bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Psychological empowerment and employees' creativity in Vietnam telecommunications enterprises: the mediating role of creative process engagement and intrinsic motivation
Authors: Nguyen Thi Phuong Linh , Doan Hau Xuan 
Published: October 2021

PurposeThe objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between psychological empowerment and employee creativity with the mediating role of creative process engagement and intrinsic motivation by testing the research model.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from in-depth interviews and surveys of 420 Vietnamese telecommunications enterprises employees. To test models and hypotheses, the collected data has been processed through Cronbach's alpha analysis, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM) using SPSS 22.0 and AMOS 24.0 tools.FindingsThe results confirm that psychological empowerment has a positive direct and indirect relationship through creative process engagement and intrinsic motivation with employee creativity.Research limitations/implicationsThe main limitation of this paper is that a full study of the impact of leadership style on psychological empowerment and psychological empowerment to employee creativity should be conducted in the future at Vietnamese telecommunications enterprises.Practical implicationsTelecommunications enterprises managers who want to stimulate employee creativity need to pay attention to empowering workers and creating conditions for them to participate in the creative process when doing work.Originality/valueThe main contribution of this research is to apply theories of psychological empowerment, self-determination and composition theory of creativity to understand the relationship between psychological empowerment, creative process engagement, intrinsic motivation and employee creativity of telecommunications enterprises employees in the context of a developing country in Asia.
The impact of board composition and ownership structure on dividend payout policy: evidence from Saudi Arabia
Authors: Boshnak Helmi A. 
Published: October 2021

PurposeThis study examines the impact of board composition and ownership structure variables on dividend payout policy in Saudi Arabian firms. In particular, it aims to determine the effect of board size, independence and meeting frequency, in addition to chief executive officer (CEO) duality, and state, institutional, managerial, family, and foreign ownership on both the propensity to pay dividends and dividend per share for Saudi-listed firms over the period 2016–2019.Design/methodology/approachThe paper captures dividend policy with two measures, propensity to pay dividends and dividend per share, and employs a range of regression methods (logistic, probit, ordinary least squares (OLS) and random effects regressions) along with a two-stage least squares (2SLS) model for robustness to account for heteroscedasticity, serial correlation and endogeneity issues. The data set is a large panel of 280 Saudi-listed firms over the period 2016 to 2019.FindingsThe results underline the importance of board composition and the ownership structure in explaining variations in dividend policy across Saudi firms. More specifically, there is a positive relationship between the propensity to pay dividends and board-meeting frequency, institutional ownership, firm profitability and firm age, while the degree of board independence, firm size and leverage exhibit a negative relation. Further, dividend per share is positively related to board meeting frequency, institutional ownership, foreign ownership, firm profitability and age, while it is negatively related to CEO duality, managerial ownership, and firm leverage. There is no evidence that family ownership exerts an impact on dividend payout policy in Saudi firms. The findings of this study support agency, signalling, substitute and outcome theories of dividend policy.Research limitations/implicationsThis study offers an important insight into the board characteristic and ownership structure drivers of dividend policy in the context of an emerging market. Moreover, the study has important implications for firms, managers, investors, policymakers, and regulators in Saudi Arabia.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the existing literature by providing evidence on four board and five ownership characteristic drivers of dividend policy in Saudi Arabia as an emerging stock market, thereby improving on less comprehensive previous studies. The study recommends that investors consider board composition and ownership structure characteristics of firms as key drivers of dividend policy when making stock investment decisions to inform them about the propensity of investee firms to pay dividends and maintain a given dividend policy.
Online university education is the new normal: but is face-to-face better?
Authors: Stevens Garry John , Bienz Tobias , Wali Nidhi , Condie Jenna , Schismenos Spyros 
Published: October 2021

