bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heterosynaptic cross-talk of pre- and postsynaptic strengths along segments of dendrites
Authors: Tong Rudi , Emptage Nigel John , Goda Yukiko
Published: May 2020

Dendrites are crucial for integrating incoming synaptic information. Individual dendritic branches are thought to constitute a signal processing unit, yet how neighbouring synapses shape the boundaries of functional dendritic units are not well understood. Here we addressed the cellular basis underlying the organization of the strengths of neighbouring Schaffer collateral-CA1 synapses by optical quantal analysis and spine size measurements. Inducing potentiation at clusters of spines produced NMDA receptor-dependent heterosynaptic plasticity. The direction of postsynaptic strength change showed distance-dependency to the stimulated synapses where proximal synapses predominantly depressed whereas distal synapses potentiated; potentiation and depression were regulated by CaMKII and calcineurin, respectively. By contrast, heterosynaptic presynaptic plasticity was confined to weakening of presynaptic strength of nearby synapses, which required CaMKII and the retrograde messenger nitric oxide. Our findings highlight the parallel engagement of multiple signalling pathways, each with characteristic spatial dynamics in shaping the local pattern of synaptic strengths.
Crystal structure and characterization of a new copper(II) chloride dimer with methyl(pyridin-2-ylmethylidene)amine
Authors: Vassilyeva Olga Yu. , Buvaylo Elena A. , Kokozay Vladimir N. , Melnyk Andrii K. , Skelton Brian W.
Published: May 2020

The new copper(II) complex, namely, di-μ-chlorido-bis{chlorido[methyl(pyridin-2-ylmethylidene)amine-κ2
N,N′]copper(II)}, [Cu2Cl4(C7H8N2)2], (I), with the ligand 2-pyridylmethyl-N-methylimine (L, a product of Schiff base condensation between methylamine and 2-pyridinecarbaldehyde) is built of discrete centrosymmetric dimers. The coordination about the CuII ion can be described as distorted square pyramidal. The base of the pyramid consists of two nitrogen atoms from the bidentate chelate L [Cu—N = 2.0241 (9), 2.0374 (8) Å] and two chlorine atoms [Cu—Cl = 2.2500 (3), 2.2835 (3) Å]. The apical position is occupied by another Cl atom with the apical bond being significantly elongated at 2.6112 (3) Å. The trans angles of the base are 155.16 (3) and 173.79 (2)°. The Cu...Cu separation in the dimer is 3.4346 (3) Å. In the crystal structure, the loosely packed dimers are arranged in stacks propagating along the a axis. The X-band polycrystalline 77 K EPR spectrum of (I) demonstrates a typical axial pattern characteristic of mononuclear CuII complexes. Compound (I) is redox active and shows a cyclic voltammetric response with E
1/2 = −0.037 V versus silver–silver chloride electrode (SSCE) assignable to the reduction peak of CuII/CuI in methanol as solvent.
The crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of 1-(2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine
Authors: Tiouabi Mustapha , Tabacchi Raphaël , Stoeckli-Evans Helen
Published: May 2020

In the title compound, C17H27NO2, the piperidine ring has a chair conformation and is positioned normal to the benzene ring. In the crystal, molecules are linked by C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming chains propagating along the c-axis direction.
catena-Poly[[[aquacopper(II)]-μ-(biphenyl-2,2′-dicarboxylato)-μ-[N,N′-bis(pyridin-4-yl)urea]] 1.25-hydrate]
Authors: Uzorka Ben , LaDuca Robert L.
Published: May 2020

In the title compound, {[Cu(C14H8O4)(C11H10N4O)(H2O)]·1.25H2O}
n
, the CuII cations are coordinated in a square-pyramidal fashion by trans carboxylate O-atom donors from two diphenate (dip) ligands, trans pyridyl N-atom donors from two bis(4-pyridyl)urea (bpu) ligands, and a ligated water molecule in the apical position. [Cu(H2O)(dip)(bpu)]
n
coordination polymer layer motifs are oriented parallel to (\overline{1}02). These layer motifs display a standard (4,4) rectangular grid topology and stack in an AAA pattern along the a-axis direction to form the full three-dimensional crystal structure of the title compound, mediated by N—H...O and O—H...O hydrogen bonding patterns involving the water molecules of crystallization.
Space accounting
Authors: Alewine Hank C.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The emerging and rapidly growing space economy warrants initial analysis from an accounting lens. This article explores accounting's role in entity transactions involving outer space activities by addressing two questions: (1) What accounting challenges exist within a developing space economy? (2) What accounting research opportunities exist to address these challenges?

