bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Achieving Sustainable Development Goals of Agenda 2030 in Bangladesh: the crossroad of the governance and performance
Authors: Rahman Md Mizanur 
Published: July 2021

PurposeThis paper aims to assess the performance of achieving the targets of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by aligning with the recent initiatives taken by different ministries and divisions in Bangladesh. It also examines the institutional challenges associated with the implementation of SDGs.Design/methodology/approachBoth primary and secondary data were analysed by applying different techniques. The initiatives taken by various ministries and divisions of Bangladesh resonated partially with 84 targets of SDGs.FindingsAmbiguous mandates of different ministries and divisions have caused overlapping jurisdiction, followed by conflicts of interest and lack of cohesion. Inaccurate stakeholder analysis, data unavailability, lack of competency and accountability, and a top-down policy approach can be considered as the major institutional bottlenecks in achieving SDGs.Originality/valueThis paper advocates revising the map to incorporate the right stakeholders to avoid erroneous monitoring, evaluation, and finally, inaccurate reporting. The reallocation of business for ministries and divisions is warranted to abolish jurisdictional overlapping and conflict of interests and make SDGs friendly. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic recession, Bangladesh may be able to multiply its achievement with the same resources and efforts by addressing those drawbacks.
Policing in the COVID-19 pandemic: are rural police organizations immune?
Authors: Mrozla Thomas J. 
Published: July 2021

PurposeThis study examined how rural police agencies have responded to the COVID-19 pandemic.Design/methodology/approachUsing data from various sources, this study first analyzed what factors influenced agency preparedness to respond to pandemics. Second, it examined how the pandemic influenced specific organizational practices.FindingsFindings revealed that as coronavirus infections increased in counties, supervisors were more likely be tasked with inspecting personal protective equipment (PPE), agencies were more likely to offer pandemic related training, health tracking of officers was more likely to occur and agencies were more likely to encounter a shortage of officers. In addition, as rurality increased, agencies were more likely to offer training but less likely to experience officers contracting COVID-19 and an officer shortage. Lastly, as the rurality of the county in which the agency resides increased, the ability to supply PPE decreased.Practical implicationsBased on these findings, it is imperative that rural police agencies give attention to risk management and the formulation of policy to prepare for public health emergencies.Originality/valueWhile knowledge about how large police agencies in the United States have responded during the coronavirus pandemic is building, little is known about rural policing during pandemics.
An effective polymer nanocomposite based on tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and SiO2-Al2O3 nanoparticles for super protection of damaged ancient Egyptian wall paintings
Authors: Marey Mahmoud Hussein 
Published: July 2021

Purpose
This contribution aims to introduce an effective low cost polymer-nanocomposite for possible application to achieve a super protection for highly damaged ancient Egyptian wall paintings.

Design/methodology/approach
SiO2 and Al2O3 nanoparticles were synthesized by the sol-gel method. Then, the polymer-nanocomposite was prepared by simple mixing and dispersing the nanoparticles into the tetraethoxysilane polymer solution, with the aid of an ultrasonic dismembrator. The application of the polymer-nanocomposite and other polymeric nanodispersions, on laboratory models, was performed by the brushing technique. Next, the materials stability was evaluated by means of digital optical microscope, colorimetry, FE-scanning electron microscope, measuring the static contact angle and water absorption rates.

Findings
The results were promising in creating a superhydrophobicity and the static contact angle (?S) measured for the polymer-nanocomposite reached 135o. An average of three measurements of the water absorption rate after polymer-nanocomposite treatment was 0.66 g/m2 s, compared to 2.60 g/m2 s for the control model (untreated). Further, an average of color difference (?E*) for the treated surface was 2.78, and after the accelerated thermal aging was 3.6. Observing the surface morphology, the polymer-nanocomposite enhanced the roughness of the treated surface and showed a high resistance to laboratory salt weathering.

Practical implications
Preparation of a polymer-nanocomposite by adding SiO2 and Al2O3 NPs to tetraethoxysilane polymer has been proposed. As a promising conservation material, the produced polymer-nanocomposite helped to form an efficient protective film.

Originality/value
This paper attains to develop an economic polymer-nanocomposite to maintain a high protection to damaged ancient Egyptian wall paintings and similar objects.
Accounting downside risk measures and credit spreads
Authors: Alam Pervaiz , Hettler Barry , Gao Han 
Published: July 2021