PurposeFollowing the rapid shift to online learning due to COVID-19, this paper aims to compare the relative efficacy of face-to-face and online university teaching methods.Design/methodology/approachA scoping review was conducted to examine the learning outcomes within and between online and face-to-face (F2F) university teaching programmes.FindingsAlthough previous research has supported a “no significant difference” position, the review of 91 comparative studies during 2000–2020 identified 37 (41%) which found online teaching was associated with better learning outcomes, 17 (18%) which favoured F2F and 37 (41%) reporting no significant difference. Purpose-developed online content which supports “student-led” enquiry and cognitive challenge were cited as factors supporting better learning outcomes.Research limitations/implicationsThis study adopts a pre-defined methodology in reviewing literature which ensures rigour in identifying relevant studies. The large sample of studies (n= 91) supported the comparison of discrete learning modes although high variability in key concepts and outcome variables made it difficult to directly compare some studies. A lack of methodological rigour was observed in some studies.Originality/valueAs a result of COVID-19, online university teaching has become the “new normal” but also re-focussed questions regarding its efficacy. The weight of evidence from this review is that online learning is at least as effective and often better than, F2F modalities in supporting learning outcomes, albeit these differences are often modest. The findings raise questions about the presumed benefits of F2F learning and complicate the case for a return to physical classrooms during the pandemic and beyond.
Nature of frauds in Nigeria’s banking ecosystem, 2015-2019
Authors: Tade Oludayo 
Published: October 2021

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the nature of frauds and insider involvement in the perpetration of frauds in Nigeria’s banking ecosystem. It probes the payment platforms mostly vulnerable to fraud attacks since the role-out of cashless policy in Nigeria in 2014.Design/methodology/approachUsing secondary data on frauds and forgeries in Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation annual report of 2019, the study engaged the data on frauds and forgeries to unpack the complex dynamics in relation to bank frauds in Nigeria.FindingsFindings show that fraud attacks on deposit money banks increased year in year out although the actual monetary loss dropped in 2019 as against 2018. Technology mediated transactions such as the use of automated teller machine and internet-based transactions experienced the most fraud. In relation to the role of insiders, all cadres of staff were involved in the fraud but majority of those involved were temporary staff.Practical implicationsArising from this, it is suggested that banks should continue to strengthen security system and governance structures. Employing temporary staff should be phased out while online and offline vigilance should be mounted.Originality/valueThe study contributes to knowledge by examining the nature of frauds and unveiling the insider dimensions of fraud and the possible factors increasing the vulnerability of casual staff to perpetrate fraud.
Informal learning effort and attitude toward knowledge sharing in times of workplace conflict: curious case of joyous exploration and deprivation sensitivity
Authors: Baburaj Sharath , Kumar Manish 
Published: October 2021

PurposeThe study examined the impact of two dimensions of curiosity: joyous exploration (JE) and deprivation sensitivity (DSv) on informal learning effort (ILE) and attitude toward knowledge sharing (ATKS). The authors further explored the mediating effect of learning culture (LC) in the organization on the relationship of the two curiosity dimensions with ILE and ATKS. Additionally, the authors investigated the moderating effect of group dynamics in the form of intragroup task conflict (ITC) and relationship conflict (IRC) on the relationship of curiosity variables with LC, ILE and ATKS.Design/methodology/approachSurvey instrument was distributed to 790 knowledge workers in various organizations through their HR managers. 403 responses were returned and used in the study.FindingsJE, the self-determined manifestation of curiosity, impacts all elements of ILE and ATKS, while DSv influences a few aspects of ILE. The effect of JE on the dependent variables is, however, more substantial at low levels of ITC. ITC and IRC independently impact ILE, but only ITC moderates the relationships involving JE (but not DSv). LC emerges from JE (but not from DSv) and partially mediates its association with ILE and ATKS.Originality/valueThrough this work, we demonstrate the differential relevance of the curiosity dimensions and the intragroup conflict types – and their interaction effect – on learning effort and attitude toward knowledge sharing. The findings of the study open new avenues for interventions within the workplace learning and knowledge sharing domain.
Dynamic frequency relationships between bitcoin, oil, gold and economic policy uncertainty index
Authors: Hazgui Samah , Sebai Saber , Mensi Walid 
Published: October 2021

Purpose
This paper aims to examine the frequency of co-movements and asymmetric dependencies between bitcoin (BTC), gold, Brent crude oil and the US economic policy uncertainty (EPU) index.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors use a wavelet approach and a quantile-on-quantile regression (QQR) method.

