bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growth hormone induces mitotic catastrophe of podocytes and contributes to proteinuria
Authors: Nishad Rajkishor , Mukhi Dhanunjay , Singh Ashish Kumar , Chintala Kumaraswami , Tammineni Prasad , Pasupulati Anil Kumar
Published: April 2019

Podocytes are integral members of the filtration barrier in the kidney and are crucial for glomerular permselectivity. Podocytes are highly differentiated and vulnerable to an array of noxious stimuli during various clinical conditions whereas podocyte loss plays a key role in progressive glomerular diseases. Elevated circulating growth hormone (GH) levels are associated with podocyte injury and proteinuria in diabetics. Previous studies have shown that podocytes express GH receptors (GHR), and induce Notch signaling when exposed to GH. However, the precise mechanism(s) by which excess GH elicits podocytopathy remains to be elucidated. In the present study, we demonstrate that GH induces cognate TGF-β1 signaling and provokes cell cycle re-entry of otherwise quiescent podocytes. Though, differentiated podocytes re-enter the cell cycle in response to GH and TGF-β1 unable to accomplish cytokinesis, despite nuclear division. Owing to this aberrant cell-cycle events significant amount of GH or TGF-β1 treated cells remain binucleated and undergo mitotic catastrophe. Importantly, inhibition of GHR, TGFBR1, or Notch signaling prevented cell cycle re-entry and protects podocyte from cell death. Furthermore, inhibition of Notch activation prevents GH-dependent podocyte injury and proteinuria. Kidney biopsy sections from patients with diabetic nephropathy show activation of Notch signaling and bi-nucleated podocytes. All these data confirm that excess GH induces Notch1 signaling via TGF-β1 and contributes to the mitotic catastrophe of podocytes. This study highlights the role of aberrant GH signaling in the podocytopathy and the potential application of inhibitors of TGF-β1 or Notch inhibitors as a therapeutic agent for diabetic nephropathy.

Significance Statement

Elevated circulating levels of growth hormone (GH) associated with glomerular hypertrophy and proteinuria. Whereas decreased GH action protected against proteinuria. Podocytes are highly differentiated cells that play a vital role in glomerular filtration and curb protein loss. The direct role of GH in podocytes is the focus of our study. We found that GH induces TGF-β1 and both provoke cell cycle re-entry of podocytes in Notch1 dependent manner. Notch activation enables the podocytes to accomplish karyokinesis, but not cytokinesis owing to which podocytes remain binucleated. Binucleated podocytes that were observed during GH/TGF-β1 treatment are susceptible to cell death. Our study highlighted the fact that enforcing the differentiated podocytes to re-enter the cell cycle results in mitotic catastrophe and permanent loss.
Estimation of Non-null SNP Effect Size Distributions Enables the Detection of Enriched Genes Underlying Complex Traits
Authors: Cheng Wei , Ramachandran Sohini , Crawford Lorin
Published: April 2019

Traditional univariate genome-wide association studies generate false positives and negatives due to difficulties distinguishing associated variants from variants with spurious nonzero effects that do not directly influence the trait. Recent efforts have been directed at identifying genes or signaling pathways enriched for mutations in quantitative traits or case-control studies, but these can be computationally costly and hampered by strict model assumptions. Here, we present gene-ε, a new approach for identifying statistical associations between sets of variants and quantitative traits. Our key insight is that enrichment studies on the gene-level are improved when we reformulate the genome-wide SNP-level null hypothesis to identify spurious small-to-intermediate SNP effects and classify them as non-causal. gene-εefficiently identifies enriched genes under a variety of simulated genetic architectures, achieving greater than a 90% true positive rate at 1% false positive rate for polygenic traits. Lastly, we apply gene-εto summary statistics derived from six quantitative traits using European-ancestry individuals in the UK Biobank, and identify enriched genes that are in biologically relevant pathways.

