bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A systematic literature review of RFID in supply chain management
Authors: Raza Syed Asif 
Published: June 2021

PurposeThe findings of this paper throw light on the focal research areas within RFID in the supply chain, which serves as an effective guideline for future research in this area. This research, therefore, contributes to filling the gap by carrying out an SLR of contemporary research studies in the area of RFID applications in supply chains. To date, SLR augmented with BA has not been used to study the developments in RFID applications in supply chains.Design/methodology/approachWe analyze 556 articles from years 2001 to date using Systematic Literature Review (SLR). Contemporary bibliometric analysis (BA) tools are utilized. First, an exploratory analysis is carried, out revealing influential authors, sources, regions, among other key aspects. Second, a co-citation work analysis is utilized to understand the conceptual structure of the literature, followed by a dynamic co-citation network to reveal the evolution of the field. This is followed by a multivariate analysis is performed on top-100 cited papers, andk-means clustering is carried out to find optimal groups and identify research themes. The influential themes are then pointed out using factor analysis.FindingsAn exploratory analysis is carried out using BA tools to provide insights into factors such as influential authors, production countries, top-cited papers and frequent keywords. Visualization of bibliographical data using co-citation network analysis and keyword co-occurrence analysis assisted in understanding the groups (communities) of research themes. We employedk-means clustering and factor analysis methods to further develop these insights. A historiographical direct citation analysis also unveils potential research directions. We observe that RFID applications in the supply chain are likely to benefit from the Internet of Things and blockchain Technology along with the other machine learning and visualization approaches.Originality/valueAlthough several researchers have researched RFID literature in relation to supply chains, these reviews are often conducted in the traditional manner where the author(s) select paper based on their area of expertise, interest and experience. Limitation of such reviews includes authors’ selection bias of studies to be included and limited or no use of advanced BA tools for analysis. This study fills this research gap by conducting an SLR of RFID in supply chains to identify important research trends in this field through the use of advanced BA tools.
Pay-performance sensitivity and corporate governance mechanisms: evidence from Tunisia
Authors: Ghrab Meriem , Gana Marjène , Dakhlaoui Mejda 
Published: June 2021

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to analyze the CEO compensation sensitivity to firm performance, termed as the pay-for-performance sensitivity (PPS) in the Tunisian context and to test the robustness of this relationship when corporate governance (CG) mechanisms are considered.

Design/methodology/approach
The consideration of past executive pay as one of the explanatory variables makes this estimation model a dynamic one. Furthermore, to avoid the problem of endogeneity, this study uses the system-GMM estimator developed by Blundell and Bond (1998). For robustness check, this study aims to use a simultaneous equation approach (three-stage least squares [3SLS]) to estimate the link between performance and CEO pay with a set of CG mechanisms to control for possible simultaneous interdependencies.

Findings
Using a sample of 336 firm-years from Tunisia over the 2009–2015 periods, this study finds strong evidence that the pay-performance relationship is insignificant and negative, and it becomes more negative or remains insignificant after introducing CG mechanisms consistently with the managerial power approach. The findings are robust to the use of alternative performance measures. This study provides new empirical evidence that CEOs of Tunisian firms abuse extracting rents independently of firm performance.

Originality/value
This study contributes to the unexamined research on PPS in a frontier market. This study also shows the ineffectiveness of the Tunisian CG structure and thus recommends for the legislator to impose a mandatory CG guide.
Communicating for change: a systems thinking approach
Authors: Banerjee Durba , Lowalekar Harshal 
Published: June 2021

PurposeThis study describes in detail an application of the Theory of Constraints (TOC)-based systems thinking approach towards clear and effective communication in a change management exercise. The same is achieved through the example of a large defence organization that is struggling with a multitude of problems in its stores and purchase departments.Design/methodology/approachIt is demonstrated through the case study how five systems thinking tools – Current Reality Tree (CRT), Evaporating Cloud (EC), Future Reality Tree (FRT), Negative Branch Reservation (NBR) and Prerequisite Tree (PRT) – can be applied in overcoming different layers of resistance and for getting the necessary agreement from the stakeholders for a successful change initiative.FindingsThe five logical thinking tools helped answer the three questions – “what to change”, “what to change to” and “how to cause the change” (Goldratt, 1990) – satisfactorily and overcome various layers of resistance to get the desired buy-in from the stakeholders for a successful change management exercise.Originality/valueThe cause-and-effect based method presented in this work is generic enough and can be adopted for getting a buy-in in a variety of change management contexts.
The factors that influence small and medium enterprises’ intention to adopt the government credit program
Authors: Rokhim Rofikoh , Mayasari Iin , Wulandari Permata 
Published: June 2021

