bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vitro and in vivo roles of glucocorticoid and vitamin D receptors in the control of cardiomyocyte proliferative potential
Authors: Cutie Stephen , Lunn Dominic , Huang Guo N.
Published: September 2019

Cardiomyocyte (CM) proliferative potential varies considerably across species. While lower vertebrates and neonatal mammals retain robust capacities for CM proliferation, adult mammalian CMs lose proliferative potential due to cell-cycle withdrawal and polyploidization, failing to mount a proliferative response to regenerate lost CMs after cardiac injury. The decline of murine CM proliferative potential occurs in the neonatal period when the endocrine system undergoes drastic changes for adaptation to extrauterine life. We recently demonstrated that thyroid hormone (TH) signaling functions as a primary factor driving CM proliferative potential loss in vertebrates. Whether other hormonal pathways govern this process remains largely unexplored. Here we showed that agonists of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and vitamin D receptor (VDR) suppressed neonatal CM proliferation in vitro. We next examined CM nucleation and proliferation in mutant mice lacking GR or VDR specifically in CMs, but we observed no difference between mutant and control littermates. Additionally, we generated compound mutant mice that lack GR or VDR and express dominant-negative TH receptor alpha in their CMs, and similarly observed no increase in CM proliferative potential compared to dominant-negative TH receptor alpha mice alone. Thus, although GR and VDR activation in cultured CMs is sufficient to inhibit CM proliferation, they seem to be dispensable for CM cell-cycle exit and binucleation in vivo. In addition, given the recent report that VDR activation in zebrafish promotes CM proliferation and tissue regeneration, our results suggest distinct roles of VDR in zebrafish and rodent CM cell-cycle regulation.
Host–transposon interactions: conflict, cooperation, and cooption
Authors: Cosby Rachel L , Chang Ni-Chen , Feschotte Cédric
Published: September 2019

Transposable elements (TEs) are mobile DNA sequences that colonize genomes and threaten genome integrity. As a result, several mechanisms appear to have emerged during eukaryotic evolution to suppress TE activity. However, TEs are ubiquitous and account for a prominent fraction of most eukaryotic genomes. We argue that the evolutionary success of TEs cannot be explained solely by evasion from host control mechanisms. Rather, some TEs have evolved commensal and even mutualistic strategies that mitigate the cost of their propagation. These coevolutionary processes promote the emergence of complex cellular activities, which in turn pave the way for cooption of TE sequences for organismal function.
Discovering human transcription factor physical interactions with genetic variants, novel DNA motifs, and repetitive elements using enhanced yeast one-hybrid assays
Authors: Shrestha Shaleen , Sewell Jared Allan , Santoso Clarissa Stephanie , Forchielli Elena , Carrasco Pro Sebastian , Martinez Melissa , Fuxman Bass Juan Ignacio
Published: September 2019

Identifying transcription factor (TF) binding to noncoding variants, uncharacterized DNA motifs, and repetitive genomic elements has been technically and computationally challenging. Current experimental methods, such as chromatin immunoprecipitation, generally test one TF at a time, and computational motif algorithms often lead to false-positive and -negative predictions. To address these limitations, we developed an experimental approach based on enhanced yeast one-hybrid assays. The first variation of this approach interrogates the binding of >1000 human TFs to repetitive DNA elements, while the second evaluates TF binding to single nucleotide variants, short insertions and deletions (indels), and novel DNA motifs. Using this approach, we detected the binding of 75 TFs, including several nuclear hormone receptors and ETS factors, to the highly repetitive Alu elements. Further, we identified cancer-associated changes in TF binding, including gain of interactions involving ETS TFs and loss of interactions involving KLF TFs to different mutations in the TERT promoter, and gain of a MYB interaction with an 18-bp indel in the TAL1 superenhancer. Additionally, we identified TFs that bind to three uncharacterized DNA motifs identified in DNase footprinting assays. We anticipate that these enhanced yeast one-hybrid approaches will expand our capabilities to study genetic variation and undercharacterized genomic regions.
Printing Microarrays
Authors: Rando Oliver
Published: September 2019

Most laboratories will choose to order microarrays from a commercial vendor; however, microarray printing is sufficiently straightforward that even small laboratories with extensive microarray needs may find it cost-effective and worth the effort to produce their own microarrays. Printing microarrays requires a spotting robot. For typical microarrays, oligonucleotides are distributed into 384-well plates and printed to polylysine-coated microarray slides. The details of a printing protocol vary depending on the robot being used; thus, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. However, a typical workflow using a robot equipped with contact steel quill pins is provided in this protocol.
N-[3-(Prop-1-yn-1-yl)phenyl]benzenesulfonamide
Authors: Pineda Leslie W. , Cabezas Jorge A.
Published: September 2019

