bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
State-dependent driving: a route to non-equilibrium stationary states
Authors: Das Soumen , Ghosh Shankar , Gupta Shamik
Published: April 2022

We study three different experiments that involve dry friction and periodic driving, and which employ both single- and many-particle systems. These experimental set-ups, besides providing a playground for investigation of frictional effects, are relevant in broad areas of science and engineering. Across all these experiments, we monitor the dynamics of objects placed on a substrate that is being moved in a horizontal manner. The driving couples to the degrees of freedom of the substrate and this coupling in turn influences the motion of the objects. Our experimental findings suggest emergence of stationary-states with non-trivial features. We invoke a minimalistic phenomenological model to explain our experimental findings. Within our model, we treat the injection of energy into the system to be dependent on its dynamical state, whereby energy injection is allowed only when the system is in its suitable-friction state. Our phenomenological model is built on the fact that such a state-dependent driving results in a force that repeatedly toggles the frictional states in time and serves to explain our experimental findings.
Topology of the Shigella flexneri Enterobacterial Common Antigen polymerase WzyE
Authors: Maczuga Nicholas T. , Tran Elizabeth N. H. , Morona Renato
Published: April 2022

Enterobacteriales have evolved a specialized outer membrane polysaccharide [Enterobacterial Common Antigen (ECA)] which allows them to persist in various environmental niches. Biosynthesis of ECA initiates on the cytoplasmic leaflet of the inner membrane (IM) where glycosyltransferases assemble ECA repeat units (RUs). Complete RUs are then translocated across the IM and assembled into polymers by ECA-specific homologues of the Wzy-dependent pathway. Consisting of the membrane proteins Wzx, Wzy and Wzz, the Wzy-dependent pathway is the most common polysaccharide biosynthetic pathway in Gram-negative bacteria where it is most notably involved in LPS O antigen (Oag) biosynthesis. As such, the majority of research directed towards these proteins has been orientated towards Oag biosynthetic homologues with little directed towards ECA homologues. Belonging to the Shape, Elongation, Division and Sporulation (SEDS) protein family, Wzy proteins are polymerases, and are characterized as possessing little or no peptide homology among homologues as well as being polytopic membrane proteins with functionally relevant residues within periplasmic loops, as defined by C-terminal reporter fusion topology mapping. Here, we present the first the first major study into the ECA polymerase WzyE. Multiple sequence alignments and topology mapping showed that WzyE is unlike WzyB proteins involved with Oag biosynthesis WzyE displays high peptide conservation across Enterobacteriales. In silico structures and reporter mapping allowed us to identify possible functionally conserved residues with WzyESF’s periplasmic loops, which we showed were crucial for its function. This work provides novel insight into Wzy proteins and suggests that WzyE is an optimal model to investigate Wzy proteins and the Wzy-dependent pathway.
Generalized pole figures from post-processing whole Debye–Scherrer patterns for microstructural analysis on deformed materials
Authors: Benatti Emanuel Alejandro , De Vincentis Natalia Soledad , Al-Hamdany Nowfal , Schell Norbert , Brokmeier Heinz-Günter , Avalos Martina , Bolmaro Raúl Eduardo
Published: April 2022

Debye–Scherrer patterns, obtained from X-ray diffraction experiments using synchrotron light in transmission geometry, were analysed to construct generalized pole figures, and further used as input for an orientation distribution function inversion algorithm. By using Langford's method for separating strain and size contributions to peak broadening, it was possible, for the first time, to obtain full domain size and dislocation density generalized distribution functions (GDFs). This method was applied to cold-rolled and annealed interstitial-free steel. The predictions made using GDFs were corroborated by electron backscatter diffraction measurements and were also consistent with what was previously known for this kind of material under these conditions.
Relationship lending and financial performance of Savings and Credit Co-operative Societies in Tanzania
Authors: Towo Nathaniel Naiman , Ishengoma Esther , Mori Neema
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This paper examines the influence of relationship lending on the financial performance of Savings and Credit Co-operative Societies (SACCOS) in Tanzania.

Design/methodology/approach

A panel data of 460 observations representing 115 SACCOS from Tanzania was used. Descriptive statistics and panel regression models were employed to analyse the data.

Findings

The results show that the duration of the relationship is negatively and significantly related to SACCOS financial performance, substantiating the relationship lending theories. The number of relationships has an insignificant effect on financial performance.