Design/methodology/approach

Background context introduces accounting scholars to the modern space economy and its economic infrastructure, providing insight on entity transactions involving activities in outer space. Detailed discussion and analysis of space accounting challenges and research opportunities reveal potential for a robust, interdisciplinary field in the accounting domain relevant for both practitioner and academic spheres. The article concludes with a summary investigation of the future exploration of accounting for space commerce.

Findings

Many accounting challenges and opportunities exist now and in the near future for accounting practitioners and scholars to contribute towards humanity's ambitious plans to achieve a sustained presence on the moon sometime during the 2020s and on Mars in the 2030s. All of accounting's traditional subject-matter domain, as well as sustainability accounting matters, will be relied upon in these efforts. Interdisciplinary inquiries and problem solving will be critical for success, with particular collaboration needs existing between accounting and operations management scholars.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to explore accounting for the burgeoning space economy, and to offer insight and guidance on the development of an emerging accounting subfield: space accounting.
A methodology for multirotor aircraft power budget analysis
Authors: Barra Federico , Scanavino Matteo , Guglieri Giorgio
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The primary purpose of this study is to analyse the performance of multirotor unmanned aircraft system platforms for passenger transport and compare them with an ordinary helicopter solution. This study aims to define a standard procedure for power budget analysis of unconventional vehicles recently proposed in the aerospace industry, providing guidelines on rotor sizing in terms of required power and the total number of rotors. The ultimate purpose of the proposed work is to describe a methodology for power estimation with regard to emerging electric vertical takeoff and landing (EVTOL) vehicles.

Design/methodology/approach

In the context of urban mobility, short-range passenger transport between critical hubs in cities is taken into account and innovative aircraft and traditional helicopters are compared according to a common mission profile. The power budget equations used in the helicopter literature are revisited to consider different multirotor configurations (up to 20 rotors) and evaluate the feasibility of innovative aerospace vehicle design.

Findings

The paper includes insights into the maximum number of rotors that ensure a significative, relative power reduction compared to helicopter platforms (the power-to-cruise over power-to-hover ratio appears to be improved). Based on this preliminary analysis, the results suggest the benefit of reducing the installed rotors to avoid excessive power loss in forward flight.

Practical implications

The proposed study provides guidelines for further design considerations and the future development of EVTOL multirotor aircraft.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils the identified need for a systematic approach on performance analysis for innovative vehicles involved in commercial applications.
Numerical investigation of circulation control applied to flapless aircraft
Authors: Fu Zhi-Jie , Chu Yu-Wei , Cai Yi-Sheng , Xu He-Yong , Xu Yue
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the equivalent control authority of the conventional and circulation control (CC) wing of the aircraft and assess the energy expenditure and aerodynamic efficiency of the CC wing.

Design/methodology/approach

Four target cases with different flap deflection angles θ are set in advance for the conventional wing, and then a series of cases with different jet momentum coefficients Cμ are set for the CC wing. The lift, drag and momentum coefficient curves of the CC wing are compared to those of the four conventional wing cases. The curves with the best agreement are selected to establish the corresponding relation between θ and Cμ. The energy expenditure of the CC system is analyzed. The concept of equivalent lift-to-drag ratio for the CC wing is introduced to compare the aerodynamic efficiency with the conventional wing

Findings

The control authority of the conventional wing at θ = 0º, 10º, 20º, 30º are equivalent to the control authority of the CC wing with Cµ = 0.0, 0.005, 0.009 and 0.012. The CC system is more efficient at small Cµ than large Cµ.

Practical implications

This study could contribute to the application of the CC system on flapless aircrafts.

Originality/value

The corresponding relation between θ and Cµ is established by matching the equivalent control authority between the conventional wing and CC wing.
BRI and railways in Latin America: how important are domestic politics?
Authors: Leiva Diego
Published: May 2020

Purpose

China's experience of investing in Latin America in one of the main sectors included in the BRI architecture, railways, has faced significant challenges: only one of four Chinese potential railway projects in Latin America has materialised. The purpose of this paper is to explore these challenges and to provide an explanation focusing on the importance of the “domestic politics” factor.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper proposes a comparative study of four cases, developing a qualitative analysis based on an in-depth review of the literature and primary and secondary sources of information.

Findings

The findings suggest that domestic politics played a significant role in the outcomes of the Brazil–Peru Bi-Oceanic railway (changes in government), in Argentina's Belgrano Cargas modernisation project (multiple “domestic politics” factors, such as a presidential campaign), in Venezuela's failed Tinaco-Anaco high-speed train project (authoritarian turn/country's stability) and in Mexico's Querétaro-Ciudad de México high-speed train project (corruption and popular contestation). The paper suggests that one should not expect an easy or fast projection of the BRI in the region, at least in the short- and mid-term, because becoming familiar with the domestic politics of Latin American is a complex and gradual task.

