bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Numerical solutions for a class of singular boundary value problems arising in the theory of epitaxial growth
Authors: Verma Amit K. , Pandit Biswajit , Escudero Carlos 
Published: March 2020

Purpose
This paper aims to apply an iterative numerical method to find the numerical solution of the nonlinear non-self-adjoint singular boundary value problems that arises in the theory of epitaxial growth.

Design/methodology/approach
The proposed problem has multiple solutions and it is singular too; so not every technique can capture all the solutions. This study proposes to use variational iterative numerical method and compute both the solutions. The computed solutions are very close to the exact result.

Findings
It turns out that the existence or nonexistence of numerical solutions fully depends on the value of a parameter. The authors show that numerical solutions exist for small positive values of this parameter. For large positive values of the parameter, they find nonexistence of solutions. They also observe existence of solutions for negative values of the parameter and determine the range of parameter values which separates existence and nonexistence of solutions. This parameter has a clear physical meaning, as it describes the rate at which new material is deposited onto the system. This fact allows interpreting the physical significance of the results.

Originality/value
The authors could capture both the solutions and got accurate estimation of the parameter. This method will be a great tool to handle such types of nonlinear non-self-adjoint equations that have multiple solutions in engineering and mathematical sciences. The results in this paper will have an impact on the understanding of theoretical models of epitaxial growth in near future.
Focal enterprises' control and knowledge transfer risks in R&D networks
Authors: Guo Min , Yang Naiding , Zhang Yanlu 
Published: March 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore that relational capability plays a mediator role in the relationship between focal enterprises' control on knowledge transfer risks in R&D network.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviews the related literature from which it proposes a theoretical hypothesis and conceptual framework which is tested empirically adopting regression methodology by mathematical statistics software.FindingsThe results reveal that focal enterprises' control (core technological capability and network position) have a positive effect on knowledge transfer risks without the mediation of relational capability. Moreover, relational capability mediates the positive relationship between core technological capability and knowledge transfer risks.Research limitations/implicationsThe cross-sectional data of this research has difficult in testing causality between the variables, and future research should take account of the potential factors that can impact on knowledge transfer risks.Practical implicationsThe results provide more valuable information to managers in alleviating knowledge transfer risks in R&D networks. For one thing, the study indicates how focal firms' control (core technological capability and network position) can be taken advantage of improving R&D efficiency and reducing the knowledge transfer risks. For another, the results emphasize that relational capability plays an important role in interacting with cooperative enterprises in the process of R&D activities.Originality/valueFew studies present a theoretical discussion on focal firms control as the important determinants of knowledge transfer risks especially in the R&D network. Moreover it expands the related risk management theory by relational capability that mediates the relationship between focal firms control and knowledge transfer risks.
What influences online reviews’ perceived information quality?
Authors: Zhu Linlin , Li He , He Wu , Hong Chuang 
Published: March 2020

PurposeOnline reviews presented in the format of multimedia information, such as pictures and videos, continue to emerge, but whether the richness of multimedia information can enforce the quality of online reviews has remained uncertain. The purpose of this paper is to examine the differences in the perceived information quality of online reviews, based on the information richness theory, emotional polarity and product type.Design/methodology/approachThis is a Web-based experiment in which 12 groups constructed at different levels of these three factors were designed for the purpose of obtaining data.FindingsThe study results show that under different positive and negative emotional polarities, different information richness and product types have different effects on perceived information quality; for different product types, positive and negative emotional polarity have different effects on perceived information quality. For “search” products, the perceived information quality of online reviews with low information richness is high; under different information richness, different emotional polarity and product types have different effects on perceived information quality.Practical implicationsThis paper has important practical significance for the management of e-commerce platforms for online reviews.Originality/valueThis paper on the perceived information quality of online reviews puts more focus on the formal features of online reviews and aims to discover the relationships between different directions for perceived information quality under the impact of interaction of formats, emotional polarity and product type. The study hopes to further strengthen the application of the information richness theory in the field of online reviews research and to measure perceived information quality from a variety of aspects.
Implementation of lean construction in the construction industry in Bangladesh: awareness, benefits and challenges
Authors: Ahmed Shakil , Hossain Md. Mehrab , Haq Iffat 
Published: March 2020