Research limitations/implications

The study focused on the duration and the number of relationships as aspects of relationship lending. The paper is limited in the sense that other aspects of relationship lending such as the concentration of relationships that could affect financial performance are not included in this study. The results apply to SACCOS and not to other microfinance institutions with strong bargaining power.

Originality/value

This study positions relationship lending in the SACCOS context where the market for the wholesale loan is less competitive.
Evolving industrial districts and changing innovation patterns: the case of Montreal
Authors: Turkina Ekaterina , Oreshkin Boris
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the evolution of the phenomenon of industrial districts and explores the broader regional innovation systems that consist of multiple industrial districts.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a combination of network analysis and patent analysis techniques to analyze the social structure of Montreal tech agglomeration and its innovation.

Findings

The findings indicate that the cores of modern regional innovation systems are composed of densely collaborating organizations belonging to different industrial clusters, and these organizations are responsible for the most radical innovations. The analysis also reveals the importance of brokers and international ties in generating radical innovations.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of our paper extend the initial concept of industrial district and call for the need to no longer focus exclusively on individual clusters, but to take into consideration broader competitive regional innovation systems that are composed of multiple clusters. The current trend of the core of such systems to be composed of organizations from multiple clusters indicates that the traditional understanding of industrial district confined to the borders of specific industry is no longer relevant and there is a need to revise the conceptualization of clusters and further analyze the social fabric of broader regional innovation systems. In future, such intense collaboration within the core of the regional innovation system network may give rise to new industrial and technological configurations. It is important to further investigate these structures, because they have important implications for innovation and are responsible for new innovation patterns.

Practical implications

To boost innovation in specific localities, policymakers could encourage collaboration between different clusters and support interdisciplinary projects and programs. Those would help the local community generate radical innovations.

Social implications

Using this research, local policymakers could help local companies understand and explore international markets, as well as focus on attracting multinational firms that are leaders in their respective fields. Finally, local policymakers could further support important cluster intermediaries

Originality/value

This paper offers original contributions to the studies of industrial districts as it explores a competitive ecosystem composed of multiple industrial districts and analyzes how these industrial districts interact and where the most innovative solutions lie in the social fabric of this big ecosystem.
Effects of ASQE-based learning on the information literacy, problem-solving and critical thinking of students with different growth mindsets
Authors: Liu Chenchen , Lai ChiuLin , Hwang Gwo-Jen , Tu Yun-Fang
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the information literacy (IL) performance and higher order thinking skills of students with different levels of growth mindset and their perceptions of library-supported learning by using the annotate, summarize, question and evaluate (ASQE)-based learning approach.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the ASQE-based learning approach was applied to the learning activities to cultivate students’ IL, problem-solving awareness and critical thinking tendency. A total of 60 postgraduate students were invited to participate in this study. In addition, students’ perceptions of library-supported learning were analysed via drawing analysis.

Findings

Introducing ASQE-based learning into an IL learning activity promoted reflection and thought and had positive effects on students’ problem-solving awareness and on the critical thinking tendency of students with different levels of growth mindset. Additionally, the drawing analysis indicated that most of the students with low levels of growth mindset believed that learners should actively study in the library and students with higher levels of growth mindset preferred more motivating and enjoyable learning environments.

Originality/value

The findings of this study demonstrate that the ASQE-based learning approach can improve higher order thinking skills of students with different levels of growth mindset. In addition, this study examined the perceptions of students with different levels of growth mindset of library-supported learning via drawing analysis.
Health technology assessment processes: a North-South comparison of the evaluation and recommendation of health technologies in Canada and Chile
Authors: Mansilla Cristián , Kuhn-Barrientos Lucy , Celedón Natalia , de Feria Rafael , Abelson Julia
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Health systems are progressively stressed by health spending, which is partially explained by the increase in the cost of health technologies. Countries have defined processes to prioritize interventions to be covered. This study aims to compare for the first time health technology assessment (HTA) processes in Canada and Chile, to explain the factors driving these decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a health policy analysis comparing HTA processes in Canada and Chile. An analysis of publicly available documents in Canada (for CADTH) and Chile (for the Ministry of Health (MoH)) was carried out. A recognized political science framework (the 3-I framework) was used to explain the similarities and differences in both countries. The comparison of processes was disaggregated into eligibility and evaluation processes.

Findings

CADTH has different programmes for different types of drugs (with two separate expert committees), whereas the MoH has a unified process. Although CADTH’s recommendations have a federal scope, the final coverage is a provincial decision. In Chile, the recommendation has a national scope. In both cases, past recommendations influence the scope of the evaluation. Pharmaceutical companies and patient associations are important interest groups in both countries. Whereas manufacturers and tumour groups are able to submit applications to CADTH, the Chilean MoH prioritizes applications submitted by patient associations.

