bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantitative input-output dynamics of a c-di-GMP signal-transduction cascade in Vibrio cholerae
Authors: Bridges Andrew A. , Prentice Jojo A. , Fei Chenyi , Wingreen Ned S. , Bassler Bonnie L. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBacterial biofilms are multicellular communities that collectively overcome environmental threats and clinical treatments. To regulate the biofilm lifecycle, bacteria commonly transduce sensory information via the second-messenger molecule cyclic diguanylate (c-di-GMP). Using experimental and modeling approaches, we quantitatively capture c-di-GMP signal transmission via the bifunctional polyamine receptor NspS-MbaA, from ligand binding to output, in the pathogen Vibrio cholerae. Upon binding of norspermidine or spermidine, NspS-MbaA synthesizes or degrades c-di-GMP, respectively, which in turn, drives alterations specifically to biofilm gene expression. A longstanding question is how output specificity is achieved via c-di-GMP, a diffusible molecule that regulates dozens of effectors. We show that NspS-MbaA signals locally to specific effectors, sensitizing V. cholerae to polyamines. However, local signaling is not required for specificity, as changes to global cytoplasmic c-di-GMP levels can selectively regulate biofilm genes. This work establishes the input-output dynamics underlying c-di-GMP signaling, which could be useful for developing bacterial manipulation strategies.
COVID-19 and “the trinity of boredom” in public spaces: urban form, social distancing and digital transformation
Authors: Abusaada Hisham , Elshater Abeer 
Published: September 2021

PurposeOver the coming decades, the widespread application of social distancing creates challenges for the urban planning and design profession. This article aims to address the phenomenon of boredom in public places, its main influences that generate change in repetition, monotony and everyday lifestyle, whether positive, negative or both – depending on the binding and governing rules of urban shape variations and daily lifestyles.Design/methodology/approachThis viewpoint relied on literary narration to discuss the phenomenon of boredom vis-à-vis urban design and placemaking solutions in the face of social distancing. It builds its orientation by analyzing the works of nine scholars and five of their relevant theories.FindingsEvidence from previous studies helped develop three-pillar guidelines that can produce better results for post-pandemic development in the face of boredom. These pillars include recommendations for the trinity of heterogeneity for metamorphosis in urban form, changes in public life and digital transformation in a time of uncertainty on how to confront (un)seen boredom in public spaces. Practitioners should develop new insights into the relationship between people and place by reviewing existing paradigms in urban studies to avoid repetition, monotony and change in everyday life after a pandemic.Originality/valueThe added value here is in underlining boredom as one of the consequences of social distancing and lockdown applications building on the phenomenon's theorizers. The key contribution of this work is the three-pillar recommendation for confronting the boredom in public spaces that happens because of social distancing and lockdown.
Antecedents and consequences of green supply chain management practices: a study of Indian food processing industry
Authors: Maaz Mohd Abdul Muqeet , Ahmad Rais , Abad Arif 
Published: September 2021

PurposeThis study aims to empirically test a comprehensive green supply chain management (GSCM) practices model. This paper incorporates green intellectual capital (GIC) and green supply chain orientation (GSCO) as antecedents to the successful implementation of GSCM practices and organizational performance as its consequence.Design/methodology/approachThis study has been conducted in the Indian food processing industry. The respondents of this study include 139 plant-level managers working in the food processing industry. The managers were contacted using a combination of personal visits, phone and mail. Structural equation modeling was performed using SPSS AMOS v26 to test the hypothesized model.FindingsThe findings of this study reveal that GIC and GSCO positively impact the implementation of GSCM practices. Further, GSCM practices improve economic and operational performance, leading to improved organizational performance.Practical implicationsThis study provides implications for managers suggesting that GSCM practices should be implemented in phases. The first phase must reflect the organization's commitment toward building GIC and the second phase must reflect managerial orientation toward implementation for GSCM practices.Originality/valueThis study adds to the existing literature by linking GIC to GSCM practices; second, this study provides a framework for implementation of GSCM practices in the food processing industry.
Mapping research trends on strategic agility over the past 25 years: insights from a bibliometric approach
Authors: de Diego Enrique , Almodóvar Paloma 
Published: September 2021