Originality/value

The particular impact of the political risks related to domestic politics in the Chinese Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Latin America has not been extensively explored, especially in the railway sector. This paper intends to contribute to this literature gap by analysing four cases of Chinese investment in railways in Latin America, an area that has received little attention in the studies of the Chinese FDI in the region, and proposing an explanation of their outcomes focusing on the “domestic politics” factor.
Partial substitution of whole wheat with acha and pigeon pea flours influences rheological properties of composite flours and quality of bread
Authors: Olagunju Aderonke Ibidunni , Ekeogu Peace Chioma , Bamisi Oluwaseun Cege
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Wheat flour (whole grain or white wheat flour) is a major ingredient for production of baked goods and confectionery products in Nigeria. However, due to unfavourable climatic and soil conditions, there is over-dependence on importation of wheat having a negative impact on the nation's gross domestic product (GDP). This has therefore spurred increasing popularity of partial or full replacement of wheat flour with other flour types for economic or nutritional reasons. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of partial substitution of whole wheat flour with indigenous, underutilized crops.

Design/methodology/approach

Whole wheat flour was partially (0–40%) replaced with acha and/or pigeon pea flours in ratios of 100:0:0 (WAPK), 90:10:0 (WAPL), 80:20:0 (WAPM), 70:30:0 (WAPN), 80:10:10 (WAPO), 70:20:10 (WAPP), 70:15:15 (WAPQ) and 60:20:20 (WAPR). The study evaluated the effects of supplementation on rheological, functional properties of composite flours and nutritional composition of composite bread.

Findings

Results showed that dough development and stability time, values of most pasting properties (peak viscosity, final viscosity, setback and pasting temperature) were significantly higher in the composite flours than in WAPK. However, incorporation of acha and pigeon pea flours resulted in significant decrease in breakdown value. Composite flours produced protein-enriched breads with improved essential amino acids exceeding WHO/FAO reference for adults. Composite flours from blends of whole wheat, acha and pigeon pea flours may serve as a potential raw material suitable for production of nutritious and functional baked products.

Originality/value

The present study confirms effective supplementation of whole grain wheat flour with either acha or both acha and pigeon pea flours. Composite flours showed improved functional and pasting properties; thus, it may be suitable for production of baked products such as bread and biscuits.
Customers’ experiences of fast food delivery services: uncovering the semantic core benefits, actual and augmented product by text mining
Authors: Teichert Thorsten , Rezaei Sajad , Correa Juan C.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This study conceptualizes food delivery services as service mix decisions (SMDs) and illustrates a data-driven approach for the analysis of customers' written experiences.

Design/methodology/approach

Web scraping, text mining techniques as well as multivariate statistics are combined to uncover the structure of the three tiers of SMD from consumers' point of view.

Findings

The analyses reveal that fast food delivery is not primarily about speed but that there are four distinct experiential factors to be considered for SMDs. Fast food delivery services are associated both with the actual product (i.e. product issues and brand satisfaction) and with the augmented product (payment process and service handling).

Originality/value

Findings demonstrate the relevance of SMDs in omnichannel food retail environments and guide researchers in multistage analyses of consumers' online food reviews.
Understanding the impact of supply-side decisions and practices on supply risk management
Authors: Huma Sehrish , Ahmed Waqar , Najmi Arsalan
Published: May 2020

Purpose

In the era of market turbulence, sourcing specialists consistently face challenges to keep the availability of the material efficiently and effectively without any disruption. Sourcing strategies and planning have a huge impact on procurement performance. The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships among different sourcing strategies and supply risk management and performance and additionally, the role of procurement practices in different strategic settings.

Design/methodology/approach

This is empirical research that collected data gathered from 223 procurement specialists working in various manufacturing firms through a structured questionnaire. Valid data is then analyzed through the structure equation modeling technique for hypotheses testing.

Findings

The findings of this study reveal that supplier development is a partial complementary mediator between multiple supplier strategy and supply-side risk management. While in a volatile business environment, strategic supplier strategy has a significant negative impact on supply-side risk management, and in this case supplier development acts as a competing partial mediator between the two. Contract management has resulted in an important mechanism to be deployed in a strategic sourcing strategy. It is also shown that supplier risk management is also associated with improved supply management performance.

Practical implications

This paper establishes an explanation of theoretical and practical understanding of sourcing strategies and empirically shows that supplier development is the appropriate mechanism to deal with supply-side risk management, which in turn positively impacts on supplier management performance.

