bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Principals as socio-religious curators: progressive and conservative approaches in Islamic schools
Authors: Brooks Melanie C. , Brooks Jeffrey S. , Mutohar Agus , Taufiq Imam
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate how socio-religious dynamics influence (and are influenced by) principals in Islamic schools.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative case study took place in Semarang, Indonesia. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews with school leaders along with school site observations. To frame the study, we drew from both Indonesian and international scholarship to understand extant perspectives on the context and on the ways that principals influence socio-religious thinking and practices in schools.

Findings

Findings suggested that principals' personal experiences and beliefs are central to the ways that socio-religious thinking and practices are manifest in their school. Principals practice more progressive or conservative leadership by influencing the degree to which the school is (a) an open or closed system, (b) inclusive or exclusive in their practices and (c) plural or unitary in their teaching. In making decisions along each of these continua, principals in Islamic schools “curate” a socio-religious educational environment.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature on principals and socio-religious dynamics in schools by discovering specific continua of practice that collectively suggest a more conservative or progressive interpretation of Islam. As this area is understudied in educational leadership, the study makes a foundational empirical contribution, suggests theoretical constructs heretofore unexplored, and advances the notion of principal as curator of educational practice.
School principals' workplace well-being: a multination examination of the role of their job resources and job demands
Authors: Collie Rebecca J. , Granziera Helena , Martin Andrew J.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The aim of this study was to examine the extent to which several workplace factors are implicated in school principals' well-being. Two job resources (i.e. participatory climate and collegial climate) and two job demands (i.e. barriers to professional learning and staff shortages) were investigated, along with two well-being outcomes (i.e. job satisfaction and occupational commitment). Interaction effects between the job resource and job demand variables were also tested.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were from 5,951 principals in 22 Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries that participated in the Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS) 2013. Path analysis of direct and interaction effects was tested, along with multigroup path analysis to determine any differences in results across nations.

Findings

The results showed that staff shortages and collegial climate predicted job satisfaction. All of the job resources and demands predicted occupational commitment. In addition, one interaction effect was significant showing that a participatory climate was especially important for occupational commitment under conditions of high staff shortages. The findings were similar across the 22 countries.

Originality/value

The study yields important knowledge about the cross-national salience of four job resources and demands that are associated with principals' well-being at work.
Earnings persistence and predictability within the emerging economy of Georgia
Authors: Pirveli Erekle
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide the first empirical assessment of the persistence and predictability of earnings within the Georgian private sector entities.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample comprises of all the Georgian private sector entities who, according to the new Law of Georgia on Accounting, Reporting and Auditing (2016), had to submit their audited financial statements by 1 October 2018. Financial data has been officially withdrawn from the Ministry of Finance of Georgia and the descriptive data has been obtained by the use of Link Klipper and ScrapeStorm tools through the official “Reportal” website. The final sample consists of 450 large Georgian private sector entities. The study uses a simple, one-year-lagged earnings auto-regression to detect the persistence and predictability within the next series of earnings. A weighted least square method has been used as a statistical procedure.

Findings

The results reveal that current earnings persist within the next year’s series of earnings at less than 25%, while the reliance on current year’s earnings enables us to predict the next year’s earnings only with a chance of 20%. Further analysis has witnessed that cash flows from operations persist at less than 40% and are able of predicting the next year’s cash flows at below 35%. Overall, the properties of earnings and cash flows within the private sector of Georgia are of relatively poor quality, with the latter demonstrating higher properties compared to earnings.

Practical implications

The general finding on a relatively low property of earnings raises potential investors and creditors’ awareness on the valuation-usefulness of provided financial information within the private sector of Georgia. The fact that earnings are significantly less persistent and predictable compared to cash flows from operations, hints on accruals’ problematic functioning. The results presented in this paper should be of interest to a local regulator (SARAS), charged with the responsibility of successfully running a currently ongoing accounting reform of Georgia.

Originality/value

This is the first study that examines the persistence and predictability of earnings and cash flows from operations among the private sector entities of Georgia.
Antecedents of the intention to use NFC mobile applications in tourism
Authors: Liebana-Cabanillas Francisco , Carvajal-Trujillo Elena , Villarejo-Ramos Ángel F. , Higueras-Castillo Elena
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Near-field communication (NFC) technology introduces new and better experiences for tourists while improving operating processes in the tourism industry through the use of smartphone applications. The purpose of this research is to explore and analyse the antecedents of the adoption of NFC mobile applications (app) regarding the search for information in a tourist destination.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the review of the literature, three groups of antecedents are proposed. The groups are associated with the usability of mobile technology itself, the benefits derived from its use and the possible risks that the tourist assumes. To achieve these objectives, an online questionnaire was filled by 218 participants after they watched a video explaining the use of NFC tourism apps in a Spanish tourist destination.