PurposeThis study aims to analyze the adoption of the people entrepreneurship credit with online platform – a government-sponsored subsidy of small and medium enterprises to reduce poverty and to improve welfare – in the Central Java, Indonesia. The objective of the research is also to analyze the motivation of small and medium enterprises to adopt the credit with online platform in supporting business activities. The research framework used the technology acceptance model – the effect of perception of usefulness, perception of ease of use, subjective norm and four As – availability, affordability, awareness, acceptability and trust – to analyze them as the determinants on the intention to adopt the People Entrepreneurship Credit.Design/methodology/approachThe quantitative method with survey was deployed in the study by distributing questionnaires. The number of collected data was 380 credit users, and the criteria used for the respondents were the small entrepreneurs with the use of the people entrepreneurship credit as the micro credit program.FindingsResults indicated that perception of usefulness, perception of ease of use, subjective norm, availability, trust and affordability have direct effect on the intention to adopt the credit. Interestingly, the strongest direct effect on the adoption intention was more likely to come from the perception of ease of use. Meanwhile, awareness and acceptability have no direct effect on the intention to adopt.Originality/valueThis study provides new theoretical insights regarding the implementation of technology acceptance model to analyze the intention to adopt and the analysis of four As concept. The findings of the study will provide a better strategy for banking as service industries in formulating the program of credit access for the entrepreneurs to run the business properly.
Managing environmental quality in Pakistan through sustainable development of energy–economy–environment (3E): insights from graph model of conflict resolution (GMCR)
Authors: Yasmeen Humaira , Tan Qingmei , Ali Sharafat , Ismail Hina 
Published: June 2021

PurposeThe sustainable development of the energy–economy–environment (3E) needs to ensure the balanced interplay between the energy–economy and the environment. Likewise, creating such balance has become a critical policy issue among countries worldwide. However, in the past, studies have ignored to create a balanced interplay of the energy–economy and environment. Therefore, to address said research gap, this paper aims to develop a graph model for conflict resolution (GMCR)-based strategy for the sustainable development of the 3E to ensure better environmental quality.Design/methodology/approachTo develop a strategic framework for the balanced interplay between the energy–economy and the environment, the study used the GMCR approach and designed a mechanism for the sustainable development of the 3E to ensure better environmental quality in the context of Pakistan.FindingsThe results from the GMCR indicate that sustainable development of the 3E to ensure better environmental quality is possible when government focuses on the sustainable growth of the economy through environmental policies and the use of renewable energy.Practical implicationsBy solving the 3E conflict, this study provides policy insights for the government of Pakistan for the sustainable development of the energy economy and the environment to ensure better environmental quality in the country.Originality/valueFor the first time, this paper tried to put forward a way through which conflicting objectives can be achieved together for the sustainable development of the 3E to ensure better environmental quality.
The socio-economic impact of land redistribution on the beneficiaries in the Greater Kokstad Municipality of South Africa
Authors: Amoah Christopher , Tyekela Nwabisa 
Published: June 2021

PurposeThe Government of South Africa, in 1997, embarked on the land redistribution programme in some communities to address the land ownership injustices suffered by indigenous during the apartheid regime. The objective of this study is to assess the socio-economic experiences of communities that have benefitted from the government's land redistribution programme in the Greater Kokstad Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed a qualitative research methodology. The population of interest comprised two communities (Franklin and Makhoba) located within the Greater Kokstad Municipality. A purposefully selected sampling technique was used to select the relevant land beneficiaries to form part of the study's sample. An interview guide made up of both closed-ended and open-ended questions was used to solicit information from the participants.FindingsThe findings revealed that the key social-economic variables, such as the living standards of the beneficiaries, have not yet experienced much improvement. Moreover, it became evident that some socio-economic aspects such as food security, low-cost housing, basic services, wealth (land), transport, infrastructure and training had improved somewhat; although other similar aspects such as total household incomes, unemployment, general community safety and corruption had not improved.Practical implicationsIt can, therefore, be concluded that all socio-economic aspects of beneficiaries' lives had not improved/changed entirely; thus, the experiences of the land redistribution beneficiaries of the Greater Kokstad Municipality represent a mixed bag of major failures and minor successes. The study recommends some policy improvement on the land redistribution programme such as an increase in the combined budgets of the land redistribution and tenure reform programmes and the revision of the proceeds paid to landowners from market value to production value, which if adopted by the government, will help address the deficiencies in socio-economic benefit of the programme to the beneficiaries in the communities.Originality/valueThe findings give an insight into the effectiveness of the government's land redistribution programme to the beneficiaries' socio-economic lives and areas where the government needs to improve to make the project a success. The paper also adds to the literature in terms of knowledge and may serve as a reference for future studies in this area.
Assessing the “clerk of works” role in delivering quality affordable housing: a UK case study
Authors: Hughes Bradley , Edwards David J. , Martek Igor , Chileshe Nicholas , Thwala Wellington Didibhuku 
Published: June 2021