Originality/value

This study contributes to supply chain risk management literature, especially in the context of strategic risk management and explains how a strategic decision can impact supply risk management. This provides a piece of empirical evidence regarding the use of well-established procurement practices to improve supply performance.
The effect of the influential power of partner on the failure of coopetitive joint ventures
Authors: Lee Steve Kyungjae
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Why do collaborations between direct competitors fail and what are the risks? To enhance our understanding about the sources that generate diverse risks of failure of coopetition (cooperation between competitors), this study examined the effect of influential power each partner exercise in the industry on the unexpected dissolution of joint venture (JV) between direct competitors.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed event history analysis to test the hypotheses using a sample of 188 coopetitive JVs between 2001 and 2010 and data on their survival for the following 5-year window.

Findings

The results show that as firms become more powerful within the industry, they have more incentives to cooperate with competitors to maintain their current JVs than to pursue their self-interest through opportunistically dissolving collaborations, which ultimately reduces the risk of failure of coopetition.

Originality/value

Scholars have often considered why firms cooperate with competitors and how coopetition creates value for firms but paid less attention regarding why coopetition unexpectedly dissolves. Based on transaction cost economics and the situational assumption of mixed-motive interaction, this study provides insight into how the different levels of influence each partner can exercise within the industry cause firms to have different incentives to cooperate with competitors.
Towards a sustainability assessment model for affordable housing projects: the perspective of professionals in Ghana
Authors: Adabre Michael Atafo , Chan Albert P.C.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This paper presents a sustainability assessment model to holistically guide sustainable construction and green retrofitting of affordable housing from the Ghanaian perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive review was carried out, which yielded 16 sustainability indicators. Then, a questionnaire survey was conducted among respondents in the Ghanaian housing sector. Forty-seven valid responses were received and analysed using fuzzy synthetic evaluation (FSE) technique.

Findings

A four-index model was developed that includes: Housing and Transportation (H + T) index, household-satisfaction index, efficient stakeholder-management index and quality-related index. These indices account for 25.3%, 26.3%, 23.6% and 24.9% of sustainability attainment in affordable housing, respectively. Accordingly, household-satisfaction has the greatest contribution to sustainability attainment in affordable housing.

Research limitations/implications

Due to challenges in obtaining responses to the questionnaire, the study was conducted with relatively small number of responses.

Originality/value

The model serves as a tool that could be used to objectively and comprehensively assess sustainability performance in affordable housing. Besides, it could be used as a baseline to calibrate future projects and for benchmarking success levels of comparable housing projects. Finally, the estimated indices are applicable in decision making for optimum resource allocation for sustainable low-cost housing in the Ghanaian perspective.
A review of integrated applications of BIM and related technologies in whole building life cycle
Authors: Meng Qingfeng , Zhang Yifan , Li Zhen , Shi Weixiang , Wang Jun , Sun Yanhui , Xu Li , Wang Xiangyu
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to summarize the current applications of BIM, the integration of related technologies and the tendencies and challenges systematically.

Design/methodology/approach

Using quantitative and qualitative bibliometric statistical methods, the current mode of interaction between BIM and other related technologies is summarized.

Findings

This paper identified 24 different BIM applications in the life cycle. From two perspectives, the implementation status of BIM applications and integrated technologies are respectively studied. The future industry development framework is drawn comprehensively. We summarized the challenges of BIM applications from the perspectives of management, technology and promotion, and confirmed that most of the challenges come from the two driving factors of promotion and management.

Research limitations/implications

The technical challenges reviewed in this paper are from the collected literature we have extracted, which is only a part of the practical challenges and not comprehensive enough.

Practical implications

We summarized the current mode of interactive use of BIM and sorted out the challenges faced by BIM applications to provide reference for the risks and challenges faced by the future industry.

Originality/value

There is little literature to integrate BIM applications and to establish BIM related challenges and risk frameworks. In this paper, we provide a review of the current implementation level of BIM and the risks and challenges of stakeholders through three aspects of management, technology and promotion.
Internal relationships of market-oriented EFQM enablers in the Chinese construction industry
Authors: Zhang Jingxiao , Li Hui , Li Vera , Xia Bo , Skitmore Martin
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Service-oriented innovation economies are becoming the new trend for the construction industry. Benchmarking the quality management level of developed countries and improving quality management are also becoming necessities for promoting innovation in the economy. The purpose of this study is to analyse the internal relationships between the five enablers of the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) Excellence model, based on a market-oriented strategy, to serve as a framework for managing and improving quality.

Design/methodology/approach

Considering the different market environment and culture, this study refines the strategy enabler based on Zebal and Goodwin's (2011) Developing Country Market Orientation Scale, and builds a market-oriented EFQM Excellence model. Structural equation modelling (SEM) is used to analyse the results of a questionnaire survey of 683 China construction industry top enterprises to explore the internal relationships between the model's five enablers.