Findings

Partial least squares revealed that perceived value, performance risk, usefulness and perceived enjoyment have a strong relationship with the intention to use of tourism apps.

Originality/value

The conclusions and implications for management provide alternatives for companies to promote this new business by means of the new technical developments.
Artificial intelligence and big data in tourism: a systematic literature review
Authors: Samara Dimitra , Magnisalis Ioannis , Peristeras Vassilios
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to research, identify and discuss the benefits and overall role of big data and artificial intelligence (BDAI) in the tourism sector, as this is depicted in recent literature.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review was conducted under the McKinsey’s Global Institute (Talwar and Koury, 2017) methodological perspective that identifies the four ways (i.e. project, produce, promote and provide) in which BDAI creates value. The authors enhanced this analysis methodology by depicting relevant challenges as well.

Findings

The findings imply that BDAI create value for the tourism sector through appropriately identified disseminations. The benefits of adopting BDAI strategies include increased efficiency, productivity and profitability for tourism suppliers combined with an extremely rich and personalized experience for travellers. The authors conclude that challenges can be bypassed by adopting a BDAI strategy. Such an adoption will stand critical for the competitiveness and resilience of existing established and new players in the tourism sector.

Originality/value

Besides identifying the benefits that BDAI brings in the tourism sector, the research proposes a guidebook to overcome challenges when introducing such new technologies. The exploration of the BDAI literature brings important implication for managers, academicians and consumers. This is the first systematic review in an area and contributes to the broader e-commerce marketing, retailing and e-tourism research.
Shaping the consumers’ attitudes towards Halal food products in Turkey
Authors: Akın Mahmut Selami , Okumuş Abdullah
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The study aims to examine the consumers’ attitudes toward halal food products based on tripartite model. Regarding this, the effect of halal food awareness, perceived risk and behavioral tendency on attitudes toward halal food products are investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

343 valid questionnaires were obtained. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed to ensure content validity, and structural equation modeling was progressed to test the relationships among variables through IBM SPSS Statistics 22.0 and AMOS 23.0 software.

Findings

Research validates the tripartite model of attitude and suggests attitude toward halal food is formed by predominantly behavioral tendency and partially psychological drivers, rather than cognitive elements.

Research limitations/implications

The characteristics of participants should be different and larger sample may provide some other results. The product or service context should be different, for example, halal cosmetic, halal hygienic, halal tourism.

Practical implications

Trigger messages may put forward in marketing communications activity for halal food products marketing and halal certificated food brands need to establish their distribution networks effectively to get closer with consumers.

Originality/value

Attitudes towards halal products represent the key driver of consumer behavior for the development of marketing strategies in certified halal firms addressing both domestic and foreign markets. It is the first study examining Turkish consumer attitudes toward halal food product using tripartite model in the field of halal consumption behavior. The paper offers a different methodological framework and it could be potentially of interest for scholars, marketers and policy makers.
International high-tech SMEs innovative foreign knowledge inflows: effects of host country weak network ties and absorptive capacity
Authors: Freund David , Lee Robert , Tüselmann Heinz , Cao Qi
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The main purpose of this study is to explain the combined effects of host country weak network ties and absorptive capacity on the innovative foreign knowledge inflows of international high-tech small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Design/methodology/approach

Data are drawn from the two largest and most authoritative German Federal Government census-databases of biotech and nanotech SMEs. A structured survey questionnaire was administered and regression analysis adopted.

Findings

This study demonstrates weak network ties in the host country and developing absorptive capacity produce a combined effect that positively influences international high-tech SMEs innovative foreign knowledge inflows. Also, host country weak network ties and absorptive capacity when considered separately, each respectively, positively influence innovative foreign knowledge inflows.

Practical implications

The results help inform key personnel in international high-tech SMEs about the relevance of host country weak network ties and absorptive capacity for foreign knowledge inflows. In addition, the results help policymakers and think-tanks to promote tailored advice and guidance e.g. those policymakers implementing the EU Entrepreneurship 2020 Action Plan.