In the title sulfanilamide derivative, C15H13NO2S, which shows significant activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, the dihedral angle between the planes of the aromatic rings is 62.15 (19)° and the four-coordinate S atom adopts an almost ideal tetrahedral geometry. In the crystal, N—H...O and C—H...O hydrogen bonds link the molecules into a three-dimensional network.
A comparison of the relationship marketing outcomes of SMEs vs large enterprises in the Kuwait fast food industry
Authors: Heiens Richard A. , Pleshko Larry P. , Ahmed Ahmed A.
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of retail chain size on a variety of relationship marketing performance measures in the Kuwait fast food industry. These include customer satisfaction, customer retention, penetration rate, preference ranking and share of customer.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 49 fast food chains, operating a total of 508 restaurants, were included in the study. Interviews with the home office marketing managers of each chain were conducted. In addition, a quota sample of 650 consumers representative of the Kuwait population with respect to age and gender was selected for participation in the study.

Findings

Findings suggest that large enterprises (LE) exhibit superior outcomes than small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) on many relationship marketing (RM) performance dimensions, including satisfaction, retention, penetration, preference and share of customer. In contrast, SMEs appear to have few advantages in achieving RM outcomes over LEs. Larger firms appear to use their superior resources to take actions to develop and manage customer relationships in ways that smaller firms cannot.

Originality/value

Kuwait is an important emerging market in the Middle East, and managers need to understand the dynamics of this specific market.
Food and beverages industry competitiveness in economic turbulence
Authors: Konstantinidis Christos , Natos Dimitrios , Mattas Konstadinos
Published: September 2019

Purpose

In the midst of the Greek economic and financial crisis, food and beverage firms constitute one of the most dynamic parts of the Greek economy proved resilient in conditions of economic turbulence. The purpose of this paper is to assess the competitiveness of the Greek food and beverage firms within the context of turbulent economic conditions and draw the relevant entailed agricultural policy viewpoints.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is based on competitiveness measures such as profitability and market share utilizing a sample of 550 firms which published their annual balance sheets the 2008–2012 period. The analysis takes place with the use of a simultaneous equations tobit model.

Findings

The main results show that market share, profitability and capital intensity affect positively both on market share and profitability, while operating costs have a negative and statistically significant effect on profitability. The rate of growth affects positively and statistically significant on profitability while the index of loans does not affect on market share. As the results indicate, food and beverages industry has proven resilient in conditions of economic turbulence without direct policy measures or subsidies.

Originality/value

Among other factors, the evolution of agricultural policy is affecting decisively the competitiveness of agro-food sector (Chaddad and Jank, 2006; Banse et al., 1999). Nevertheless, food competitiveness is significantly shaped and influenced within the broad economic climate of a country, region or the whole world. Thus, the present study tries to assess the competitiveness of Greek food and beverages sector in conditions of macroeconomic turbulence and draw the relevant entailed agricultural policy viewpoints.
Food choice motives for consumers in Lebanon: a descriptive study
Authors: Koksal Mehmet Haluk
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors underlying Lebanese consumers’ food motivations and segment them based on those motivations.

Design/methodology/approach

The data in the study were collected from the main shopping districts of the Lebanese capital, Beirut, through a structured questionnaire. Respondents were intercepted by employing simple random sampling. Out of 700 people approached, 411 surveys were collected, giving a response rate of 58.7 per cent. After gathering the food choice motives under main groups by employing exploratory factor analysis, the study used two step cluster analysis.

Findings

The food choice motives were grouped under eight dimensions: ecological, sensory, convenience and availability, health, weight, mood, price and religion motives. Based on the food choice motives, the study identified four dissimilar clusters, namely, careless, conscious, hedonic and health and weight conscious. The study clearly indicated that there are significant differences among clusters in terms of the food choice motives, attitudes towards healthy eating, exercising, food quality and natural organic food and socio demographic characteristics.