Author Summary

Enrichment tests augment the standard univariate genome-wide association (GWA) framework by identifying groups of biologically interacting mutations that are enriched for associations with a trait of interest, beyond what is expected by chance. These analyses model local linkage disequilibrium (LD), allow many different mutations to be disease-causing across patients, and generate biologically interpretable hypotheses for disease mechanisms. However, existing enrichment analyses are hampered by high computational costs, and rely on GWA summary statistics despite the high false positive rate of the standard univariate GWA framework. Here, we present the gene-level association framework gene-ε(pronounced “genie”), an empirical Bayesian approach for identifying statistical associations between sets of mutations and quantitative traits. The central innovation of gene-εis reformulating the GWA null model to distinguish between(i)mutations that are statistically associated with the disease but are unlikely to directly influence it, and(ii)mutations that are most strongly associated with a disease of interest. We find that, with our reformulated SNP-level null hypothesis, our gene-level enrichment model outperforms existing enrichment methods in simulation studies and scales well for application to emerging biobank datasets. We apply gene-εto six quantitative traits in the UK Biobank and recover novel and functionally validated gene-level associations.
Investigating risk factors that predict a dog’s fear during veterinary visits
Authors: Edwards Petra T. , Hazel Susan J. , Browne Matthew , Serpell James , McArthur Michelle L. , Smith Bradley P.
Published: April 2019

Attending the veterinary clinic is an integral part of the physical welfare of every companion dog. However, some dogs experience their veterinary visits negatively, which poses a risk of injury to the veterinary staff, their guardian (owner) and themselves during veterinary examinations. It may also influence the regularity of non-urgent veterinary appointments. To date there has been conflicting data on the proportion of dogs that are fearful during their veterinary visits. In this study, we explored the risk factors associated with fear during veterinary examination and in novel situations (including first time at the veterinary clinic) from 26,555 responses in the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire database. According to their guardians, over half (55%) of companion dogs displayed some form of fearful behaviour (mild-extreme) when examined by a veterinarian, while 14% of dogs exhibited severe or extreme fear. A similar trend was observed with dogs responding fearfully in unfamiliar situations, including the dog’s first time at the veterinary clinic. Chi-squared tests showed every bivariate relationship was significant (p < 0.05). The most important predictors of fear in a veterinary examination were, in order: the dog’s breed group (27.1%), their history of roles or activities (16.7%), where they were sourced (15.2%), their weight (12%), the age of other dogs in the household (9.5%) and dog owner experience (6.3%). However, these risk factors accumulate to explain a total of 7% of variance of fear observed during veterinary examination. Results demonstrate that fear of veterinary visits is common in dogs, but that other factors (including the environment or human-animal interactions) are likely to contribute more to prevalence and severity of this problem than the demographic factors measured here. Finally, we highlight opportunities for future research aimed at facilitating less stressful veterinary visits for dogs and their guardians.
The influence of service quality, university image on student satisfaction and student loyalty
Authors: Chandra Teddy , Hafni Layla , Chandra Stefani , Purwati Astri Ayu , Chandra Jennifer
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the influence of service quality and university image on student satisfaction and student loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed a set of survey instrument adapted from previous studies. The construct of the service quality consisted of 12 indicators, one of which was originally designed by the researcher, and the rest were adapted from other researchers. For the construct of university image, there were five indicators, while the rest were designed by the researcher. There were six indicators of construct student satisfaction, while the other three were designed by the researcher. Lastly, the construct student loyalty consisted of five indicators, three of which were originally designed by the researcher. All of those constructs used seven-point Likert scale scoring, which ranged from 1= strongly disagree to 7= strongly agree.

Findings

The findings of this study are as follows: the result of the data analysis has confirmed the existence of a positive and significant influence of service quality on student satisfaction, there is a positive and significant influence of student satisfaction on student loyalty, there is no positive or significant influence of service quality on student loyalty, and university image has a positive and significant influence on both student satisfaction and student loyalty.

Originality/value

The originality of this study has been confirmed, considering the fact that only few studies on service quality in education field were conducted. In this study, researchers were interested in developing the service quality based on five dimensions. This model have been applied by a number of researchers. Unfortunately, some other researchers showed their disagreements upon the use of only these five dimensions in the research in the field of education, and they suggested that more appropriate dimensions should be applied.
Disaster recovery and violence in neoliberal times: community and spatial fragmentation in L’Aquila
Authors: Valent Gianmaria
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the disruption and reconfiguration of the territorial organisation of the central Italian town of L’Aquila resulting from actions taken by the special commissioner, a plenipotentiary official appointed by the central government, during the ten-month emergency period following the 2009 earthquake. The study attempts to determine how during the commissioner’s short tenure the territory of L’Aquila was restructured for many years to come.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses two major issues: first, the short-term reconfiguration of the territorial organisation through mixed operative centres (Centri Operativi Misti, henceforth COMs); and, second, the long-term fragmentation of the physical and social fabric of the town through the resettlement of thousands of families in 19 semi-permanent housing developments located in outlying, rural areas of the municipality. The methods adopted were both qualitative and quantitative. The qualitative methods involved in-depth examination of official documents and interviews with key witnesses such as local administrators, citizens and activists. Quantitative methods included the GIS analysis of spatial and census data to assess changes in population after the earthquake.

