bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TMS bursts can modulate local and networks oscillations during lower-limb movement
Authors: Espinoza Arturo I. , Scholl Jamie L. , Singh Arun
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Lower-limb motor functions involve processing information via both motor and cognitive control networks. Measuring oscillations is a key element in communication within and between cortical networks during high order motor functions. Increased midfrontal theta oscillations are related to improved lower-limb motor performances in patients with movement disorders. Non-invasive neuromodulation approaches have not been explored extensively to understand the oscillatory mechanism of lower-limb motor functions. This study aims to examine the effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on local and network EEG oscillations in healthy elderly subjects.

Methods

Eleven healthy elder subjects (67-73 years) were recruited via advertisements, and underwent both active and sham stimulation procedures in a random, counterbalanced design. TMS bursts (θ-TMS; 4 pulses/sec) were applied over the midfrontal lead (vertex) before a GO-Cue pedaling task, and signals were analyzed using time-frequency methods.

Results

TMS bursts increase the theta activity in the local (p=0.02), as well as the associated network during the lower-limb pedaling task (p = 0.02). Furthermore, after task-related TMS burst sessions, increased resting-state alpha activity was observed in the midfrontal region (p= 0.01).

Conclusion

Our study suggests the ability of midfrontal TMS bursts to directly modulate local and network oscillations in a frequency manner during lower-limb motor task. TMS burst-induced modulation may provide insights into the functional roles of oscillatory activity during lower-limb movement in normal and disease conditions.
Adaptive plasticity in plant traits increases time to hydraulic failure under drought in a foundation tree
Authors: Challis A , Blackman CJ , Ahrens CW , Medlyn BE , Rymer PD , Tissue DT
Published: August 2020

The viability of forest trees, in response to climate change-associated drought, will depend on their capacity to survive through genetic adaptation and phenotypic plasticity in drought tolerance traits. Genotypes with enhanced plasticity for drought tolerance (adaptive plasticity) will have a greater ability to persist and delay the onset of hydraulic failure.

Corymbia calophyllapopulations from two contrasting climate-origins (warm-dry and cool-wet) were grown under well-watered and chronic soil water deficit treatments in large containers. Hydraulic and allometric traits were measured and then trees were dried-down to critical levels of drought stress.

Significant plasticity was detected in the warm-dry population in response to water-deficit, with adjustments in drought tolerance traits that resulted in longer dry-down times from stomatal closure to 88% loss of stem hydraulic conductance (time to hydraulic failure, THF). Plasticity was limited in the cool-wet population, indicating a significant genotype-by-environment interaction in THF.

Our findings contribute information on intraspecific variation in key drought tolerance traits and THF. It highlights the need to quantify adaptive capacity in populations of forest trees facing climate change-type drought to improve predictions of forest die-back.Corymbia calophyllamay benefit from assisted gene migration by introducing adaptive warm-dry populations into vulnerable cool-wet population regions.
Evolving Changes in Cortical and Sub-Cortical Excitability during Movement Preparation: A Study of Brain Potentials and Eye-Blink Reflexes during Loud Acoustic Stimulation
Authors: Nguyen An T. , Tresilian James R. , Lipp Ottmar V. , Tavora-Vieira Dayse , Marinovic Welber
Published: August 2020

The presentation of Loud Acoustic Stimuli (LAS) during preparation can trigger motor actions at very short latencies in a phenomenon called the StartReact effect. It was initially proposed that a special, separate sub-cortical mechanism which by-passes slower cortical processes could be involved. We sought to examine the evidence for a separate mechanism against the alternative that responses to LAS can be explained by a combination of stimulus intensity effects and preparatory-states – as proposed by activation models of motor control.

To investigate whether cortically mediated preparatory processes are involved in shaping reactions to LAS, we used an auditory reaction task where we manipulated preparation-level within each trial. We contrasted responses to non-intense tones and LAS and examined whether cortical activation, sub-cortical excitability (measured by pre-stimulus EEG and eye-blink startle reflexes, respectively) and the motor response were influenced by preparation-level.

As predicted by the activation model, increases in preparation-level were marked by gradual reductions in RT coupled with increases in cortical activation and sub-cortical excitability – at both condition- and trial-levels. Changes in cortical activation influenced motor and auditory but not visual areas – highlighting the wide-spread yet selective nature of preparation. RTs were shorter to LAS than tones, but the overall pattern of preparation-level effects were the same for both stimuli. These results demonstrate that LAS responses are indeed shaped by cortically mediated preparatory processes. The concurrent changes observed in brain and behaviour with increasing preparation reinforces the notion that preparation is marked by evolving brain states which shape the motor response.