Originality/value

There are numerous studies on food choice motives in the literature investigating certain countries. This study is the first study investigating the subject in one of the Middle Eastern countries, Lebanon.
Student preferences for slogans of higher-education institutions
Authors: Kovalenko Andriy
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The slogans adopted by higher-education institutions usually target all college stakeholders without differentiation, even though these stakeholders may have quite different connections to the organization. The purpose of this paper is to understand whether there is a relationship between students’ cultural backgrounds and their preferences for slogans of higher-education institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilized a survey for data collection. In total, 295 participants answered questions about preferences for slogans appealing to purchase or product involvement, and individualistic or collectivist values.

Findings

The results suggest that participants from both collectivist and individualistic societies prefer slogans that appeal to the values pertinent to their respective cultures. Representatives of both groups preferred slogans referring to the benefits of education over slogans describing features of particular institutions.

Practical implications

Slogans with messages appealing to people from collectivist and individualistic messages cultures should be included in promotional materials and distributed among corresponding audiences. Slogans for prospective students should refer to the advantages of studying in a particular institution, while current students should be targeted with slogans that encourage dedicated studying in general.

Originality/value

The findings contribute to the understanding of factors increasing effectiveness of higher-education slogans. It is also one of the first studies of how students from India (Punjab and Kerala states) and the Philippines process promotional materials from western educational institutions.
What is said in European Works Councils stays there
Authors: Meylemans Lise , De Spiegelaere Stan
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study how employee representatives in European Works Councils (EWCs) treat confidential information and how such strategies might improve the EWC functioning.

Design/methodology/approach

Building on interviews of several case studies of EWCs, this paper brings together insights from industrial relations and occupational psychology literature.

Findings

The results show that through actively challenging the management, an EWC can reduce the amount of information labelled as confidential and become freer to communicate with their rank and file. Actively challenging management, however, does not seem to impact the openness of the management to give early and complete information.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is based on several case studies, which limits the generalisability of the findings. The results, however, indicate that research is required on how challenging confidentiality can incite managements to provide earlier information.

Practical implications

The research show clearly the potential but also limitations for employee representatives in actively challenging the management over what information is confidential.

Social implications

This study studies a universally difficult topic for employee representatives: how to handle confidential information. The findings show that EWCs have little levers to force management to provide early information. For this, more structural change is needed.

Originality/value

This study is the first to focus exclusively on the issue of confidentiality in EWCs. This is a central concern for employee representatives, but research, until now, has not given much insight in which strategies work.
The dark side? Fun in the workplace and unwanted sexual attention
Authors: Tews Michael J. , Stafford Kathryn , Jolly Phillip M.
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether fun in the workplace inadvertently leads to greater incidences of unwanted sexual attention. Specifically, this research examined the relationship between three dimensions of fun and unwanted sexual attention – fun activities, coworker socializing and manager support for fun.

Design/methodology/approach

Multiple regression was used to analyze survey data from three Qualtrics business panels.

Findings

Fun activities were related to greater incidences of unwanted sexual attention, while manager support for fun was related to fewer instances. With respect to fun activities, mandatory attendance and holding the activities on nights and weekends were associated with further increased unwanted sexual attention. The presence of non-employees during activities was associated with fewer incidences.

Research limitations/implications

The data on fun in the workplace and unwanted sexual attention were obtained at one point in time. Future research would be valuable that obtains data collected at multiple points in time to more fully substantiate cause-and-effect relationships.

Practical implications

Employers may seek to foster a climate in which managers encourage employees to have fun on the job as well as one that explicitly focuses on preventing sexual harassment. Curbing unwanted sexual attention during fun activities may be facilitated by involving non-employees, refraining from holding activities at night and on weekends and keeping employee participation voluntary.

Originality/value

From the perspective of fun in the workplace, this research has demonstrated fun activities may have unintended, adverse consequences. From the perspective of sexual harassment, this research has identified antecedents not typically be considered to be contributing factors of unwanted sexual attention.
Research progress on monitoring and assessment of forestry area for improving forest management in China
Authors: Managi Shunsuke , Wang Jingyu , Zhang Lulu
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide the extensive review on dynamic monitoring of forestry area in China.

Design/methodology/approach

Countermeasure and suggestions were proposed for three aspects including the establishment of data sets with unified standards, top-level design of monitoring and assessment and analysis models, and establishment of the decision support platform with multiple scenario simulation.

Findings

Finally, the authors proposed key research area in this field, i.e., improving the systematic and optimal forest management through integrating and improving the data, models and simulation platforms and coupling the data integration system, assessment system and decision support system.