Findings

The most significant finding of this study concerns the COMs and their misuse as a tool of centralised, authoritarian governance. Analysis of the territory’s reorganisation revealed that the model of emergency management followed in L’Aquila, far from taking into account unique features of the local population and territory, was hetero-centred and consistent with neoliberal thought. Understanding violence to be an unfolding process, the author argues that such a model of management can be seen as an application of state violence.

Originality/value

This paper adds a new case study to the discussion of the role of the state and the application of neoliberal policies in disaster recovery. The main originality of the paper lies in its focus on COMs and their peculiar use as a tool for implementing an authoritarian model of disaster management.
Antecedents of intensified job demands: evidence from Austria
Authors: Mauno Saija , Kubicek Bettina , Minkkinen Jaana , Korunka Christian
Published: April 2019

Purpose

In order to understand the driving forces behind intensified job demands (IJDs), the purpose of this paper is to examine demographic factors, structural work-related factors, personal and job resources as antecedents of IJDs.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on cross-sectional (n=4,963) and longitudinal (n=2,055) quantitative data sets of Austrian employees. Data sets were analyzed via regression analyses.

Findings

The results showed that IJDs, as assessed through five sub-dimensions: work intensification, intensified job-related, career-related planning and decision-making demands, intensified demands for skills and for knowledge-related learning, remained fairly stable overtime. The most consistent antecedents of IJDs were personal initiative and ICT use at work. Job resources, e.g. variety of tasks and lacking support from supervisor, related to four sub-dimensions of IJDs.

Research limitations/implications

The findings suggest that personal (being initiative) and job resources (task variety) may have negative effects as they associated with IJDs. Moreover, supervisors’ support is crucial to counteract IJDs.

Practical implications

Employers should recognize that certain personal (e.g. personal initiative) and job-related resources (e.g. lacking supervisory support) might implicate higher IJDs, which, in turn, may cause more job strain as IJDs can be conceived as job stressors.

Originality/value

IJDs have received very little research attention because they are new job demands, which however, can be expected to increase in future due to faster technological acceleration in working life. The study has methodological value as longitudinal design was applied.
The consideration of building maintenance at design stage in public buildings
Authors: Khalid Ellemy Iskandar , Abdullah Shardy , Hanafi Mohd Hanizun , Said Shahrul Yani , Hasim Mohamad Sufian
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Effective building maintenance management is vital for reducing the impact of building defects and costly building maintenance work. Such practice significantly contributes to the public sector in terms of cost reduction, improved effectiveness and efficiency in maintenance works, increasing safety and well-being of the occupants, expanding the life of building stocks and expanding the value of investment for the government building assets. The maintenance practice in Malaysia is still emerging in comparison to many developed nations. The purpose of this study is to determine the current scenario of the building maintenance approach at the design stage in public buildings in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

An extensive questionnaire survey was held, involving 312 key players (38 per cent out of 820 predetermined participants) in Malaysia.

Findings

The analysis showed that building maintenance in public building in Malaysia still uses the reactive approach. Despite the Malaysian Government’s adoption of a proactive maintenance approach, unfortunately, there are some misunderstandings among the key players regarding the approach. The research results demonstrate that the key players had a lack of understanding on the concept of the proactive maintenance management approach and that they were either ignorant or had insufficient awareness of proactive maintenance approach.

Originality/value

The contribution of this study is useful for the government to adopt a more proactive building maintenance policy at the design stage, to give awareness on proactive building maintenance to the key players in their construction project and as a guide to the key players to adopt a maintenance plan at the design stage of work.
A status quo analysis of disaster risk reduction policy and legislation in Cameroon
Authors: Ashu R.E.A. , Van Niekerk Dewald
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the status quo of disaster risk reduction (DRR) policy and legislation in Cameroon.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a qualitative method, this paper examines historical data from sectoral administrative reports, plans, declarations, commitments and speeches, texts and peer-reviewed journals on disaster and risk management in Cameroon for the period 1967-2017. Empirical data from ten selected government sectors were used to analyze the status quo, together with quantitative data collected by using four instruments (i.e. HFA Priority 1 & 4, USAID Toolkit, GOAL Resilience Score and the Checklist on Law and DRR).