PurposeThis study aims to examine the association between predictive accounting downside risk measures and changes in credit spreads. Building upon the earnings downside risk (EDR) measure developed in prior literature, this paper introduces cash flow downside risk (CFDR).Design/methodology/approachThis study modifies an existing empirical framework (root lower partial moment) to calculate CFDR and applies it to a sample of firms between 2002 and 2013 for which credit default swap data are available.FindingsAfter validating the measure, this study identifies a positive association between CFDR and changes in credit spreads. This paper further shows the association between CFDR and credit spread changes is stronger than that between EDR and credit spread changes. Financial stability moderates the relationship between CFDR and credit spreads.Originality/valueThis study proposes a novel measure of accounting downside risk, CFDR and demonstrates a negative association between this measure and future cash flow and a positive association between this measure and future credit spreads.
Does CSR disclosure influence financial performance of firms? Evidence from an emerging economy
Authors: Singh Aditi , Chakraborty Madhumita 
Published: July 2021

PurposeThis study aims to empirically examine the relationship between corporate social responsibility disclosure (CSRD) and financial performance (FP) in Indian firms.Design/methodology/approachData for CSRD is collected by conducting content analysis of CSRD in annual reports of the sampled firms. A multidimensional measure of CSRD is constructed based on the stakeholder theory, consisting of six stakeholder groups – employees, customers, investors, community, environment and others. The aggregate CSRD measure is created by combining disclosure of the six CSR dimensions. Multiple regression analysis is used to examine the CSRD–FP linkage, controlling for the confounding effects of size, risk, age, industry, ownership and period.FindingsThe results of this study indicate that the aggregate CSRD measures, both for quality and quantity, have a positive association with the accounting measures of firms’ FP. However, the market measure of FP is observed to have a statistically insignificant association with aggregate quality and quantity of CSRD of Indian firms.Practical implicationsThe results reveal that adopting transparent and extensive CSRD is relevant for the profitability of firms, and that government interventions are required to promote CSR programs, with a specific focus on the CSR dimensions that provide no apparent financial gains.Social implicationsThis study recommends the adoption and reporting of CSR practices by Indian firms for their stakeholders.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the scarce literature on the CSRD–FP linkage in the context of emerging economies by using a more inclusive data set, creating a reliable measure of CSRD applicable to a large universe of firms and including relevant control variables that affect the CSRD–FP relationship.
What improves smart meters' implementation? A statistical meta-analysis on smart meters' acceptance
Authors: Gumz Jonathan , Fettermann Diego Castro 
Published: July 2021

PurposeThis article aims to compare smart meters' acceptance studies worldwide to consolidate trends and highlight factors that are not a consensus.Design/methodology/approachThis work performs a statistical meta-analysis, using the Hunter–Schmidt method and the UTAUT2 model, of the factors of acceptance of smart meters in the world literature. A meta-regression was also conducted to verify the moderation exercised by gender, level of education and timeline context of the articles.FindingsThe main results point to hedonic motivation, performance expectancy and effort expectancy as the leading influencers for smart meter's acceptance. Meta-regression indicates that the influence is more significant among the male gender and that over the years, the social influence must gain weight in the smart meter's acceptance.Social implicationsSpecific strategies are suggested to improve projects for the implementation of smart meters based on the obtained results.Originality/valueThe contribution given by this work is relevant, considering it is the first meta-analysis focused on smart meters' acceptance published in the literature
Use of facial care products and frontal fibrosing alopecia: Coincidence or true association?
Authors: Leecharoen Waroonphan , Thanomkitti Kanchalit , Thuangtong Rattapon , Varothai Supenya , Triwongwaranat Daranporn , Jiamton Sukhum , Kulthanan Kanokvalai 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe increasing incidence of frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) suggests that environmental factors may be related to the pathogenesis. Recent studies reported potential association between the use of facial care products and FFA. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible association between the use of facial care products and FFA in Asian females. A total of 250 females (50 FFA patients, 100 pattern hair loss [PHL] patients, and 100 normal controls) were recruited and completed a questionnaire to obtain information approximately facial care products and various environmental factors. Our study revealed the use of moisturizer to be significantly higher in the FFA group compared to normal controls (p < 0.001), and sunscreen use was significantly higher in the PHL group than in the control group (adjusted p < 0.001). Subjects with FFA or PHL reported significantly higher use of both sunscreen and moisturizer compared to normal controls (p < 0.001). This study focused on Asian populations. Our results revealed a high frequency of moisturizer and sunscreen use in both FFA and PHL among Asian females. Therefore, the use of facial care products appears not to be linked to the true disease mechanism of FFA, but rather to appearance‐related concerns of patients.
Temperature‐mediated variation in selection on offspring size: A multi‐cohort field study
Authors: Marshall Dustin J. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Offspring size is a key life‐history trait that often covaries negatively with temperature. Most studies focus on how temperature alters selection on offspring size during early life‐history stages such as embryos or larvae. The degree to which temperature alters the relationship between offspring size and post‐metamorphic performance remains unclear as field studies across multiple temperature regimes are rare.

I deployed over 6,000 individuals of known offspring size, into the field across 28 cohorts spanning 4 years for the model marine invertebrate, Bugula neritina and monitored their survival, growth and reproduction.