Key Points

Reactions to Loud Acoustic Stimuli can be explained by stimulus intensity and preparation state

We manipulated movement preparation by altering the temporal position of the imperative stimulus

Preparation was marked by reductions in RT, and increased cortical and sub-cortical excitability

Preparation had the same effect on reactions to Loud Acoustic Stimuli and non-intense tones

The results highlight the widespread, evolving, and strategic nature of movement preparation
Multi-Omic Profiling of the Liver Across Diets and Age in a Diverse Mouse Population
Authors: Williams Evan G. , Pfister Niklas , Roy Suheeta , Statzer Cyril , Haverty Jack , Ingels Jesse , Bohl Casey , Hasan Moaraj , Čuklina Jelena , Bühlmann Peter , Zamboni Nicola , Lu Lu , Ewald Collin Y. , Williams Robert W. , Aebersold Ruedi
Published: August 2020

Systems biology approaches often use inferred networks of gene expression and metabolite data to identify regulatory factors and pathways connected with phenotypic variance. Generally, study-specific multi-layer “Omics” datasets are used to contextualize generic molecular networks. In this regard separating upstream causal mechanisms, downstream biomarkers, and incidental correlations remains a significant challenge, yet it is essential for designing mechanistic experiments. To address this, we designed a study following a population of 2157 individuals from 89 isogenic BXD mouse strains across their lifespan to identify molecular interactions among genotype, environment, age (GxExA) and metabolic fitness. Each strain was separated into two cohorts, one fed low fat (6% cal/fat) and the other high fat (60% cal/fat) diets. Tissues were collected for 662 individuals (309 cohorts) diverging across age (7, 12, 18, and 24 months), diet, sex, and strain. Transcriptome, proteome, and metabolome data were generated for liver. Of these we identified linear relations among these molecular data with lifespan for the same genomes of mice (Roy et al. 2020), and we defined ∼1100 novel protein-coding genes associated with longevity. We knocked down the ortholog ofCtsdinC. elegans. The treatment reduced longevity both in wildtype and in mutant long-lived strains, thus validating the prediction. Next, to assess the molecular impact of GxExA on gene expression, the multi-omics data was parsed into metabolic networks where connectivity varied due to the independent variables. Differences in edge strengths connecting nodes in these molecular networks according to each variable enabled causal inference by using stability selection, with roughly 21% of novel gene–pathway connections being causally affected by diet and/or age. For instance,Chchd2is activated by aging and drives changes in the proteasome, oxidative phosphorylation, and mitochondrial translation transcriptional networks. Together, we have developed a large multi-omics resource for studying aging in the liver, and a resource for turning standard associations into causal networks.
X-ray scattering from a plane parallel slab using radiation transfer considerations
Authors: Stoupin Stanislav
Published: August 2020

The X-ray scattering power of a plane parallel homogeneous slab of material is derived using radiation intensity transfer equations. The scattering power scales with the ratio of the scattering coefficient of interest to the total attenuation coefficient. The results can be used to guide the choice of slab thickness, scattering geometry and photon energy to maximize the scattering power in both elastic and inelastic X-ray scattering experiments.
Mechanistic insights into defect generation and tuning of optical properties in Zn1−xFexAl2O4(0.01 ≤x≤ 0.40) nanocrystals
Authors: Jain Megha , Manju  , Vashishtha Pargam , Gupta Govind , Sinha Anil Kumar , Gupta Mukul , Vij Ankush , Thakur Anup
Published: August 2020

The correlation of several defects and optical and magnetic properties with Fe content in Zn1−xFexAl2O4(0.01 ≤x≤ 0.40) nanocrystals has been scrutinized through X-ray diffraction, OK-edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure, FT–IR, diffuse reflectance, photoluminescence and electron spin-resonance spectroscopies, and vibrating sample magnetometry. Increasing Fe content causes elongation in the octahedral units of the lattice, accompanied by distortion in the octahedral coordination. Fe introduces non-radiative centres in the forbidden gap, thereby tuning the band gap from 4.37 to 3.88 eV and eliminating emission in the visible region. Zn vacancies are found to tail off, while {\rm Fe}_i^{\bullet \bullet \bullet}, {\rm Al}_{\rm Zn}^\bullet and FeAl×antisite defects increase in concentration with increasing Fe content. Inhomogeneous broadening of spin-resonance signals infers strong spin-lattice interactions of Fe3+ions at distorted octahedral and non-symmetric tetrahedral sites. A transition is observed from paramagnetism to superparamagnetism at higher Fe concentrations. A visual colour change from pearly white to orange–brown is observed in Zn1−xFexAl2O4nanocrystals with increasing Fe content, revealing its potential candidature for pigments in the paint and dye industries.
0D to 3D PrIII metal–organic networks crystal engineered for optimal iodine adsorption
Authors: Moghzi Faezeh , Soleimannejad Janet , Emadi Hamid , Janczak Jan
Published: August 2020