Findings

Findings show that Cameroon largely still practices disaster response through the Department of Civil Protection. Transparency and accountability are the sine qua non of the state, but the lack thereof causes improper implementation of DRR within development institutions. DRR is seen as anad hocactivity, with the result that there is not effective institutional capacity for implementation. The need to develop a new national DRR framework is evident.

Originality/value

Analyzing the status quo of DRR in Cameroon could assist with the review and reevaluation of a new DRR framework within the Cameroonian territory.
Female employment in hotels in Saudi Arabia and UAE
Authors: Al-Ismail Saham , Carmichael Fiona , Duberley Joanne
Published: April 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to explore barriers to employment, problems caused by working, motivation to work and job satisfaction of women employed in hotels in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Design/methodology/approach

The study surveyed 385 women working in 75 hotels in KSA and UAE. The sample included citizens of KSA and UAE (n = 177), Arab and non-Arab expatriates (n = 208) and women with and without caring responsibilities for children or adults. The survey responses were analysed by stratifying the sample, using mean-comparison tests to consider sub-sample differences and regression analysis to quantify associations with job satisfaction.

Findings

Women in the sample with childcare or other caring responsibilities were more likely to report work-family conflicts which were in turn linked negatively to job satisfaction. These women were also the most positive about flexible employment practices. Nationals and expatriate Arabs reported higher levels of satisfaction with managerial aspects of their work. However, nationals in KSA recorded lower levels of job satisfaction in relation to pay and conditions and also said that low salaries were a barrier to taking up employment in the first place. Negative social attitudes towards women working in hotels were a particular concern for nationals and expatriate Arab women.

Research limitations/implications

The sample is not representative of all females working in hotels in UAE and KSA, and the results cannot be generalised. However, implications include the need to examine the experiences of self-initiated expatriate women and consider women as part of a family system.

Originality/value

The analysis is based on original data collected through fieldwork. The findings generate new insights on the experiences of women working in hotels in KSA and UAE.
Volition and motivations influence on weight maintenance
Authors: Elsborg Peter , Nielsen Johan Bundgaard , Pfister Gertrud Ursula , Dümer Vivian , Jacobsen Anette , Elbe Anne-Marie
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how the psychological constructs volition and motivation influence successful and unsuccessful weight maintainers’ experiences during the difficult period following an intensive lifestyle intervention.

Design/methodology/approach

Post lifestyle intervention semi-structured interviews with 11 successful and four unsuccessful weight maintainers were conducted.

Findings

The eight themes that emerged and the differences between successful and unsuccessful maintainers were theoretically explained applying the self-determination theory (motivation) and the personal systems interaction (volition).

Practical implications

The study validates and coheres with previous findings on the importance of self-regulation and autonomous motivation for weight loss maintenance. Additionally, the study’s findings expand the literature by explaining both empirically and theoretically how the quality of motivation concerning an activity influences the level of volitional intensity needed when wanting to either engage in goal oriented or refrain from goal opposing activities.

Originality/value

Developing effective obesity interventions has become essential, as obesity is a growing health threat in most countries in the world. However, there is a gap in the literature with regards to qualitative psychological studies with a clear theoretical framework informing intervention development.
Entrepreneurial intentions in an international university environment
Authors: Gieure Clara , Benavides-Espinosa Maria del Mar , Roig-Dobón Salvador
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the entrepreneurial intentions of international university students by applying the theory of planned behaviour (TPB). This paper presents a model that considers personal, social and environmental factors that potentially influence students’ intentions to become entrepreneurs.

Design/methodology/approach

An extension of the TPB was proposed, including two additional constructs: entrepreneurial skills and university education. The target population of the study was national and international university students enroled in different universities. A validated survey (n= 276) was used to collect the data. Structural equation modelling was used to test the hypotheses and the relationships between variables.

Findings

Students are more likely to acquire entrepreneurial skills through effective education and training. Entrepreneurial skills play a significant role in explaining entrepreneurial intentions because it is assumed that knowledge and training make people highly skilled. This raises people’s propensity to start a business.