Originality/value

The authors explored the limitation of dynamic monitoring and state of the art research on data accumulation, professional model development and the analytical platform.
Degendering organizational resilience – the Oak and Willow against the wind
Authors: Witmer Hope
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a degendered organizational resilience model challenging current and dominant conceptualizations of organizational resilience by exploring how gendered organizational power structures, language and practices of everyday organizational life interplay and limit inclusive constructions of organizational resilience.

Design/methodology/approach

The degendered organizational resilience model was developed using Acker’s (1990) model of gendered organizations, Martin’s (2003) gendering practices, Lorber’s (2000) degendering and other feminist research on gendered organizations. The purpose of the model is to explore power structures, practices and language within the organizational context during conditions requiring organizational resilience.

Findings

A conceptual model for analyzing the theoretical development of organizational resilience is presented. The model analyzes the following three different aspects of organizations: power structure, to identify which resilient practices receive status based on established gendered organizational hierarchies and roles; actions, to identify how resilience is enacted through practices and practicing of gender; and language, to identify how and what people speak reinforces collective practices of gendering that become embedded in the organization’s story and culture.

Practical implications

The degendered organizational resilience model offers a process for researchers, managers and organizational leaders to analyze and reveal power imbalances that hinder inclusive theoretical development and practices of organizational resilience.

Social implications

The degendered organizational resilience model can be used to reveal power structures, gendered practices and language favoring normative masculine organizational practices, which restrict the systemic implementation of inclusive democratic practices that incorporate and benefit women, men and other groups subject to organizational subordination.

Originality/value

This paper offers an original perspective on the theoretical development of organizational resilience by proposing a degendering model for analysis. A feminist perspective is used to reveal the gendered power structures, practices and language suppressing the full range of resilient qualities by restricting what is valued and who gives voice to resilient processes that lead to resilient organizations.
Transport phenomena in MHD mixed convective nanofluid flow
Authors: Patil Prabhugouda Mallanagouda , A. Shashikant , Momoniat Ebrahim
Published: September 2019

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the unsteady magnetohydrodynamic mixed convective nanofluid flow by using Buongiorno two-phase model to achieve an appropriate mechanism to improve the efficiency of solar energy systems by mitigating the energy losses.

Design/methodology/approach

The transport phenomena occurring in this physical problem are modelled using nonlinear partial differential equations and are non-dimensionalised by using non-similar transformations. The quasilinearisation technique is used to solve the resulting system with the help of a finite difference scheme.

Findings

The study reveals that the effect of the applied transverse magnetic parameter is to increase the temperature profile and to reduce the wall heat transfer rate. The Brownian diffusion and thermophoresis parameters that characterise the nanofluids contribute to the reduction in wall heat transfer rate. The presence of nanoparticles in the fluid gives rise to critical values for the thermophoresis parameter describing the behaviour of the wall heat and mass transfer rates. Wall heating and cooling are analysed by considering the percentage increase or percentage decrease in the heat and mass transfer rates in the presence of nanoparticles in the fluid.

Research limitations/implications

The investigation on wall cooling/heating leads to the analysis of control parameters applicable to the industrial design of thermal systems for energy storage, energy harvesting and cooling applications.

Practical implications

The analysis of the control parameters is of practical value to the solar industry.

Social implications

In countries, such as South Africa, daily power cuts are a reality. Any research into improving the quality of energy obtained from alternate sources is a national necessity.

Originality/value

From the literature survey in the present study, it is found that no similar work has been reported in the open literature that analyses the time-dependent mixed convection flow along the exponentially stretching surface in the presence of the effects of a magnetic field, nanoparticles and non-similar solutions.
Meshless velocity – vorticity local boundary integral equation (LBIE) method for two dimensional incompressible Navier-Stokes equations
Authors: Sellountos E.J. , Tiago Jorge , Sequeira Adelia
Published: September 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to describe the 2D meshless local boundary integral equation (LBIE) method for solving the Navier–Stokes equations.

Design/methodology/approach

The velocity–vorticity formulation is selected to eliminate the pressure gradient of the equations. The local integral representations of flow kinematics and transport kinetics are derived. The integral equations are discretized using the local RBF interpolation of velocities and vorticities, while the unknown fluxes are kept as independent variables. The resulting volume integrals are computed using the general radial transformation algorithm.

Findings

The efficiency and accuracy of the method are illustrated with several examples chosen from reference problems in computational fluid dynamics.