PurposeConstruction management is enriched in many ways by direct and indirect support of lean construction concept. The objectives of this study are to assess the current level of awareness about lean construction practice, to identify the potential benefits and challenges to implement lean construction in the Bangladeshi construction industry and to prioritize them.Design/methodology/approachA comprehensive literature review has been done to design a questionnaire for the survey. The final questionnaire has been designed with 27 lean tools, 41 challenges, and seven benefits of implementing lean principles in the construction industry. A total of 164 valid responses have been collected from Bangladeshi construction practitioners involved in different types of construction organizations. The result has been analyzed by Relative Important Index (RII).FindingsThe findings revealed 41 challenges to implement lean construction with seven benefits in the Bangladeshi construction industry. The result shows that an appreciable number of respondent familiar with the techniques of lean construction but they don't practice. The findings have also pointed out that the lean construction approach adds a positive impact especially on quality, safety, cost, productivity, and environmental level. The top-ranked challenges to implementing lean construction are: lack of awareness and skill, poor management, traditional culture and attitude of employees, inadequate resources and equipment and nonuse of modern techniques and technologies.Originality/valueThis study reveals real scenario of lean construction in Bangladesh. It contributes to the body of knowledge, as it uncovers for the first time the awareness level, benefits and challenges to implement lean construction with reference to the social, economic and cultural context of Bangladesh. Exploring the findings, the study could help the stakeholders, construction firms, academician, researchers and government to focus their effort and resources on the significantly appropriate issues. Again, the study may be beneficial to developing countries especially in South Asia which share the same socio-economic status with Bangladesh.
Examining the relationship between brand equity dimensions and university brand equity
Authors: Pinar Musa , Girard Tulay , Basfirinci Cigdem 
Published: March 2020

PurposeIn response to global competitive challenges, universities recently started developing better strategies for branding. Branding has been used as a differentiation strategy for higher education institutions. As the number of universities (public and private) has increased, so has the competition for students, the universities in Turkey have faced similar challenges. The main objective of this study is to investigate, from the students' perspective, the role of interactions of brand equity dimensions in creating a strong university brand.Design/methodology/approachCompiling from the literature, the study used a survey instrument to collect data at a comprehensive public university in Turkey. To assure representation of students across the campus, the sample included students at freshmen, sophomore, junior, senior and graduate levels from all major colleges.FindingsBased on 1,300 usable surveys from students across all colleges of a major state university, the PLS-SEM model revealed significant relationships among the brand equity dimensions of brand awareness, perceived quality, brand association, learning environment, emotional environment, brand trust, brand loyalty and university reputation. These brand dimensions collectively and/or individually influence the students' university learning experiences that may result in creating strong university brand equity.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was conducted at a government-owned university in Turkey capturing only students' perceptions. Future research could benefit from perceptions of other stakeholders like faculty, staff, alumni, and parents and testing the relationships for different types of universities. This study discusses the implications for developing university branding strategies.Originality/valueThe study empirically tests the validity and effects of the university brand equity dimensions with Turkish university students using structural equation modeling (SEM). It confirms that the measures of brand equity dimensions are also applicable in a different country.
Do food certification standards guarantee small-sized farming enterprises access to better markets? Effectiveness of marketing contracts in Kenya
Authors: Gichuki Castro N. , Gicheha Simon K. , Kamau Charles Wambu 
Published: March 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of GLOBALGAP standards certification on farmer's preference for marketing contract choices including written contracts, oral contracts and spot contracts, as well as to establish the impact of marketing contracts on net returns from snap bean production in Kenya.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, we use a data collected from 446 Snap bean farmers in Kenya. Using a two-step selection Bourguignon Frontier and Gurgand (BFG) model and Propensity Score Matching (PSM), we analysed determinants of Global Gap Certification and other farming characteristics that influence smallholder farmers preference for marketing contracts and net returns from snap beans venture.FindingsResults indicate that attending GLOBALGAP training, GLOBALGAP subsidy support, membership to GLOBALGAP farmer's groups, and selling beans to GLOBALGAP certified GLOBALGAP buyers would significantly influence better returns underwritten marketing contracts. Producing snap beans underwritten marketing contracts would get farmer's net returns of between 1.8 and 8% while producing under oral and spot market contracts would earn farmer net returns of between 0.2 and 0.08 %.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors' knowledge, this study is the first to examine the influence of GLOBALGAP standards certification on marketing contract choices and net returns from snap bean production, while accounting for selectivity biasness.
Researching towards a critically posthumanist future: on the political “doing” of critical research for companion animal liberation
Authors: Sutton Zoei 
Published: March 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to make a case for the political use of methods to shape posthumanist futures that are for animals. It makes this case by drawing on findings from qualitative research on the lived experience of navigating human–pet relationships.Design/methodology/approachThe argument in this paper draws on qualitative data from interviews and observations with human participants and “their” companion animals to demonstrate that centring animals in research highlights new data and encourages participants to challenge anthropocentric narratives of pet relationships.FindingsThe findings of this project indicate that using animal-inclusive research methods is effective in centring non-human animals in discussions and providing new insights into human–animal relations that can inform and move towards critical posthumanist futures.Research limitations/implicationsIf the central argument that methods play an important role in shaping social worlds is accepted then human–animal studies scholars may need to think more carefully about how they design, conduct and frame research with non-human animals.Practical implicationsIf the argument for centring companion animals in research is taken seriously, then those working with humans and companion animals in the community might significantly alter their methods to more meaningfully engage with non-human animals' experiences.Originality/valueCurrent research has concerned itself with the challenge of how to understand animals' experiences through research. There has been little consideration of how multi-species research reflects and shapes social worlds and how methods might be considered a fruitful site of transforming relations and pursuing posthumanist futures.
A systematic literature review with bibliometric analysis of big data analytics adoption from period 2014 to 2018
Authors: Inamdar Zeeshan , Raut Rakesh , Narwane Vaibhav S. , Gardas Bhaskar , Narkhede Balkrishna , Sagnak Muhittin 
Published: March 2020