Originality/value

This study makes a unique contribution to the literature by considering the role of entrepreneurial skills that are commonly acquired at university. The primary conclusions relate to the acquisition of entrepreneurial skills within the university environment. These conclusions are of interest to practitioners and policymakers.
The effect of ground rent and unexpired lease term on property values in Ghana
Authors: Gyau Baffour Awuah Kwasi , Gyamfi-Yeboah Frank
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Although several factors influence property value determination depending on the market, relevant studies in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) often fail to analyse the impact of factors, such as unexpired term of leasehold interest and ground rent, which are also germane to market transactions and value determination. This study aims to examine the effect of unexpired term of leasehold interests and ground rent on the valuation of residential properties in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire instrument was used to collect the views of a sample of professional real estate valuers on the relevance of these and other factors that affect value. In addition, the valuers were tasked to value a residential property located in Accra, Ghana. Ordinary least squares and quantile regression models were thereafter used to analyse the data to determine the effect of the subject variables on value.

Findings

The study finds a significant relationship between valuers’ views on the relevance of unexpired term of leasehold interest and the value placed on residential properties. Further, the respondents who viewed ground rent as an important factor in estimating values placed significantly lower values than those who viewed it as less important.

Research limitations/implications

The findings suggest that the respondents may have split opinion on the existing anecdotal evidence that market participants ignore the unexpired term of leasehold interest, an issue that should be settled in theory. The findings also highlight the diversity of opinion on some of the fundamental factors that affect value and the need to build consensus to prevent excessive variation in value estimates among valuers.

Originality/value

The study makes a significant contribution in terms of extending the existing literature by analysing the impact of unexpired term of leasehold interests and ground rent on residential property values based on empirical data, issue(s) which have often been ignored by existing studies. Findings from the study also provide insights into additional possible causes of valuation errors in Ghana and SSA, which are useful for policy formulation and practice.
Connected learning in international learning projects
Authors: Nissinen Saara , Vartiainen Henriikka , Vanninen Petteri , Pöllänen Sinikka
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The digital age has provided new possibilities for the connected learning. To better understand these opportunities in the school context, the purpose of this paper is to examine what kinds of learning communities emerge in international learning projects and how tools and technologies support students’ inquiries and peer connections.

Design/methodology/approach

The participants in this study were one Finnish 6th-grade class (n=17) and one American 7th–8th-grade class (n=16) who communicated through blogs and Skype. The main sources of deductive content analysis are transcribed Skype meetings, the students’ digital artifacts and a supplementary e-questionnaire.

Findings

The results of the study indicated that during the academic learning project, a voluntary, friendship-driven peer community emerged. The interaction in the formal contexts focused on sharing the results of local inquiries through Skype and blogs, whereas the friendship-driven community centered on the creation of social bonds through students’ personal devices and social media applications.

Originality/value

The paper models a hybrid learning system that connected academically oriented and friendship-driven participation.
The impact of logistics platforms and location on logistics resource integration and operational performance
Authors: Lyu Gaoyan , Chen Lihua , Huo Baofeng
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between logistics park platforms, logistics location and operational performance. Relationship analysis helps managers respond to the changes that today’s logistics companies face, which include limited resources and facilities, market uncertainties and financial instabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured questionnaire is developed based on the resource-based view. Qualitative data collected from 273 companies in China are used in a structural equation model to test the conceptual model.

Findings

In logistics parks, logistics park platforms and location positively influence companies’ resource integration, which is positively related to operational performance. While logistics park platforms can improve operational performance directly, logistics location cannot. Resource integration is thus a full mediator between logistics location and operational performance, while it is a partial mediator between logistics park platforms and operational performance.

Originality/value

This study fills a gap in the literature on logistics parks, particularly on the relationships among operational performance, resource integration, logistics park platforms and the location of logistics parks in China. The authors provide guidelines for logistics park managers to organize their resources and develop capabilities for improving the operational performance of companies in logistics parks.
Minimization of empty container truck trips: insights into truck-sharing constraints
Authors: Islam Samsul , Shi Yangyan , Ahmed Jashim Uddin , Uddin Mohammad Jasim
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The issue of empty truck trips is largely ignored in the current literature. In order to cover this important research gap, the purpose of this paper is to explore, describe, categorize and rank the potential truck-sharing constraints for container trucks traveling empty around the port gates.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to contribute empirically to the current body of knowledge and understandings of truck-sharing constraints, this paper adopts a multi-method empirical approach involving both qualitative interviews and quantitative questionnaire surveys.

