bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Customer value, purchase intentions and willingness to pay: the moderating effects of cultural/economic distance
Authors: Tsuchiya Hitoshi , Fu Yu-Min , Huang Stephen Chi-Tsun 
Published: May 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore differences in the behavioural intentions of consumers in different countries, i.e. Japan, UK and Taiwan by employing a customer-based value model.Design/methodology/approachA total of 305 consumers of one of Japan's brand and chain stores, Muji, were interviewed. The moderating effects of cultural and economic distances from the home country of the firm were also tested.FindingsThe results showed that cultural distance moderates the impact of symbolic, experiential and aesthetic value on purchase intention; however, economic distance was found to only influence monetary value.Originality/valueCross-cultural studies on customer value in the retailing industry are limited. The findings from this study offer several implications for those firms that adopt a globalization strategy using another perspective, while to some degree glocalization could be a better strategy.
Dynamic evaluation of thermal comfort scenarios in a Colombian large-scale social housing project
Authors: Garay Alvaro , Ruiz Angie , Guevara Jose 
Published: May 2021

PurposeThis study aims to analyze the technical, environmental, economic and thermal comfort impacts of implementing passive measures and heating systems in Ciudad Verde, a large-scale social housing project located at the periphery of Bogota, Colombia.Design/methodology/approachA system dynamics (SD) model is proposed to evaluate scenarios through counterfactual experiments, including technical, environmental and economic components. Model inputs are obtained from building energy simulation models and data collected from official reports, public policy documents and construction records.FindingsResults suggest that the use of heating systems is the best choice to achieve thermal comfort conditions throughout the day. However, both the capital expenditures and CO2 emissions associated with such system make their adoption very difficult. In line with that, the use of heating systems in combination with passive measures stands out as a viable solution since their costs are affordable and their use contributes to reducing CO2 emissions.Originality/valueThe proposed model recreates the dynamics underlying social housing construction processes, the adoption of heating systems and passive measures in low-income dwellings and their corresponding impact on CO2 emissions and indoor thermal comfort conditions. The model can be employed as a support tool in the formulation of social housing policies associated with thermal comfort specifications. In this way, the model represents a first step toward incorporating thermal-related variables into the decision-making processes related to social housing planning and development.
A systematic literature review (SLR) comparing Japanese Lean philosophy and the South African Ubuntu philosophy
Authors: Mangaroo-Pillay Mia , Coetzee Rojanette 
Published: May 2021

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to enhance the understanding of Japanese Lean management principles in South African contexts using Ubuntu, to improve buy-in during Lean implementation.

Design/methodology/approach
A scoping systematic literature review (SLR) was used to investigate the correlations and variations between Lean management principles and Ubuntu management principles.

Findings
Both similarities and differences were discovered between Ubuntu and Lean. It was noted that Lean adopts principles that do not have corresponding Ubuntu principles, such as levelling out workload, continuous process flow, stopping to fix the problem and visual management.

Research limitations/implications
While this research only used a South African concept (Ubuntu) to develop a novel Lean analogy, future research could be pursued in a similar vein for other countries outside of Japan.

Practical implications
The similarities could assist in “translating” Lean concepts to a South African context, ergo improving the understanding of the Lean principles and possibly contributing to more successful Lean implementations.

Originality/value
To the researcher’s knowledge at time of publication, this study is the first comparison of these two management philosophies. Ergo, the Lean–Ubuntu analogy is a novel comparison of Lean.
Lean Six Sigma and Assurance of Learning (AoL) in higher education: a case study
Authors: Adeinat Iman , Al Rahahleh Naseem , Al Bassam Tameem 
Published: May 2021

PurposeThis study aims to present a case study using a Lean Six Sigma (LSS) process to manage the Assurance of Learning (AoL) process in higher education. The case study highlights the value that LSS can bring to the higher education context in respect to making the AoL process more efficient and more effective. The article also illustrates lessons learned in relation to adopting LSS in higher education institutes (HEIs).Design/methodology/approachThe case study presented is part of a larger undertaking implemented by the Faculty of Economics and Administration (FEA) at King Abdulaziz University in Saudi Arabia to improve its curricula for all its programs as the graduate and undergraduate level in line with the 2013 Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business standards. The FEA project team implemented the AoL process using an LSS methodology – define–measure–analyze–improve–control (DMAIC).FindingsThe experience of the FEA as described in the case study suggests that the DMAIC framework can be very useful in managing the AoL process. Three aspects of LSS used in the AoL context are identified as critical in ensuring that the process achieves its stated institutional goals. Firstly, it is necessary to clearly identify which team members have which areas of responsibility in relation to, for example, sponsoring, implementing, managing and monitoring the project. Secondly, the common language provided by LSS is essential to fostering collaboration among members of a cross-disciplinary team. Lastly, quantifiable priorities should be identified.Research limitations/implicationsThe experience of the FEA as described in the case study suggests that the DMAIC framework can be very effective in advancing and managing the AoL process. For example, writing the project charter, mapping the process using the suppliers, inputs, process, outputs, customers model and using various LSS tools and techniques to measure and control the assessment were critical to improving the AoL process.Practical implicationsThis paper provides a guide to the range of practices cited in the literature on implementing LSS in relation to AoL as a comprehensive means of assessing, evaluating and improving curriculum design and delivery. The importance of this process to accreditation is explored and recommendations are offered focused on realizing both short- and long-term benefits through the initial assessments and subsequent iterations.Originality/valueThe defining contribution of this paper to the literature is its consideration of LSS implementation in the HEI context through the development and management of the AoL process.
Impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) awareness, affordability and management system sophistication on CSR performance
Authors: De Zoysa Anura , Takaoka Nobyuki , Zhang Yuqian 
Published: May 2021