Offspring size closely tracked the local environmental temperature across cohorts. This offspring size–temperature covariance appeared to be adaptive, at least from the perspective of mothers. When temperatures were warmer, the relationship between offspring size and performance was weak; when temperatures were cooler, the relationship was strongly positive.

The estimates of selection based on maternal fitness differed from those based on offspring fitness, suggesting temperature‐mediated parent–offspring conflict over offspring provisioning exists. I also found evidence for temporal autocorrelation in temperature and selection on offspring size.

The fact that temperature affects the relationship between offspring size and post‐metamorphic performance further complicates the challenge in understanding the ubiquitous covariance between offspring size and temperature.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Life‐history monographs of Japanese plants 14: Cardamine leucantha (Tausch) O. E. Schulz (Brassicaceae)
Authors: Araki Kiwako S. , Tsujimoto Michiaki , Iwasaki Takaya , Kudoh Hiroshi 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe life‐history characteristics of Cardamine leucantha (Tausch) O. E. Schulz (Brassicaceae) are described. The species is an herbaceous perennial that favors open but relatively moist habitats. It is distributed from Kyushu to Hokkaido in Japan but also occurs in Korea, Mongolia, China and the Russian Far East. In southwestern Japan, shoots start sprouting from mid‐ to late April, reaching approximately 30–70 cm in height, with 5–10 compound leaves. Ramets simultaneously produce one or more stoloniferous rhizomes that elongate until new ramets are formed at the tips. Cardamine leucantha has a pseudo‐annual life cycle, in which mother ramets wither at the end of each season and only daughter ramets appear aboveground in the next year. As a result, ramet positions change annually. In a study population, the number of flowers averaged 23.9 ± 21.0 per ramet and fruit set was 44.2 ± 24.8% (10.4 ± 10.1 fruits per ramet). Ramets produced 3.8 ± 2.3 rhizomes that were 22.0 ± 15.6 cm long. The species sometimes forms large populations. A single genet develops into a group of disconnected ramets spreading via clonal growth. Reproductive characteristics (e.g., fruit set and numbers of flowers and rhizomes) vary among populations, resulting in interpopulation differences in genet structure. Because the reference genome became available recently, established molecular tools will be applied effectively for the investigations of C. leucantha as a model clonal plant.
Immigration and the sociocultural divide in Central and Eastern Europe: Stasis or evolution?
Authors: LANCASTER CAROLINE MARIE 
Published: July 2021

AbstractImmigration has historically been of low salience in Central and Eastern Europe. Yet, the region has consistently higher levels of ethnocentrism than the rest of Europe. Scholars argue that the East's limited politicization of immigration is due to its status as a region of emigration and the presence of ethnic minority ‘others’. I argue that this is changing. The politicization of the European refugee crisis by domestic elites has begun to refocus the sociocultural dimension on the immigration issue. Using structural equation models, I compare European Values Study data from 2008 and 2017 across 10 East European EU member states. I find evidence that traditionalist attitudes are more strongly related to anti‐immigration attitudes since the crisis, particularly for those who are interested in politics. Further, immigration attitudes are polarizing across the GAL‐TAN dimension and by education. Hence, immigration is bolstering a pre‐existing, socially structured divide around both nationalist and traditionalist values.
Perceived impacts of a Medicaid rebalancing initiative to increase home‐ and community‐based services
Authors: Siconolfi Daniel , Ahluwalia Sangeeta C. , Friedman Esther M. , Saliba Debra , Shih Regina A. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo assess governmental and nongovernmental stakeholders' perceived impacts of a Medicaid home‐ and community‐based services (HCBS) rebalancing initiative, the Balancing Incentive Program (BIP).Data SourcesGovernmental stakeholders (Medicaid administrators) and nongovernmental stakeholders (service providers and consumer advocates) (n = 30) from eight states that participated in BIP.Study DesignWe conducted key informant interviews.Data CollectionInterviews followed a semi‐structured guide and were professionally transcribed. We thematically coded transcripts using an iterative codebook with a priori and emergent codes.Principal FindingsStakeholders reported that BIP participation had a range of impacts on the HCBS ecosystem, often beyond the mandated structural reforms. BIP activities were believed to have changed the culture of HCBS in some states, for example, at the level of state administration or in the provision of HCBS to consumers. Stakeholders also described significant improvements in cross‐stakeholder relationships and communication, for example, in the context of troubleshooting consumers' unmet needs or improvements in the states' responsiveness to providers' inquiries. Stakeholders believed that within‐state data harmonization undertaken through Core Standardized Assessment (CSA) was a positive impact of BIP, particularly with regard to its utility for administrative data, care planning, and patient‐centeredness. Two stakeholders also voiced concerns regarding the validity of spending‐based rebalancing metrics. The impacts that stakeholders attributed to BIP may help create a more sustained rebalancing environment through their changes to the ecosystem, including infrastructure upgrades, data harmonization, collaboration across stakeholders and agencies, more patient‐centeredness, and greater recognition of HCBS.ConclusionsOur findings highlight additional BIP impacts to monitor over the longer term and to consider in evaluations of future rebalancing efforts. Some potential impacts of BIP are more readily quantified (e.g., HCBS spending), while others are less likely to be formally assessed (e.g., improved stakeholder cooperation). These latter impacts are likely instrumental to future rebalancing efforts.
Genomic and transcriptomic analyses reveal metabolic complementarity between whiteflies and their symbionts
Authors: Zhu Dan‐Tong , Rao Qiong , Zou Chi , Ban Fei‐Xue , Zhao Juan‐Juan , Liu Shu‐Sheng 
Published: July 2021