Four new praseodymium(III) metal–organic compounds varying in dimensionality from 0D to 3D have been designed and synthesized based on N-heterocyclic polycarboxylic acids, including pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid (H2pydc) and pyrazine-2,3-dicarboxylic acid (H2pzdc). Altering the concentration of piperazine (pip, ancillary ligand) enables control over the dimensionality of the compound by switching between the 0D [H2pip][Hpip][Pr(pydc)3]·4H2O (I) and the 1D {[Pr(pydc)(Hpydc)(H2O)2]·4H2O}
n
(II) coordination polymer (CP). Upon replacing H2pydc with H2pzdc, CP II is converted to the 2D CP [Pr(pzdc)(Hpzdc)(H2O)3]
n
(III) and using the metalloligand [Zn(Hpzdc)2(H2O)2]2−, the 3D heterometallic CP {[Pr2Zn(pzdc)4(H2O)6]·2H2O}
n
(IV) is formed. Compound IV shows high stability in the absence of uncoordinated solvent molecules and is stable up to 400°C, even in the presence of humidity. Therefore, IV was utilized for iodine adsorption in the vapour phase and in the presence of humidity. The results confirm the remarkable potential of IV for reversible adsorption of iodine vapour.
Crystal structures of native cytochrome c
6 from Thermosynechococcus elongatus in two different space groups and implications for its oligomerization
Authors: Falke Sven , Feiler Christian , Chapman Henry , Sarrou Iosifina
Published: August 2020

Native cytochrome c
6 was purified from an extract of strain BP-1 of the thermophilic cyanobacterium Thermosynechococcus elongatus. The protein was crystallized, and with only slight modifications of the buffer and vapour-diffusion conditions two different space groups were observed, namely H3 and C2. Both crystal structures were solved; they contained three and six molecules per asymmetric unit and were refined to 1.7 and 2.25 Å resolution, respectively. To date, the structure of native cytochrome c
6 from T. elongatus has only been reported as a monomer using NMR spectroscopy, i.e. without addressing putative oligomerization, and related structures have only previously been solved using X-ray crystallography after recombinant gene overexpression in Escherichia coli. The reported space groups of related cyanobacterial cytochrome c
6 structures differ from those reported here. Interestingly, the protein–protein interfaces that were observed utilizing X-ray crystallography could also explain homo-oligomerization in solution; specifically, trimerization is indicated by infra-red dynamic light scattering and blue native gel electrophoresis in solution. Trimers were also detected by mass spectrometry. Furthermore, there is an indication of post-translational methylation in the crystal structure. Additionally, the possibility of modifying the crystal size and the redox activity in the context of photosynthesis is shaping the investigated cytochrome as a highly suitable model protein for advanced serial crystallography at highly brilliant X-ray free-electron laser sources.
Crystal structure of the Escherichia coli transcription termination factor Rho
Authors: Fan Chengcheng , Rees Douglas C.
Published: August 2020

During the crystal structure analysis of an ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter overexpressed in Escherichia coli, a contaminant protein was crystallized. The identity of the contaminant was revealed by mass spectrometry to be the Escherichia coli transcription terminator factor Rho, structures of which had been previously determined in different conformational states. Although Rho was present at only ∼1% of the target protein (a bacterial homolog of the eukaryotic ABC transporter of mitochondria from Novosphingobium aromaticivorans; NaAtm1), it preferentially crystallized in space group C2 as thin plates that diffracted to 3.30 Å resolution. The structure of Rho in this crystal form exhibits a hexameric open-ring staircase conformation with bound ATP; this characteristic structure was also observed on electron-microscopy grids of the NaAtm1 preparation.
Popular music censorship under Chinese societies: selected Canto-pop case studies in China, Hong Kong and Singapore
Authors: Man Ivy
Published: August 2020

Purpose

While Hong Kong has exercised laissez-faire policy with regard to popular cultural industries, such broadcasting freedom may not fully accepted in countries where state control of the media is tight. This paper aims to have a review and brief discussion on music development and the phenomenon of popular music censorship under Chinese societies including China, Hong Kong and Singapore.