Originality/value

The meshless LBIE method is applied to the 2D Navier–Stokes equations. No derivatives of interpolation functions are used in the formulation, rendering the present method a robust numerical scheme for the solution of fluid flow problems.
Determinants of a high-quality consultation in medical communications: a systematic review of qualitative and quantitative evidence
Authors: Bahadori Mohammadkarim , Hasanpoor Edris , Yaghoubi Maryam , HaghGoshyie Elaheh
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The medical consultation is one of the requirements in diseases diagnosis and patient treatment. In addition, a high-quality consultation is a fundamental demand of patients, and it is one of the rights of every patient. The purpose of this paper is to identify factors affecting the high-quality consultation in medical communications.

Design/methodology/approach

The following electronic databases were searched: MEDLINE (via PubMed), Web of Science, Cochrane, EMBASE, Scopus and ProQuest until December 2018. In addition, the authors searched Google Scholar. Qualitative and quantitative studies were assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme, Qualitative Checklist and the Center for Evidence-Based Management appraisal checklist, respectively. A stepwise approach was conducted for data synthesis.

Findings

Of 3,826 identified studies, 29 met the full inclusion criteria. Overall, after quality assessment of studies, 25 studies were included. The studies were conducted in the USA (n=6), the UK (n=6), the Netherlands (n=4), Canada (n=2), Belgium (n=2), Poland (n=2), Germany (n=1), Iran (n=1), Finland (n=1), Austria (n=1), Qatar (n=1), Denmark (n=1) and China (n=1), and five studies were excluded. Data synthesis showed that high-quality consultation consisted of three main categories: structural (4 main themes with 26 sub-themes), process (2 main themes with 33 sub-themes) and outcome (3 main themes with 12 sub-themes) quality.

Originality/value

Using the indicators of consultation quality improvement can develop physicians’ clinical competence and skills. Decision makers can use them to monitor and evaluate physicians’ performance. A high-quality consultation can be useful in social prescribing that helps patients to manage their disease.
Impact of IT practices and business value of IT measurement
Authors: Pathak Sunil , Krishnaswamy Venkataraghavan , Sharma Mayank
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to measure the business value of IT (BVIT) and illustrate the relationship between IT practices and BVIT.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a case study approach to collect the subject firm data over a period of one year. The data are about various IT systems used in the firm and their associated capital and operational cost components. The derived data are then compared with industry benchmarks.

Findings

The IT practices employed by the firm enable it to achieve a BVIT which is higher than the industry norm, from both strategic and operational perspectives.

Research limitations/implications

In this study, a year’s worth of data from a single firm is considered. The temporal frame of the research data limits the generalization of the results. To improve the generalizability, data from many years and across many firms may be used.

Practical implications

The paper provides insights to managers to identify the measures of BVIT. Further, managers can make necessary interventions based on IT practices to derive IT capabilities which, in turn, impact the firm’s performance.

Originality/value

The contribution of the work is manifold: illustration of the relationship between IT practices and BVIT; illustration of a methodology to evaluate firm-level BVIT; and an approach to collect IT expenses – both capital and operational level.
Enhanced multi-objective solution approach for multiple quality characteristics optimisation problems considering predictive uncertainties
Authors: Sharma Abhinav Kumar , Mukherjee Indrajit
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address three key objectives. The first is the proposal of an enhanced multiobjective optimisation (MOO) solution approach for the mean and mean-variance optimisation of multiple “quality characteristics” (or “responses”), considering predictive uncertainties. The second objective is comparing the solution qualities of the proposed approach with those of existing approaches. The third objective is the proposal of a modified non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm-II (NSGA-II), which improves the solution quality for multiple response optimisation (MRO) problems.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed solution approach integrates empirical response surface (RS) models, a simultaneous prediction interval-based MOO iterative search, and the multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) technique to select the best implementable efficient solutions.

Findings

Implementation of the proposed approach in varied MRO problems demonstrates a significant improvement in the solution quality in worst-case scenarios. Moreover, the results indicate that the solution quality of the modified NSGA-II largely outperforms those of two existing MOO solution strategies.

Research limitations/implications

The enhanced MOO solution approach is limited to parametric RS prediction models and continuous search spaces.

Practical implications

The best-ranked solutions according to the proposed approach are derived considering the model predictive uncertainties and MCDM technique. These solutions (or process setting conditions) are expected to be more reliable for satisfying customer specification compared to point estimate-based MOO solutions in real-life implementation.