Findings
The results show a positive interdependence between BTC and commodity price returns at both medium and low frequencies over the sample period. In contrast, the dependence is negative between BTC and EPU index at both medium and low frequencies. Furthermore, the co-movements between markets are more pronounced during crises. The results show that strategic commodities and EPU index have the ability to predict BTC price returns at both medium- and long-terms. The QQR method reveals that higher gold returns tend to predict higher/lower BTC returns when the market is in a bullish/bearish state. Moreover, lower gold returns tend to predict lower (higher) BTC returns when the market is in a bearish (bullish) state (positive (negative) relationship). The lower Brent returns tend to predict higher/lower BTC returns when the market is in a bullish/bearish state. High Brent quantiles tend to predict the lower BTC returns in its extremely bearish states. Finally, higher and lower EPU changes tend to predict lower and higher BTC returns when the market is in a bearish/bullish state (negative relationship).

Originality/value
There is generally a lack of understanding of the linkages between BTC, gold, oil and uncertainty index across multiple frequencies. This is, as far as the authors know, the first attempt to apply both the wavelet approach and a QQR method to examine the multiscale linkages among markets under study. The findings should encourage the relevant policymakers to consider these co-movements which vary over time and in duration when setting up regulations that deem to enhance the market efficiency.
From public to commercial service: State‐market hybridization in the UK visa and immigration permit infrastructure, 1997–2021
Authors: Nehring Daniel , Hu Yang 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThis article charts the transformation, between 1997 and 2021, of the family visa and immigration permit infrastructure from a public into a commercial service in the United Kingdom. In doing so, it reveals a process of state‐market hybridization underpinning the commercialization of migration regulation. Drawing on the analysis of legal archives, policy reports, and marketing materials directed at family migrants spanning 1997–2021, it presents fresh, systematic evidence of how, since 2007, a commercialized state‐market hybrid migration infrastructure for visas and immigration permits has developed in the UK. We show how the trend of state‐market hybridized commercialization has cascaded through three dimensions of migration infrastructure, as follows: (1) state and public immigration agencies, (2) outsourcing visa application firms, and (3) private immigration advisers. Predicated on this hybrid public–private commercial infrastructure, application procedures for visas and immigration permits have become increasingly reconstituted as commercial, rather than public, services. This transformation has created a new transactional logic that stratifies individuals' right to family life along socioeconomic lines.
Recent progress on graphene quantum dots‐based fluorescence sensors for food safety and quality assessment applications
Authors: Sharma Arumugam Selva , Ali Shujat , Sabarinathan Devaraj , Murugavelu Marimuthu , Li Huanhuan , Chen Quansheng 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe versatile photophysicalproperties, high surface‐to‐volume ratio, superior photostability, higher biocompatibility, and availability of active sites make graphene quantum dots (GQDs) an ideal candidate for applications in sensing, bioimaging, photocatalysis, energy storage, and flexible electronics. GQDs‐based sensors involve luminescence sensors, electrochemical sensors, optical biosensors, electrochemical biosensors, and photoelectrochemical biosensors. Although plenty of sensing strategies have been developed using GQDs for biosensing and environmental applications, the use of GQDs‐based fluorescence techniques remains unexplored or underutilized in the field of food science and technology. To the best of our knowledge, comprehensive review of the GQDs‐based fluorescence sensing applications concerning food quality analysis has not yet been done. This review article focuses on the recent progress on the synthesis strategies, electronic properties, and fluorescence mechanisms of GQDs. The various GQDs‐based fluorescence detection strategies involving Förster resonance energy transfer‐ or inner filter effect‐driven fluorescence turn‐on and turn‐off response mechanisms toward trace‐level detection of toxic metal ions, toxic adulterants, and banned chemical substances in foodstuffs are summarized. The challenges associated with the pretreatment steps of complex food matrices and prospects and challenges associated with the GQDs‐based fluorescent probes are discussed. This review could serve as a precedent for further advancement in interdisciplinary research involving the development of versatile GQDs‐based fluorescent probes toward food science and technology applications.
Drying dynamics of meat highlighting areas of relevance to dry‐aging of beef
Authors: Álvarez Sara , Álvarez Carlos , Hamill Ruth , Mullen Anne Maria , O'Neill Eileen 
Published: October 2021

