bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Can you affect me? The influence of vitality forms on action perception and motor response
Authors: Lombardi G. , Zenzeri J. , Belgiovine G. , Vannucci F. , Rea F. , Sciutti A. , Di Cesare G. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractDuring the interaction with others, action, speech, and touches can communicate positive, neutral, or negative attitudes. Offering an apple can be gentle or rude, a caress can be kind or rushed. These subtle aspects of social communication have been namedvitality formsby Daniel Stern. Although they characterize all human interactions, to date it is not clear whether vitality forms expressed by an agent affect the action perception and the motor response of the receiver. To this purpose, we carried out a psychophysics study aiming to investigate how perceiving different vitality forms can influence cognitive and motor tasks performed by participants. In particular, participants were stimulated with requests made through a physical contact or vocally and conveying rude or gentle vitality forms, and then they were asked to estimate the end of a passing action observed in a monitor (action estimation task) or to perform an action in front of it (action execution task) with the intention to pass an object to the other person presented in the video. Results showed that the perception of different vitality forms influences both the estimated duration of the action and the motor response of participants, suggesting how these forms of communication can positively or negatively affect our behavior.
Kaposi’s Sarcoma-associated Herpesvirus vFLIP Promotes MEndT to Generate Hybrid M/E State for Tumorigenesis
Authors: Chen Weikang , Ding Yao , Lu Zhengzhou , Wang Yan , Yuan Yan 
Published: May 2021

AbstractKaposi’s sarcoma (KS) is an angioproliferative and invasive tumor caused by Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). The cellular origin of KS tumor cells remains contentious. Recently, evidence has accrued indicating that KS may arise from KSHV-infected mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) through mesenchymal-to-endothelial transition (MEndT), but the transformation process has been largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the KSHV-mediated MEndT process and found that KSHV infection rendered MSCs incomplete endothelial lineage differentiation and formed hybrid mesenchymal/endothelial (M/E) state cells characterized by simultaneous expression of mesenchymal markers PDGFRA/Nestin and endothelial markers PDPN/CD31. The hybrid M/E cells have acquired high tumorigenic propertiesin vitroand the potential to form KS-like tumors after transplanted in mice under renal capsules. These results faithfully recapitulate Kaposi’s sarcoma where proliferating KS spindle-shaped cells and the cells that line KS-specific aberrant vessels were also found to exhibit a hybrid M/E state. Furthermore, the genetic analysis identified KSHV-encoded FLICE inhibitory protein (vFLIP) as a crucial regulator controlling KSHV-induced MEndT and generating hybrid M/E state cells for tumorigenesis. Overall, KSHV-mediated MEndT that transforms MSCs to tumorigenic hybrid M/E state cells driven by vFLIP is an essential event in Kaposi’s sarcomagenesis.Author SummaryKaposi’s sarcoma manifests as multifocal lesions with spindle cell proliferation, intense angiogenesis, and erythrocyte extravasation. Although the origin and true malignant nature of KS remains contentious, it is established that KSHV infection with concomitant viral oncogene expression in normal cell progenitors causes KS. The mechanism of KSHV oncogenesis could be revealed through reproduction of KS by infection of normal cells. This study reports that the KSHV infection of mesenchymal stem cells initiates mesenchymal-to-endothelial transition (MEndT) that generates mesenchymal/endothelial (M/E) hybrid state cells. The hybrid M/E cells acquired high tumorigenic properties, including tumor initiation, angiogenesis, migration, and the potential to form KS-like tumors after transplanted in mice. This finding faithfully recapitulates Kaposi’s sarcoma where proliferating KS spindle cells and the cells that line KS-specific aberrant vessels are also found to exhibit the hybrid M/E state. We also found that KSHV-encoded viral FLICE inhibitory protein (vFLIP) plays a crucial role in promoting MEndT and the generation of M/E state cells. These results provide a new layer of evidence for MSCs being the cell source of KS spindle cells and reveal novel insight into KS pathogenesis and viral tumorigenesis.
Using spatially-explicit plant competition models to optimise crop productivity in intercropped systems
Authors: Stefan Laura , Engbersen Nadine , Schöb Christian 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIntercropping, by capitalizing on positive biodiversity–productivity relationships, represents a promising option to increase agricultural sustainability. However, the complexity and context-dependency of plant–plant interactions can make it challenging for farmers to find suitable crop combinations. Furthermore, intercropping is usually implemented with standard inter-row spacing and plant densities based on monoculture practices, which might not be the ideal configuration to maximise yield. Therefore, here we present a spatially-explicit method based on plant ecological interaction models that allowed to optimize crop species combinations and spatial configurations for maximal yield in intercropped systems. We tested this method with three crop species, namely oat, lupin, and camelina. In a first step, field experiments in which crop density was varied provided us with indications on which species would compete more with each other. The results showed us that oat and camelina strongly competed with each other. In addition, the distance experiments allowed us to understand how the changes in yield associated with the presence of neighbours vary with distance. This allowed us to find the sets of parameters (identity of neighbours, sowing density, distances between individuals) that optimises intercrop yield (measured as Land Equivalent Ratio [LER]) for the three considered species. Specifically, we show that alternating rows of species led to higher LERs than a homogeneous species mixing. In addition, for each spatial configuration considered, we provide indications for the optimal inter- and intra-row distances and information about relative yield losses with suboptimal planting patterns. By modelling crop yield from simple and reproducible density and distance experiments, our results allow to optimize crop mixtures in terms of species combinations and spatial configurations.
Analysis of extent of credit access among women farm-entrepreneurs based on membership in table banking (TB)
Authors: Cherotich Josephine , Sibiko Kenneth Waluse , Ayuya Oscar Ingasia 
Published: May 2021