Originality/value

Institutions, interests and ideas play important roles in driving HTA decisions in Canada and Chile, which is demonstrated in this novel analysis. This paper provides a unique comparison to highly relevant policy processes in HTA, which is often a research area dominated by effectiveness and cost-effectiveness studies.
Subject competency framework in fostering high-end lesson study – a case of teaching “properties of iron salts” unit in a senior high school
Authors: Wang Lei , Wang Quan , Kong Simin , Hu Jiuhua , Chen Xiaoge
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study aims to present a high-end lesson study (HELS) model to develop students' subject competency. Data were collected from a Beijing suburban key senior high school in China. How the subject competency framework (SCF) supports HELS and develops students' subject competency in practice are discussed in this study.

Design/methodology/approach

This study provides a four-dimensional SCF developed by the chemistry education research team at Beijing Normal University. Basic procedures of the HELS model involve the project plan, students' pre-test, lesson design workshop, first-round teaching implementation and improvement, second-round teaching implementation and evaluation, students' post-test, and results discussion. Data were collected from each of the procedures, and analysis of the data is conducted in both qualitative and quantitative approaches.

Findings

The results show that the SCF supports HELS implementation by (1) identifying key teaching objectives based on curriculum standard requirements and students' subject competency performance; (2) organizing teaching content based on the core knowledge to develop cognitive mode; (3) designing tasks and activities regarding understanding–applying–transferring and innovating categories and sub-categories of SCF; (4) establishing students' cognitive perspectives and reasoning paths to promote their subject competency by teacher–student interaction.

Originality/value

The HELS model provides theory-based pedagogical guidance for conducting lesson studies. It presents the SCF and orientation. The SCF is used throughout the entire process of HELS, including the identification of teaching objectives, the selection and organization of teaching content, and the design and implementation of teaching activities. It reflects a systematic instructional design–implementation–discussion–improvement–evaluation process. The SCF-based HELS can be applied to different topics and disciplines.
Six sigma DMAIC approach based mobile application for statistical analysis of COVID-19 data
Authors: Nagarajaiah Kavyashree , Maganahalli Chandramouli Supriya , Malavalli Ramakrishna Lokesh
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Coronavirus disease 2019 is one of the novel diseases formed by a dreadful virus called Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2. Various countries are affected by this viral disease, and many countries declare a lockdown with several rules and conditions. To prevent this rapid viral transmission, various researchers have introduced different mobile applications. This paper aims to study issues like viral transmission, mortality rates, vaccination rates, etc. and also provides suitable solutions based on the statistical analysis with the assistance of the Six-Sigma Define-Measure-Analyse-Improve-Control (DMAIC) concept.

Design/methodology/approach

Statistical analysis is done for different countries, and the required solutions are provided by using the DMAIC procedure. This application has the ability to represent the current risk status of the user and notify them to secure themselves.

Findings

The proposed work suggests the Aarogya Setu application to prevent large viral transmission by affording many preventive measures. This application also issues the current risk status of each individual user. Hence, it gives improved results in avoiding high viral transmission.

Originality/value

The proposed six-sigma DMAIC concept also affords the control measures to prevent viral transmission. Hence, the suggested application has the highest chance of avoiding the rapid viral transmission.
Transformational leadership and radical innovation for sustainability: mediating role of knowledge management capability and moderating role of competitive intensity
Authors: Nabi Md. Nurun , Zhiqiang Liu , Akter Marium
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Drawing on the transformational leadership (TL) and knowledge-based view (KBV) theory, the present study investigates the impact of TL on radical innovation (RI) through the mediation of knowledge management capabilities (KMCs) and moderation of competitive intensity (CI) of textile and apparel industries with an Asian context.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from the relevant stakeholders of the industry-university collaboration teams with a structured survey questionnaire. Working with 304 textile and apparel industry respondents, structural equation modeling based partial least square (PLS-SEM) is used to test the conceptual framework. PLS-SEM technique was applied to test the hypothesis using Smart-PLS 3.8 packages program.

Findings

The results proposed TL has a positive impact on KMC and RI. Furthermore, the study reveals KMC positively mediated the relationship between TL and RI. This mediation is conditional on the moderating role of CI for the KMC (knowledge acquisition capability + knowledge-sharing capability) path to RI. Conversely, moderation of CI is insignificant and does not influence on fostering RI.