Findings

Among many key constraints that influence the future of truck-sharing opportunities, the authors determine, for example, that a carrier’s ability to earn the trust of its competitors is one of the top most important factors of success for a fruitful truck-sharing event. The problem is, perhaps, further complicated because of the increasing competitive environment in the container transport industry, as well as the lack of effective coordination between the key parties involved.

Research limitations/implications

None of the earlier studies has provided a broad understanding and ranking of the truck-sharing constraints that should be considered in truck-sharing events, although the empty trips issue has been limitedly mentioned in the recent academic literature.

Practical implications

Empty truck trips are wasted miles. Wasted empty miles decrease transport capacity in the container distribution chain along with causing an increase in carbon emission, traffic congestion, fuel consumption and environmental pollution. The research results can be used by policy makers to underpin effective measures to prevent the low utilization of trucks.

Originality/value

This study addresses an important gap. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study in the area that ranks truck-sharing constraints to reduce empty trucks trips.
An integrated Bayesian–Markovian framework for ascertaining cost of executing quality improvement programs in manufacturing industry
Authors: Goswami Mohit , Kumar Gopal , Ghadge Abhijeet
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Typically, the budgetary requirements for executing a supplier’s process quality improvement program are often done in unstructured ways in that quality improvement managers purely use their previous experiences and pertinent historical information. In this backdrop, the purpose of this paper is to ascertain the expected cost of carrying out suppliers’ process quality improvement programs that are driven by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

Design/methodology/approach

Using inputs from experts who had prior experience executing suppliers’ quality improvement programs and employing the Bayesian theory, transition probabilities to various quality levels from an initial quality level are ascertained. Thereafter, the Markov chain concept enables the authors to determine steady-state probabilities. These steady-state probabilities in conjunction with quality level cost coefficients yield the expected cost of quality improvement programs.

Findings

The novel method devised in this research is a key contribution of the work. Furthermore, various implications related to experts’ inputs, dynamics related to Markov chain, etc., are discussed. The method is illustrated using a real life of automotive industry in India.

Originality/value

The research contributes to the extant literature in that a new method of determining the expected cost of quality improvement is proposed. Furthermore, the method would be of value to OEMs and suppliers wherein the quality levels at a given time are the function of quality levels in preceding period(s).
Effect of reciprocating and unidirectional sliding motion on the friction and wear of phenolic resin based composite
Authors: Cai Peng , Luo Zhongfan , Duan Xuhua , Qin Xinshao
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of reciprocating and unidirectional sliding motions on friction and wear of phenolic resin-based composite.

Design/methodology/approach

The phenolic resin-based composite was fabricated by hot press molding, and then the tribological properties were tested on a CSM tribometer with two types of friction motion modes – reciprocating friction and unidirectional friction.

Findings

The results showed that the composite exhibited low friction coefficient in unidirectional test. However, the wear factor recorded under unidirectional sliding condition was 12-16 times higher than the reciprocating friction results. The SEM and optical microscopy test results showed that changing the relative motion mode resulted in different topography of transfer film, which is responsible for the different friction and wear characteristics of the composite under reciprocating and unidirectional friction conditions.

Originality/value

Effect of different friction modes, reciprocating friction and unidirectional friction, on friction characteristics of the composite is sought. Different topography of transfer film formed under reciprocating and unidirectional friction conditions contributed to the different friction characteristics.
How personality traits, employee incompetence and consumer similarity influence shoplifting behavior
Authors: Bai Yin , Wu Wei-ping , Cheung Millissa F.Y.
Published: April 2019

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the mediating role of shopping intention and the moderating roles of employee incompetence and consumer similarity in the relationship between consumers’ personal traits and their shoplifting behaviors

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the theory of planned behavior (TPB), the authors develop and test a model that links personality traits to shoplifting intention and behavior. The results from a sample of 507 consumers.

Findings

The results from a sample of 507 consumers show that shoplifting intention mediates the effects of personality traits (materialism, alienation and sensation seeking) on shoplifting behavior. In addition, both employee incompetence and consumer similarity are found to moderate the relationship between shoplifting intention and behavior. The findings offer some useful theoretical and managerial implications.