Design/methodology/approach

After a brief discussion on the popular music scene in Hong Kong, China and Singapore, this paper reviews on the possible reasons for popular music censorship issue in the Chinese societies.

Findings

It is found that Canto-pop can be freely broadcast in Hong Kong; however, such freedom is not accepted in China and Singapore due to censorship. While China is sensitive to pro-democratic content in popular music, Singapore's language policies hinder the development of Canto-pop since the 70s.

Originality/value

After reviewing the reasons for music censorship, in particular Cantonese popular music in the Chinese societies, the paper gives a prediction on the future development of Canto-pop.
Firm receptivity regarding marketplace vs political ties
Authors: Zeiss Jessica , Carlson Les , Harvey Elise Johansen
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Prior research has examined the sociopolitical force as simply a part of all types of environmental pressures, yet we argue that this force calls for a unique examination of marketing's role in firm responses to sociopolitical pressures. Understanding the degree to which firms attempt to manage forces and pressures in the external business environment is key to understanding marketing's role in impeding vs aiding public policy initiatives, and is the problem this research investigates.

Design/methodology/approach

Using structural equation modeling, data from 71 firms demonstrate that managing the sociopolitical force is, in fact, distinct from managing the other four market-based forces – consumer demand, supplier power, competition and technological shifts. Managing the sociopolitical force is shown to require fundamentally different skills and resources.

Findings

Results suggest that firm sociopolitical receptivity drives attempts to influence this unique external business environmental force, in turn limiting marketplace sociopolitical receptivity. Furthermore, attempts to influence such a unique force relies on resource-light marketing resources, which limits resource-heavy marketing.

Originality/value

Managing a political force with marketplace ramifications involves strategy that utilizes marketing, but is driven by relationships with social and political agents. This is truly an environmental management concept distinct from the management of the other four market-based forces. The analysis in this study demonstrates that managing another environmental force (i.e. competition force) involves different receptivity influences and marketing tactic outcomes.
RBF-based mesh morphing improvement using Schur complement applied to rib shape optimization
Authors: Mastrippolito Franck , Aubert Stephane , Ducros Frédéric , Buisson Martin
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to improve the radial basis fuction mesh morphing method. During a shape optimization based on computational fluid dynamic (CFD) solvers, the mesh has to be changed. Two possible strategies are re-meshing or morphing. The morphing one is advantageous because it preserves the mesh connectivity, but it must be constrained.

Design/methodology/approach

RBF mesh deformation is one of the most robust and accurate morphing method. Using a greedy algorithm, the computational cost of the method is reduced. To evaluate the morphing performances, a rib shape optimization is performed using the NSGA-II algorithm coupled to kriging metamodels based on CFD. The morphing method is then compared to a re-meshing strategy.

Findings

The authors propose a method, based on Schur complement, to speed-up the greedy process. By using the information of the previous iteration, smaller linear systems are solved and time is saved. The optimization results highlight the interest of using a morphing-based metamodel regarding the resolution time and the accuracy of the interpolated solutions.

Originality/value

A new method based on Schur complement is addressed to speed-up the greedy algorithm and successfully applied to a shape optimization.
Does the supervisory ability of internal audit executives affect the occurrence of corporate fraud? Evidence from small and medium-sized listed enterprises in China
Authors: Zeng Huixiang , Yang Li , Shi Jing
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Internal audit executives instruct the internal audit department to supervise corporate business management activities, evaluate internal controls and risks and provide recommendations for operating. Therefore, this paper aims to confirm whether and how the supervisory ability of the chief internal audit executive enhances the internal audit department’s function to prevent corporate fraud. Based on the results, this paper further researches the role of the supervisory board position in this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper examines 922 small and medium-sized listed enterprises in China from 2010 to 2017 and empirically investigates the influence of the internal audit executive’s supervisory ability (IAESA) on the occurrence of corporate fraud.

Findings

The results reveal that the IAESA is significantly negatively correlated with the occurrence of corporate fraud. This suppression effect is more pronounced when the internal audit executive is also the company’s supervisor. However, if the internal audit executive is the chairman of the board of supervisors, the suppression effect no longer exists. This paper therefore confirms that the IAESA curbs corporate fraud via the improvement of the internal corporate control level.

Research limitations/implications

Because the sample data was limited by the information disclosure level of the included companies, the sample size was relatively small as compared with those of other studies.

Practical implications

This study not only expands the research perspective in the field of internal audit functions but also provides a decision-making reference for the prevention of corporate fraud.

Social implications

This paper extends an approach that might be able to curb corporate fraud.