Practical implications

Leaders and managers have realized creative and innovative culture is built within the organizations by leader-follower collaboration through actual knowledge acquisition and knowledge sharing. Moreover, industry policymakers and practitioners establish the knowledge management department to enhance the innovation culture among the firms' stakeholders to encourage RI to sustain the global business market.

Originality/value

The study has introduced KMC as a mediator and CI as a moderator in the proposed model between TL-RI and KMC-RI. Further, it explores the linkages between TL, KMC, CI and RI.
Contrivance interrelated building components and defects factors: qualitative survey approach on government buildings
Authors: Talib Roslan , Sulieman Mohd Zailan
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the key aspects of building defects performance cases in relation to the building components focusing on the government-owned buildings and to enhance government’s role to curb the building defects to reoccur.

Design/methodology/approach

The qualitative research method approach was adopted with a total of 5,243 specific building defects identified and accumulated from actual building projects and provided feedback on the defects associated with the Government of Malaysia’s owned buildings.

Findings

This paper statistically validates that building defects are a staid delinquent matter fronting the construction industry in Malaysia. This matter needs to be tacked by all the parties involved in the industry. This paper proposes a factual statistical statement that is proved to be a practical and suitable measurement in correcting building defects and preventing them from reoccurring.

Research limitations/implications

Future research could focus on developing a defect performance measurement on real projects now focusing on private buildings as well.

Practical implications

The defects performance statistical measurement is anticipated to prove the problematic rate of defects occurrence on government-owned structures, as the key elements on the national defect preventive strategy which have to be taken into account.

Originality/value

The outcome of this paper is significant in its own right and serves as a platform for future research in this area.
Investigating the effect of carbon tax on sharing network participation
Authors: K.E.K. Vimal , Raja Sonu , Yendeti Venkata Siva Prasanth , Kancharla Amarendra , Kandasamy Jayakrishna
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of current carbon tax (CT) policy on organizations involved in a sharing network relation.

Design/methodology/approach

For finding the CT and economic value of the industries connected in a sharing network model a multi-objective multi-integer linear model has been formulated. The data set of the case organization is used for computation. The formulated mathematical model is computed with the aid of GAMS optimization program.

Findings

This research paper demonstrates the effectiveness of the sharing network strategy in increasing the economic value and decreasing the CT for industries involved in sharing network. The CT value INR 3,012.694 for the industries in Scenario II which incorporates the sharing network is less than the CT INR 3,580.167 for industries in Scenario I without sharing network.

Research limitations/implications

The data used for the computation is based on a particular sharing network under investigation. The formulated mathematical model can be checked with similar sharing networks by varying the parameters.

Practical implications

This work can aid in gaining complete knowledge on the sharing network strategy which can uplift the resources and the monetary value of the non-efficient industries moving them towards sustainable and greener supply chain practices.

Social implications

The presented work can impact various industries in developing countries providing them with a strategy to enhance their resources and economic value by maintaining an amicable relation.

Originality/value

This work uniquely was able to validate economic feasibility and CT in accordance with the carbon footprint involved in sharing network. This sharing network also incorporates the concepts of circular economy and reverse logistics for showcasing a better strategy.
Review on volatility and return analysis including emerging developments: evidence from stock market empirics
Authors: Kashyap Sachin
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze and give directions for advancing research in stock market volatility highlighting its features, structural breaks and emerging developments. This study offers a platform to research the benchmark studies to know the research gap and give directions for extending future research.

Design/methodology/approach

The author has performed the literature review, and, reference checking as per the snowballing approach. Firstly, the author has started with outlining and simplifying the significance of the subject area, the review illustrating the various elements along with the research gaps and emphasizing the finding.

Findings

This work summarizes the studies covering the volatility, its properties and structural breaks on various aspects such as techniques applied, subareas and the markets. From the review’s analysis, no study has clarified the supremacy of any model because of the different market conditions, nature of data and methodological aspects. The outcome of this research work has delivered further magnitude to research the benchmark studies for the upcoming work on stock market volatility. This paper has also proposed the hybrid volatility models combining artificial intelligence with econometric techniques to detect noise, sudden changes and chaotic information easily.