Originality/value

There is a recent call in the literature to combine network theory and absorptive capacity theory to better explain knowledge creation in the context of international high-tech SMEs knowledge sourcing. By addressing this call, the study provides a more refined and comprehensive account of international high-tech SMEs innovative foreign knowledge inflows.
Firms' information environment measures: a literature review with focus on causality
Authors: von Koch Christopher , Willesson Magnus
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the literature that measures the concept of firms' information environment (IE) with focus on the validity of proxies used to measure IE.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews the IE literature using theoretically based categories and analyzes the contextual meaning and use of IE proxies. The review is based on a selection of 284 research articles from 51 journals between 2000 and 2018. A total of 37 different proxy measures of IE are found and analyzed with respect to causality based on categories and the use of IE variables as dependent, independent and control variables.

Findings

The study indicates that the IE measures are heterogeneous and there is a lack of consensus regarding their use. The different conditions used to study IE explain part, but far from all, of this heterogeneity. Furthermore, we find that the use of IE measures is only briefly discussed or motivated among the studies in the sample. These findings suggest a necessary discussion about causality in the use of IE as dependent, independent or control variables.

Originality/value

This study contains new and significant information on IE and IE proxy measures. It provides an extensive literature review and provides a novel typology to analyze IE.
Preparation of PMMA/SiO2PCM microcapsules and its thermal regulation performance on denim fabric
Authors: Zhang Wei , Hao Shang , Zhao Dandan , Bai Guiqin , Zuo Xin , Yao Jiming
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the thermal performance of phase change materials (PCMs) microcapsules (MCs) attached using SiO2microspheres and investigate the thermal regulation effect on the coated denim fabric.

Design/methodology/approach

The PCM microcapsule was prepared byin situpolymerization using a mixture of solid paraffin and butyl stearate as core material (CM) and methyl methacrylate as a monomer. The SiO2microparticles were attached to the outer layer of the membrane to enhance the thermal performance of MCs. The morphology, chemical structure, latent heat storage and thermal resistance of MCs were characterized. PCM MCs were coated on the denim fabric and thermo-gravimetric analysis was conducted; thermal insulation and thermal infrared imaging performance of the coated fabrics were also investigated.

Findings

The diameters of SiO2particles and PCMs MCs were 300-500 nm and 1 μm, respectively. SiO2was wrapped on single-wall PCMs MCs with the mass ratio of 1:5. With the addition of SiO2, the phase transition temperature range of MCs increased from 34°C to 39°C, and the endothermic and exothermic latent heat decreased by 5.35 J/g and 10.07 J/g, respectively. The degradation rate of MCs was significantly slowed down at high temperature. The denim fabric coated with MCs revealed thermal regulation property. After absorbing heat, the MCs slowed down the rate of heat loss and extended the heat release time.

Research limitations/implications

The phase transition temperature of the composite CM was wide, and the latent heat storage was reduced. The addition of SiO2particles can significantly slow down the rate of heat loss, but it further reduces the latent heat storage performance.

Practical implications

The method developed provided a simple and practical solution to improve the thermal regulation performance of fabrics.

Originality/value

The method of adjusting the phase transition temperature range of the composite CM is novel and many applications could be found in preparation of PCMs and thermal management.
A multidimensional scalogram analysis of UK acid attacks: exploring the differences and similarities in offending characteristics
Authors: Mann Chloe Amanda , Mojtahedi Dara , Leadley Chelsea
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This study aims to determine whether cases of acid attacks within the UK could be differentiated based on the offence characteristics and motivations.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a multi-dimensional scalogram analysis (MSA) to examine the similarities and differences between the behaviours that were acted out during the 30 cases.

Findings

Results found a clear division amongst acid attack offenders through multiple variables, mainly pertaining to whether the attack was predicated and the motivation. This was found to be comparable with instrumental and expressive actions.

Practical implications

The findings have potential to contribute to psychological theory to categorise and define acid attack offences. This would also greatly assist in suspect prioritisation and other aspects of police investigations.

Originality/value

Reports of acid attacks within the UK are rising. The motivations behind these offences are predominantly related to gang violence and acts of revenge. However, the current literature around acid attacks has largely focussed on the victim perspective, with little research around offenders and their actions.
The nexus between information and consumer confusion: information provider vs information recipient
Authors: Dharmasena Thanuja , Jayathilaka Ruwan
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is aimed at analysing the contributors of consumer confusion from the perspective of both information providers and recipients.

Design/methodology/approach

Using Sri Lanka as a case study, this study demonstrates views of consumer confusion in terms of information and its contributors in light of the framework adopted by Lu and Gursoy (2015).

Findings

The results ascertain that too much, too similar and too ambiguous information from information providers’ perspective have a significant impact on consumer confusion in the context of the inbound tourist industry in Sri Lanka. Most importantly, it is evident that the information recipients’ knowledge and behaviour attributes, namely, internet experience, learning orientation, tolerance for ambiguity, price consciousness and requirement for cognition have no significant impact on consumer confusion. Furthermore, the quality and quantity of information provided are crucial for the minimisation or avoidance of consumer confusion.