Originality/value

Drawing on the TPB, the authors investigate how personality traits (i.e. materialism, sensation seeking and consumer alienation) influence shoplifting behavior via shoplifting intention. They find that the effects of materialism, sensation seeking and alienation on shoplifting behavior are mediated by shoplifting intention. More importantly, they also find strong support for the moderating roles of employee incompetence and consumer similarity on the relationship between shoplifting intention and behavior. While employee incompetence enhances the relationship between shoplifting intention and shoplifting behavior, consumer similarity negatively moderates the relationship between shoplifting intention and shoplifting behavior.
Educational immigrants: evidence from Chinese young entrepreneurs in the UK
Authors: Chen Wei , Tajeddini Kayhan , Ratten Vanessa , Tabari Saloomeh
Published: April 2019

Purpose

While the contribution of educational students to the economies of developed countries is critical, educational immigrants rarely find employment in the regulated unionized sectors of these countries and are found instead setting up their own business. The purpose of this paper is to understand how educational immigrants use their cultural and social heritage for entrepreneurial purposes.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative method was undertaken, comprising face-to-face in-depth interviews with 12 respondents, involved in the hospitality industry for various purposes such as inspiration, challenges, frustrations and attracting investments. A convenience sampling method coupled with snowball sampling was chosen because of the availability of the informants and their willingness to be a part of the study. A thematic analysis was conducted in the transcripts of interviews to understand the aim and motivation factors of each individual followed by content analysis process.

Findings

The findings reveal that, while the informants suffer of language barriers, lack or shortage of experience in understanding the laws and legislations, unfamiliarity with the host culture, as well as financial constraints, the entrepreneurial sprite drives them to establish their businesses.

Research limitations/implications

This study has important consequences for understanding how educational immigrants transition from an educational to a business setting.

Practical implications

As the increase in educational immigrants becomes more important to the economic and social performance of countries, it is important to understand how young entrepreneurs start their businesses.

Originality/value

Educational immigrants are an important source of regional innovation and development. This paper focuses on the role of international higher education and the link to entrepreneurship by focusing on young Chinese entrepreneurs.
India’s Super 50 companies and their mission statement: a multifold perspective
Authors: Yadav Neetu , Sehgal Vineet
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the content of mission statements of India’s Super 50 companies, selected from Forbes India magazine, on multiple aspects such as components, stakeholders’ inclusion, content readability and strategic orientation.

Design/methodology/approach

A total sample of 29 companies was chosen for the study, whose mission statement details were available on their official websites. These firms’ mission statement was rated on the basis of nine selected components of what constitutes a “good mission statement.” Further, industry-level analysis was also carried out to measure significant differences between manufacturing and service industries. Data were analyzed using frequency analysis, average and t-statistics. Gunning Fog index was also calculated to measure content readability.

Findings

The results show that Indian firms largely focus on their customers as major stakeholders while defining their mission and emphasize upon values and philosophy, products or services offered, and integration of technology in production or processes. There is no statistically significant difference identified between the average mean value of components for sample manufacturing and service firms.

Research limitations/implications

The study is cross-sectional in nature; however, a few firms redesign their mission according to need; therefore, a detailed longitudinal study of a few firms could open up new paradigms. The findings are based on sample firms selected from Forbes India, so generalization needs to be done with complete caution.

Originality/value

The study looks ahead of the most popular of David’s (1989) nine crucial components of mission statements, taking into account major shifts in the business environment. It also attempts to fill a contextual research gap by analyzing the mission statements of top Indian firms. Three crucial elements – “strategic decision,” “stakeholder concerns” and “critical success factors” – have been identified for Indian firms that define their mission statement.
Business process management in the port sector: a literature review
Authors: Saragiotis Periklis
Published: April 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to review the application of business process management (BPM) in the port sector. Its objective is to understand whether BPM principles are applied in the port sector, the role of the procedural factor in port performance evaluation and whether electronic data interchange systems have been used for process management purposes.

Design/methodology/approach

The objective of this research is to conduct a critical review of existing academic literature in the domain of BPM and its application in the ports sector. This paper assessed more than a hundred recent publications, from key journals in the domains of port economics, BPM and information technology. The two principle platforms used are the online databases of the World Bank Group and the University of Antwerp.