Originality/value

No evidence exists of earlier research that has demonstrated the suitability and superiority of an MOO solution approach for both mean and mean-variance MRO problems, considering RS uncertainties. Furthermore, this work illustrates the step-by-step implementation results of the proposed approach for the six selected MRO problems.
Linking inside and outside: “identity” in crisis situations
Authors: Battaglia Massimo , Zhou Shanshan , Frey Marco
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to deal with the link between identity and crisis deriving by natural disasters, exploring the function of the shared identity linking individuals, groups, organizations and its external networks. The shared identity is not static. It is a dynamic self-reflexive learning process and is reciprocal. The object of the research is a medium-sized multi-utility company, which experienced the 2012 earthquakes, and how responsibly and rapidly it responded and recovered in collaboration with its stakeholders in the local territory.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were directed to both managers and to selected representatives of the “vertical external networks” of the company (local authorities, a consumer association and a trade association). The primary data were supplemented by archived materials for data triangulation.

Findings

The research highlights the importance of identity and relationship with local stakeholders and communities when facing the earthquakes. Believing themselves to be socially responsible, ethical and capable, employees were highly motivated and collaborative. Resuming normal services was AIMAG’s priority. The behavior of AIMAG, its employees and its local stakeholders were guided by a shared community identity. After the earthquakes, this shared community identity was strengthened, thus improving the community’s resilience.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the role of identity in linking both inside and outside an organization, in contributing greatly to joint decision making and action, and, finally, in increasing the awareness of the company leaders and staff regarding the importance of their actions for the whole local community. This research advocates the role of identity in disaster risk reduction.
The effect of explanations and CEO presence on stock market reactions to downsizing
Authors: Zdaniuk Agnes , Chhinzer Nita
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether the type of explanation (excuses, justifications, apologies and denials) provided for downsizing and the source of the announcement (CEO vs other organizational members) influences shareholders’ market reactions to downsizing announcements.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 388 media-based downsizing announcements from 2006–2015 were coded for explanation type and source of message. Cumulative average return was used to assess the impact of downsizing on market reactions the day after the announcement.

Findings

As predicted, and consistent with predictions drawn from fairness theory, excuses triggered positive market reactions, whereas justifications, apologies and denials triggered negative reactions. Additionally, shareholders reacted more negatively to excuses and apologies when the announcement came from CEOs vs other organizational members.

Research limitations/implications

The current research bridges the literature on market reactions to downsizing with the organizational psychology literature to advance a novel theoretical framework for predicting shareholders’ reactions to downsizing announcements. In doing so, the authors provide a more refined understanding of why different types of explanations may differentially influence shareholders’ reactions. The current research also sheds light on when the presence of the CEO in downsizing announcements may have potentially negative consequences for organizations.

Originality/value

The findings contribute to the sparse literature examining variations in the content of downsizing announcements on shareholders’ reactions. The present research is also the first to examine whether shareholders would react less negatively if downsizing explanations came from top organizational leaders (e.g. CEOs).
Performance of spent garnet as a sand replacement in high-strength concrete exposed to high temperature
Authors: Ab Kadir Mariyana Aida , Khiyon Mohammad Iqbal , Mohd. Sam Abdul Rahman , Kueh Ahmad Beng Hong , Abdul Shukor Lim Nor Hasanah , Mohamad Ali Mastor Muhammad Najmi , Zuhan Nurizaty , Mohamed Roslli Noor
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the mechanical properties, material composition of spent garnet as a sand replacement in high-strength concrete at room and elevated temperatures. Bonding of the concrete containing spent garnet and reinforcing rebar is investigated. Moreover, the optimum thickness of concrete cover subjected to elevated temperatures is investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the plain spent garnet was physically, chemically and thermally studied. Then, a series of concrete specimens with 0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 per cent of spent garnet were prepared to determine the optimum percentage of spent garnet. Finally, the physical and mechanical behaviours of concrete specimens and effects of cover thickness on steel rebar when subjected to elevated temperature of 200°C, 400°C, 600°C and 800°C for 1 h were studied. It was observed that spent garnet was thermally stable compared to river sand.

Findings

Mechanical properties were found to be optimal for concrete with 40% spent garnet replacement. Physically, spent garnet concrete changed colour to brown at 400°C, and to whitish grey at 600°C. The residual compressive strength of spent garnet concrete was also found slightly higher than that for control specimens. At various high temperatures, the reduction in ultimate tensile stress for steel bar inside concrete cover of 30 mm was the lowest compared to that of 20 mm.

Research limitations/implications

Spalling effect it not considered in this study.