PurposeInadequate finance is considered a major factor limiting the growth of small-scale women-owned farm enterprises in Sub-Saharan Africa. Women empowerment programs such as table banking (TB) and women enterprise fund were initiated in an attempt to curb the credit gap affecting women in agribusiness. This paper determines the factors influencing the extent of credit access among women farm-entrepreneurs who are either members or nonmembers of TB groups in Kenya.Design/methodology/approachThe study was conducted in Kericho County using a sample of 384 respondents. Factor analysis was used to generate three indicators of entrepreneurial orientation which were included as explanatory variables in the regressions. Double hurdle econometric model was employed to analyze the factors influencing the decisions on credit uptake and amount of borrowed loan. Separate models were estimated for members and nonmembers of TB groups since they differed in volume and source of loan accessed.FindingsResults reveal that age of the woman and innovativeness negatively influenced credit access, whereas education level, participation in off-farm activities, number of farm enterprises, perception on interest rate, extension contacts and financial knowledge positively influenced the decision to access credit. On the other hand, participation in off-farm activities, risk-taking behavior, total land size, extension access and financial knowledge were statistically significant with positive correlation on the amount of loan borrowed. Significant factors differ between members and nonmembers of TB groups implying divergence in underlying credit access challenges once one has joined such groups.Research limitations/implicationsThe study did not consider supply-side factors affecting the amount of loan accessed by women farm-entrepreneurs.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is one of the pioneer studies using the double hurdle model to analyze factors influencing the extent of credit access specifically among women farm-entrepreneurs and carrying out the analysis by membership in TB groups.
University students’ attitudes towards ubiquitous library-supported learning: an empirical investigation in the context of the Line@Library
Authors: Tu Yun-Fang , Hwang Gwo-Jen , Chen Joyce Chao-Chen , Lai Chiulin 
Published: May 2021

Purpose
This study aims to investigate the influences of task-technology fit on university students’ attitudes towards ubiquitous library-supported learning when they use a mobile library app, Line@Library.

Design/methodology/approach
In this study, structural equation modelling to examine 158 valid questionnaires are used. The study aims to examine the effects of task-technology fit (TTF) on university students’ attitudes towards mobile learning (AML) when using Line@Library.

Findings
The results show that task-technology fit is an important role that influences the students’ attitudes towards mobile learning. The factor “technology characteristics” is considered when the students attempted to use the mobile app to solve problems or complete tasks. This study also found that the students responded with positive perceptions of the task-technology fit and had positive perceptions of its ease of use. Furthermore, usefulness, ease of use and affection of AML were found to be the most influential predictors of mobile library adoption intention.

Originality/value
From the perspective of learners, this study investigates the relationships of the combination of social media and a mobile library between TTF and AML. This study further found that not only ease of use, usefulness and affection but also task-technology fit can be a predictor that influences students’ attitudes towards mobile learning.
Foresight as decision-making support within bounded rationality in individuals and organizations – Embrapa’s strategic intelligence system – Agropensa’s case
Authors: Torres Lívia Abreu , Pena Jr Marcos Antonio Gomes 
Published: May 2021

Purpose
No matter how much human beings strive to make strictly rational choices, they are incapable of doing so because human knowledge is limited and suffers the influence of psychological aspects. This paper aims to demonstrate how the use of foresight methods has contributed to minimize problems inherent to human rationality through a qualitative descriptive study of the case of the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation – Embrapa.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper collected primary and secondary data through document analysis and interviews with managers of the Embrapa’s strategic intelligence system (SIS), Agropensa (a recognized success case of strategic intelligence (SI)/futures studies in Brazilian public administration).