Practical implications

The practical implications drawn from this study could influence all stakeholders of the inbound online tourism trade including managers, advertising executives and marketing experts in providing good quality information to promote tourism.

Originality/value

The contribution of this research is related to the analysis from a theoretical and an empirical perspective of both the information providers’ and decision-making of recipients.
Enhancing information security best practices sharing in virtual knowledge communities
Authors: Alhogail Areej
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Sharing information security best practices between experts via knowledge management systems is valuable for improving information security practices, exchanging expertise, mitigating security risks, spreading knowledge, reducing costs and saving efforts. The purpose of this paper is developing a conceptual model to enhance the transfer of information security best practices between professionals in virtual communities through a Web-based knowledge management system to exchange their successful experience in handling different information security situations.

Design/methodology/approach

The model is validated by surveying 17 experts’ reviews on the correctness of the model’s structure and its related components through applying deep rich peer debriefing to test suitability. Quantitative data has been collected to achieve confirmatory results.

Findings

The resulting model incorporates five main components that support the formal mechanism for the acquisition and dissemination of knowledge: identification, classification, storage, validation and sharing. The success of knowledge sharing is highly dependent on the active collaboration of community members and highly influenced by motivation. Validating transferred knowledge is vital for ensuring the credibility of the system.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this paper is one of the first to highlight the role of integrating knowledge management to enhance the effective share and reuse of information security best practices knowledge. The research results can support researchers investigating the topic and generate trustworthy literature to guide information security virtual community developers.
Mapping customer experience: a taxonomical study using bibliometric visualization
Authors: Sindhu Pranay , Bharti Kumkum
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This study aims to examine the trends and themes in the field of customer experience using a bibliometric analysis between 1957 and 2017.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper analyses 1,767 papers selected from Web of Science (WoS) database using VOS Viewer software tool to create bibliometric networks. The results of the study were classified under the following bibliometric indicators: evaluation of the number of studies analyzed; most cited documents; most influential authors; and highly influential journals, institutions and countries with the highest productivity. Additionally, the paper also presents three co-citation studies analyzing most co-cited references, first authors and journals.

Findings

Authors and institutes from the American and European countries dominate the contribution to the development of the field. The presence of Asian countries signifies the rising importance being given to the research field. The findings establish the argument that most of the ideas that follow today in the development of the field are mostly sourced from the works published in highly reputed journals. Co-citation analysis indicates the presence of multi-disciplinarity in the research field with journals representing different research areas such as management, strategy and psychology.

Research limitations/implications

The papers analyzed in the study were retrieved only from the WoS. Furthermore, the precise number of clusters obtained during the analysis depends on the parameter set by the authors which is subjective. Researchers are encouraged to draw further insights by manipulating the parameter criteria.

Practical implications

The findings in the study can be used to enrich the understanding of customer experience and future research on the topic.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is one of the first comprehensive papers offering a general overview of the leading trends in the field over a period of 60 years.
Quantitative pore‐type characterization from well logs based on the seismic petrophysics in a carbonate reservoir
Authors: Mirkamali Maryam Sadat , Javaherian Abdolrahim , Hassani Hossein , Saberi Mohammad Reza , Hosseini Seyed Abolfazl
Published: June 2020

Quality, availability and consistency of the measured and interpreted well log data are essential in the seismic reservoir characterization methods, and seismic petrophysics is the recommended workflow to achieve data consistency between logs and seismic domains. This paper uses seismic petrophysics workflow to improve well logs and pore geometry interpretations for an oil carbonate reservoir in the Fahliyan Formation in the southwest of Iran. The petrophysical interpreted well logs, rock physics and well‐to‐seismic tie analysis are integrated into the proposed workflow. Our implementation incorporates revising petrophysical well log interpretations and updating pore geometry characteristics to obtain a better well‐tie quality. We first propose an improved pore‐type characterization approach based on both P‐ and S‐wave velocities for quantifying pore geometry. Then, seismic logs are estimated accordingly, and the results are used in the well‐to‐seismic analysis. The quality of the well‐tie is improved, furthermore, by iterating on the petrophysical interpreted well logs as well as the calculated pore geometries. For the intervals with high‐quality data, our workflow improves the consistency between the results of measured and modelled seismic logs. For the intervals with problematic well logs, the application of our proposed workflow results in the successful replacement of the poor data and subsequently leads to an improved wavelet estimation and well‐tie results. In both cases, a higher quantification of pore geometries is achieved, which in turn is confirmed by the core images and formation micro‐imager analysis.
Intra‐ and inter‐cores fungal diversity suggests interconnection of different habitats in an Antarctic frozen lake (Boulder Clay, Northern Victoria Land)
Authors: Sannino Ciro , Borruso Luigimaria , Mezzasoma Ambra , Battistel Dario , Zucconi Laura , Selbmann Laura , Azzaro Maurizio , Onofri Silvano , Turchetti Benedetta , Buzzini Pietro , Guglielmin Mauro
Published: June 2020