PurposeStrategic agility is a fuzzy concept that has become crucial to cope with environmental uncertainty and instability; hence, more in-depth studies are highly needed. The aim of this paper is to shed light on the still diffuse research area of strategic agility by clarifying its scope and concept, as well as identifying the different topics that have been examined thus far. Finally, the intent of this paper is to show the existing gaps in the literature to provide scholars with a clear roadmap for future research.Design/methodology/approachBibliometric and content analyses are used in this study to review the most impactful papers in strategic agility between 1996 and 2021. Citation and mapping analyses are conducted through SciMAT software, and a dynamic approach is adopted by assessing and discussing the evolution of strategic agility throughout five different periods.FindingsThis study reveals that strategic agility is a research line that has neither gained consensus nor reached maturity and that it is linked to several thematic areas or topics. The study offers a complete understanding of the state of the art of strategic agility over time and underscores its main future research lines.Originality/valueThis study presents a complete map of the strategic agility research thus far by using novel bibliometric techniques. This approach is especially interesting because it allows for identifying the dynamic relationships among themes within the topic over five different periods.
Contactless service in hospitality: bridging customer equity, experience, delight, satisfaction, and trust
Authors: Hao Fei , Chon Kaye Kye-Sung 
Published: September 2021

Purpose
Draws from the equity theory and customer equity literature, this study aims to argue that the implementation of contactless service as an innovative service design in the hospitality industry can generate customers’ emotional attachment and cognitive evaluation of the brand.

Design/methodology/approach
This study uses partial least squares modeling and data from a large-scale survey of hotel guests who have experienced contactless service in mainland China. The authors performed an importance-performance map analysis to evaluate the significance of critical variables and constructs by including the performance dimension.

Findings
Customer equity is a three-dimensional higher-order construct that embraces value-, brand- and relationship equity. A pleasant experience of contactless service in hospitality encounters generates a positive effect on customer equity and delight. Additionally, increased customer equity improves satisfaction and trust.

Practical implications
This study provides practical evidence for hospitality practitioners to consider contactless service in creating memorable experiences, improve customer satisfaction, build trust and add value to hospitality brands.

Originality/value
The findings of this study add to the understanding of emerging contactless services, contribute to the development of the equity theory and current customer equity literature and advance the implementation of innovative service design in hospitality.
Safety enablers using emerging technologies in construction projects: empirical study in Malaysia
Authors: Yap Jeffrey Boon Hui , Lee Karen Pei Han , Wang Chen 
Published: September 2021

PurposeHigh rate of accidents continue to plague the construction industry. The advancements in safety technologies can ameliorate construction health and safety (H&S). This paper aims to explore the use of emerging technologies as an effective solution for improving safety in construction projects.Design/methodology/approachFollowing a detailed literature review, a questionnaire survey was developed encompassing ten technologies for safety management and ten safety enablers using technologies in construction. A total of 133 responses were gathered from Malaysian construction practitioners. The collected quantitative data were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistical analyses to determine the meaningful relationships between the variables.FindingsFindings revealed that the most effective emerging technologies for safety management are: building information modelling (BIM), wearable safety technologies and robotics and automation (R&A). The leading safety enablers are related to improve hazard identification, reinforce safety planning, enhance safety inspection, enhance safety monitoring and supervision and raise safety awareness.Practical implicationsSafety is immensely essential in transforming the construction industry into a robustly developed industry with high safety and quality standards. The adoption of safety technologies in construction projects can drive the industry towards the path of Construction 4.0.Originality/valueThe construction industry has historically been slow to adopt new technology. This study contributes to advancing the body of knowledge in the area of incorporating emerging technologies to further construction safety science and management in the context of the developing world. By taking cognisance of the pertinent emerging technologies for safety management and the safety enablers involved, construction safety can be enhanced using integrated technological solutions.
Risk disclosure and financial performance: the case of Islamic and conventional banks in the GCC
Authors: Haddad Ayman E. , Alali Hussain 
Published: September 2021

Purpose
This study aims to explore the extent of risk disclosure (RD) among conventional banks (CBs) and Islamic banks (IBs) listed on stock markets in the Gulf cooperation council (GCC). It also examines the influence of RD on the banks’ financial performance as measured by return on assets (ROA) and return on equity (ROE).

Design/methodology/approach
This study uses content analysis to examine RD in the annual reports of 16 CBs and 14 IBs in the GCC for a sample of 240 firm-year observations over the period 2007 to 2014.