Originality/value

A comprehensive index was developed using data envelope analysis to quantify the supervisory ability of internal audit executives. Based on this, this research confirms that the internal audit department performs a “firewall function” to prevent corporate fraud.
Environmental alignment between logistics service providers and shippers – a supply chain perspective
Authors: Huge-Brodin Maria , Sweeney Edward , Evangelista Pietro
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Various suggested paths for greening logistics and supply chains often address the specific perspectives of single supply chain actors. Drawing on stakeholder theory, the purpose of this paper is to develop a deeper understanding of the alignment between logistics service providers (LSPs) and shippers in the context of adopting more environmentally sustainable logistics practices.

Design/methodology/approach

With a case study approach, a dual perspective is taken in which both LSPs and shippers were researched. The cases comprise eight LSPs and six shipper companies in Sweden, Italy and Ireland. Information was first analysed in relation to levels of environmental awareness, customer requirements and provider offerings and critical success factors (CSFs) and inhibitors. In a second step, the findings were analysed using stakeholder theory.

Findings

LSPs demonstrate higher ambition levels and more concrete offerings compared to shippers' requirements for green logistics services. Paradoxically, customers are an important CSF and also an inhibitor for both LSPs and shippers. Both LSPs and shippers perceive financial factors and senior management priorities as important CSFs. The application of stakeholder theory helps to illuminate the importance of the many secondary stakeholders vs that of one or a relatively small number of primary stakeholders.

Originality/value

The three-dimensional analysis of environmental alignment between LSPs and shippers reinforces existing knowledge and provides new insights. A novel use of stakeholder theory in a supply chain context underlines its usefulness in research of this kind.
Social capital and organizational ambidexterity: the moderating effect of absorptive capacity
Authors: Lee Younggeun , Cortes Andres Felipe , Zhuang Yiming , Herrmann Pol
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of social capital on organizational ambidexterity in the context of emerging economies. Moreover, this paper aims to study the moderating influence of absorptive capacity on the relationship between social capital and organizational ambidexterity.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted two studies using survey data collected from 97 Ecuadorian and 100 Chinese small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Findings

The authors found that social capital, the extent to which organizational members interact, collaborate and share knowledge with one another and with external actors, has a positive effect on the simultaneous implementation of exploratory and exploitative innovations (i.e. organizational ambidexterity). Moreover, the authors found that absorptive capacity positively strengthens the impact of social capital on organizational ambidexterity.

Originality/value

Drawing on the knowledge-based view and the innovation literature, the authors theoretically argue the importance of social capital and absorptive capacity for SMEs to develop and manage exploratory and exploitative innovations simultaneously in emerging economies of different cultures. The authors empirically test proposed hypotheses in Ecuador and China, two emerging markets with important cultural differences, and show the relevance of social capital in multiple settings.
Measuring the gaps between shippers and logistics service providers on green logistics throughout the logistics purchasing process
Authors: Jazairy Amer , von Haartman Robin
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to measure the gaps between the engagements of shippers (i.e. logistics buyers) and logistics service providers (LSPs) in different green logistics practices (GLPs) throughout the key phases of the logistics purchasing process: request for proposal, negotiations, contracting and execution.

Design/methodology/approach

A large-scale survey of shippers and LSPs in Sweden was conducted. Respondents were 331 firms (169 shippers, 162 LSPs). Mean values of the actors' perceptions were analysed using independent- and paired sample t-tests.

Findings

While this study supports previous research indicating that LSPs engage more extensively in selling GLPs than shippers do in buying them, it shows that this conclusion does not uniformly apply to all GLPs nor all purchasing phases. Three patterns emerged for the gaps between the actors' buying-selling engagements throughout the purchasing process: (1) steady and wide gaps, (2) steady and narrow gaps and (3) emergent gaps. Distinct GLPs were associated with each pattern. It is also shown that the prioritisation of GLPs is fairly aligned between shippers and LSPs.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to the green logistics purchasing literature by systematically and simultaneously creating three types of distinction, between (1) shippers and LSPs, (2) different GLPs and (3) different logistics purchasing phases. Future studies could replicate the analysis in countries other than Sweden.

Practical implications

Managers of shipper/LSP firms learn tips to spot the GLPs that their partners prioritise, enabling them to modify their purchasing/marketing strategies accordingly.

Originality/value

The three types of distinction represent a novel approach in the green logistics purchasing literature.
The impact of non-urgent patients in emergency departments' operations
Authors: Leite Higor
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Globally, the presence of non-urgent patients in emergency departments (EDs) is considered one of the main reasons for creating excessive waiting times and overcrowding in units. This paper aims to understand the impact of non-urgent patients in EDs' operations.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on qualitative case studies conducted within two Brazilian EDs, and uses interviews and observations to access the data.