Findings

(1) “Leadership” has a positive influence on “Market-Oriented Strategy”, “People” and “Partnerships and Resources”; (2) “Market-Oriented Strategy” has positive influence on “Partnerships and Resources”; (3) “People” has a low influence on “Processes, Products and Services”; (4) “Partnerships and Resources” has a medium influence on “Processes, Products and Services” and (5) the relationships between “Market-Oriented Strategy” and “People”, “Partnerships and Resources” are not significant.

Originality/value

This study refines the strategy enabler of the original EFQM Excellence model with Zebal and Goodwin's (2011) Developing Country Market Orientation Scale. It also develops a market-oriented EFQM Excellence model that is suitable for developing countries, and it tests the implicit relationships of its five new enablers in an innovation environment where cultural differences exist.
A scale to measure organizational stress among women workers in the garment industry
Authors: Sharma Lavina , Srivastava Mallika
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Stress has been a common phenomenon among the working professionals. The stress has been known to affect the job satisfaction level, health outcomes, affect burnout through the physiological, emotional, behavioral and cognitive processes resulting in to low performance. This study aims to identify the factors determining organizational stress among women workers in the garment industry in India and to develop and validate a contextual scale for organizational stress among women workers in the garment industry in India.

Design/methodology/approach

This study consisted of women workers who were employed in garment manufacturing companies. The data has been collected through a structured questionnaire, which identifies the factors leading to stress. The respondents of the study included women workers employed in the garment manufacturing units in and around Bangalore. An exploratory factor analysis was conducted and the model fit was tested using confirmatory factor analysis.

Findings

The measurement scale for the organization stress of women workers in the garment industry was found to be highly reliable and valid for conducting the study in any Indian garment industry. The analysis identified the factors as follows: job-related factor, organization-related factor, social factor and personal factor.

Research limitations/implications

Due to limited access to the population, which is the women workers, the authors have not been able to collect a large sample data. The sample size is the limitation of the study.

Practical implications

Organizational stress have has been shown to have a detrimental effect on the health and well-being of employees. Organizations need to step up their effort to integrate emotional well-being, conducive work environment, workloads and job responsibilities, social connectedness and job satisfaction with their efforts to support the physical health and mental health of the workers.

Originality/value

The study is one of its kind with a focus on women workers in the garment industry in India. The study highlights the factors that result in stress among women workers who have not been studied in past research studies. The strategies to cope with organizational stress in such a work requirement is different and very challenging, making it unique for practitioners.
Variations on the death of a grandparent: an analysis of youth memoir
Authors: Griffith Jason J. , Amevuvor Jocelyn
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to argue for the curricular inclusion of youth-generated young adult literature (YAL) alongside canonical literature and adult-generated YAL. The authors support this argument with the results of a qualitative analysis of youth memoir published in The Best Teen Writing. They strive to inform the debate between educators who value memoir as part of the secondary curriculum and critics who question the ability of youth to write purposeful, meaningful narrative. Additionally, the authors also present memoir as a unique genre for youth to document and process adolescence, and for youth to speak to issues which they deem important.

Design/methodology/approach

Informed theoretically by the Youth Lens, which considers how texts reinforce and/or disrupt various figurations of adolescence and youth, this study uses a multistage qualitative analysis of 83 youth memoir published in nine volumes of the Best Teen Writing from 2010 to 2018. First, the authors conducted a Labovian plot analysis to consider what themes and topics were present as well as what this sample could teach us about youth. Next, they analyzed the sample for genre hallmarks specific to creative nonfiction and memoir to consider the question of quality of youth memoir.

Findings

The findings suggest that there is no typical adolescence and that youth are balancing complex, intersectional identities, which they write about skillfully through memoir. These findings directly contrast with critics of youth memoir. Rather than clichéd, the memoirs the authors analyzed show youth as intercultural, capable of thoughtful reflection, capturing the transitory state of their youth (knowing they are not children anymore and lightly speculating about their future), skillfully integrating memoir genre hallmarks, and recording important events and perspectives with appeal to a broader readership. Furthermore, these findings position youth memoir as worthy of curricular inclusion alongside adult-generated YAL.

Originality/value

If the critics of youth memoir are the loudest voices, youth memoir will be, at best, relegated as examples for writers rather than seen as valid additions to curricular canon. This work gives due credit to the quality of published youth memoir to showcase their potential for curricular and canonical addition. This study builds on smaller-scale case studies and personal accounts to make an argument for curricular inclusion of youth voices and youth memoir in the secondary canon.
Heat transfer enhancement in pool boiling and condensation using h-BN/DCM and SiO2/DCM nanofluids: experimental and numerical comparison
Authors: Çiftçi Erdem , Sözen Adnan
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to experimentally and numerically scrutinize the heat transfer enhancement in pool boiling and condensation by changing the hydrophilicity or hydrophobicity properties of the working fluid, i.e. by use of nanofluid solution.