Findings
The study shows no significant differences between the RD reported in the annual reports of CBs and that of IBs. On average, a CB reported 234 sentences while an IB disclosed 244 sentences of RD in its annual report. The authors also find that both types of banks had an upward trend over the periods. While the means of RD reported by CBs have significantly improved over the period, the RD reported by IBs has not. Similar results are also found when the authors compared the RD pre- and post-financial crisis period. Finally, the authors find that there is a significant association between RD and both models of financial performance (ROA and ROE) for IBs, after controlling other variables. However, RD has a significant association with only ROE for CBs.

Research limitations/implications
The bank selection was restricted to publicly traded banks in the GCC. Other financial institutions and different types of industries were not considered. Further research could determine whether the results obtained in this study could be generalized to different industries in the GCC and or in other countries.

Practical implications
This study provides evidence on the significant association between RD and the financial performance of CBs and IBs in GCC countries. This study could be helpful to regulatory authorities in encouraging banks to adopt the best practice of RD and thus promote banks’ transparency.

Originality/value
This is the first known study to examine the RD practices of both types of banks and their association with banks’ financial performance in five-GCC countries (Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Bahrain), based on a longitudinal analysis of year-end annual reports, covering eight years period from 2007 to 2014.
COVID-19 and a trade-off between health and economics: an extended inoperability model for Italy
Authors: Socci Claudio , Ahmed Irfan , Alfify Mohammed Hussein , Deriu Stefano , Ciaschini Clio , Sheikh Riyaz Abdullah 
Published: September 2021

PurposeThe recent COVID-19 has obliged governments to enact large-scale policies to contain it. A topic of economic debate is the quantification of the impact that these policies can create in the economy, with the aim of activating regulatory mechanisms to minimize this impact. In this vein, this study aims to propose a quantification of the effects of the Italian government policy that blocks nonessential production activities.Design/methodology/approachThe authors use a multisectoral extended inoperability model on the social accounting matrix of Italy. The analysis identifies the pandemic’s impact on outputs, endogenous demands, value-added and disposable incomes of institutional sectors.FindingsThe construction and real estate sectors revealed a significant contraction followed by the retail trade and hotel and catering services sectors. The output contraction further impacts the value-added generation, disposable income and final demand components.Originality/valueThe current pandemic is alleged to have a greater impact than the epidemics of the past century, considering the present dimension of the world economy and the increasing interconnections between industries and institutions. In this scenario, it is challenging to safeguard not only human health and life but also the economy. Hence, there is a need to establish a trade-off between health and economics; and in this regard, the current study empirically quantifies the impact of health measures on the economy. The findings of this study help identify the sectors that are more prone to disaster effects and also present the structure of income circular flow in the Italian economy.
The causes of poor infrastructure management and maintenance in South African municipalities
Authors: Mazele Odwa , Amoah Christopher 
Published: September 2021

PurposeInfrastructure development and management form the central part of the government's commitment and responsibility to deliver essential services to the communities. However, much focus has been placed on the development aspect, with very little focus on the management and maintenance aspects, causing service delivery problems. This study explores the causes of poor management of immovable municipal infrastructure in South Africa.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative approach was adopted; thus, a sample of 15 participants consisting of senior municipal workers, local organizations and forums in Ngqushwa Municipality in Eastern Cape were identified and interviewed. The interview data were analyzed using thematic content analysis to determine the common themes and the frequencies.FindingsThe study's findings indicate numerous causes of poor municipal infrastructure management, including lack of funding, lack of capacity, poor planning and oversight, lack of By-laws, grant dependency and corruption. The municipality's failure to address these issues has resulted in increased service protests, destruction of public property, interruption of services and loss of confidence in municipal administrations.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the study concentrated on one municipality, the findings may be applicable to other South African municipalities.Practical implicationsTo provide efficient services for the inhabitants to curtail aggravated service delivery protests, there is an urgent need for the municipalities to institute effective measures to manage and maintain the infrastructure that serves the communities.Originality/valueThe study has identified the factors underpinning ineffective management of the municipalities' facilities and the resultant's effects. Thus, the findings will guide the government and the authorities on the infrastructural management strategies for effective service delivery.
Development of a deposition framework for implementation of a region-based adaptive slicing strategy in arc-based metal additive manufacturing
Authors: Gokhale Nitish P. , Kala Prateek 
Published: September 2021

Purpose
This study aims to develop and demonstrate a deposition framework for the implementation of a region-based adaptive slicing strategy for the Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding-based additive manufacturing system. The present study demonstrates a deposition framework for implementing a novel region-based adaptive slicing strategy termed as Fast Interior and Accurate Exterior with Constant Layer Height (FIAECLH).