PurposeA mixed philosophies epistemological design with inductive reasoning was adopted to develop new theoretical insights into the phenomena under investigation. First, interpretivism was employed to contextualise the prevailing body of knowledge and source questions (and prompts) to be posed to practitioners. Second, a case study strategy (augmented by participant action research) was adopted to measure construction industry professionals' perceptions of the clerk of work's role and their impact upon both quality and safety of construction.Design/methodology/approachThis research conducts a case study investigation of affordable and/or social home construction and examine industry's perception of the clerk of works (CoW) and their powers and responsibilities within existing legislation to impact quality of construction.FindingsThe findings illustrate that while the clerk of work's role positively impacts quality and safety of construction, it is hindered by cost and time constraints that are often prioritised. An analogy to “yield points” in materials science is then adapted to develop new theory to conceptualise the pivotal position that the CoW has in upholding quality construction. The research concludes with pragmatic recommendations (such as industry centric codes of practice) to mitigate quality and safety issues arising and signpost future academic research in this area.Originality/valueUK construction has been criticised for prioritising costs and profits vis-à-vis quality and safety issues, as exemplified by the Grenfell fire. This study demonstrates the need for reinstatement of the CoW role in mitigating residential housing quality decline.
Benefit versus cost trade‐offs of masting across seed‐to‐seedling transition for a dominant subtropical forest species
Authors: Huang Li , Jin Cheng , Zhou Lihua , Song Kun , Qian Shenhua , Lin Dunmei , Zhao Liang , Chen Bo , Yan Enrong , Michalet Richard , Yang Yongchuan 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Masting is a common reproductive strategy regulating seedling regeneration in many perennial plant species. The evolutionary origins and functional benefits of masting have been explained by well‐supported hypotheses relating to economies of scale of seed production. Nevertheless, our understanding of the potential costs of masting for the plant seed‐to‐seedling transitions remains limited.

We tracked the seed fate and documented changes in the seed spatial distribution patterns during the seed‐to‐seedling transition process of Castanopsis fargesii, a dominant species of subtropical evergreen broad‐leaved forests in China under natural conditions for more than 6 years.

Masting resulted in a high proportion of seeds escaping predation by vertebrates and rodents, supporting the predator satiation hypothesis. However, it increased the pre‐dispersal seed predation by insects, and decreased the seed germination rate due to a negative effect on seed mass. This resulted in seed‐to‐seedling transition rates during mast years to be roughly half as much as during non‐mast years. In addition, masting negatively affected the spatial rearrangement of seeds, resulting in a spatial aggregative distribution pattern of newly germinated seedlings. The combined negative effects of smaller seeds and spatially aggregated seedlings reduced the survival rate of newly germinated seedlings at seedling establishment stage.

Synthesis. Considering the whole seed‐to‐established seedling transition process, the benefits of masting on seedling recruitment due to the effective seed predator situation by vertebrates and rodents were decreased by the additional costs on seed mass, seed germination, seed spatial arrangement and seedling establishment. Our results highlight the importance of considering both the positive and negative effects of masting at each stage of the seed‐to‐seedling transition. Inferences based on seed predation and recruitment of newly germinated seedlings alone would lead to an overly optimistic conclusion about the benefits of masting.
A divided kingdom? Variation in polarization, sorting, and dimensional alignment among the British public, 1986–2018
Authors: Perrett Stuart 
Published: June 2021