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the impact of three key factors — corporate social responsibility (CSR) awareness, CSR affordability and CSR management system (CSRMS) sophistication—on the CSR performance of Japanese firms.Design/methodology/approachUsing responses to 36 items developed on the Global CSR standard of ISO26000, two CSR indexes were constructed to assess the CSR management system sophistication and performance of Japanese firms. The relationship between the three key variables (CSR awareness, affordability and management system sophistication) and CSR performance was then examined through a partial least squares (PLS)-based structural equation model. Data were collected through a questionnaire survey of 146 firms.FindingsThe results of the study found a positive relationship between CSR performance and three exogenous variables (CSR awareness, affordability and management system sophistication). Furthermore, the study found that CSRMS sophistication played a mediating role in the relationship between CSR performance and firms' CSR awareness and affordability.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was limited to examining the CSR practices of a major province in Japan, which may hinder the generalisation of the findings to the rest of the country. Moreover, the data used for assessing the variables in this study were self-reported by the participating firms, in addition to being cross-sectional. The findings of this study clarified areas that policymakers, including Japan's business associations–Keidanren and Keizai Doyukai, and other relevant parties need to focus on for further improving CSR performances of Japanese firms.Originality/valueThis study highlights the role CSR awareness, affordability and CSRMS sophistication play in improving CSR performance. On the one hand, it identifies the critical role CSRMS plays in mediating the relationship among CSR performance, awareness and affordability. On the other hand, it advances CSR theory providing insight for practitioners to generate positive CSR outcomes.
Long-term dependency between sovereign bonds and sectoral indices of India: evidence using Hurst exponent and wavelet analysis
Authors: Das Santanu , Kumar Ashish 
Published: May 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to provide a new way to optimize a portfolio and to show that combining the Hurst exponent and wavelet analysis may help to increase portfolio returns.Design/methodology/approachThe authors use the Hurst exponent and wavelet analysis to study the long-term dependencies between sovereign bonds and sectoral indices of India. The authors further construct and evaluate the performance of three portfolios constructed on the basis of Hurst standard deviation (SD) – global minimum variance (GMV), most diversified portfolio (MDP) and equal risk contribution (ERC).FindingsThe authors find that an ERC portfolio generates positive superior return as compared other two. Since our sample includes periods of two crisis – post-2007 financial crisis and the ongoing pandemic, this study reveals that combining government bond with equities and gold provides a higher returns when the portfolios are constructed using the risk exposures of each asset in the overall portfolio risk.Practical implicationsThe findings provide guidance to portfolio managers by helping them to select assets using the Hurst approach and wavelet analysis thereby increasing the portfolio returns.Originality/valueIn this study, the authors use a combination of Hurst exponent and wavelet analysis to understand the long-term dependencies among various assets and provide a new methodology to optimize a portfolio. As far as the authors’ knowledge, no study in the past has attempted to provide a joint framework for portfolio optimization and therefore this study is the first to apply this methodology.
Evaluating the environmental sustainability strategies of the housekeeping department: the case of an international hotel chain in Hong Kong, China
Authors: Choy Monica , Cheng Justin , Yu Karl 
Published: May 2021

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to use the case of an international luxury hotel chain in Hong Kong to illustrate general environmentally-friendly practices in housekeeping. Six in-depth interviews were conducted with the housekeeping department staff to evaluate the effectiveness of the Hotel’s environmental sustainability practices by analysing their benefits and limitations. Results reveal that all informants acknowledged the environmental sustainability strategies adopted by the Hotel, which can benefit stakeholders. Despite multiple green practices in hotel housekeeping, several strategies may not be as significant as expected with misaligned expectations from the management and the actual practices may create excessive workload for frontline room attendants with a lack of policy enforcement and supportive policies. Therefore, hotels should keep a mutual communication between the management and frontline employees prior to conducting environmentally- and employee-friendly practices. Given the labour-intensive nature of the hotel industry, the housekeeping department should ensure employment equality policy is in place with adequate environmentally friendly support for employees.
A novel hydrolase PyzH catalyses the cleavage of C=N double bond for pymetrozine degradation in Pseudomonas sp. BYT‐1
Authors: Zhang Mingliang , Ren Yijun , Du Shilong , Zhou Yidong , Jiang Wankui , Ke Zhijian , Jiang Mingli , Qiu Jiguo , He Jian , Hong Qing 
Published: May 2021