Findings
The results show that it was possible to strengthen corporate behavior in the long term, minimize biases inherent to the decision-making process and bring relevant information into the management of the organization. Foresight methods and tools have made it possible to mitigate problems arising from bounded rationality (BR) in the Embrapa’s decision-making processes. The change in company’s culture potentiated long-term views and access to future-bearing information. Embrapa’s SIS contributes to mitigate difficulties inherent to human nature by bringing uncertainty into managerial discussions.

Originality/value
Taking in consideration all the advances in the future studies/SI approach, this paper realizes that this particular practical case can contribute to scientific community deepening the understanding of how a structure dedicated to run future studies/SI can diminish BR impacts on the company’s decision-making process.
Free convective heat transfer efficiency in Al2O3–Cu/water hybrid nanofluid inside a rectotrapezoidal enclosure
Authors: Rahman Mohammad M. , Saghir Ziad , Pop Ioan 
Published: May 2021

Purpose
This paper aims to investigate numerically the free convective heat transfer efficiency inside a rectotrapezoidal enclosure filled with Al2O3–Cu/water hybrid fluid. The bottom wall of the cavity is uniformly heated, the upper horizontal wall is insulated, and the remaining walls are considered cold. A new thermophysical relation determining the thermal conductivity of the hybrid nanofluid has been established, which produced results those match with experimental ones.

Design/methodology/approach
The governing partial differential equations are solved using the finite element method of Galerkin type. The simulated results in terms of streamlines, heat lines and isotherms are displayed for various values of the model parameters, which govern the flow.

Findings
The Nusselt number, friction factor and the thermal efficiency index are also determined for the pertinent parameters varying different ratios of the hybrid nanoparticles. The simulated results showed that thermal buoyancy significantly controls the heat transfer, friction factor and thermal efficiency index. The highest thermal efficiency is obtained for the lowest Rayleigh number.

Practical implications
This theoretical study is significantly relevant to the applications of the hybrid nanofluids electronic devices cooled by fans, manufacturing process, renewable energies, nuclear reactors, electronic cooling, lubrication, refrigeration, combustion, medicine, thermal storage, etc.

Originality/value
The results showed that nanoparticle loading intensified the rate of heat transfer and thermal efficiency index at the expense of the higher friction factor or higher pumping power. The results further show that the heat transmission in Al2O3–Cu/water hybrid nanofluid at a fixed value of intensified $\phi_{hnf}$ compared to the Al2O3/water nanofluid when an amount of higher conductivity nanoparticles (Cu) added to it. Besides, the rate of heat transfer in Cu/water nanofluid declines when the lower thermal conductivity Al2O3 nanoparticles are added to the mixture.
Employer event communication and hospitality workers’ resilience during the COVID-19 crisis: the role of core beliefs examination and family support
Authors: Tuan Luu Trong 
Published: May 2021

Purpose
Hospitality is one of the industries severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. It is vital to comprehend how to help the workforce in this service sector grow resilient through such a crisis. This paper aims to unpack the role of employer event communication in promoting hotel workers’ resilience.

Design/methodology/approach
The data were garnered from 462 hotel workers who were on unpaid leave or layoff during the hotel shutdown.

Findings
The results unfolded the positive link between employer event communication and hotel workers’ resilience, for which core beliefs examination served as a mediation mechanism. Family support was found to moderate the effect of employer event communication on core beliefs examination.

Practical implications
The findings indicate to hospitality organizations that in face of a crisis such as the COVID-19, their employee resilience can be activated if they implement event communication activities. They should further realize that their support should go hand in hand with family support in fueling employee resilience from the crisis.