Design/methodology/approach

For specifying the effects of nanoparticle concentration on heat transfer properties, two different nanofluid solutions (h-BN/DCM and SiO2/DCM) at three different volumetric concentrations were prepared and tested under different heat flux conditions. Boiling curves, alterations in pressure with heat flux and heat transfer coefficients for both boiling and condensation processes were obtained and viscosity measurements were performed for dichloromethane (DCM) and each working fluid was prepared. In addition, a series of numerical simulations, via computational fluid dynamics approach, was performed for specifying the evaporation–condensation phenomena and temperature and velocity distributions.

Findings

Nanoparticle addition inside the base fluid increased the thermal characteristics of the base fluid significantly. For the experimental results of h-BN/DCM nanofluid, the increment rate in heat transfer coefficient for saturation boiling, after-saturation boiling and condensation processes was found as 27.59%, 14.44% and 15%, respectively.

Originality/value

The novelty of this comparison study is that there is no such experimental and numerical comparison study in literature for DCM fluid, which concentrates on thermal performance enhancement and compares the effect of different kinds of nanoparticles on heat transfer characteristics for boiling–condensation processes.
Radical innovation in family firms: a systematic analysis and research agenda
Authors: Hu Qilin , Hughes Mathew
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Investigation of family firm radical innovation is burgeoning but far less prevalent than studies of family firm innovation in general. Concurrently, studies repeatedly report that family firms exhibit mostly conservative and incremental innovation rather than more radical ones. This is unfortunate because without radical innovation, family firms risk a competency trap in which long-term competitiveness is lost to more innovative rivals. This situation has led to urgent calls among scholars to explicitly acknowledge the heterogeneity of family firm innovation and to understand the conditions for family firm radical innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic review of 51 papers categorized into four scholarly conversations build the foundation for a critical discussion of each line of inquiry.

Findings

The authors analyze 51 leading articles and identify four persistent theoretical positions: (1) RBV and capabilities, (2) agency and stewardship, (3) behavioral agency and socioemotional wealth, and (4) the ability and willingness paradox. The authors identify key research problems and research questions needing urgent scholarly and present a framework that captures their complementary and competing assumptions to enable rigorous future research.

Originality/value

To galvanize and spearhead future research efforts, this paper provides a critical analysis of our understanding of family firm radical innovation with a specific emphasis on the theoretical assumptions at the core of existing investigations and the eight most important research questions in need of answers.
A framework for plant growth analysis and simulation using data analysis techniques
Authors: Mani Gayathri , Chidambaranathan Malathy , Sagi Snehit
Published: May 2020

Purpose

In India, agriculture is considered as the major source of income for a major sector of people. Our country's GDP (Gross Domestic Product) can increase only if we focus on agriculture and its growth toward global economy. There have been several attempts to improve the agricultural sector since decades.

Design/methodology/approach

This work describes about the design of a device which continuously monitors the plant growth and sends the data to a centralized database, where data is dynamically analyzed based on base references using various machine learning algorithms like regression, gradient descent, clustering etc.

Findings

This paper aims at analyzing the plant growth in of our country and focuses on the improvement of plant growth based on factors such as temperature, air moisture, radiant energy, carbon dioxide levels, soil pH& temperature through the design of a device.

Originality/value

It is anticipated to provide a solution by analyzing the plant growth percentage in different regions over a period of time. Based on the inferences, we will be able to suggest an optimum environment for the plant species to grow best. Various sensors like temperature and humidity sensors, light sensors and pH electrodes can be used in collecting data from the plant environment.
Does the financial structure of banks influence the bank lending channel of monetary policy? Evidence from Colombia
Authors: Gomez-Gonzalez Jose Eduardo , Kutan Ali , Ojeda-Joya Jair N. , Ortiz Camila
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This paper tests the impact of the financial structure of banks on the bank lending channel of monetary policy transmission in Colombia.

Design/methodology/approach

We use a monthly panel of 51 commercial banks for the period 1996:4–2014:8.

Findings

An increase in the monetary policy interest rate significantly reduces bank loan growth. The magnitude of this effect depends on banks’ financial structure. Additionally, we identify an asymmetric effect in which the bank lending channel is stronger in monetary contractions than during expansions. We show that this behavior is due to the heterogeneous response of banks with different levels of solvency. This finding has important implications for the design and implementation of monetary policy and coordination of central bank’s policy with key economic agents.