Research limitations/implications

The author has taken the research papers from the scholarly journal published in the English language only and the author may also consider other nonscholarly or other language journals.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this research work highlights an updated and more comprehensive framework examining the properties and demonstrating the contemporary developments in the field of stock market volatility.
Determinants of merger and acquisition in the banking sector: an empirical study
Authors: Darayseh Musa , Alsharari Nizar Mohammad
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study aims to determine the factors affecting the merger and acquisition (M&A) process in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) banking sector. It distinguishes between internal and external factors that may motivate M&A activities in the banking sector.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts quantitative research and a survey strategy for data collection. A model was developed using a survey e-mailed to 500 bankers to gather data on the factors affecting the banking sector’s M&A.

Findings

This study’s findings provide strong empirical evidence for factors extracted by the factor analysis (Income, Growth, Costs, Survival, Diversifications, Security and Risk and Legal), which are important in determining the consolidation process leading to successful M&A in the banking industry. This study also contributes to the business combinations and consolidation literature by explaining the important factors in measuring the bank’s performance during the M&A process.

Research limitations/implications

Future studies could be directed in many directions. First, the authors extend the study to other GCC countries and examine whether the determinants of banks’ M&A are similar across markets. Second, the authors examine additional nonfinancial bank-specific characteristics, such as management incentives and corporate governance or additional market characteristics. Third, the authors examine the motives for acquisitions of foreign banks by UAE banks and vice versa. There may be much to learn about how acquisition motives are likely to differ.

Practical implications

The findings can help bank managers know if their banks have developed the same profile or factors similar to typical target banks. The theoretical understanding of the importance of this study in creating an environment of trust that governs the behavior of bankers for both banks will reduce the agency issue. Regarding general management, this study indicates that opportunistic behaviors could interest banks, bankers’ associations, central banks, governments, other financial authorities and policymakers. Therefore, this study paves the way for further investigation of mergers, agency theory and ethics issues. These banks’ owners, managers and regulators were also advised to consider these factors in formulating their policies and processes, given their influence on performance and their ability to manage the relationship between banks and improve the efficiency of the UAE banking sector.

Originality/value

This study provides new perspectives concerning motives leading financial institutions to M&A owing to banks’ decisions to improve their financial positions, coupled with the need to obey pressures of macro factors such as economic, legal and political systems, government and technology.
Do ETFs affect the return co-movement of their underlying assets? Evidence from an emerging market
Authors: Jhunjhunwala Shital , Sethi Aakanksha
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The objective of the present study is to examine how domestic and foreign exchange traded funds (ETFs) tracking Indian equities affect the return correlations of their underlying constituents. Further, this study investigates how these effects vary between periods of turmoil and calmness in the financial markets.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on quarterly data for stocks comprising the CNX (CRISIL NSE Indices) Nifty 50 Index from 2009Q1 to 2019Q4. The data on holdings of 45 domestic and 196 foreign ETFs in the sample stocks were obtained from Thomson Reuters’ Eikon. The paper employs a panel-regression methodology with stock and time fixed effects and robust standard errors.

Findings

This study documents that irrespective of the market conditions, foreign ETFs, particularly those from Asia–Pacific and European regions tend to exacerbate co-movement. Conversely, domestic ETFs lower co-movement in stable markets but during periods of turbulence a jump in return correlations is observed.

Practical implications

The results have important implications for ETF investors as well as market regulators because an increase in co-movement would reduce the diversification benefits of ETFs, thereby nullifying the biggest advantage that ETFs have to offer.

Originality/value

The literature on the economic impact of ETFs is highly skewed with the majority of the studies focusing on developed markets. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first one to empirically examine the impact of ETFs on the return co-movement of an emerging market. Furthermore, the study is unique as the authors investigate how the effects of ETFs vary in turbulent and tranquil markets.
Winds of change? Academics’ views on the introduction of quality management in Kazakhstan
Authors: Manarbek Gulden , Seyfried Markus
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Academics’ perceptions of the motives of the introduction of quality management are still rarely investigated, particularly in Central Asian countries. Thus, this paper aims to understand the internal dynamics of organisational change within higher education institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents evidence from an online survey of academics from three Kazakh national universities. Their perceptions are presented with a quantitative descriptive approach using means and standard deviations.

Findings

The results show that academics perceive institutional (e.g. regulations, professional standards, existing norms, etc.) and instrumental explanations (e.g. institutional learning, improvement, intra- and inter-organisational competition, etc.) of the introduction of quality management as equally important. This contradicts existing evidence from surveys of other groups within higher education institutions.