Practical implications

The optimum concrete cover is important issues in reinforced concrete design. This can be used as a guideline by structural designers when using a different type of concrete material in the construction.

Social implications

Utilization of the waste spent garnet reduces usage of natural aggregates in concrete production and enhances its performance at elevated temperatures. Natural aggregates are normally taken from sand and rock. The new innovation in concrete perhaps can produce light concrete, reduce the cost of concrete production and at the same time also mitigates environmental problems affect from waste material such as minimizing disposal area.

Originality/value

Utilization of spent garnet in ordinary Portland cement (OPC) concrete at high temperature is a new innovation. It shows that the concrete cover of the concrete element reduced as compared to the OPC concrete. Reduce in weight concrete however the strength of concrete is similar to conventional concrete. This study at elevated temperature has never been performed by any previous researcher.
Social report innovation: evidence from a major Italian bank 2007-2012
Authors: Martin-Sardesai Ann , Guthrie James
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, it traces the development of social and environmental disclosure (SED) by identifying and reporting what national and international guidelines aligned to the voluntary disclosures of a major Italian case study organisation, a Bank. It will address the gap in relation to empirical SED studies in banking industries by reviewing in detail the case study Bank’s social report, for the period 2007 to 2012, thus giving insights into the phases of the SED journey. Second, the paper assesses how the social reports have changed over time and identifies the reasons for the change in form and content of disclosure over the period. As a rapidly developing accounting regulatory arena, studies of SED have the potential to examine many aspects of the development of accounting regulation.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper develops a theoretically informed analysis to track the history of social reports using the Idea Journey framework. The paper undertakes a content analysis of the Bank’s social reports to gain an understanding how and why the changes in social reports occurred during the period. Data sources for the study included historical data from academic literature, policy documents alongside the 2006 version of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the 2008 GRI Financial Services Sector Supplements.

Findings

The findings reveal that the Bank’s social report was aligned to a variety of national and international institution’s directives and guidelines. It identifies the various elements that were at play in the preparation of the social report. The paper provides useful insights for academics, regulators and reporting organisations and highlights the need for a better understanding of social reporting practices, an antecedent to integrated reporting and the European directive and now regulation for non-financial information.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides a foundation for future research into the practices of Italian companies who produce integrated report and social and environmental reporting generally in light of the introduction of legislation mandating non-financial reporting.

Originality/value

The paper helps inform improvements in research, policy and practice by providing rich information in the stages in the development of social report, which has received limited attention in the extant literature. It also builds on innovation literature showing how the idea journey framework can be used to shape accounting research.
Entrepreneurial behaviour: a new perspective on the role of the HR professional
Authors: Amarakoon Upamali , Weerawardena Jay , Verreynne Martie-Louise , Teicher Julian
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to conceptualise and validate a scale to capture entrepreneurship behaviour at the human resource management (HRM) functional level.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing from the HRM and entrepreneurship literature, this paper first conceptualises and operationalises entrepreneurial behaviour at the human resource (HR) functional level. Second, it uses a multi-phase, systematic scale development procedure to design a two-dimensional scale of entrepreneurial HRM. Finally, the scale is validated by testing its relationship with HRM innovation.

Findings

The findings suggest that entrepreneurial behaviour at the HRM functional level is characterised by innovativeness, pro-activeness, risk-taking and consensus-building behaviour. The scale shed new light on the roles of HR professionals.

Research limitations/implications

This paper highlights the need for HR professionals to demonstrate entrepreneurial behaviour in HRM value addition. The scale development process, while providing a detailed understanding of the entrepreneurial behaviour at the HR functional level, will facilitate future research.

Practical implications

This scale provides HR professionals with the means to measure and improve entrepreneurial HRM, leading to higher levels of HRM-based value addition.

Originality/value

This is the first known attempt to capture entrepreneurial behaviour at the HRM functional level.
Competition, market commonality, and resource similarity: precursors to HPWS
Authors: Prince Nicholas Ryan
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect competition has on organizations’ use of high-performance work systems (HPWSs). Specifically, using the resource-based view (RBV) of the firm, it develops a logic for why firms will increase their use of an HPWS when competition increases. It investigates the direct effect of competition on HPWS use. Additionally, it takes a look at the impact market commonality and resource similarity have on the influence of competition on organizations’ use of an HPWS.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey method design was used to collect data about organizations from 127 alumni of two large Midwestern universities in the USA. Data were analyzed using OLS regression analysis.