AbstractNutritional mutualism between insects and symbiotic bacteria is widespread. The various sap‐feeding whitefly species within the Bemisia tabaci complex associate with the same obligate symbiont (Portiera) and multiple secondary symbionts. It is often assumed that some of the symbionts residing in the whiteflies play crucial roles in the nutritional physiology of their insect hosts. Although effort has been made to understand the functions of the whitefly symbionts, the metabolic complementarity offered by these symbionts to the hosts is not yet well understood. We examined two secondary symbionts, Arsenophonus and Wolbachia, in two species of the B. tabaci whitefly complex, provisionally named as Asia II 3 and China 1. Genomic sequence analyses revealed that Arsenophonus and Wolbachia retained genes responsible for the biosynthesis of B vitamins. We then conducted transcriptomic surveys of the bacteriomes in these two species of whiteflies together with that in another species named MED of this whitefly complex previously reported. The analyses indicated that several key genes in B vitamin syntheses from the three whitefly species were identical. Our findings suggest that, similar to another secondary symbiont Hamiltonella, Arsenophonus and Wolbachia function in the nutrient provision of host whiteflies. Although phylogenetically distant species of symbionts are associated with their respective hosts, they have evolved and retained similar functions in biosynthesis of some B vitamins. Such metabolic complementarity between whiteflies and symbionts represents an important feature of their coevolution.
Facilitating radical innovation through secret technology‐oriented skunkworks projects: Implications for human resource practices
Authors: Oltra Victor , Donada Carole , Alegre Joaquin 
Published: July 2021

AbstractTechnology‐oriented skunkworks projects aim at facilitating radical innovation through approaches different from ‘normal’ research and development processes and have their specific organisational challenges. Joint human resource management (HRM) and innovation management research on HRM requirements for technology‐oriented skunkworks is so far scarce, revealing a timely research gap and propelling our research question: what are the human resources (HR) practices that best support secret technology‐oriented skunkworks projects (compared to HR practices in innovation contexts)? An exploratory case study of a skunkworks project at PSA Peugeot‐Citroën (currently Groupe PSA) reveals seven skunkworks‐boosting HR practices: extreme empowerment and autonomy in job design and task development, extensive team‐based training, creativity‐based performance appraisal, participative decision‐making systems, ultra‐open job descriptions, ‘undercover’ (extremely discreet) recruitment and selection processes and turbulence‐oriented employee flexibility. Managers responsible for technology‐oriented skunkworks projects are offered guidance. Overall, our investigation enriches the promising research stream on skunkworks in action and their HR‐related challenges, also opening further research opportunities on skunkworks managerial success conditions.
Protein quality of a probiotic beverage enriched with pea and rice protein
Authors: Manus Johanne , Millette Mathieu , Dridi Chaima , Salmieri Stéphane , Aguilar Uscanga Blanca R. , Lacroix Monique 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the fermentation of a probiotic beverage enriched with pea and rice proteins (PRF) on its protein quality. The protein quality was determined as the protein efficiency ratio (PER), net protein ratio (NPR), and the apparent (AD) and the true digestibility (TD) evaluated in vivo. The probiotic beverage was incorporated to a rat diet at a final concentration of 10% protein, for the evaluation of the PER, the NPR, the AD, and the TD. The protein digestibility amino acid score was also calculated. Results showed that the fermentation of beverage enriched with PRF had no effect on the TD but significantly increased the PER and the NPR (P ≤ 0.05) from 1.88 to 2.32 and from 1.66 to 2.30, respectively. Thus, the fermentation increased the protein quality of the PRF probiotic beverage. In addition, to determine if the beverage constitute in a good carrier matrix for the probiotics, the level of alive probiotics in the feces was evaluated and showed a concentration of 7.4 log CFU/g.Practical ApplicationPlant proteins are often of lower quality compared to animal proteins. Lactic acid fermentation of pea and rice protein has allowed to reach the same protein quality as casein. A plant‐based fermented beverage with high protein quality and enriched with probiotics was developed.