PurposeThe volume of data being generated by various sectors in recent years has increased exponentially. Consequently, professionals struggle to process essential data in the current competitive world. The purpose of the study is to explore and provide insights into the Big Data Analytics (BDA) studies in different sectors.Design/methodology/approachThis study performs a systematic literature review (SLR) with bibliometric analysis of BDA adoption (BDAA) in the supply chain and its applications in various sectors from 2014 to 2018. This paper focuses on BDAA studies have been carried out across different countries and sectors. Also, the paper explores different tools and techniques used in BDAA studies.FindingsThe benefits of adopting BDA, coupled with a lack of adequate research in the field, have motivated this study. This literature review categorizes paper into seven main areas and found that most of the studies were carried out in manufacturing and service.Practical implicationsThis research insight and observations can provide practitioners and academia with guidance on implementing BDA in different sustainable supply chain sectors. The article indicates a few remarkable gaps in the future direction and trends regarding the integration of BDA and sustainable supply chain development.Originality/valueThe study derives a new categorization of BDA, which investigates how data is generated, organized, captured, interpreted and evaluated to give valuable insights to manage the sustainable supply chain.
Effective bank regulation: seven guiding principles
Authors: Arch Linda 
Published: March 2020

Purpose
This paper is a “viewpoint” article, and as such, the purpose of this paper is to present the author’s opinion and interpretation. Its primary purpose is to propose seven guiding principles for effective bank regulation so that these may be subject to academic criticism.

Design/methodology/approach
The principal theme of this paper has its origins in archival research into the nature of bank regulation in the UK in 25 to 30 years after the Second World War. This paper draws upon insights gained into the nature of bank regulation in the UK arising from that research. It focuses on what aspects of bank regulation were effective in that earlier period. It then attempts to convert those insights into underlying principles.

Findings
Seven principles are proposed as the starting point for a discussion as to the principles that should underpin effective bank regulation. The seven principles are set out in the introduction to the paper.

Originality/value
The framework for the regulation of banks in the UK and in many other countries is a complex one. The general trend in bank regulation in the UK in the past four decades has been technocratic, characterised by a preference for codified rules, which are often detailed and technically complex. It has also been characterised by the establishment, or further development, of intricate regulatory and supervisory structures at national, international and supranational levels. Scholarly attention has understandably been focused on those trends. Rather less attention has been given to the broader principles that might underpin and guide bank regulation. This paper seeks to contribute to that question.
Commentary: future directions of the service discipline
Authors: Bolton Ruth N. 
Published: March 2020

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to suggest some ways that service scholars can shape the future of the service discipline by building knowledge that is useful to businesses, individuals, communities, institutions, society and the bio-environment.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper explicitly considers how global trends are likely to influence future research challenges in the service discipline. Then, service research priorities are identified by drawing upon the principles of responsible research in business and management (RRBM) (www.rrbm.net).

Findings
The paper identifies and analyzes many future service challenges arising from socioeconomic, demographic, technology and service systems, environmental and social changes. These changes are categorized as favorable and unfavorable in their effect on the well-being of people, organizations, society and the environment.