Findings

From a thematic analysis, three key themes emerged: characteristics of non-urgent demands in EDs, negative aspects of non-urgent patients in EDs, and the impact of the healthcare system model on EDs. These themes bring to light the impact that non-urgent patients have in EDs' operations, and provide theoretical and practical implications.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation of this work is bound by the understanding of the non-urgent demands in EDs. Therefore, a benchmarking approach (investigating state-of-the-art practices to avoid such impact) was not applied but was suggested for future research instead.

Practical implications

The research provides significant contributions to practitioners and policymakers, aiding future discussions to improve healthcare coverage and performance.

Social implications

The research provides significant contributions for managers and policymakers, aiding future discussions to improve healthcare. For instance, the use of well-known techniques (e.g. lean, six sigma) are discussed and suggested to enhance healthcare capacity and performance. Furthermore, the policymakers are called upon to evaluate the healthcare access and provide regulations that involve innovative approaches to widen healthcare access.

Originality/value

Based upon empirical data, this research extends the discussions related to non-urgent patient in EDs and is not limited merely to descriptive analysis, but by providing practical propositions and discussions related to the impact of these patients' presence in EDs' operations. Finally, the research provides a range of suggestions for future research related to the EDs' operational performance.
Stock market volatility and exchange rate movements in the Gulf Arab countries: a Markov-state switching model
Authors: Thai Hung Ngo
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the dynamic linkage between stock prices and exchange rate changes for the Gulf Arab countries (Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates [UAE]).

Design/methodology/approach

The author uses the Markov-switching autoregression to detect regime-shift behavior in the stock returns of the Gulf Arab countries and Markov-switching vector autoregressive (MS-VAR) model to capture the dynamic interrelatedness between exchange and stock returns over the period 2000–2018.

Findings

This study’s analysis finds evidence to support the persistence of two distinct regimes for all markets, namely, a low-volatility regime and a high-volatility regime. The low-volatility regime illustrates more persistence than the high-volatility regime. Specifically, exchange rate changes do not have an influence on the stock market returns of the Gulf Arab countries, regardless of the regimes. On the other hand, stock market returns have a substantial impact on exchange markets for all countries, except Saudi Arabia, and it is more noticeable during the regime of high volatility.

Practical implications

The findings shed light on the interconnectedness between two of the most important financial markets in the complex international financial environment. They are thus of particular interest for economic policymakers and portfolio investors.

Originality/value

The author distinguishes this study from previous studies in several ways. First, while previous empirical studies of the dynamic linkage between stock prices and foreign exchange markets are primarily devoted to developed markets or emerging markets, this study’s interest is concentrated on four Gulf Arab financial markets (Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE). Second, unlike most investigations in the literature that only estimate this link for the whole period, this study attempts to estimate during the good and bad period by using a two-regime MS-VAR model. To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study of the Gulf Arab countries on the stock and foreign exchange markets to apply this model.
Gamifying the digital shopping experience: games without monetary participation incentives increase customer satisfaction and loyalty
Authors: Bauer Johannes C. , Linzmajer Marc , Nagengast Liane , Rudolph Thomas , D'Cruz Elena
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Many marketplace examples suggest that using gamification in the online retail shopping context boosts sales and positively affects customer loyalty. Nevertheless, more research is needed to understand the effects of digital games on consumer behavior and their underlying psychological mechanisms. Therefore, this article explores how combining games and monetary rewards impacts customer satisfaction, loyalty and word-of-mouth (WOM) intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

To test our hypotheses, we designed two online laboratory experiments to stimulate an online shopping situation, as gamification in online retailing has the potential to affect an important set of outcomes for service firms throughout the consumer decision process (Hofacker et al., 2016).

Findings

The results of two lab experiments demonstrate that playing a shopping-related game without monetary participation incentive positively influences all three relational outcomes because games enhance consumers' enjoyment of the overall shopping experience. However, our findings also show that monetary rewards used to incentivize game participation diminish these effects. Gamification loses its positive effects if games are combined with monetary rewards, as consumers no longer play games to derive inherent enjoyment, but rather the extrinsic motivation of receiving a discount. We draw managerial implications about how gamification effectively and profitably fosters strong customer relationships and thus increases customer lifetime value and equity.

Research limitations/implications

This research is the first to investigate the combined effects of gamification and price discounts that require consumers to play the game in order to receive the discount. Focusing on an online shopping context, this article contributes to research on motivation by providing new and more nuanced insights into the psychological process underlying the gamification effects on consumer' long-term attitudes (i.e. satisfaction) and relational behaviors (i.e. positive WOM and loyalty) toward a retailer.