AbstractUnderstanding changes in the structure of public opinion is necessary to evaluate both contemporary claims about political divisions in Brexit Britain, as well as to uncover any long‐term mapping of public opinion on the depolarization and subsequent polarization of elites from the birth of New Labour to the aftermath of the Great Recession. I assess trends from British Social Attitudes surveys, utilizing recent conceptual and methodological distinctions between different features of public opinion change. I find that the public, on average, moved to the left during the early 1990s, to the right during New Labour, and back to the left from 2010. Such oscillations are even more pronounced for positions along a welfare dimension. In contrast, average positions along a libertarian‐authoritarian dimension were constant until around 2010, when the public became more liberal. Polarization of left‐right opinion has increased in recent years but does not match that estimated between the mid‐1980s and early 1990s, while low and stable levels of polarization are estimated along libertarian‐authoritarian and welfare dimensions. Overall trends are dis‐aggregated by social class, educational attainment, party identification, strength of partisanship, interest in politics, and position on Europe. Further, the relationships between positions along these three ideological dimensions vary systematically across time and between groups.
PLA2 mediates the innate immune response in Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis
Authors: Ji Jia‐Yue , Yin Zhao‐Hua , Zhang Sha‐Sha , Shen Dong‐Xu , An Chun‐Ju 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe eicosanoid signaling pathway mediates insect immune reactions to a wide range of stimuli. This pathway begins with the biosynthesis of arachidonic acid (AA) from the hydrolysis of phospholipids catalyzed by phospholipase A2 (PLA2). We report here that the PLA2 inhibitor, dexamethasone (DEX), impaired the innate immune response including nodulation, encapsulation, and melanization in Ostrinia furnacalis larvae, while AA partially reversed these effects of DEX. We cloned a full‐length complementary DNA encoding a PLA2, designated as OfsPLA2, from O. furnacalis. The open reading frame of OfsPLA2 encodes a 195‐amino acid residue protein with a 22‐residue signal peptide. Sequence alignment analyses indicated that O. furnacalis PLA2 might be a Group III secretory PLA2. The highest transcript levels of OfsPLA2 were detected in the fat body, and its transcript levels increased dramatically after infection with Escherichia coli, Micrococcus luteus, or Beauveria bassiana. Recombinant OfsPLA2 significantly induced prophenoloxidase (PPO) activation in larval hemolymph in the presence of Ca2+ and encapsulation of agarose beads. Injection of recombinant OfsPLA2 into larvae resulted in increased transcript levels of attacin, defencin, and moricin‐3 genes. Our results demonstrate the involvement of the eicosanoid signaling pathway in the innate immune response of O. furnacalis larvae and provide new information about the roles of O. furnacalis secretory PLA2 in activating PPO and antimicrobial peptide production.
Benchmarking recombinant Pichiapastoris for 3‐hydroxypropionic acid production from glycerol
Authors: Fina Albert , Brêda Gabriela Coelho , Pérez‐Trujillo Míriam , Freire Denise Maria Guimarães , Almeida Rodrigo Volcan , Albiol Joan , Ferrer Pau 
Published: June 2021

SummaryThe use of the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris (Komagataella phaffi) to produce heterologous proteins has been largely reported. However, investigations addressing the potential of this yeast to produce bulk chemicals are still scarce. In this study, we have studied the use of P. pastoris as a cell factory to produce the commodity chemical 3‐hydroxypropionic acid (3‐HP) from glycerol. 3‐HP is a chemical platform which can be converted into acrylic acid and to other alternatives to petroleum‐based products. To this end, the mcr gene from Chloroflexus aurantiacus was introduced into P. pastoris. This single modification allowed the production of 3‐HP from glycerol through the malonyl‐CoA pathway. Further enzyme and metabolic engineering modifications aimed at increasing cofactor and metabolic precursors availability allowed a 14‐fold increase in the production of 3‐HP compared to the initial strain. The best strain (PpHP6) was tested in a fed‐batch culture, achieving a final concentration of 3‐HP of 24.75 g l−1, a product yield of 0.13 g g−1 and a volumetric productivity of 0.54 g l−1 h−1, which, to our knowledge, is the highest volumetric productivity reported in yeast. These results benchmark P. pastoris as a promising platform to produce bulk chemicals for the revalorization of crude glycerol and, in particular, to produce 3‐HP.
A targeted amplicon sequencing panel to simultaneously identify mosquito species and Plasmodium presence across the entire Anopheles genus
Authors: Makunin Alex , Korlević Petra , Park Naomi , Goodwin Scott , Waterhouse Robert M. , von Wyschetzki Katharina , Jacob Christopher G. , Davies Robert , Kwiatkowski Dominic , St. Laurent Brandyce , Ayala Diego , Lawniczak Mara K. N. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAnopheles is a diverse genus of mosquitoes comprising over 500 described species, including all known human malaria vectors. While a limited number of key vector species have been studied in detail, the goal of malaria elimination calls for surveillance of all potential vector species. Here, we develop a multilocus amplicon sequencing approach that targets 62 highly variable loci in the Anopheles genome and two conserved loci in the Plasmodium mitochondrion, simultaneously revealing both the mosquito species and whether that mosquito carries malaria parasites. We also develop a cheap, nondestructive, and high‐throughput DNA extraction workflow that provides template DNA from single mosquitoes for the multiplex PCR, which means specimens producing unexpected results can be returned to for morphological examination. Over 1000 individual mosquitoes can be sequenced in a single MiSeq run, and we demonstrate the panel’s power to assign species identity using sequencing data for 40 species from Africa, Southeast Asia, and South America. We also show that the approach can be used to resolve geographic population structure within An. gambiae and An. coluzzii populations, as the population structure determined based on these 62 loci from over 1000 mosquitoes closely mirrors that revealed through whole genome sequencing. The end‐to‐end approach is quick, inexpensive, robust, and accurate, which makes it a promising technique for very large‐scale mosquito genetic surveillance and vector control.