Originality/value

In addition to evaluating the literature, the paper combines institutional and instrumental reasons for the introduction of quality management in Kazakh universities. Taking a perspective centred on academics, the results indicate that scholars’ assessments reveal a comparatively low variance regarding the importance of quality management. Based on these results, the paper suggests that empirical studies need to be broadened with comparative perspectives from different organisational contexts, groups and administrative traditions.
Modeling residual thermal stresses in layer-by-layer formation of direct metal laser sintering process for different scanning patterns for 316L stainless steel
Authors: Sezer Hayri , Tang Joseph , Ahsan AMM Nazmul , Kaul Sudhir
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop a novel comprehensive three-dimensional computational model to predict the transient thermal behavior and residual stresses resulting from the layer-by-layer deposition in the direct metal laser sintering process.

Design/methodology/approach

In the proposed model, time integration is performed with an implicit scheme. The equations for heat transfer are discretized by a finite volume method with thermophysical properties of the metal powder and an updated convection coefficient at each time step. The model includes convective and radiative boundary conditions for the exposed surfaces of the part and constant temperatures for the bottom surface on the build plate. The laser source is modeled as a moving radiative heat flux along the scanning pattern, while the thermal gradients are used to calculate directional and von Mises residual thermal stresses by using a quasi-steady state assumption.

Findings

In this study, four different scanning patterns are analyzed, and the transient temperature and residual thermal stress fields are evaluated from these patterns. It is found that the highest stresses occur where the laser last leaves off on its scanning pattern for each layer.

Originality/value

The proposed model is designed to capture the layer-by-layer deposition for a three-dimensional geometry while considering the effect of the instantaneous melting of the powder, melt pool, dynamic calculation of thermophysical properties, ease of parametrization of various process parameters and the vectorization of the code for computational efficiency. This versatile model can be used for process parameter optimization of other laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing techniques. Furthermore, the proposed approach can be used for analyzing different scanning patterns.
The impact of supply chain quality leadership on supply chain quality integration and quality performance
Authors: Luo Lingli , Liu Xueyuan , Zhao Xiande , Flynn Barbara B.
Published: April 2022

Purpose

As quality issues become more prominent in supply chain (SC) management, understanding the factors driving SC quality integration (SCIQ) and quality performance has become increasingly important, shifting the focus of quality management to firms in SCs. This study aims to examine the role of SC quality leadership (SCQL) in facilitating SCIQ and its direct and indirect relationship with quality performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Data on 400 Chinese manufacturing firms were collected using survey questionnaires. The hypothesised relationships between SCQL, SCIQ and quality performance were tested using structural equation modeling in AMOS 22.0.

Findings

Empirical results show that SCQL has a positive and significant effect on quality performance and all three dimensions of SCIQ: supplier quality integration, internal quality integration and customer quality integration. The results also show that SCIQ mediates the relationship between SCQL and quality performance.

Practical implications

Executives should develop SCQL to improve SCIQ in their SCs and ultimately improve quality performance. In particular, nurturing SQI can potentially lead to unique capabilities, relative to competitors. They should be aware of their important role in integrating and coordinating between functional units within the firm and between SC members.

Originality/value

This study enriches the SCM literature by identifying SCQL as a new and significant antecedent of SCIQ in manufacturing firms. It contributes to the SC leadership literature by conceptualizing both the quality and social responsibility aspects of SC leadership, conceptualizing SCQL at the firm level and positioning SCIQ as a mediator between SCQL and quality performance.
Local‐scale temperature gradients driven by human disturbance shape the physiological and morphological traits of dung beetle communities in a Bornean oil palm–forest mosaic
Authors: Williamson Joseph , Teh Enoch , Jucker Tommaso , Brindle Matilda , Bush Emma , Chung Arthur Y. C. , Parrett Jonathan , Lewis Owen T. , Rossiter Stephen J. , Slade Eleanor M.
Published: April 2022

Temperature change is an often‐assumed, but rarely tested, mechanism by which sensitive species may decline in forest landscapes following habitat degradation, fragmentation and destruction.

Traits mediate how species respond to environmental change, with physiological, morphological and behavioural traits key to determining the response of ectotherms to temperature.

We collected data on traits linked to thermal sensitivity (critical thermal maxima, body size, cuticle lightness and pilosity) for 46 dung beetle species (Scarabaeinae) in a forest–oil palm mosaic in Malaysian Borneo. By combining these data with a large‐scale community sampling campaign (>59,000 individuals sampled from >600 traps) and an airborne Light Detection and Ranging‐derived thermal map, we investigated how traits mediate species‐ and community‐level responses to temperature.

