected interconnection.