Practical implications

The fact that the BLC is stronger in times of monetary contraction is quite interesting for central banking, as it shows that monetary policy transmission is harder during macroeconomic downturns. When investment plans are depressed, monetary stimulus may prove insufficient to reactivate credit demand. This has proven to be true in advanced economies after a strong recession and our results suggest that is also true in emerging market economies for economic downturns in general. Central banks may have to provide stronger shocks to reactivate private credit when the economy is facing a slow economic recovery.

Originality/value

Our findings point out that an increase in the monetary policy interest rate significantly reduces bank loan growth. However, the magnitude of this effect critically depends on two aspects. First, bank heterogeneity matters. Particularly, the loan supply of better capitalized banks is less sensitive to monetary policy shocks. Second, the response of credit supply to shifts in short-term interest rates critically depends on the monetary policy stance. The BLC is stronger in times of monetary contraction than during expansions. Moreover, we show that this asymmetric behavior is due to the heterogeneous response of banks with different levels of solvency to the monetary policy stance.
Examining retail business model transformation: a longitudinal study of the transition to omnichannel order fulfillment
Authors: Davis-Sramek Beth , Ishfaq Rafay , Gibson Brian J. , Defee Cliff
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to provide a theoretical explanation of the strategic and structural changes occurring in US omnichannel retail supply chains. Using longitudinal data, the research documents transitions in retailers' supply chain strategies, specifically related to the order fulfillment process. It further offers explanation for how and why these transitions occurred.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses a process theory lens to explain the business model transformation of the omnichannel order fulfillment process. Using a case study approach, a longitudinal multicase study was conducted with six large US retailers over a span of 10 years. Within-case and cross-case analysis identifies the sequence and rationale of different strategic and structural shifts in retailers' omnichannel order fulfillment strategy.

Findings

The within- and cross-case analyses offer insight into how the transitions occur, at what rate they occur across several different retailers, and why the rate can differ across the stages of omnichannel transition among retailers. The research documents that retailers took varied approaches to strategically develop and structurally change their order fulfillment processes in their transition to omnichannel retail. The findings reveal that these approaches are dependent on retailers' store-based logistics capabilities and specific supply chain arrangements within their retail segment.

Research limitations/implications

The longitudinal and theoretically driven approach provides researchers a better understanding of the business model transformation in US retail omnichannel operations. This approach builds theoretical context around why and how strategic and structural changes in omnichannel fulfillment occurred over time. It also explains the underlying omnichannel phenomenon more accurately than research focused on discrete changes at a single point in time.

Practical implications

The findings and managerial insights can assist practitioners in understanding how environmental changes have led to strategic and structural shifts across different stages of omnichannel fulfillment evolution. These insights also provide guidance to retailers that are currently in early stages of developing their omnichannel fulfillment strategy.

Originality/value

Logistics and fulfillment operations of retailers have changed dramatically over the last 10–15 years. The authors apply a process theory lens to explain how and why retailers have integrated their channels to achieve omnichannel success at the store level.
The priority health issues and key health determinants of detained Filipino children
Authors: Blount Rosie
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Rising societal pressures for the Filipino urban poor population – precipitating increased crime – alongside widespread corruption, have led to many children being both lawfully and unlawfully detained in child rehabilitation centres. Far from rehabilitating, detained children live in prisonlike conditions, despite the illegality of child imprisonment in the country. Their human rights disregarded; they suffer from abuse, neglect and a multitude of health issues, with no access to healthcare. This study aims to explore the experiences and perceptions of formerly detained looked-after adolescents and their carers, on the priority health issues and key health determinants of detained Filipino children.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative study was conducted in June 2019 in a Filipino children’s home for previously detained children. In total, 18 semi-structured interviews, using photo-elicitation, were conducted to retrospectively explore the experiences of formerly detained children and their carers, who were purposively sampled. Data were transcribed and thematically analysed. Ethical approval was granted by the University of Leeds.

Findings

Adolescents and carers commonly reported eight key health issues in detained children, namely, most frequently skin disease, mental health issues and malnutrition, then additionally wounds, respiratory disease, dental problems, sexual health issues and gastrointestinal issues. Six determinants of health in detainment centres were identified as follows: hygiene, food, weather, overcrowding, facilities and safeguarding issues.

Originality/value

The illegality and corruption associated with child detention centres mean the situation of detained Filipino children is difficult to assess directly. This study combats this by exploring the experiences of formerly detained children and their carers, to retrospectively assess the health of illegally detained Filipino Children.
How relationship value and quality motivate positive word-of-mouth behaviour
Authors: Oraedu Chukwunonso
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This paper explores the reasoning surrounding relationship value and quality, and further provides a blueprint on how positive word-of-mouth behaviour can be promoted through different routes.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey strategy was employed with focus on quantitatively developed questionnaires. Informants were recruited through mall intercept. All diagnostic tests, path analyses and, by implication, research hypotheses were conducted using the SEM-PLS technique.