AbstractDrying of foods is a processing step, which has a variety of outcomes from improving shelf life and product stability, to reducing weight, or to achieving a targeted product eating quality. Drying is key step in the manufacturing of some dried meat products, such as jerky. It is also a major event that occurs when beef is dry‐aged, where beef is exposed to air under defined conditions for an extended aging period. Although the conditions typically used to produce dried meat products are significantly different from those that prevail during dry‐aging, both involve a gradual removal of water from muscle. As there is a paucity of research on the kinetics of the dehydration process occurring during dry‐aging of beef, this paper comprehensively reviews models used to describe drying kinetics in other beef products, in order to gain insights regarding the key factors that impact water removal from meat. Consideration is given as to how the specific conditions during dry‐aging such as air flows used (approximately 2 m/s), high air relative humidity, low temperature, and meat geometry will influence the kinetics of the drying. With regard to modeling, equations derived from Fick's second law of diffusion (e.g., thin‐layer models) have been used to describe the drying kinetics of small‐sized meat products. However, to apply Fick's law to dry‐aging, some different considerations may need to be evaluated such as: tridimensional geometry (i.e., whole muscle); uniform initial moisture content; isotropic diffusion; negligible shrinkage;and a combination of internal and external resistances.
Hidden diversity revealed in the freshwater snails, Bythinella and Pseudamnicola, in the Island of Crete
Authors: LAMPRI Paraskevi Niki , BOURANTA Christina , RADEA Canella , PARMAKELIS Aristeidis 
Published: October 2021