A perennially frozen lake at Boulder Clay site (Victoria Land, Antarctica), characterized by the presence of frost mounds, have been selected as an in situ model for ecological studies. Different samples of permafrost, glacier ice and brines have been studied as a unique habitat system. An additional sample of brines (collected in another frozen lake close to the previous one) was also considered. Alpha‐ and beta‐diversity of fungal communities showed both intra‐ and inter‐cores significant (p < 0.05) differences, which suggest the presence of interconnection among the habitats. Therefore, the layers of frost mound and the deep glacier could be interconnected while the brines could probably be considered as an open habitat system not interconnected with each other. Moreover, the absence of similarity between the lake ice and the underlying permafrost suggested that the lake is perennially frozen based.

The predominance of positive significant (p < 0.05) co‐occurrences among some fungal taxa allowed to postulate the existence of an ecological equilibrium in the habitats systems. The positive significant (p < 0.05) correlation between salt concentration, total organic carbon and pH, and some fungal taxa suggests that a few abiotic parameters could drive fungal diversity inside these ecological niches.
Experimental metatranscriptomics reveals the costs and benefits of dissolved organic matter photo‐alteration for freshwater microbes
Authors: Nalven Sarah G. , Ward Collin P. , Payet Jérôme P. , Cory Rose M. , Kling George W. , Sharpton Thomas J. , Sullivan Christopher M. , Crump Byron C.
Published: June 2020

Microbes and sunlight convert terrigenous dissolved organic matter (DOM) in surface waters to greenhouse gases. Prior studies show contrasting results about how biological and photochemical processes interact to contribute to the degradation of DOM. In this study, DOM leached from the organic layer of tundra soil was exposed to natural sunlight or kept in the dark, incubated in the dark with the natural microbial community, and analysed for gene expression and DOM chemical composition. Microbial gene expression (metatranscriptomics) in light and dark treatments diverged substantially after 4 h. Gene expression suggested that sunlight exposure of DOM initially stimulated microbial growth by (i) replacing the function of enzymes that degrade higher molecular weight DOM such as enzymes for aromatic carbon degradation, oxygenation, and decarboxylation, and (ii) releasing low molecular weight compounds and inorganic nutrients from DOM. However, growth stimulation following sunlight exposure of DOM came at a cost. Sunlight depleted the pool of aromatic compounds that supported microbial growth in the dark treatment, ultimately causing slower growth in the light treatment over 5 days. These first measurements of microbial metatranscriptomic responses to photo‐alteration of DOM provide a mechanistic explanation for how sunlight exposure of terrigenous DOM alters microbial processing and respiration of DOM.
Citizens' Attitudes Towards Municipal Mergers – Individual‐level Explanations
Authors: Strandberg Kim , Lindell Marina
Published: June 2020

Municipal mergers are one of the most common reforms of jurisdiction size. While there are many studies of municipal mergers at the contextual level and some about how mergers affect opinions, studies of how individual citizens regard prospective mergers are still scarce. Thus, we study why citizens have different opinions on prospective mergers that are yet to be decided on. Specifically, the factors of main interest in this study are political efficacy and political trust since these relate to how citizens make sense of the complex and uncertain reforms that municipal mergers are. To study this, we disseminated a population survey (N = 6,686) in the Finnish municipality of Korsholm in 2018. At that time, a merger was planned with the neighboring city of Vaasa. This merger was surrounded by a very heated debate, mainly due to the fact that the merger would have affected the position of language minorities (a very salient issue in bilingual Finland) whereby the Swedish‐speaking majority in Korsholm would become a minority in a merged new municipality. Using regression analyses where internal‐ and external political efficacy and political trust are tested as predictors of opinions on this proposed merger, with control for demographic, socio‐economic and social factors, the study demonstrates that external efficacy and political trust have independent significant impact on citizens' opinions on mergers. The findings also show that salient issues connected to mergers are important factors as are social factors.
Patients with mental health conditions in the emergency department: Why so long a wait?
Authors: Sweeny Amy , Keijzers Gerben , O'Dwyer John , Stapelberg Nicolas CJ , Crilly Julia
Published: June 2020

Objectives

Patients presenting with a mental health disorder (MHD) wait longer in the ED compared to those presenting for other reasons, potentially placing vulnerable patients at further risk for deterioration. The present study identified factors associated with a long ED stay for patients with a MHD.