SummaryPymetrozine is a synthetic pesticide that can be utilized as the sole carbon source by Pseudomonas sp. strain BYT‐1. However, the genes involved in the degradation of pymetrozine remain unknown. We used transposon mutagenesis to create a mutant that unable to hydrolyze pymetrozine. The transposon interrupted the gene pyzH, which was cloned by self‐formed adaptor PCR. PyzH hydrolyzed the C=N double bond of pymetrozine to produce 4‐amino‐6‐methyl‐4,5‐dihydro‐2H‐[1,2,4]triazin‐3‐one (AMDT) and nicotinaldehyde; the latter inhibits PyzH activity. PyzH can completely hydrolyze pymetrozine in the presence of dehydrogenase ORF6, which can convert nicotinaldehyde into nicotinic acid and relieve the inhibition. H218O‐labeling experiments showed that the oxygen atom of nicotinaldehyde came from water instead of oxygen. PyzH homologous genes were also found in other soil isolates able to degrade pymetrozine.
Reconceptualising Homelessness Legislation in England
Authors: Bevan Chris 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis article has two central aims. First, it problematises the long‐held consensus that homelessness legislation in England operates according to the concept of need and, secondly, it advances an alternative reading and reconceptualisation of homelessness legislation according to the notion of risk. Through examination of the two major sources of current homelessness law, the Housing Act 1996 and the recently enacted Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, this article locates and explores how risk is operationalised, the precise conceptions of risk engaged and the implications and potentiality of this risk reconceptualisation. In so doing, it is argued that risk exhibits a stronger explanatory power of the current homelessness legislation than need and presents opportunities for how we understand local authority decision‐making and the shape of future reform.
Molecular analysis of the replication functions of the bifidobacterial conjugative megaplasmid pMP7017
Authors: Dineen Rebecca L. , Penno Christophe , Kelleher Philip , Bourin Maxence J. B. , O'Connell‐Motherway Mary , van Sinderen Douwe 
Published: May 2021

SummarypMP7017 is a conjugative megaplasmid isolated from the gut commensal Bifidobacterium breve JCM7017 and was shown to encode two putative replicases, designated here as RepA and RepB. In the current work, RepB was identified as the pMP7017 replicative initiator, as the repB gene, and its surrounding region was shown to be sufficient to allow autonomous replication in two bifidobacterial species, B. breve and Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum. RepB was shown to bind to repeat sequence downstream of its coding sequence and this region was determined to be essential for efficient replication. Based on our results, we hypothesize that pMP7017 is an iteron‐regulated plasmid (IRP) under strict auto‐regulatory control. Recombinantly produced and purified RepB was determined to exist as a dimer in solution, differing from replicases of other IRPs, which exist as a mix of dimers and monomers. Furthermore, a stable low‐copy Bifidobacterium‐E. coli shuttle vector, pRD1.3, was created which can be employed for cloning and expression of large genes, as was demonstrated by the cloning and heterologous expression of the 5.1 kb apuB gene encoding the extracellular amylopullulanase from B. breve UCC2003 into B. longum subsp. longum NCIMB8809.
Glasgow prognostic score for prediction of chemotherapy‐triggered acute exacerbation interstitial lung disease in patients with small cell lung cancer
Authors: Kikuchi Ryota , Takoi Hiroyuki , Tsuji Takao , Nagatomo Yoko , Tanaka Akane , Kinoshita Hayato , Ono Mariko , Ishiwari Mayuko , Toriyama Kazutoshi , Kono Yuta , Togashi Yuki , Yamaguchi Kazuhiro , Yoshimura Akinobu , Abe Shinji 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundPredicting the incidence of chemotherapy‐triggered acute exacerbation of interstitial lung disease (AE‐ILD) in patients with lung cancer is important because AE‐ILD confers a poor prognosis. The Glasgow prognostic score (GPS), which is an inflammation‐based index composed of serum levels of C‐reactive protein and albumin, predicts prognosis in patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) without ILD. In this study, we investigated AE‐ILD and survival outcome based on the GPS in patients with ILD associated with SCLC who were receiving chemotherapy.MethodsMedical records of patients who received platinum‐based first‐line chemotherapy between June 2010 and May 2019 were retrospectively reviewed to compare the incidence of AE‐ILD and overall survival (OS) between GPS 0, 1, and 2.ResultsAmong our cohort of 31 patients, six (19.3%) experienced chemotherapy‐triggered AE‐ILD. The AE‐ILD incidence increased from 9.5% to 25.0% and 50.0% with increase in GPS of 0, 1, and 2, respectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed remarkable associations between GPS 2 and both AE‐ILD (odds ratio for GPS 2, 18.69; p = 0.046) and prognosis (hazard ratio of GPS 2, 13.52; p = 0.002). Furthermore, median OS in the GPS 0, 1, and 2 groups was 16.2, 9.8, and 7.1 months, respectively (p < 0.001).ConclusionsOur results suggest that GPS 2 is both a predictor of risk of chemotherapy‐triggered AE‐ILD and a prognostic indicator in patients with ILD associated with SCLC. We propose that GPS may be used as a guide to distinguish chemotherapy‐tolerant patients from those at high risk of AE‐ILD.
Possible high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (pHSIL) in the new cervical screening paradigm: The outcomes and the role of clinicopathological review
Authors: McGauran Monica Francesca Giannini , Pendlebury Adam Bernard , Hiscock Richard John , Lamont Julie M. , Jones Antonia P.M. , Grant Peter , Newman Marsali Ruth , Ireland‐Jenkin Kerryn , McGrath Shaun , Pham Kim , Hyde Simon 
Published: May 2021