Originality/value
This study advances the understanding of how and when to promote resilience among hotel workers during a pandemic crisis.
The impact of knowledge management on the internationalization, organizational ambidexterity and performance of Spanish hotel chains
Authors: Ubeda-Garcia Mercedes , Rienda Laura , Zaragoza-Saez Patrocinio Carmen , Andreu-Guerrero Rosario 
Published: May 2021

PurposeThis study aims to analyze the relationships between knowledge management, internationalization and ambidexterity, also exploring the influence of these variables on Spanish hotel chain performance. Hypotheses are proposed from the dynamic capabilities and knowledge-management views of the firm.Design/methodology/approachThe research model was tested on a sample of 70 Spanish hotel chains applying variance-based structural equation modeling (partial least squares).FindingsThe results show that Spanish hotel chains that use knowledge management processes achieve a greater degree of internationalization and this increases their organizational ambidexterity. This study can also confirm a direct, positive and significant relationship between organizational ambidexterity and performance.Research limitations/implicationsThis research shows that knowledge may be considered an essential resource to improve hotel firms’ results. Spanish hotel firms should manage their knowledge to stimulate international activity because this could enhance learning capabilities related to organizational ambidexterity and positively influence performance.Originality/valueThe present paper analyzes relationships between variables that had not previously been analyzed in a single model, including knowledge management, the degree of internationalization of hotel chains, ambidexterity and performance.
An Analysis of hospital characteristics on lean and service quality
Authors: Vanichchinchai Assadej 
Published: May 2021

Purpose
The purpose of this research is to explore the differences across hospital characteristics (i.e. lean maturity, hospital size, hospital type and ISO 9001) on lean expectation, lean performance, service quality expectation and service quality performance.

Design/methodology/approach
The survey instruments were developed from an extensive literature review, validated by experts and tested by statistical techniques. Data was collected from the perspective of care providers in 220 outpatient departments of Thai hospitals with multiple respondents to improve reliability of data. Analysis of variance and independent sample t test were applied for analysis.

Findings
It was found that there are significant differences across lean maturity and hospital size on overall lean expectation and overall lean performance, and across ISO 9001 on overall service quality performance. Overall, service quality expectation and performance have higher mean scores than overall lean expectation and performance.

Originality/value
To the best of author’s knowledge, this is one of the first studies to present insights into the links between Thai hospital characteristics, expected lean and service quality and performance from the care provider viewpoint. Findings form this study can be used to improve individual hospitals or develop healthcare system at national level.
Management accounting systems effectiveness, perceived environmental uncertainty and companies’ performance: the case of Jordanian companies
Authors: Abu Afifa Malik Muneer , Saleh Isam 
Published: May 2021

Purpose
This study aims to investigate the relationship between management accounting systems effectiveness (MASE) and company performance and then it examines the role of perceived environmental uncertainty as a moderator on this relationship. It provides empirical evidence from a developing market, especially from the Jordanian market.

Design/methodology/approach
This study is based on collecting its data using a quantitative method to assist in explaining and interpreting the results, whereby the study data were collected through a survey design approach using a questionnaire method to achieve the objectives of the study. The population of this study included all Jordanian companies listed on the Amman Stock Exchange (ASE) at the end of 2019, a total of 187 companies. Therefore, the study sample consists of all these companies (a completely sensuous population) which are listed on ASE at the end of 2019.

Findings
The findings of this study offered that two informational characteristics of MASE, namely, timeliness and integration, have a significant impact on the financial performance and other characteristics have no impact on the financial (FP) and nonfinancial (NFP) performance. The informational characteristics of management accounting systems complement each other to ensure the MASE in the company, where the relationship between MASE proxied by four informational characteristics together and FP as well as NFP, were highly significant. Additionally, the findings documented that perceived environmental uncertainty, namely, customer uncertainty, competitor uncertainty and technology uncertainty separately do not moderate the relationship between MASE and company performance (both FP and NFP).

Research limitations/implications
The findings of this study shape the way for more thorough studies into monitoring MASE. Nevertheless, to start efficient decisions, managers need to comprehend the interaction of the MASE with other factors. All these considerations need to be comprehended both for and against the performance. Finally, this study addressed important issues that have practical management value. However, it is limited to a sample from one country. Future research would be interesting to study different businesses and cultural settings to enhance the theoretical and practical contributions of the study’s findings and conclusions. To be more specific, further study should have a wider view of the determinants of performance by containing economic factors in different areas such as the MENA region.

Originality/value
To the best of the knowledge, this is the first study of Jordan to examine the relationship between MASE and company performance from two sides (namely, financial and non-financial performance), moderated by perceived environmental uncertainty. As such, the study raises significant findings drawing attention to management accounting systems and the role of management accounting systems in Jordan.