Methods

Linked ambulance, emergency, pathology, imaging and admission data for an 18‐month period were analysed for ED presentations diagnosed with an MHD ICD‐10 at a large teaching hospital. Admissions and discharges were considered separately; a long ED stay was defined as the 90th percentile length of stay. Multivariable generalised linear models were built, identifying predictors of a long ED stay for presentations diagnosed with a MHD.

Results

The sample comprised 1163 admissions and 2242 discharges. For admissions, significant predictors for long ED stay were investigations (pathology or imaging tests), a triage score of 1 or 2, arrival out‐of‐hours (18.00–05.59 hours) and arrival by ambulance. For discharges, significant predictors of a long ED stay were investigations (pathology or imaging tests), arrival out‐of‐hours, arrival by ambulance and increasing age.

Conclusions

Some factors predictive of a long ED stay for patients presenting to the ED and diagnosed with a MHD varied based on their disposition. For admissions, the most urgent presentations were likely to stay longest. Strategies to reduce ED stay for both admissions and discharges should consider addressing modifiable aspects, including the need for certain investigations, and non‐modifiable aspects, including the need for further access to after‐hours mental health services in hospital and in the community.
Factors affecting subsidiary staffing of Japanese multinationals: a panel data analysis
Authors: Ge Gloria L. , Ando Naoki , Ding Daniel Z.
Published: June 2020

Global staffing is a crucial factor for the success of the overseas operations of multinational corporations (MNCs). This study examines the contextual and organisational factors that affect the localisation of subsidiary staffing in the overseas operations of Japanese multinational companies. Using panel data containing more than 15 000 observations of Japanese overseas subsidiaries and a random‐effects logit model, we found that the cultural distance between the home country and the host country has a significant impact on the localisation of subsidiary staffing. In addition, the strategic importance of subsidiaries, as well as the local market orientation and business experiences in the host country, but not research and development (R&D) intensity of Japanese parent firms, have a significant impact on the localisation of foreign subsidiary staffing. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of these findings.
How does regret affect investor behaviour? Evidence from Chinese stock markets
Authors: Deuskar Prachi , Pan Deng , Wu Fei , Zhou Hongfeng
Published: June 2020

Using a unique dataset from Chinese stock markets, we quantify the actual effect regret has upon investors’ stock trading behaviour. We find that experienced regret over the type of order placed last time affects the type of order an investor subsequently places. The effect is stronger following an action rather than inaction, loss on the prior order, and an unusual order strategy for the investor. Regret‐based decisions appear to be suboptimal since they experience poor performance. These results are consistent with the predictions of regret theory, but not that of rational learning as an explanation.
Implementing changes to cervical screening: A qualitative study with health professionals
Authors: Dodd Rachael H. , Obermair Helena M. , McCaffery Kirsten J.
Published: June 2020

Background

Profound changes were made to the Australian National Cervical Screening Program in December 2017, which included a reduction in the frequency of screening and a new cervical screening test.

Aim

To explore the attitudes and experiences of health professionals practising in Australia since implementation of these changes.

Materials and Methods

Thirty‐one semi‐structured interviews were conducted with general practitioners, obstetricians and gynaecologists, pathologists and nurses involved in cervical screening Australia‐wide. Data were analysed using Framework Analysis.

Results

Overall, health professionals had positive attitudes toward the changes but described many challenges associated with their implementation. Participants discussed practical system challenges, communication and education, finding ways around the guidelines and other perceived ‘collateral’. Practical system challenges included increased colposcopy referrals, limited access to the National Cancer Screening Register, a complex primary screening approach, and issues with self‐collection. In terms of communication and education, limited public education was recognised, in addition to challenges with particular age groups of women. Finding ways around the guidelines were described, for example over‐referring women for co‐testing by stating symptoms, which could lead to overtreatment. Other perceived collateral were demonstrated through reduced opportunistic screening opportunities due to less frequent primary care presentations, and concern over the potential for further underscreening in already under‐screened populations.