Findings

Academic literature reviewed reveals a partial application of BPM in the port and maritime sector. BPM related research is conducted via the utilization of modeling algorithms or optimization and simulation tools. There exists evidence that electronic data interchange (EDI) data extracted from EDI platforms can be used to model inter-organizational business processes in several industries. Yet, to the best of the author’s knowledge, no research investigates Port Community System (PCS) or single window (SW) data utilization for BPM purposes, although PCS and SW benefits are well documented. Port performance is largely assessed based on the production theory, and limited number of studies use elements of procedural efficiency as variables for their analysis.

Originality/value

The holistic application of BPM has been researched in numerous industries but in the port sector. This paper constitutes the first section of an original research study to define key components, assumptions and constraints for developing a comprehensive BPM framework in the port sector.
Business uncertainty and financial leverage: should the firm double up on risk?
Authors: Elkhal Khaled
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the nature of the relationship between business risk and financial leverage. While past theoretical and empirical studies on this topic use similar variables, overall, their findings are inconclusive. In this paper, the author contends this is partially due to inappropriate proxies for business risk that are commonly used in these research papers. To correct for this misspecification, this paper proposes an alternative proxy for business risk that is isolated from the effects of financial leverage.

Design/methodology/approach

Past research on the relationship between business risk and financial leverage uses some variations in a firm’s operating cash flow as a proxy for business risk. This proxy cannot solely reflect business risk and may very well be affected by the level of financial leverage, especially for financially distressed firms. This paper proposes an alternative proxy for business risk that is isolated from the effects of financial leverage. This proxy is the cost of capital of an all-equity firm. The theoretical model developed in this paper is based on deriving the optimum level of debt as a function of business risk in the context of the Modigliani and Miller Proposition II model.

Findings

The findings show a positive linkage between business risk and financial leverage. This relationship is robust to the various forms the cost of financial distress function may take.

Originality/value

The mixed findings in past research papers regarding the relationship between business risk and financial leverage are mainly due to “inappropriate” measures of business risk that do not only reflect one firm attribute and are contaminated with other factors mainly financial leverage. As such, since the variable of interest is misspecified, the outcome of these studies cannot be credible. This paper attempts to correct for such misspecification by proposing a proxy that only reflects business risk. In addition, the proposed model is based on the widely acceptable Modigliani and Miller static theory of capital structure.
Workers age 50 and over in the Brazilian labor market: is there ageism?
Authors: Amorim Wilson , Fischer AndréLuiz , Fevorini Fabiana Bitencourt
Published: April 2019

Purpose

This paper deals with the insertion of workers aged 50 years or more in the Brazilian labor market. Considering this question, the purpose of this paper is to raise evidence about the existence of ageism – prejudice against that age range. The paper identifies the characteristics of participation by workers age 50 or older in Brazil’s formal labor market. The paper also identifies whether and how the specific issues of these workers are handled in the individual employment contract, with the human resources management (HRM) policies and practices of a group of companies.

Design/methodology/approach

The study applied a quantitative approach in an analysis of the older population in the Brazilian labor market (Annual Social Information Report (RAIS) database and “MEPT” survey database – 2011/2016). The RAIS data are collected annually by the Ministério do Trabalho e Emprego – MTE, coming from all establishments with or without formal employees, whether statutory (public servants) or private organizations. MEPT survey is an annual study focused on quality of the organizational environment and HRM practices (organizations participate voluntarily). A qualitative approach was applied also in a document content analysis on information about HRM policies and practices based on MEPT companies’ research evidence reports.

Findings

There is evidence of ageism among private companies in Brazil with better HRM. These companies hire proportionally less old workers than the market and their HRM policies and practices scarcely handle with employees. The workers age 50 and over among the workers employed (private and mixed capital companies) have growing participation in the labor market. The profile of these workers is predominantly male, higher level education considering the market average, and working under longer lasting formal contracts comparing all workers combined. People involved in the individual hiring of workers from this age group do not even give this subject much attention.

Research limitations/implications

The specific objective of verifying if and how the specific issues that workers of 50 years and older are dealing; in the individual hiring for work, encountered limitations based on the restricted character of the data presented. In particular, the information related to the best companies (MEPT) is representative only of its own group and thus is restricted to the private sector. Although this cannot be generalized, they offer support for reflections on the subject.

Practical implications

This paper shows how companies with advanced HRM handle with older workers in their policies and practices.

Social implications

This work points out that that the aging of workers will be a problem to be discussed by the companies HRM in the future.

Originality/value

This paper identifies the need to study how companies will deal with the increasing number of older workers.