Findings

The main finding of this paper is that competition increases the use of HPWSs. There was not statistical support for the effect of market commonality or resource similarity to influence the competition–HPWS relationship.

Originality/value

This study uses the RBV of the firm to understand how competition influences the adoption of HPWSs. Additionally, it also investigated the effect of market commonality and resource similarity, which has not previously been looked at.
When and how vicarious abusive supervision leads to bystanders’ supervisor-directed deviance
Authors: Chen Shu-Chen , Liu Na-Ting
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine bystanders’ supervisor-directed deviance to vicarious abusive supervision by supervisor-directed attribution. Furthermore, this study developed a moderated–mediation model to explore how LMX between bystander and his/her supervisor moderate the relationship between vicarious abusive supervision and the supervisor-directed attribution, which subsequently influences bystanders’ supervisor-directed deviance.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper tested the model using a sample of 336 workers using a two-wave survey. A moderated–mediation analysis was conducted with bootstrapping procedure to test the first stage moderated–mediation model in this study.

Findings

The results showed that LMX (between bystander and his/her supervisor) weakens the indirect relationship between vicarious abusive supervision and supervisor-directed deviance by bystanders’ supervisor-directed attribution.

Practical implications

Leadership training programs should be conducted to caution supervisors in terms of the deleterious consequences of vicarious abusive supervision. Organizations also should plan perception and communication training courses for leaders; such training would reduce bystanders’ responsibility attribution to them by providing timely explanations and communication. Furthermore, organizations should monitor supervisors by managers’ performance appraisal and formulate rules to punish abusive managers.

Originality/value

These results clarify the nature and consequences of LMX (dyadic relationships of bystanders–supervisor) for bystanders’ attribution process, and explain underlying attributional perceptions and reactions to vicarious abusive supervision. This study provides a more nuanced understanding of when and how vicarious abusive supervision leads to bystanders’ supervisor-directed deviance.
In Vino ‘No’ Veritas: impacts of fraud on wine imports in China
Authors: Muhammad Andrew , Countryman Amanda M.
Published: September 2019

China is one of the largest wine importing countries in the world and is poised for continued import growth in the future. Increased wine purchases throughout China have given rise to persistent fraud where fake wines are packaged and sold with counterfeit contents and labels. For exporting countries like France, counterfeit wines displace market share, damage foreign brand reputation, and cause distrust in consumers who are aware of counterfeiting problems throughout the country. We examine the impact of fraudulent wine events (as measured by negative media reports) on Chinese wine demand differentiated by supplying country. We employ the Rotterdam demand system and a switching regression procedure to estimate import demand and compare results across different media variable specifications. Results consistently show that negative reports disproportionately affect French wine regardless of how the media variable is specified. This is not surprising because most fraudulent events involve French wine counterfeits.
Too unsafe to voice? Authoritarian leadership and employee voice in Chinese organizations
Authors: Wu Tsung‐Yu , Liu Yi‐Fu , Hua Chong‐Yu , Lo Hao‐Cheng , Yeh Ying‐Jung
Published: September 2019

Our study aims to explore whether subordinate psychological safety mediates the relationship between authoritarian leadership and subordinate voice and whether supervisor–subordinate guanxi moderates this mediating effect. Using survey research, we obtained supervisor–subordinate dyad data in Taiwan amounting to 171 valid observations. The results reveal that subordinate psychological safety mediates the relationship between authoritarian leadership and subordinate voice and that this mediating effect is weaker for high supervisor–subordinate guanxi than for low supervisor–subordinate guanxi. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications, limitations, and further research directions of this study.
nlstimedist: An r package for the biologically meaningful quantification of unimodal phenology distributions
Authors: Steer Nicola C. , Ramsay Paul M. , Franco Miguel
Published: September 2019

Phenological investigation can provide valuable insights into the ecological effects of climate change. Appropriate modelling of the time distribution of phenological events is key to determining the nature of any changes, as well as the driving mechanisms behind those changes.

Here, we present the nlstimedist r package, a distribution function and modelling framework that describes the temporal dynamics of unimodal phenological events. The distribution function is derived from first principles and generates three biologically interpretable parameters.

Using seed germination at different temperatures as an example, we show how the influence of environmental factors on a phenological process can be determined from the quantitative model parameters.

The value of this model is its ability to represent various unimodal temporal processes statistically. The three intuitively meaningful parameters of the model can make useful comparisons between different time periods, geographical locations or species' populations, in turn allowing exploration of possible causes.