AbstractCrete with its complex geomorphological history is the island with the highest number of endemism observed in animal and plant taxa throughout the Aegean archipelago. While other groups of organisms within Crete are well‐studied, the freshwater gastropod fauna still remains poorly investigated. Bythinella and Pseudamnicola, are 2 genera of freshwater springsnails, both present on the island, inhabiting springs and other freshwater habitats. Here, we conduct a comprehensive study on the distribution of the different genetic lineages of the 2 gastropod genera in order to assess the mode of their differentiation on the island and infer the actual number of species present in the island. Towards these aims, sequence data from the mitochondrial gene were used and analyzed within a phylogenetic framework. For Bythinella, our results strongly support at least 5 delineated Bythinella spp. inhabiting Crete, which correspond to the already described species from previous studies with the addition of a new one. Bythinella analyses reveal an old time‐frame of differentiation with vicariant phenomena being more likely the main drivers shaping the present‐day distribution of the genus’ genetic lineages. For Pseudamnicola, our data indicate the presence of at least 2 delineated Pseudamnicola spp. with a differentiation more consistent to an isolation‐by‐distance pattern of a relatively recent origin. Dispersion processes followed by isolation of the populations and/or recent speciation, seem to be the underlying process for the current distribution of Pseudamnicola lineages.
Bladder filling volume variation between the first and second day of planning computed tomography for prostate cancer radiation therapy and correlation with renal function
Authors: Ishibashi Naoya , Maebayashi Toshiya , Sakaguchi Masakuni , Aizawa Takuya , Okada Masahiro 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAimDuring radiation therapy (RT) for prostate cancer, bladder filling helps exclude the organ from irradiation and reduces adverse effects. For RT planning, we performed computed tomography (CT) for 2 consecutive days to evaluate inter‐day variations in organs such as the bladder. However, the patient factors that are associated with large intra‐patient variations in bladder filling volume prior to RT are not known.MethodsThis was a retrospective study of 97 prostate cancer patients who underwent CT for 2 consecutive days for RT planning between March 2015 and March 2020 and with confirmed water intake volume before the scans. Patients consumed 500 ml of water immediately after urination and underwent CT 30 min after the start of water intake; CT was performed under similar conditions over 2 consecutive days. Patient information was collected from the medical records taken before CT.ResultsThe median bladder filling volume was 102.8 cm3 (range: 31.7–774.0), and the median intra‐patient bladder filling volume variation was 23.4 cm3 (range: 0.4–277.7). Univariate analysis revealed that the intra‐patient variation was significantly larger in patients with an eGFR higher than the median (p = 0.003). No other factor showed correlations with the variation. As the larger bladder filling volume of the 2 consecutive days in patients increased (median 121.5 cm3, range: 47.8–774.0), the intra‐patient variation also increased.ConclusionPatients with a higher eGFR show greater variation in bladder filling volume, and caution should be exercised when applying RT in these patients.
Specific T cells targeting Staphylococcus aureus fibronectin‐binding protein 1 induce a type 2/type 1 inflammatory response in sensitized atopic dermatitis patients
Authors: Farag Ahmed K. , Roesner Lennart M. , Wieschowski Susanne , Heratizadeh Annice , Eiz‐Vesper Britta , Kwok William W. , Valenta Rudolf , Werfel Thomas 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundAtopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common inflammatory skin diseases worldwide and Staphylococcus aureus colonization and secondary infections occur in the majority of AD patients. Allergic sensitizations against microbial antigens have been discussed as possible trigger factors of AD. Recently, we reported IgE sensitization against fibronectin‐binding protein 1 (FBP1), an essential virulence component in S. aureus, in a subgroup of patients suffering from AD. To expand these findings by investigating delayed‐type immune reactions, the objective of this study was to detect and phenotypically characterize FBP1‐specific T cells as possible trigger factors in AD.MethodsImmunodominant T‐cell epitopes were mapped by proliferation testing of patient‐derived FBP1‐specific T‐cell lines after stimulation with single 15mer peptides, which were derived from different functional domains of the FBP1 sequence. Major histocompatibility complex class II tetramers carrying immunodominant epitopes successfully stained T helper cells in 8 out of 8 HLA‐matched, IgE‐sensitized AD patients.ResultsCytokine profiling of multimer‐sorted cells revealed that predominantly the type 2 cytokines IL‐13 and IL‐4 were secreted by these cells. In contrast, IL‐17, the marker cytokine for response to extracellular pathogens, was scarcely detectable.ConclusionsWe demonstrate that FBP1 contains immunodominant peptides that induce a specific pro‐inflammatory T helper cell response with increased Th2 levels that can drive an allergic inflammation in sensitized AD patients.
Laparoscopy as a Facilitator in the Early Diagnosis of a Mullerian Aplasia During Ordinary Surgery
Authors: Costa Eduardo Corrêa , Hemesath Tatiana Prade , Rombaldi Marcelo Costamilan , Carvalho Clarissa Gutierrez , Leite Julio Cesar Loguercio , Guaragna‐Filho Guilherme 
Published: October 2021

AbstractLaparoscopy was introduced more than 100 years ago. However, in some fields its use still meets resistance. Technology such as laparoscopy may help to identify rare and complex disorders, even in very ordinary procedures, such as inguinal hernia repair. This report highlighted the importance of early diagnosis of a complex condition using commonly available technology. To the best of our knowledge, there has not been a similar reported case in such a young patient during laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair.