bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pseudodesulfovibrio mercurii sp. nov., a mercury-methylating bacterium isolated from sediment
Authors: Gilmour Cynthia C. , Soren Ally Bullock , Gionfriddo Caitlin M. , Podar Mircea , Wall Judy D. , Brown Steven D. , Michener Joshua K. , Urriza Maria Soledad Goñi , Elias Dwayne A.
Published: February 2021

The sulfate-reducing, mercury-methylating strain ND132T was isolated from the brackish anaerobic bottom sediments of Chesapeake Bay, USA. Capable of high levels of mercury (Hg) methylation, ND132T has been widely used as a model strain to study the process and to determine the genetic basis of Hg methylation. Originally called

Desulfovibrio desulfuricans

ND132T on the basis of an early partial 16S rRNA sequence, the strain has never been formally described. Phylogenetic and physiological traits place this strain within the genus Pseudodesulfovibrio, in the recently reclassified phylum

Desulfobacterota

(formerly

Deltaproteobacteria

). ND132T is most closely related to

Pseudodesulfovibrio hydrargyri

BerOc1T and

Pseudodesulfovibrio indicus

J2T. Analysis of average nucleotide identity (ANI) of whole-genome sequences showed roughly 88 % ANI between

P. hydrargyri

BerOc1T and ND132T, and 84 % similarity between ND132T and

P. indicus

J2T. These cut-off scores <95 %, along with a multi-gene phylogenetic analysis of members of the family Desulfovibrionacea, and differences in physiology indicate that all three strains represent separate species. The Gram-stain-negative cells are vibrio-shaped, motile and not sporulated. ND132T is a salt-tolerant mesophile with optimal growth in the laboratory at 32 °C, 2 % salinity, and pH 7.8. The DNA G+C content of the genomic DNA is 65.2 %. It is an incomplete oxidizer of short chain fatty acids, using lactate, pyruvate and fumarate with sulfate or sulfite as the terminal electron acceptors. ND132T can respire fumarate using pyruvate as an electron donor. The major fatty acids are iso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0, iso-C17 : 1ω9c and anteiso-C17 : 0. We propose the classification of strain ND132T (DSM 110689, ATCC TSD-224) as the type strain Pseudodesulfovibrio mercurii sp. nov.
Genome Warehouse: A Public Repository Housing Genome-scale Data
Authors: Chen Meili , Ma Yingke , Wu Song , Zheng Xinchang , Kang Hongen , Sang Jian , Xu Xingjian , Hao Lili , Li Zhaohua , Gong Zheng , Xiao Jingfa , Zhang Zhang , Zhao Wenming , Bao Yiming
Published: February 2021

The Genome Warehouse (GWH) is a public repository housing genome assembly data for a wide range of species and delivering a series of web services for genome data submission, storage, release, and sharing. As one of the core resources in the National Genomics Data Center (NGDC), part of the China National Center for Bioinformation (CNCB,https://bigd.big.ac.cn/), GWH accepts both full genome and partial genome (chloroplast, mitochondrion, and plasmid) sequences with different assembly levels, as well as an update of existing genome assemblies. For each assembly, GWH collects detailed genome-related metadata including biological project and sample, and genome assembly information, in addition to genome sequence and annotation. To archive high-quality genome sequences and annotations, GWH is equipped with a uniform and standardized procedure for quality control. Besides basic browse and search functionalities, all released genome sequences and annotations can be visualized with JBrowse. By December 2020, GWH has received 17,264 direct submissions covering a diversity of 949 species, and has released 3370 of them. Collectively, GWH serves as an important resource for genome-scale data management and provides free and publicly accessible data to support research activities throughout the world. GWH is publicly accessible athttps://bigd.big.ac.cn/gwh/.
Autonomous epithelial folding induced by an intracellular mechano–polarity feedback loop
Authors: Wen Fu-Lai , Kwan Chun Wai , Wang Yu-Chiun , Shibata Tatsuo
Published: February 2021

Epithelial tissues form folded structures during embryonic development and organogenesis. Whereas substantial efforts have been devoted to identifying mechanical and biochemical mechanisms that induce folding, how they interact remains poorly understood. Here we propose a mechano–biochemical model for dorsal fold formation in the earlyDrosophilaembryo, an epithelial folding event induced by shifts of cell polarity. Based on experimentally observed apical domain homeostasis, we couple cell mechanics to polarity and find that mechanical changes following the initial polarity shifts alter cell geometry, which in turn influences the reaction-diffusion of polarity proteins, thus forming a feedback loop between mechanics and polarity. This model can induce spontaneous fold formationin silico, recapitulate polarity and shape changes observedin vivo, and confer robustness to tissue shape change against small fluctuations in mechanics and polarity. These findings reveal emergent properties of a developing epithelium under control of intracellular mechano–polarity coupling.
The impact of relational demography and communication apprehension on follower perceptions of leader–follower relationships in the hospitality industry
Authors: Jones-Carmack Joy , Criscione-Naylor Noel
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The paper aims to clarify the multivariate effects of follower communication apprehension (CA) and demographic dissimilarity on follower perceptions of the leader–follower relationship quality (i.e. measured by leader–member exchange (LMX) theory). This study examined the possible mediating effects of follower CA on the relationship between demographic dissimilarity and LMX.

Design/methodology/approach

Research was collected from self-report ratings of one member of the dyad; several proactive techniques were utilized to reduce common method variance in the development and administration of the survey instrument. In total, 260 (N = 260) full-time hospitality industry employees participated in the study.

Findings

The results of this study indicate demographic dissimilarity has minimal effect on LMX and CA. However, the results indicated that follower CA was negatively related to follower perceptions of LMX quality. In addition, the results indicated that tenure working with the supervisor was negatively related to follower CA and positively related to follower perceptions of LMX quality.

Research limitations/implications

Research results may lack generalizability, and causality cannot be confirmed. Future studies utilizing longitudinal designs and/or data collected from each member of the dyad may provide support for current findings.

Practical implications

This paper includes implications for understanding how situational characteristics influence follower CA and perceptions of LMX to encourage supervisors to increase communication with new subordinates, especially during the organizational acculturation process, thus reducing turnover. Furthermore, the significant relationship between age dissimilarity and CA offers practical implications for managing and celebrating generational differences in the workplace and bridging the gap between generations by maximizing communication between supervisors and subordinates. Communication is an essential consideration in the hospitality industry linked to creativity, relationship building and enhanced service experiences. Ultimately, this paper provides guidance for leaders to build sustainable, positive relationships with subordinates through more effective communication and build more inclusive service-based organizations.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to communication and leadership management practices by addressing four major problems: (1) limited research on situational characteristics that inhibit LMX quality, (2) limited research on communication variables as antecedents to LMX, (3) minimal research on the relationship between CA and LMX and (4) non-existent research on CA as a mediating variable in the relationship between demographic dissimilarity and LMX.
Impact of lean manufacturing: evidence from apparel industry in Bangladesh
Authors: Bashar Abul , Hasin Ahsan Akhtar , Adnan Ziaul Haq
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Many research findings demonstrate the benefits of lean manufacturing implementation. However, the impact of lean manufacturing on organizational performance in developing countries like Bangladesh remains unexplored. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of lean manufacturing system (LMS) on the organizational performance of the apparel industry in Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical data were collected from 227 apparel manufacturing firms using a close-ended structured questionnaire. The causal relationships between the independent and dependent variables are examined by structural equation modeling using AMOS 20.0 software.

Findings

The results reveal significant evidence that the implementation of LMS has a direct impact on organizational performance in terms of operational and business performance.

Practical implications

The findings of this study will create a substantial interest among the practitioners of the apparel industry to implement LMS. This study will also explore the opportunities to develop lean implementation framework and identify the benefits that will enhance the competitive advantages.

Originality/value

This paper explores the causal relationships and argues based on the empirical data in the context of the apparel industry in Bangladesh.
Learning online research skills in lower secondary school: long-term intervention effects, skill profiles and background factors
Authors: Alamettälä Tuulikki , Sormunen Eero
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the long-term development of online research skills among lower secondary school students and how various factors such as teaching interventions and students’ self-efficacy, attitudes, information and communication technology (ICT) activity and gender are associated with development.

Design/methodology/approach

Two intervention courses were implemented to improve online research skills among 7th-grade students. In the follow-up test in the 8th grade, students’ skills were measured in Web searching, critical evaluation of sources and argumentative use of Web information. Students’ self-efficacy beliefs in online research, their attitudes toward learning, behavioral intentions in online research and ICT activity were surveyed by questionnaires.

Findings

The main finding was that the effect observed immediately after the intervention in 7th grade did not last until the following year. A cluster analysis revealed six skill profiles characterizing strengths and weaknesses in students’ performance in the subtasks of online research and indicated that many students suffer from poor evaluation skills. Self-efficacy beliefs stood out as a student-related factor associated with the development of online research skills.

Originality/value

This study contributed to the pedagogy of online research skills. It indicates that small-scale interventions are not enough to enhance 7th-graders’ online research skills. Students need continuous practice in different contexts during their school years. It is important to support students’ self-efficacy to motivate them to develop their skills in all the subtasks of online research. This study also demonstrated the importance of follow-up studies in online research skills, as they have been rare thus far.
Exploration of COVID-19 impact on the dimensions of food safety and security: a perspective of societal issues with relief measures
Authors: Sharma Janpriy , Tyagi Mohit , Bhardwaj Arvind
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has created the catastrophic situation, it has crippled all the economic activities and seized off the operations of food supply chain (FSC). Disrupted FSC escalated the societal concerns related to food safety and security. The purpose of this study is to consolidate various issues, exploring the perspectives associated with the agricultural practices, food industries and society concerns related with the FSC performance system dynamics amid of COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

To structure this work, a detailed research literature insight focussing on the key findings associated with the past disease outbreaks like influenza, avian flu, Ebola, bird flu, SARS, foot and mouth disease and ongoing phase of COVID-19, encompassing the perspective related with various agricultural and concerned supply chain practices is clustered. Furthermore, issues having relevancy with the notion of this work, sourced from platforms of print and electronic media have been incorporated to ground the reality associated with the impacts, for better visualisation of the perspectives.

Findings

This study outlays the key findings which are relevant with the past pandemic outbreaks from the core of the research literature. It details the impact of the current COVID-19 scenario on the various FSC operations, focussing on dimensions allied with the industry, economic and society concerns. For the same, to mitigate the effects, relief measures focussing on the short- and long-term perspectives have been incorporated. Steps ramped up by the Government of India (GOI) to safeguard masses from the threat of food security, accelerate pace of the FSC operations and upscale operating capacities of the industries and agriculture practices have incorporated.

Research limitations/implications

Presented work is persuaded amid of the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions hence it outlays the theoretical perspectives only. But, these perspectives portray the ongoing scenario's impacts, extending its implication to the people coming from the industry and academia background. This study can felicitate the government bodies to make them familiar with the various impacts which indented the FSCs, food industries and added woes to the society concerns.

Originality/value

India is the second largest populated nation of the world, and outspread of the COVID-19 has capsized the FSCs and raised the various instances, making population vulnerable to the threats of food insecurity. This study encompasses effect of the FSC disruption by incorporating its effect on the food industries practices, societal issues and extending possible relief measures to restructure the FSC dynamics. As of now, study focussing on the Indian FSC concerns, detailing of impacts due to pandemic outbreak, relief measures to sail out of the hard times are not available.
Egyptian small and medium sized enterprises’ battle against COVID-19 pandemic: March–July 2020
Authors: Zaazou Zeinab Abbas , Salman Abdou Doaa
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The impact of COVID-19 outbreak freeze economic actors and hold innovative startups. This triggered the researchers to investigate the effect of the pandemic on small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Egypt and how do these start-ups deal on the whole with this serious situation.

Design/methodology/approach

The research in hand used both qualitative and quantitative methods. It started first with semi-structured interview questions addressed to a number of participants, then a quantitative study took place, ending with conclusion and recommendations.

Findings

There is an agreement among all participants that entrepreneurs should always be flexible and seek for investments in innovation. However, there is a discrepancy among participants’ opinions regarding the measurements taken by the Egyptian Government post the pandemic outbreak.

Research limitations/implications

The field study results and the exploratory research results would have come out more accurate if it was not confined only to geographical limitation (Cairo Governorate).

Practical implications

The research in hand suggests that practical measurements should not only provide first aid to start-ups by alleviating the pressure caused by constrained cash flow but also consider long-term measures embedded in and supported by the wider entrepreneurial ecosystem to ensure start-ups rapid recovery and growth.

Social implications

SMEs attribute to social and economic change and have an impact on the local public and social services sector as a result of the business’s activities.

Originality/value

This study first illustrates the challenges entrepreneurs are facing because of the pandemic, then it presents how entrepreneurs are dealing with the effects of the crisis.
An applied approach to multi-criteria humanitarian supply chain planning for pandemic response
Authors: Malmir Behnam , Zobel Christopher W.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

When a large-scale outbreak such as the COVID-19 pandemic happens, organizations that are responsible for delivering relief may face a lack of both provisions and human resources. Governments are the primary source for the humanitarian supplies required during such a crisis; however, coordination with humanitarian NGOs in handling such pandemics is a vital form of public-private partnership (PPP). Aid organizations have to consider not only the total degree of demand satisfaction in such cases but also the obligation that relief goods such as medicine and foods should be distributed as equitably as possible within the affected areas (AAs).

Design/methodology/approach

Given the challenges of acquiring real data associated with procuring relief items during the COVID-19 outbreak, a comprehensive simulation-based plan is used to generate 243 small, medium and large-sized problems with uncertain demand, and these problems are solved to optimality using GAMS. Finally, post-optimality analyses are conducted, and some useful managerial insights are presented.

Findings

The results imply that given a reasonable measure of deprivation costs, it can be important for managers to focus less on the logistical costs of delivering resources and more on the value associated with quickly and effectively reducing the overall suffering of the affected individuals. It is also important for managers to recognize that even though deprivation costs and transportation costs are both increasing as the time horizon increases, the actual growth rate of the deprivation costs decreases over time.

Originality/value

In this paper, a novel mathematical model is presented to minimize the total costs of delivering humanitarian aid for pandemic relief. With a focus on sustainability of operations, the model incorporates total transportation and delivery costs, the cost of utilizing the transportation fleet (transportation mode cost), and equity and deprivation costs. Taking social costs such as deprivation and equity costs into account, in addition to other important classic cost terms, enables managers to organize the best possible response when such outbreaks happen.
Factors affecting intention to adopt halal practices: case study of Indonesian small and medium enterprises
Authors: Silalahi Sahat Aditua Fandhitya , Fachrurazi Fachrurazi , Fahham Achmad Muchaddam
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effect of religiosity, government support, consumer demand, the expectation for higher revenue and competition intensity on Indonesian small and medium-sized enterprises’ (SMEs) intention to adopt halal practices.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a quantitative approach and surveyed 228 SME owners through electronic media and direct contact. The study then applied the structural equation modeling to evaluate the relationship between constructs. This study also conducted some modifications on the hypotheses structured to obtain the best model.

Findings

This study found that religiosity, government support and expectation for higher revenue have positive and significant effects on SMEs’ intention to adopt halal practices; conversely, consumer demand and competition intensity do not have significant effects.

Originality/value

While in Indonesia, many studies have been conducted on consumers as subjects concerning halal awareness and they revealed a positive effect on the intention to consume the products, still, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, there are no studies targeting producers, especially SMEs, as the research subjects. This study had fulfilled some gaps on contributing factors that encourage the adoption of halal practices on the producers’ side, especially on SMEs. Therefore, this study provided insights into how to bridge the producers’ and consumers’ interests regarding halal fulfillment. The findings also provided input on the policy formulation at the early stage of halal policy implementation.
Halal tourism: exploring innovative marketing opportunities for entrepreneurs
Authors: Battour Mohamed , Salaheldeen Mohamed , Mady Khalid
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The aim of this conceptual paper is to define Halal tourism based on the current practices and to explore the available innovative business opportunities in Halal travel industry that could be exploited by Halal entrepreneurs.

Design/methodology/approach

Critical assessment in Halal tourism literature is used to define Halal tourism and to link between Halal entrepreneurship and Halal tourism to explore innovative marketing opportunities for entrepreneurs.

Findings

New Halal tourism definition is suggested based on the current practices in this field. The paper also provided new prospects for Halal Entrepreneurs that could enable them to start new ventures in Halal tourism industry.

Originality/value

This study provides new theoretical and practical contribution in Halal tourism and Halal entrepreneurship. The findings could help tourism operators, Halal entrepreneurs to introduce Halal tourism products and services for catering Muslim traveler needs.
Behavioural intention and adoption of internet banking among clients’ of Islamic banks in Malaysia: an analysis using UTAUT2
Authors: Mohd Thas Thaker Hassanudin , Mohd Thas Thaker Mohamed Asmy , Khaliq Ahmad , Allah Pitchay Anwar , Iqbal Hussain Hafezali
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the behavioural intention and adoption of internet banking (IB) among clients of local and foreign Islamic banks in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey questionnaires were distributed among the Islamic banks’ clients at two main states, namely, Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. The number of clients involved is 319 (n = 319). The data was analysed using the partial least square (PLS) and theoretically, the research framework in this study is guided by the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology 2 (UTAUT2).

Findings

The smart PLS analysis yielded three main outcomes, namely, the variables such as performance expectancy, effort expectancy, price value, facilitating conditions and habit have a positive influence over the behavioural intention and subsequently lead to the adoption of IB. The other two variables, namely, social influence and hedonic motivation were negatively-related and insignificant for behavioural intention. Third, this paper also noticed that facilitating conditions and habits have a direct relationship with the adoption of IB.

Practical implications

Based on the findings, Islamic banks can take necessary action to design a better policy to further accelerate the usage of IB among their client. By identifying those factors, this, perhaps, can allow Islamic banks to invest more ideas on those significant factors that influence their interest, and subsequently leads to good business to Islamic banks as the clients nowadays are looking for simplicity and convenience factors when using IB.

Originality/value

This research is expected to enhance existing literature on internet banking, especially in Islamic banking research on the technological edge. Limited research has been done in Malaysia, particularly on the intention and continuous adoption of IB in Islamic banks using the UTAUT2 framework. This would be breakthrough research in identifying factors that influence customers’ continuous adoption of IB.
The vitalist disjuncture between process organization studies and accelerationism
Authors: Dylan-Ennis Paul
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This article is concerned with the fundamental differences between Landian accelerationism and the tradition that most closely resembles it within organization studies and process organization studies. Accelerationists and process theorists seem to have much in common, since both bear the influence of vitalism, but there are important conceptual differences that need to be brought to light for accelerationist organization studies (AOSs).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a straightforward comparison of the fundamental philosophical principles orienting both process organization studies, especially those gleaned from phenomenology and speculative metaphysics, and Landian accelerationism.

Findings

Process organization studies address a localized disciplinary bias towards stability over change and leverage phenomenology and speculative metaphysics to overcome it. Landian accelerationism is a radical account of the supersession of the human by inhuman forces and abandons phenomenology and speculative metaphysics as vitalist variants of correlationism. The two perspectives are shown to be broadly incompatible.

Originality/value

The introduction of accelerationism into organization studies will invariably see it compared with the vitalist strains of process organization studies. This paper emphasizes some of the important differences that exist between these traditions in preparation for an emerging accelerationist organization study tradition.
Taking sides with patients using institutional ethnography
Authors: Cupit Caroline , Rankin Janet , Armstrong Natalie
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper is to document the first author's experience of using institutional ethnography (IE) to “take sides” in healthcare research. The authors illustrate the points with data and key findings from a study of cardiovascular disease prevention.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use Dorothy E Smith's IE approach, and particularly the theoretical tool of “standpoint”.

Findings

Starting with the development of the study, the authors trouble the researcher's positionality, highlighting tensions between institutional knowledge of “prevention” and other locations where knowledge about patients' health needs materialises. The authors outline how IE's theoretically and methodologically integrated toolkit became a framework for “taking sides” with patients. They describe how the researcher used IE to take a standpoint and map institutional relations from that standpoint. They argue that IE enabled an innovative analysis but also reflect on the challenges of conducting an IE – the conceptual unpicking and (re)thinking, and demarcating boundaries of investigation within an expansive dataset.

Originality/value

This paper illustrates IE's relevance for organisational ethnographers wishing to find a theoretically robust approach to taking sides, and suggests ways in which the IE approach might contribute to improving services, particularly healthcare. It provides an illustration of how taking a patient standpoint was accomplished in practice, and reflects on the challenges involved.
Local regeneration and community wealth building–place making: co-operatives as agents of change
Authors: Webster Anthony , Kuznetsova Olga , Ross Cilla , Berranger Cécile , Booth Michelle , Eseonu Temidayo , Golan Yaron
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to provide an introduction to how worker co-operatives and other organisations based on principles of the participatory economy have been adopted in a range of international contexts as a vehicle for transforming places with a strong aspiration to address location-specific social challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a presentation of four narrative cases, the paper exemplifies international experiences of co-operative approaches to place-making. It critically reflects on the philosophical and strategic underpinnings of the projects implemented in Rochdale, Preston, Bologna, Rome and Cincinnati.

Findings

The practical experiences of a number of local projects of place-making involving co-operatives are conceptualised. The research has identified the importance of institutional, organisational and legal constraints for transformative cooperative-based place-making initiatives. It shows a strong relevance of the place’s historic legacy and communal governance for the choice of place-making approaches.

Research limitations/implications

Further investigation is needed to establish whether co-operatives have the same driving force potential in terms of local regeneration and community wealth building place-making in non-Western contexts and less developed locations.

Practical implications

The paper highlights cases that incorporate place-making practices involving the co-operative organisation and municipal participation and considers their transferability potential.

Originality/value

The paper advances an important conversation relevant to researchers, educators, co-operators, politicians and local officials on diverse contemporary approaches in towns and cities that seek to reshape and regenerate local socio-economic fabric by engaging tradition, principles and organisation models developed within the co-operative movement.
Journal of Service Theory and Practice at age 30: past, present and future contributions to service research
Authors: Donthu Naveen , Kumar Satish , Ranaweera Chatura , Sigala Marianna , Sureka Riya
Published: February 2021

Purpose

In 2020, the Journal of Service Theory and Practice (JSTP), previously titled Managing Service Quality, celebrates its 30th anniversary. This study provides a retrospective of the evolution and contribution of the journal to service research by identifying its major trends, research constituents, factors contributing to citations and thematic structure over its 29 active years (1991–2019). The paper concludes by providing directions and ideas for progressing service research

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses the Scopus database to extract JSTP's bibliographic data. It employs bibliometric methods to study the trends of the journal, such as the citation structure and most-contributing authors, institutions and countries. Bibliographic coupling and keyword co-occurrence analyses are used to study the intellectual structure of the journal. Regression analysis discloses the factors influencing citations of JSTP articles. Factors explaining the citation count of JSTP articles include article age, number of author keywords, article length, title length and number of references.

Findings

JSTP's influence has grown significantly in the scientific community, which is evidenced by findings relating to the citation counts, the thematic scope/variety and authorship features of the JSTP papers published during the last 30 years. JSTP attracts publications from around the globe, but most contributions come from the United States, United Kingdom and Australia. Although JSTP has continuously evolved with new and varied themes, a bibliographic coupling analysis clustered JSTP articles into five major clusters.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of the Scopus database may impact the study's results.

Originality/value

This study is the first to provide a comprehensive review of JSTP since its launch. It is useful to the editorial board and other JSTP stakeholders as well as service scholars alike.
A review of work–life programs and organizational outcomes
Authors: Akter Kohinur , Ali Muhammad , Chang Artemis
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Work–life programs research has been conducted at the individual and organizational levels, yet one important question remains unanswered: Do work–life programs improve organizational outcomes?

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a systematic literature review of the impact of work–life programs (bundles versus separate programs) on outcomes at the organizational level. A systematic selection process was adopted, resulting in a final sample of 35 articles published in 26 peer-reviewed journals from 1990 to 2019.

Findings

The findings suggest that these programs can result in positive, negative or no impact on organizational outcomes, depending on the study design, industry, organization size and country/region.

Originality/value

This review draws on quantitative and qualitative empirical studies to summarize, explain and refine the business case for work–life programs. The resulting framework provides directions for future research.
A novel approach for enhancing the fatigue lifetime of the components processed by additive manufacturing technologies
Authors: S. Azar Amin , Reiersen Magnus , Hovig Even W. , M’hamdi Mohammed , Diplas Spyros , Pedersen Mikkel M.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This study aims to introduce a novel approach in form of a comprehensive software suite to help understanding and optimizing the build orientation toward maximizing the fatigue lifetime of complex geometries. The objective is to find an optimized build orientation under a given in-service loading state, which brings on smoother surfaces in stressed regions, mitigated roughness-induced stress concentration and deferred crack initiation stage. The solution addresses scenarios that no post-build surface treatment can be applied.

Design/methodology/approach

To account for the surface topography, the staircase induced surface roughness is registered as a function of build angle using the white light interferometry characterization, based on which the stress concentration factor (kt) is calculated. Thereafter, the developed module in “Fatlab toolbox” is used to find the optimum build angle, considering the integrated surface orientations and stress analysis under a given loading condition.

Findings

Surface topography creates local stress concentrations upon loading, directly influencing the fatigue lifetime. It is a well-established fact that the conditions of the staircase geometry and surface roughness affect the magnitude of the stress concentration upon loading, which is influenced by the build orientation of the component. The proposed solution suggests the best build orientation that mitigates staircase-related surface roughness.

Originality/value

The suggested numerical approach assists the designers with positioning of the part on the build plate to minimize the build orientation-induced surface roughness and improve the as-built fatigue lifetime of the component.
Fabrication and characterization of customized tubular scaffolds for tracheal tissue engineering by using solvent based 3D printing on predefined template
Authors: Kandi Rudranarayan , Pandey Pulak Mohan , Majood Misba , Mohanty Sujata
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss the successful fabrication of customized tubular scaffolds for tracheal tissue engineering with a novel route using solvent-based extrusion 3D printing.

Design/methodology/approach

The manufacturing approach involved extrusion of polymeric ink over a rotating predefined pattern to construct customized tubular structure of polycaprolactone (PCL) and polyurethane (PU). Dimensional deviation in thickness of scaffolds were calculated for various layer thicknesses of 3D printing. Physical and chemical properties of scaffolds were investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM), contact angle measurement, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Mechanical characterizations were performed, and the results were compared to the reported properties of human native trachea from previous reports. Additionally, in vitro cytotoxicity of the fabricated scaffolds was studied in terms of cell proliferation, cell adhesion and hemagglutination assay.

Findings

The developed fabrication route was flexible and accurate by printing customized tubular scaffolds of various scales. Physiochemical results showed good miscibility of PCL/PU blend, and decrease in crystalline nature of blend with the addition of PU. Preliminary mechanical assessments illustrated comparable mechanical properties with the native human trachea. Longitudinal compression test reported outstanding strength and flexibility to maintain an unobstructed lumen, necessary for the patency. Furthermore, the scaffolds were found to be biocompatible to promote cell adhesion and proliferation from the in vitro cytotoxicity results.

Practical implications

The attempt can potentially meet the demand for flexible tubular scaffolds that ease the concerns such as availability of suitable organ donors.

Originality/value

3D printing over accurate predefined templates to fabricate customized grafts gives novelty to the present method. Various customized scaffolds were compared with conventional cylindrical scaffold in terms of flexibility.
Gender difference in the perceptions of the patient safety culture: a case from a medical center in Taiwan
Authors: Huang Chih-Hsuan , Lai Chun-Ting , Wu Cheng-Feng , Lee Yii-Ching , Yu Chia-Hui , Hsueh Hsiu-Wen , Wu Hsin-Hung
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Gender difference exists in the perception of the patient safety culture in healthcare organizations. A case from a medical center in Taiwan is presented to examine how different genders perceive the patient safety culture in practice from 2014 to 2017.

Design/methodology/approach

A longitudinal study using the data from 2014 to 2017 is conducted quantitatively. Mann–WhitneyUtest and one-way analysis of variance are employed for analyses.

Findings

The results showed that female nurses had significantly higher emotional exhaustion than male nurses in 2015 and 2016 indicating male nurses had better fatigue recovery than their female counterparts. In addition, male nurses felt a higher degree of fatigue in 2016 and 2017 than those in 2015 statistically. In contrast, female nurses felt more stressful in 2016 and 2017 than those in 2014 statistically. Female nurses had higher emotional exhaustion in 2016 and 2017 than those in 2014 and 2015 statistically.

Practical implications

To sum up, female nurses were more stressful than before, and their recovery was also relatively poor particularly in 2016 and 2017. There is a need to reduce the degree of fatigue for female nurses in this medical center through employee assistance programs, mindfulness-based stress reduction programs, building up female nurses' positive currency and setting up their appreciative inquiry. In contrast to female nurses, male nurses recovered better from fatigue. This might encourage hospital management to deploy male nurses more effectively in this medical center.

Originality/value

The results enable the hospital management to know there is a gender difference in this case hospital. More attention on female nurses is required.
Swimming Ahead or Treading Water? Disaggregating the Career Trajectories of Women Self‐Initiated Expatriates
Authors: Haak‐Saheem Washika , Hutchings Kate , Brewster Chris
Published: February 2021

This paper explores the career choices and trajectories of women self‐initiated expatriates (SIEs). Extant research on these issues has tended to view women expatriates as a coherent group. We used a qualitative approach, involving semi‐structured interviews with 51 women SIEs, to examine women's reasons to relocate, reasons for employment, past and current work as part of their overall career and future career plans. Drawing on literature on career theories, gender work segregation theory and women expatriates, we explore how national and individual factors affect women SIEs’ career choices and career trajectories. In providing a more nuanced discussion of the careers of women SIEs, our key findings are that women's careers differ according to national grouping and marital status, with life stages and happenstance playing a more important role in women's careers than a planned career path.
Comparison of requirements for using health claims on foods in the European Union, the USA, Canada, and Australia/New Zealand
Authors: Kušar Anita , Žmitek Katja , Lähteenmäki Liisa , Raats Monique M. , Pravst Igor
Published: February 2021

Nutrition is recognized as one of the leading factors influencing the growing incidence of noncommunicable diseases. Despite society experiencing a global rise in obesity, specific populations remain at risk of nutrient deficiencies. The food industry can use health claims to inform consumers about the health benefits of foods through labeling and the broader promotion of specific food products. As health claims are carefully regulated in many countries, their use is limited due to considerable investments required to fulfill the regulatory requirement. Although health claims represent a driving force for innovation in the food industry, the risk of misleading of consumers need to be avoided. The health claim scientific substantiation process must be efficient and transparent in order to meet the needs of companies in the global market, but should be based on strong scientific evidence and plausible mechanisms of actions, to ensure highest level of consumer protection. The objective of this review is to compare the possibilities for using health claims on foods in the European Union, the USA, Canada, and Australia and New Zealand. In particular, we focused on differences in the classification of claims, on the scientific substantiation processes and requirements for health claims use on foods in the selected regions. Reduction of disease risk (RDR) claims are associated with relatively similar procedures and conditions for use, whereas several notable differences were identified for other types of claims. In all cases, RDR claims must be approved prior their introduction to the market, and only a few such claims have been authorized. Much greater differences were observed concerning other types of claims.
GC‐MS analysis combined with sensory analysis revealed the various aroma characteristics of black tea resulted from different grafting rootstocks
Authors: Chen Wei , Qi Dandan , Wang Wenwen , Miao Aiqing , Ma Chengying
Published: February 2021

The study was aim to investigate the effects of grafting on volatile compounds and sensory quality of black tea. Seven groups of black tea were prepared from one nongrafted tea tree “Yinghong9 (YJ)” and six grafted tea trees by grafting scion of “YingHong9” on different rootstocks. Sensory analysis indicated marked/slight variations among seven samples, among which, the one grafting on HuangZhiXiangDanCong (HZX) stood out with floral and fruity aroma. The result of chemometrics analysis suggested various effects on compounds caused by different rootstocks. A total of 38 differential compounds were identified, showing mainly quantitative variations, with 36 being identified in all samples. The significant higher contents of volatiles, such as geraniol, phenylethyl alcohol, (E)‐nerolidol, decanal, and linalool oxides, in HZX compared with YJ were observed, which explained why floral and fruity aroma stood out among the whole aroma profile of HZX. Both results of sensory and instrumental analysis suggested certain correlation between compound variations and aroma characteristics. Moreover, different rootstocks influenced the aroma quality in different ways.

Practical Application

In conclusion, the study illuminates the various effects of grafting on the volatile compounds and aroma quality, which enlightens the possibility of changing aroma quality of black tea by grafting scions on different rootstocks. And thus, it can help guide the practical production when cultivating new varieties.
Preparation of a functional yogurt with Ligustrum robustum (Rxob.) Blume and its action mechanism
Authors: Chen Lin , Chen Nan , He Qiang , Sun Qun , Zeng Wei‐Cai
Published: February 2021

A functional yogurt was prepared with Ligustrum robustum (Rxob.) Blume extract (LRE), while its antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities were evaluated and its action mechanism was further explored. With the cofermentation of LRE, the yogurt showed the fine quality characteristics, including pH, titratable acidity, texture, syneresis susceptibility, color, microbiological content, and chemical composition. Meanwhile, the yogurt exhibited the remarkable antioxidant capability to enhance the activities of antioxidant enzymes and reduce the malondialdehyde level in animal serums. In addition, the yogurt showed the obvious hypoglycemic activity to inhibit the decrease of glucose tolerance and the increase of postprandial hyperglycemia of diabetes mice. Furthermore, using the analysis of molecular docking, the main compounds of LRE could combine tightly with α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase by hydrogen bond and hydrophobic interaction, so as to change their spatial structure and inhibit their biocatalytic activity in glucose metabolism. All present results suggested that LRE showed the potential value to be used as supplement to enhance the quality and functions of yogurt in food industry.

Practical Application

The hypoglycemic and antioxidant activities of a functional yogurt cofermented with LRE were found and its relative action mechanism was also explored. This work provide the experimental and theoretical basis for the application of this yogurt as nutraceuticals to protect human health in food industry.
Improvement on storage stability of iron‐fortified soybean powder by microencapsulation
Authors: Zhang Kun , Yao Xiaolin , Gao Yujing , Liu Ning , Qiu Jie , Li Shuai , Liu Xin , He Yating
Published: February 2021

Full‐fat soybean powder was a more difficult‐to‐fortify food vehicle than cereal flour and powdered milk products because of a large quantity of unsaturated fatty acids, particularly when iron was necessary to be fortified. Minimizing oxidation of lipids was extremely valuable in the fortified‐food industry. However, very limited data were available on the effect of microencapsulation of iron compounds on lipid oxidation in full‐fat soybean powder. In our study, ferric pyrophosphate (FP) was microencapsulated by the emulsifying‐gelation technique and its effect on the storage stability of Yingyangbao (YYB) was evaluated. The results showed that microencapsulated FP (MFP) was regularly spherical and uniformly distributed. MFP could significantly (P < 0.05) decrease the sensory score of rancid odor for YYB. The formation of lipid oxidation products such as carbonyl compounds, malondialdehyde, pentanal, and hexanal in YYB during the accelerated test was significantly retarded, improving oxidative stability and delaying the sensory deterioration. The E‐nose analysis showed that YYB with MFP had significantly (P < 0.05) lower levels of response values on the specific sensors than YYB containing FP with or without ascorbyl palmitate. MFP could significantly (P < 0.05) improve the sensory and oxidative stability of iron‐fortified full‐fat soybean powder such as YYB.