Conclusions

These findings provide insight into the challenges health professionals face with renewing programs, in terms of practical issues and unexpected downstream effects which need to be addressed to ensure future implementation of the program is streamlined.
Classifying Like a State: Land Dispossession on Eastern Crete’s Contested Mountains
Authors: Korfiati Ioanna P.
Published: June 2020

Despite the widespread attention to capital investments in land and property around the globe, the active re‐regulating role of the neoliberal state in processes of “accumulation by dispossession” remains underexplored. Through an in‐depth look at the dispossession of highly fragmented and loosely regulated private land for windfarm investments on Crete’s eastern corner, Sitia, this paper re‐affirms the political nature of the forcible appropriation of land for large‐scale investments; dissects the specific mechanisms in which the state dispossesses land on behalf of investors and promotes the forcible appropriation of land from below; and problematises the dialectic relationship of both rupture and continuity between crisis and inherited, path‐dependent relations embedded in land. The transformation of Sitia’s loosely regulated, informal relations on land is made possible through the mobilisation of the state’s bureaucratic and normalising powers, which redefine the concept of forest and dispossess through classifying land as such.
Applying development models to small island states: Is Niue a TOURAB country?
Authors: Watson Rosina , Nel Etienne
Published: June 2020

Small island developing states (SIDS) face unique developmental challenges, not least their often narrow economic structure and dependence on a narrow range of economic activities. In this regard migration, remittances, dependence on aid, tourism and state employment feature prominently. This paper explores the nature of Niue's economy and the degree to which its economy depends on tourism and government services, both of which are supported through aid programmes. The limited dependence on remittances places Niue, as a SIDS, into the relatively narrow band of TOURAB states (those dependent on aid, tourism and bureaucracy). Understanding the nature of Niue's economy helps clarify the challenges the country faces, its development needs and the considerations which donors need to focus on through their support. It also clarifies how Niue should position itself relative to market opportunities and what the focus of development strategies should be.
Low‐density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) is an independent adverse prognostic factor in acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Floeth Matthias , Elges Sandra , Gerss Joachim , Schwöppe Christian , Kessler Torsten , Herold Tobias , Wardelmann Eva , Berdel Wolfgang E. , Lenz Georg , Mikesch Jan‐Henrik , Hartmann Wolfgang , Schliemann Christoph , Angenendt Linus
Published: June 2020

The low‐density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) is a membrane receptor that mediates the endocytosis of low‐density lipoprotein (LDL). Uptake of LDL has been proposed to contribute to chemotherapy resistance of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) cell lines in vitro. In the present study, we analysed LDLR expression and survival using bone marrow biopsies from 187 intensively treated patients with AML. Here, increasing LDLR expression was associated with decreasing overall (58·4%, 44·2%, and 24·4%; P = 0·0018), as well as event‐free survival (41·7%, 18·1%, and 14·3%; P = 0·0077), and an increasing cumulative incidence of relapse (33·9%, 55·1%, and 71·4%; P = 0·0011). Associations of LDLR expression with survival were confirmed in 557 intensively treated patients from two international validation cohorts. In the analytic and validation cohorts, LDLR expression remained associated with outcome in multivariable regression analyses including the European LeukemiaNet genetic risk classification. Thus, LDLR predicts outcome of patients with AML beyond existing risk factors. Furthermore, we found low expression levels of LDLR in most healthy tissues, suggesting it as a promising target for antibody‐based pharmacodelivery approaches in AML.
Articulating the sources for an African normative framework of healthcare: Ghana as a case study
Authors: Atuire Caesar A. , Kong Camillia , Dunn Michael
Published: June 2020

Bioethics is gradually becoming an important part of the drive to increase quality healthcare delivery in sub‐Saharan African countries. Yet many healthcare service‐users in Africa are familiar with incidences of questionable health policies and poor healthcare delivery, leading to severe consequences for patients. We argue that the overarching rights‐based ethical administrative framework recently employed by healthcare authorities contributes to the poor uptake and enforcement of current normative tools. Taking Ghana as a case study, we focus on the cultural ethical context and we tease out the concepts of the good and the ethical among the Akan and Bulsa ethnic groups. We point out three tenets towards building a normative framework that can resonate with service‐users and practitioners: ontological communitarianism; empathic humanism; and virtuous character. Finally, we indicate how these core tenets can be dovetailed into building an effective normative framework and into the training of healthcare providers.
Community‐led reconstruction, social inclusion and participation in post‐earthquake Nepal
Authors: Crawford Gordon , Morrison Chas
Published: June 2020

Motivation

Disasters have terrible consequences for those affected, but do they also provide opportunities to challenge existing social divisions and inequalities and to promote democratic social change?

Purpose

This article explores whether community‐led reconstruction (CLR) can leverage progressive social change by increasing the participation and social inclusion of marginalized and excluded groups. The question it addresses is: to what extent and in what ways can CLR facilitate participation and social inclusion in post‐disaster contexts? It does so by examining the community‐led reconstruction programme (CLRP) implemented by the non‐governmental organization ActionAid Nepal (AAN) after the 2015 earthquakes in Nepal.