Findings

All the hypothesized relationships were supported. Relationship value directly relates to trust, satisfaction and word-of-mouth behaviour. Value was also indirectly related to word-of-mouth behaviour through the relationship quality construct, but trust stood-out as a better mediator. Trust and satisfaction also came out as antecedents of positive word-of-mouth behaviour.

Research limitations/implication

The relationship between relationship value and the relationship quality construct remains largely under-researched in literatures. This paper serves as a springboard for future research projects to extend understanding on how both constructs interact especially in a Business-to-Consumer (B2C) level. In addition, the paper offers a comprehensive insight on the behaviour of the relationship quality construct when it is tested as a mediator in a causal–effect model.

Practical implications

This study holds that by engineering superior value, a telecom provider is better positioned to build a sound relationship quality network and stimulate positive word-of-mouth through different routes.

Originality/value

Given the dearth of research on this area, this paper represents the first attempt to map out relationship value as an antecedent of relationship quality and word-of-mouth behaviour on a B2C level, and simultaneously explore the direct and indirect behaviour of both constructs in promoting word-of-mouth behaviour in a non-Western setting.
Critical factors in the sport consumption decision making process of millennial fans: a revised model of goal-directed behavior
Authors: Yim Brian H. , Byon Kevin K.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the millennial fans decision-making process in connection with various sport consumption behaviors (i.e. game attendance, TV viewing, participation in online activities, and participation in social media activities) using a modified model of goal-directed behavior (i.e. Sport Fan MGB).

Design/methodology/approach

We collected data using Amazon Mechanical Turk (N= 222) to test the hypothesized model. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to examine the psychometric properties of the measurement model, and structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Sport Fan MGB was found have good psychometric properties. In addition, the findings indicate that the Sport Fan MGB explained various millennial fan behaviors (i.e., event attendance, TV viewing, online activity participation, and social media activity participation).

Originality/value

This paper examined the validity of the Sport Fan MGB and improved the predictability of the millennial fans' sport consumption behavior decision-making process.
Modelling and analysis of slip conditions in hydrodynamic lubrication of a piston skirt-cylinder contact
Authors: Mechalikh Mustapha , Zidane Ibrahim , Benhamou Abdessoufi , Zaidi Hamid , Tahar Abbes Miloud
Published: May 2020

Purpose

After more than a century of agreement with the postulate of non-slip condition (adhesion to the wall), the study of fluid-solid boundary conditions has shown renewed interest over the past two decades. Although numerous studies have not yet been arrived to a complete description of slip phenomena, however, it appears that the influence of wetting and/or surface roughness results in a weak interaction between fluid and solid; thus, the presence of the slip phenomenon is observed at the fluid-solid interface. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the presence of the slip phenomenon at the lubricated piston skirt-cylinder contact.

Design/methodology/approach

For this proposal, a modified Reynolds equation and operating characteristics are determined by taking into account the slip conditions at the interface between oil-film and entire cylinder surface.

Findings

The findings indicate that the operating characteristics are strongly influenced when the slip conditions are taken into account at the interface between oil-film and cylinder surface. The friction force and dissipated power might be reduced to improve diesel engine performances.

Originality/value

Various research studies have been conducted to model the slip phenomenon in different lubricated contacts over the past two decades. However, there are no studies available concerning the piston-cylinder system.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-11-2019-0483/
Examining the nonlinear impact of selected macroeconomic determinants on FDI inflows in India
Authors: Sharma Rajesh , Kautish Pradeep
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Over the years, India has witnessed irregular FDI inflows. Therefore, this study aims to explore the asymmetric impact of per capita income, final consumption expenditure, globalization index and exchange rate on FDI inflows in India.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag bounds framework and unknown structural break, the study investigates the impacts of selected macroeconomic variables in driving FDI inflows in India during the study period (1979-2016).

Findings

The outcomes of the study confirm the asymmetric relationship between FDI inflows and its determinants during the study period. The results have confirmed that the improvement in per capita income, private consumption expenditure, globalization index and currency value appreciation play a crucial role in increasing FDI inflows in India. In contrast, the downside movements in the volume of consumption expenditure, globalization index and depreciation of the currency value in relation to the trade partners result in reducing the volume of FDI inflows in the long run.

Originality/value

For determining FDI inflows, previous studies have considered the overall impact of its potential determinants, which may provide partial information about the phenomenon. The adopted nonlinear approach highlights that both the types of fluctuations (i.e. upside and downside) in the independent variables may affect FDI inflows differently and substantially. The nonlinear association between FDI and selected determinants may be vital in formulating a long-term policy.