Research limitations/implications
This paper advocates more study of sustainability in service ecosystems, automation and the nature of service work, inclusion, equality and well-being of service workers; service in subsistence markets and the societal implications of new technology and big data.

Practical implications
The paper provides guidance for service marketers regarding research questions that are important to society and will need to be addressed by the year 2050. It translates the principles of RRBM into useful approaches to service marketing challenges that can be followed by all service researchers.

Social implications
This paper discusses important societal issues such as individual and societal needs for privacy, security and transparency; the ethical sourcing and treatment of service workers and the impact of service actions on environmental outcomes.

Originality/value
The conceptual framework integrates knowledge about service research in a new way, with insights for future service researchers, managers and public policymakers.
An assessment of different courtyard configurations in urban communities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Authors: Taleb Hanan M. , Abumoeilak Lama 
Published: March 2020

PurposeThis paper aims to find ways to optimise the thermal performance of this courtyard design in current urban communities in hot arid regions.Design/methodology/approachThe case study for this research is the Dubai sustainable city residential cluster. After collecting weather data from a site visit, four courtyard configurations were suggested and assessed using ENVI-met simulation analysis software to build a virtual model to represent the base case. This model is used to evaluate the thermal behaviour of outdoor urban spaces. The four courtyard layout scenarios were suggested and tested against the base case model. Scenario one is u-shaped, scenario two is linear, scenario three has central buildings with square courtyards and finally, scenario four has u-shaped buildings with square courtyards.FindingsAll the courtyard scenarios achieved an adequate level of user satisfaction, and the wind speed and distribution affected the relative humidity of the outdoor areas. The main findings indicate that courtyard scenario four provided the best microclimatic behaviour within the urban community, as the relative humidity dropped from 56.27% to 48% and the temperature was reduced from 43.03 °C to 41.03 °C.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was focused on Dubai and on urban levels, but the findings can be generalized to cover most of courtiers that have similar climatic and environmental contexts.Practical implicationsArchitects and urban planners will recognize the potential to reduce energy due to natural ventilation and lower solar radiation.Social implicationsIf the findings be applied, this will lead to energy reduction as well as building foot print reduction.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the existing literature by comprehensively reviewing the concept of courtyards in hot climate and in a region of shortage of studies conducted. It will draw future recommendations of how and where to design courtyards within urban communities.
Drawn out of the shadows: Surveying secretive forest species with camera trap distance sampling
Authors: Bessone Mattia , Kühl Hjalmar S. , Hohmann Gottfried , Herbinger Ilka , N'Goran Kouame Paul , Asanzi Papy , Da Costa Pedro B. , Dérozier Violette , Fotsing Ernest D. B. , Beka Bernard Ikembelo , Iyomi Mpongo D. , Iyatshi Iyomi B. , Kafando Pierre , Kambere Mbangi A. , Moundzoho Dissondet B. , Wanzalire Musubaho L. K. , Fruth Barbara 
Published: March 2020

AbstractWith animal species disappearing at unprecedented rates, we need an efficient monitoring method providing reliable estimates of population density and abundance, critical for the assessment of population status and trend.We deployed 160 camera traps (CTs) systematically over 743 locations covering 17,127 km2of evergreen lowland rainforest of Salonga National Park, block South, Democratic Republic of the Congo. We evaluated the applicability of CT distance sampling (CTDS) to species different in size and behaviour. To improve precision of estimates, we evaluated two methods estimating species' availability (‘A’) for detection by CTs.We recorded 16,700 video clips, revealing 43 different animal taxa. We estimated densities of 14 species differing in physical, behavioural and ecological traits, and extracted species‐specific availability from available video footage using two methods (a)‘ACa’(Cappelle et al. [2019]Am.J.Primatol., 81, e22962) and (b)‘ARo’(Rowcliffe et al. [2014]MethodsEcol.Evol. 5, 1170). With sample sizes being large enough, we found minor differences betweenACaandARoin estimated densities. In contrast, low detectability and reactivity to the camera were main sources of bias. CTDS proved efficient for estimating density of homogenously rather than patchily distributed species.Synthesis and applications.Our application of camera trap distance sampling (CTDS) to a diverse vertebrate community demonstrates the enormous potential of this methodology for surveys of terrestrial wildlife, allowing rapid assessments of species' status and trends that can translate into effective conservation strategies. By providing the first estimates of understudied species such as the Congo peafowl, the giant ground pangolin and the cusimanses, CTDS may be used as a tool to revise these species' conservation status in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Based on the constraints we encountered, we identify improvements to the current application, enhancing the general applicability of this method.