Using hierarchical models, we found that critical thermal maxima predicted how species respond to maximum temperatures. These results were mirrored in community‐level analyses alongside similar patterns in other thermal traits. Increased body size and decreased pilosity were associated with higher temperatures, while cuticle lightness showed a complex relationship with temperature across the disturbance gradient.

Our findings highlight the potential mechanisms by whichforest specialists decline in human‐modified landscapes, resulting in changes to community patterns and processes.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Maternally transferred thyroid hormones and life‐history variation in birds
Authors: Hsu Bin‐Yan , Pakanen Veli‐Matti , Boner Winnie , Doligez Blandine , Eeva Tapio , Groothuis Ton G. G. , Korpimäki Erkki , Laaksonen Toni , Lelono Asmoro , Monaghan Pat , Sarraude Tom , Thomson Robert L. , Tolvanen Jere , Tschirren Barbara , Vásquez Rodrigo A. , Ruuskanen Suvi
Published: April 2022

In vertebrates, thyroid hormones (THs) play an important role in the regulation of growth, development, metabolism, photoperiodic responses and migration. Maternally transferred THs are important for normal early phase embryonic development when embryos are not able to produce endogenous THs. Previous studies have shown that variation in maternal THs within the physiological range can influence offspring phenotype.

Given the essential functions of maternal THs in development and metabolism, THs may be a mediator of life‐history variation across species.

We tested the hypothesis that differences in life histories are associated with differences in maternal TH transfer across species. Using birds as a model, we specifically tested whether maternally transferred yolk THs covary with migratory status, developmental mode and traits related to pace‐of‐life (e.g. basal metabolic rate, maximum life span).

We collected un‐incubated eggs (n = 1–21 eggs per species, median = 7) from 34 wild and captive bird species across 17 families and six orders to measure yolk THs [both triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4)], compiled life‐history trait data from the literature and used Bayesian phylogenetic mixed models to test our hypotheses.

Our models indicated that both concentrations and total amounts of the two main forms of THs (T3 and T4) were higher in the eggs of migratory species compared to resident species, and total amounts were higher in the eggs of precocial species, which have longer prenatal developmental periods, than in those of altricial species. However, maternal yolk THs did not show clear associations with pace‐of‐life‐related traits, such as fecundity, basal metabolic rate or maximum life span.

We quantified interspecific variation in maternal yolk THs in birds, and our findings suggest higher maternal TH transfer is associated with the precocial mode of development and migratory status. Whether maternal THs represent a part of the mechanism underlying the evolution of precocial development and migration or a consequence of such life histories is currently unclear. We therefore encourage further studies to explore the physiological mechanisms and evolutionary processes underlying these patterns.
Feasibility of Lifestyle Redesign® for community‐dwelling older adults with and without disabilities: Results from an exploratory descriptive qualitative clinical research design
Authors: Levasseur Mélanie , Lévesque Marie‐Hélène , Lacasse‐Bédard Joanie , Larivière Nadine , Filiatrault Johanne , Provencher Véronique , Corriveau Hélène
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Although Lifestyle Redesign® has been shown to be effective in improving older adults' health and well‐being, little is known about the feasibility of implementing this programme to develop meaningful and health‐promoting routines of community‐dwelling older adults in Canada. This study thus aimed to explore the feasibility of implementing a culturally‐adapted 6‐month version of Lifestyle Redesign® with community‐dwelling older French‐Canadians with and without disabilities.

Methods

An exploratory descriptive qualitative clinical research design was used with 17 older adults living at home or in a seniors' residence, divided into two groups participating in Lifestyle Redesign®. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with participants and the occupational therapist who delivered the programme and recorded clinical notes.

Findings

Participants were aged between 65 and 90; they were mainly women (n = 11; 64.7%), and seven (41.2%) had disabilities. The intervention was tailored to the participants' needs, interests, and capacities in each group (e.g. modules selected, number of individual sessions, and assistance of volunteer). Over the 6‐month period, older adults participated in an average of about 25 group sessions with the occupational therapist and in four or five outings with their group (e.g. restaurant, market, and museum) and attended between 5 and 11 individual sessions with the occupational therapist. The most common reasons for missing group sessions were being ill, working, or having another appointment. Personal facilitators and barriers to participation in the intervention were mainly related to abilities, needs, spiritual life, and health. Environmental facilitators were mostly the regularity of the sessions, group, and external support, including human resources to deliver the intervention, whereas barriers were the residence's time restrictions and staff's attitudes, cost of some activities targeted in the programme, and transportation problems.