Practical implications

Based on our findings, we provide recommendations for marketers that explain how gamification can be a profitable and efficient tool to foster strong customer relationships. Retail managers should use gamification as a less costly alternative to typical price discounts.

Originality/value

Two laboratory experiments investigate how the separate and combined use of games and price discounts affects consumers' satisfaction, positive WOM intentions and loyalty. Playing a shopping-related game increases satisfaction with the retailer and positive WOM intentions as well as loyalty. Monetary rewards used to incentivize game participation eliminate the positive effects of gamification.
Australia's COVID-19 public budgeting response: the straitjacket of neoliberalism
Authors: Andrew Jane , Baker Max , Guthrie James , Martin-Sardesai Ann
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This paper explores how neoliberalism restrains the ability of governments to respond to crises through budgetary action. It examines the immediate budgetary responses to the COVID-19 pandemic by the Australian government and explores how the conditions created by prior neoliberal policies have limited these responses.

Design/methodology/approach

A review and examination of the prior literature on public budgeting and new public management are provided. The idea of a “neoliberal straitjacket” is used to frame the current budgetary and economic situation in Australia.

Findings

The paper examines the chronology of Australia's budgetary responses to the economic and health crisis created by COVID-19. These responses have taken the form of tax breaks and a temporary payment scheme for individuals made unemployed by the pandemic.

Practical implications

The insights gained from this paper may help with future policy developments and promote future research on similar crises.

Originality/value

The analysis of Australia's policies in dealing with the pandemic may offer insights for other countries struggling to cope with the fiscal consequences of COVID-19.
Subordinate evaluations of high-performance managers
Authors: Bayer Oxana , Krupskyi Olexandr , Bondarenko Evgeniy
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The study investigated the factors considered by subordinates when evaluating the productivity of their managers, in addition to how those factors influenced such feedback.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey was conducted among participants. The results were processed using a cluster analysis (K-means method), the Mann–Whitney U test and the χ2-Pearson test.

Findings

The survey results were used to categorize managers as highly productive, moderately productive, or lowly productive. Recommendations for how to increase productivity were then determined.

Research limitations/implications

The implication of our study in perspective research lies in particular in showing the mediating character of constructive feedback in subordinates' viewing manager efficient. As for practice, knowing subordinates' feedback makes it possible for an organization to influence the quality of supervisor-subordinate dyad. DTEK company has already put into practice the results of our study into corporate education and learning. In particular, recommendations for how to increase productivity (through giving constructive feedback, time to talk in private to an employee and expressing gratitude for good work) are discussed.

Practical implications

The results indicated that highly productive managers tended to professionally develop both themselves and their subordinates. They provided subordinates with constructive feedback as well as the opportunity to talk in-person. These managers were also experts in the activities performed by their subordinates and showed gratitude for their accomplishments.

Originality/value

This study examined managerial efficacy as reviewed by subordinates. A theoretical analysis was conducted to outline the factors typically associated with managerial productivity (e.g. interpersonal skills, synchronizing projects, technical knowledge and handling work-related frustration).
Drivers of integrated reporting by state-owned enterprises in Europe: a longitudinal analysis
Authors: Manes-Rossi Francesca , Nicolò Giuseppe , Tiron Tudor Adriana , Zanellato Gianluca
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the emerging phenomenon of integrated reporting (IR) in the context of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and proposes a longitudinal analysis of the level of IR disclosure (IRD) provided by a sample of European SOEs for the period 2013–2017, in accordance with IR framework requirements. The study also proposes an analysis of the possible explanatory factors driving the level of IRD. Specific attention is devoted to examine the influence exerted by the public ownership on the level of IRD provided by SOEs.

Design/methodology/approach

The IRs published by a balanced sample of 18 European SOEs between 2013 and 2017 were examined through a manual content analysis. Several analyzes were performed to assess the relationship between the level of IRD provided by SOEs and some possible determinants.

Findings

Results show an increasing level of disclosure during the observed period, confirming the relevance of IR as a tool for transparency and accountability within the context of SOEs. Statistical analyzes show that government ownership, external assurance, investor protection and global reporting initiative guidelines adoption positively affect the level of IRD, while SOE size exerts a negative influence.