Design/methodology/approach
The mentioned framework has been developed by performing experiments using the design of experiments and analyzing the experimental data. Analysis results have been used to obtain the mathematical function to integrate customization in the process. The paper, in the end, demonstrates the FIAECLH framework for implementing region-based adaptive slicing strategy on the hardware level.

Findings
The study showcase a new way of implementing the region-based adaptive slicing strategy to arc-based metal additive manufacturing. The study articulating a new strategy for its implementation in all types of wire and arc additive manufacturing processes.

Originality/value
Wire-arc-based technology has the potential to deliver cost-effective solutions for metal additive manufacturing. The research on arc welding-based processes is being carried out in different dimensions. To deposit parts with complex geometry and better dimensional accuracy implementation of a novel region-based adaptive slicing strategy for the arc-based additive manufacturing process is an essential task. The successful implementation of an adaptive slicing strategy would ease the fabrication of complex geometry in less time. This paper accomplishes this need of implementing a region-based adaptive slicing strategy as no experimental investigation has been reported for the TIG-based additive manufacturing process.
The relationship between performance appraisal system and employees' voice behavior through the mediation-moderation mechanism
Authors: Memon Khalid Rasheed , Ghani Bilqees 
Published: September 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate and articulate the performance appraisal process as a tool, used for the development of voice behavior through the fostering of trustworthiness and empowering culture in the organization.Design/methodology/approachData has been collected through survey instruments, filled by employees and their coworkers. The study proposes and tests a new model based on the relationship between performance appraisal and voice behavior through the moderation-mediation mechanism. Data analysis has been performed using SEM through SMART PLS 3.FindingsResults show that a strong and positive relationship exists between performance appraisal and voice behavior through the mediating variable of psychological empowerment. The moderators, empowering leadership and perceived fairness have played vital role in boosting psychological empowerment and strengthening the relationship with performance appraisal.Research limitations/implicationsThe study presents the performance appraisal system as one of the antecedents of employees' voice behavior generated through psychological empowerment (mediator) and perceived fairness and empowering leadership (moderators) since the appraisal system is to be implemented through the leader.Originality/valueThe study presents a unique and innovative idea while it tries to explore and measure the different effects/impacts of the relationship between performance appraisal and voice behavior.
Parental supervision and control of adolescents’ problematic internet use: understanding and predicting adoption of parental control software
Authors: Stewart Kristin , Brodowsky Glen , Sciglimpaglia Donald 
Published: September 2021

Purpose
This paper aims to identify the factors that motivate parents to adopt internet monitoring software (aka parental control software [PCS]) to curb problematic internet usage and safeguard their children online. By doing so, the authors are able to curb problematic internet usage and keep children safe online.

Design/methodology/approach
An online survey was conducted using a representative sample of 330 parents in the USA with children ages 10 to 15. Results were analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings
This research combines two theories, namely, technology acceptance model (TAM) and protection motivation theory (PMT) to factors that motivate parents to adopt internet monitoring software to help their children. Perceived severity, perceived vulnerability from PMT and personal innovativeness (PI) from TAM, which is related to self-efficacy and the belief that future technologies will require less effort to adopt, are key factors that influence parents’ perceived usefulness of PCS. Perceived usefulness and PI both positively predict parents’ purchase intention for internet monitoring software.

Practical implications
The study establishes that there are personal, technology and situational factors that motivate the adoption of PCS. These determinants have implications for how marketers identify potential users and how they might improve the promotion of internet monitoring technologies.

Originality/value
The paper extends the application of the technology acceptance model and PMT to predict technology adoption aimed at helping others. Findings show that personal and perceptual factors motivate parents’ adoption of internet monitoring software to curb problematic internet usage and keep children safe online. This paper is the first to combine the technology acceptance model and PMT to explain the adoption of software solutions to protect others online. By doing so, a more thorough account of parents’ technology adoption to protect their children is offered.