Approach and methods

After reviewing existing literature on CLR, including shortcomings in implementation, the study uses data collected from community focus groups and interviews with government officials, as well as from a perception survey undertaken among earthquake victims. We collected data for six categories of marginalized people: women, landless, Dalits, indigenous groups, elderly and youth, and analysed the data pertaining to issues of participation and inclusion for each category using NVivo software.

Findings

The findings indicate greater progress towards women’s social inclusion than for other marginalized social groups, with improvements in women’s social status. Additionally, enhanced community solidarity was evident in support of landless people. While newly created community reconstruction committees had not sustained their activities, the presence of pre‐existing local social movements, such as women’s rights forums (WRFs) and land rights forums (LRFs), was key to making claims on government. Therefore, AAN’s CLRP had led to limited achievements in terms of greater participation and social inclusion of some hitherto marginalized groups, though difficulties in sustaining challenges to deep‐seated inequalities were also noted.
Anxiety symptoms in first‐episode psychosis
Authors: Karpov Boris , Kieseppä Tuula , Lindgren Maija , Wegelius Asko , Suvisaari Jaana
Published: June 2020

Aim

Anxiety disorders and symptoms are common in people with psychotic disorders, having a negative impact on clinical status, function level and overall prognosis. However, research on the significance of anxiety in predicting remission and long‐term functioning in first‐episode psychosis (FEP) is still scarce. This study investigated the effects of anxiety and obsessive‐compulsive symptoms (OCS) on clinical and functional improvement in individuals with FEP.

Methods

FEP patients (N = 97) aged 18‐40 years were recruited from the University Hospital District of Helsinki and the City of Helsinki. Psychotic and anxiety symptoms were measured using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale. Obsessive‐compulsive symptoms were assessed using the Obsessive‐Compulsive Inventory (OCI‐R), and functioning was evaluated using the Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale (SOFAS). Follow‐up measurements were performed at 2 and 12 months. We specifically studied whether anxiety and obsessive‐compulsive symptoms at the 2‐month follow‐up assessment, at a time when the initial treatment response had been achieved, would predict outcomes at 12 months.

Results

Symptoms of anxiety and OCS correlated moderately with each other and psychotic symptoms, but at the 12‐month follow‐up, OCS no longer correlated significantly with psychotic and anxiety symptoms. When the level of psychotic symptoms was adjusted for, more severe OCS at the 2‐month follow‐up was associated with a lower rate of remission at 12 months, whereas a higher level of anxiety symptoms at 2 months was associated with better functioning at 12 months.

Conclusions

OCS may be predictive of poorer clinical outcomes, whereas anxiety symptoms may predict better functional outcomes.
Soil carbon stock impacts following reversion of Miscanthus × giganteus and short rotation coppice willow commercial plantations into arable cropping
Authors: Rowe Rebecca L. , Keith Aidan M. , Elias Dafydd M. O. , McNamara Niall P.
Published: June 2020

There are posited links between the establishment of perennial bioenergy, such as short rotation coppice (SRC) willow and Miscanthus × giganteus, on low carbon soils and enhanced soil C sequestration. Sequestration provides additional climate mitigation, however, few studies have explored impacts on soil C stocks of bioenergy crop removal; thus, the permanence of any sequestered C is unclear. This uncertainty has led some authors to question the handling of soil C stocks with carbon accounting, for example, through life cycle assessments. Here, we provide additional data for this debate, reporting on the soil C impacts of the reversion (removal and return) to arable cropping of commercial SRC willow and Miscanthus across four sites in the UK, two for each bioenergy crop, with eight reversions nested within these sites. Using a paired‐site approach, soil C stocks (0–1 m) were compared between 3 and 7 years after bioenergy crop removal. Impacts on soil C stocks varied, ranging from an increase of 70.16 ± 10.81 Mg C/ha 7 years after reversion of SRC willow to a decrease of 33.38 ± 5.33 Mg C/ha 3 years after reversion of Miscanthus compared to paired arable land. The implications for carbon accounting will depend on the method used to allocate this stock change between current and past land use. However, with published life cycle assessment values for the lifetime C reduction provided by these crops ranging from 29.50 to 138.55 Mg C/ha, the magnitude of these changes in stock are significant. We discuss the potential underlying mechanisms driving variability in soil C stock change, including the age of bioenergy crop at removal, removal methods, and differences in the recalcitrant of the crop residues, and highlight the need to design management methods to limit negative outcomes.