Originality/value

As this paper examines a context which has been under-investigated, it presents fresh knowledge about the evolution of IR adoption by European SOEs. Furthermore, this paper identifies some of the explanatory factors that drive the preparation of IR, thus providing international integrated reporting council, policymakers and standard-setters with the relevant information for inclusion in specific guidelines for IR by SOEs.
A systematic qualitative case study: questions, data collection, NVivo analysis and saturation
Authors: Alam Md. Kausar
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The study aims to explore the case study method with the formation of questions, data collection procedures and analysis, followed by how and on which position the saturation is achieved in developing a centralized Shariah governance framework for Islamic banks in Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach

Using purposive and snowball sampling procedures, data have been collected from 17 respondents who are working in the central bank and Islamic banks of Bangladesh through face-to-face and semi-structured interviews.

Findings

The study claims that researchers can form the research questions by using “what” question mark in qualitative research. Besides, the qualitative research and case study could explore the answers of “what” questions along with the “why” and “how” more broadly, descriptively and extensively about a phenomenon. Similarly, saturation can be considered attaining the ultimate point of data collection by the researchers without adding anything in the databank. Overall, this study proposes three stages of saturation: First, information redundancy. Second, referring the respondents (already considered in the study) without knowing anything about the data collection and their responses. Third, through the NVivo open coding process due to the decrease of reference or quotes in a certain position or in the saturation position as a result of fewer outcomes or insufficient information. The saturation is thus achieved in the diversified positions, i.e. three respondents for regulatory, nine for Shariah scholars and officers and five for the experts concerning the responses and respondents.

Research limitations/implications

The study has potential implications on the qualitative research method, including the case study, saturation process and points, NVivo analysis and qualitative questions formation.

Originality/value

This research defines a case study with the inclusion of “what” and illustrates the saturation process in diverse positions. The qualitative research questions can also be formed with “what” in addition “why” and “how”.
Ownership concentration, innovation and firm performance: empirical study in Indian technology SME context
Authors: Chatterjee Manali , Bhattacharjee Titas
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This study aims to understand the influence of R&D intensity and ownership concentration on performance of Indian technology SMEs, at the intersection of “value creation” perspective of corporate governance and country cultural context in innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

Cross-sectional data of 264 Indian technology SMEs have been employed to probe the impact of ownership and R&D intensity on market performance of the technology SMEs.

Findings

This study does not find support of individual influence of R&D intensity on SME performance. The authors find support for the “value creation” hypothesis of corporate governance in Indian technology SME context. This study finds that interaction of promoter's ownership concentration and R&D intensity has a positive influence on the performance of Indian technology SMEs.

Research limitations/implications

This study has deployed cross-sectional data. Future studies can examine the “value creation” hypothesis based on panel data for a long-run understanding. Ownership can be further segregated into different categories of ownership in future studies.

Practical implications

This study underscores on distinct necessity in the concentrated ownership in the context of Indian technology SMEs. The findings of the study may encourage policymakers to focus on the “value creation” of the technology SMEs than “value protection.”

Originality/value

This study aims to understand the market value of R&D practice of SMEs. The findings of this study establish that R&D intensity individually may not have any significant influence on SME performance. R&D intensity coupled with concentrated ownership can significantly increase SME performance. Thus, this study identifies factors that can help in SME innovation and growth options. Additionally, this study advocates for the fact concentrated ownership in technology SMEs of India by establishing the link with SME performance.
Club fan shop or not? A conjoint analysis of online jersey purchase behavior
Authors: Habenstein Dominic , Kirchhoff Katharina , Schlesinger Torsten
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The relevance of merchandise for professional football clubs is uncontroversial. Especially the constantly growing e-commerce sales elicits disruptive market changes such as global brand visibility or data-driven customer relationship management strategies. To exhaust these possibilities, it is a precondition that merchandising costumers choose the official online fan shop as the first choice channel instead of a third-party supplier. Thus, the purpose of this study is to figure out if the club as a retailer and the loyalty to a club influence the fans' channel choice when purchasing licensed sports merchandise online.

Design/methodology/approach

To do so, a choice-based conjoint analysis for a jersey purchase embedded in an online questionnaire was conducted (sample: n = 589) to investigate the importance of the online supplier, relative to the tangible factors price, shipping speed and free added values and the influence of fan loyalty within the e-commerce purchase channel choice.

Findings

The findings reveal that the price has the highest relative importance (47%), but, as a sport specific peculiarity, the relative importance of the online supplier (22%) is higher than added values (20%) and shipping speed (11%). But, these overall findings are significantly affected by the level of fan loyalty. Based on the findings, implications that influence the fans' decision-making practices are derived for clubs.

Originality/value

This study is the one of the first in sports management research, focusing straight on the purchase channel importance (affected by fan loyalty) when purchasing merchandising online.