BackgroundA renewed National Cervical Screening Program (NCSP) was introduced in Australia in December 2017. Under the renewed NCSP, there are limited data to guide the management of discordant colposcopy and biopsy results after a liquid‐based cytology (LBC) finding of ‘possible high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion’ (pHSIL).AimsThis study aims to determine the proportion of women referred with pHSIL who are found to have HSIL, identify influencing factors of women most at risk, and examine the role that cytopathology review plays in management decisions.Materials and MethodsTwo‐hundred and thirty‐two women presenting to a tertiary women’s hospital in Australia with pHSIL since December 2017 were identified. Women with HSIL following colposcopy directed biopsy were referred for treatment. When HSIL was not identified, these patients were referred for multidisciplinary clinicopathological review. Pathological outcomes and treatment recommendations are included.Main outcome measuresThe primary outcome of the study was histological confirmation of HSIL.ResultsPrimary outcome data were available for 182 women (78.5%); 62 (34.1%) had HSIL on histology, three (1.7%) had adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) and one (1%) had cervical squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). There was no association between age and the presence of HSIL. The presence of human papillomavirus 16 and/or 18 increased the likelihood of HSIL on histology (relative risk 1.9; 95% CI 1.27–2.80, P = 0.002). Fifty‐nine (25.4%) women were referred for observation who had low‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion/no dysplasia.ConclusionsClinicopathological review optimises management and triage of patients with pHSIL on referral cytology. Understanding outcomes in these patients informs counselling and management.
Oxidative and antioxidative stress markers in dry eye disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Navel Valentin , Sapin Vincent , Henrioux Fanny , Blanchon Loïc , Labbé Antoine , Chiambaretta Frédéric , Baudouin Christophe , Dutheil Frédéric 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPurposeTo conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis on the levels of oxidative stress markers and antioxidants in dry eye disease (DED) compared with healthy subject.MethodThe PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Science Direct and Google Scholar databases were searched on 10 January 2021 for studies reporting oxidative and antioxidative stress markers in DED and healthy controls. Main meta‐analysis was stratified by type of biomarkers, type of samples (tears, conjunctival cells or biopsies), Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) (patients with or without SS) and by geographical zones (Asia or Europe).ResultsWe included nine articles, for a total of 333 patients (628 eye samples) with DED and 165 healthy controls (451 eye samples). There is an overall increase in oxidative stress markers in DED compared with healthy controls (standard mean deviation = 2.39, 95% confidence interval 1.85–2.94), with a significant increase in lipid peroxide (1.90, 0.69–3.11), myeloperoxidase (2.17, 1.06–3.28), nitric oxide synthase 3 (2.52, 0.95–4.08), xanthine oxidase/oxidoreductase (2.41, 1.40–5.43), 4‐hydroxy‐2‐nonenal (4HNE) (4.75, 1.67–7.84), malondialdehyde (3.00, 2.55–3.45) and reactive oxygen species (1.31, 0.94–1.68). Oxidative stress markers were higher in tears, conjunctival cells and conjunctival biopsies of DED than controls. Even if small number of studies were included for antioxidants, catalase seemed to be decreased in DED compared with healthy controls (−2.17, −3.00 to −1.34), with an increase of antioxidants in tears of DED patients without SS (1.13, 0.76–1.49).ConclusionOxidative stress markers, and probably antioxidants, were dysregulated in DED, establishing a local oxidative environment in tears, conjunctival cells and tissues.