Conclusion

Lifestyle Redesign® is a feasible preventive occupational therapy intervention for community‐dwelling older French‐Canadians. These findings will guide future studies including large‐scale clinical trials.
Governing and Measuring Health Security: The Global Push for Pandemic Preparedness Indicators
Authors: Kentikelenis Alexander E. , Seabrooke Leonard
Published: April 2022

Providing collective solutions to global pandemics requires the coordination of information that is accurate and accountable. In recent years there has been a global push for reliable pandemic preparedness indicators. This push has come from U.S. foreign policy, the World Health Organization (WHO), NGOs, and private foundations. These actors want control over how data for preparedness indicators is collected, analysed, and promoted. Governments want to influence how they are assessed, using poor performance to attract attention and good performance to deflect blame. In this article we discuss how the push for pandemic preparedness indicators comes from the dual aims of repelling national risk, the spread of disease, while reducing global harm through stronger transnational governance arrangements. We delve into the development of indicators from the WHO and the privately‐run Global Health Security Index, and examine how their claims to authority measure‐up against standards of transparency, veracity, and accountability. We stress the importance of understanding how these indicators are composed. This is vital given the current drive to include social and governance metrics in revised efforts at data collection, as well as efforts to include pandemic preparedness indicators in how intergovernmental organizations, NGOs, donors, and funders devise health and development policies.
Three‐stage approach for aortoesophageal fistula after Roux‐en‐Y esophagojejunostomy
Authors: Dai Shuo‐Ying , Chang Chun‐Hao , Wang Yi‐Chen , Wen Jih‐Sheng , Liao Ting‐Kai , Lin Wei‐Ting , Chan Ren‐Hao , Tsai Meng‐Ta , Huang Wei‐Li
Published: April 2022

Surgical management of post‐esophagojejunostomy aortoesophageal fistula (AEF) has been scarcely reported, but is universally fatal. This report described a case of AEF after total gastrectomy with Roux‐en‐Y esophagojejunostomy and adjuvant chemoradiotherapy for gastric cardiac cancer. A three‐stage hybrid approach was used to successfully manage this complication. First, thoracic endovascular aortic repair curbed bleeding. Second, radical fistula resection eradicated infected areas and adjacent structures. Third, esophageal reconstruction using an ileocolonic conduit restored gastrointestinal continuity. This strategy could be safely feasible for managing post‐esophagojejunostomy AEF.
Self‐Surveillance in a Settler‐Colonial Context: CCTV and Tribal Authority in the Bedouin Town of Hura
Authors: Lichinitzer Anna , Snir Itay
Published: April 2022

In this article, we examine the installation of surveillance cameras in the Bedouin town of Hura in the Negev desert in Israel, analysing the complex interactions between the state and the local inhabitants, for whom the cameras were an opportunity to exercise agency. Considering the long history of Jewish colonialism in the Negev, one could have assumed that the new surveillance technology was imposed on the Bedouins against their will. However, in‐depth interviews with Hura inhabitants demonstrated that the municipality and tribal authorities were active players in deciding on the installation and location of the surveillance cameras. In light of the conflictual relations of the Bedouin population to Israeli state authorities, we argue that while the cameras placed the Bedouins of Hura under a new layer of surveillance, their installation could also be understood as a reaction to the ongoing neglect of Bedouin lives and possessions by the state.
A two‐wave study on the effects of cognitive demands of flexible work on cognitive flexibility, work engagement and fatigue
Authors: Uhlig Lars , Korunka Christian , Prem Roman , Kubicek Bettina
Published: April 2022

Cognitive demands of flexible work are the specific cognitive demands of planning of working times, planning of working places, structuring of work tasks and coordinating with others that arise from flexible work organisation. Although these demands have become increasingly widespread, their consequences are not well understood. We propose that cognitive demands of flexible work are challenge stressors that can benefit employees, by adding to their cognitive flexibility and work engagement, but also impair employees by causing fatigue. Hypotheses were tested using a two‐wave study design in a sample that recently switched to a more flexible work organisation (N = 279). Data were analysed using structural equation modelling. We found that planning of working times and planning of working places were related to increases in cognitive flexibility, and coordinating with others was related to increases in work engagement. No significant relations with fatigue were found. Thus, the results suggest that cognitive demands of flexible work helped employees to personally develop and feel motivated at work. However, effects on work engagement were rather small. Future research should control potential confounding variables more thoroughly and examine effects on short‐term strain outcomes.