bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Building a framework towards climate-smart agriculture in the Yangambi landscape, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
Authors: Mangaza Lisette , Sonwa Denis Jean , Batsi Germain , Ebuy Jérôme , Kahindo Jean-Marie 
Published: August 2021

PurposeThis paper aims to produce a framework for climate-smart agriculture (CSA) in the Yangambi landscape, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This would enable the authors to identify agricultural practices, assess vulnerability to climate change, identify options for improving agricultural systems from a climate change mitigation and adaptation perspective and finally provide climate-smart agricultural options.Design/methodology/approachThe study used household survey methods of data collection. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire survey by interviewing 250 farm households, subdivided using three axes of the Yangambi landscape. Fisher’s exact test was used to determine relationships between two or more variables.FindingsResults of the survey revealed that the vast majority (98%) of respondents perceived changes in temperature, rainfall and weather patterns. Reduction of crop yields and the emergence of new weed species and new crop pests are the main impacts on agricultural activities. Although 87.6% of respondents have no means of adaptation and resilience, some of them use crops rotation, fallow practice, fertilizers and bio-pesticides. A framework for CSA is proposed for the Yangambi landscape.Practical implicationsPolicies and strategies to promote CSA in the study area should take into account local farmers' perceptions of climate change and consider first the adequacy of CSA practices for the specific conditions of the target area before its promotion. This study is thus useful for many REDD+ initiatives that are currently being promoted in DRC and particularly in the Tshopo Province.Originality/valueThis study is one of the first studies to focus on CSA in the Yangambi landscape, DRC. It assists the use of agriculture as a response to reducing deforestation while at the same time lowering agriculture’s carbon footprint and promoting a resilient and more productive farming system.
Journey's end: a dynamic framework of entrepreneurial processes and capitals relating to early stage business exit
Authors: Hanage Richard , Stenholm Pekka , Scott Jonathan M. , Davies Mark A.P. 
Published: August 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to respond to the call by McMullen and Dimov (2013) for a clearer understanding of entrepreneurial journeys by investigating the entrepreneurial capitals and micro-processes of seven young early stage entrepreneurs who all exited their businesses within 3 years of start-up.Design/methodology/approachThe authors analysed empirical data from concurrent in-depth interviews which generated rich longitudinal case studies. Theory-building then led to a proposed “Longitudinal Dynamic Process Framework” of entrepreneurial goals, processes and capitals.FindingsThe framework builds on prior studies by integrating entrepreneurial processes and decisions into two feedback loops based on continuous review and learning. It thereby enhances understanding of the dynamics of new business development and unfolds the early stage ventures entrepreneurs' business exits.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings are based on a small purposive sample. However, the main implication for research and theory is showing how the entrepreneurial capitals are dynamic and influenced by entrepreneurs' environment, and also separating entrepreneurs' personal issues from their business issues.Practical implicationsThe findings challenge some assumptions of policymakers and offer new insights for practitioners and early stage entrepreneurs. These include having more realistic case-studies of the entrepreneurial journey, recognizing the need to be agile and tenacious to cope with challenges, understanding how capitals can interact in complementary ways and that entrepreneurial processes can be used to leverage them at appropriate stages of the start-ups.Originality/valueThe concurrent longitudinal analysis and theory-building complements extant cross-sectional studies by identifying and analysing the detailed processes of actual business start-ups and exits. The proposed framework thereby adds coherence to earlier studies and helps to explain early stage entrepreneurial development, transformation of capitals and business exit.
Determination of criteria for assessing the quality of training future specialists for higher education
Authors: Sokorutova Ludmila , Prodanova Natalia , Ponomareva Inna , Volodin Oleg 
Published: August 2021

PurposeThe most important problem for higher education in the post-COVID period is the production of highly qualified specialists for the labor market. The purpose of this study is to determine effective criteria for assessing the quality of training of future specialists and the adequacy of their readiness to solve real problems of the future specialty.Design/methodology/approachA study was carried out among students in order to determine some of the most important characteristics of them as future specialists. Based on the survey results, non-academic indicators were identified that participants perceive as significant for a highly professional employee. The empirical study included 300 undergraduate students from four universities (66% women and 34% men aged 20–21). All participants represent full-time training.FindingsThe survey showed that the participants identified the ability to learn and personal development as the most significant personal qualities.Originality/valueMany criteria for assessing the quality of training of specialists in different professional fields have not been precisely defined. Several ways of solving this problem can be proposed: developing criteria for assessing quality in hiring; revising the methods of work of universities; presenting to students the criteria for development in the profession or adopting international criteria for assessing pedagogical quality.
Estimation of gravity parameters for multi-DOF serial manipulator arms using model learning with sparsity inducing norms
Authors: Yu Chenglong , Li Zhiqi , Yang Dapeng , Liu Hong , Lynch Alan F. 
Published: August 2021

PurposeThis study aims to propose a novel method based on model learning with sparsity inducing norms for estimating dynamic gravity terms of the serial manipulators. This method is realized by operating the robot, acquiring data and filtering the features in signal acquisition to adapt to the dynamic gravity parameters.Design/methodology/approachThe core principle of the method is to analyze the dictionary composition of the basis function of the model based on the dynamic equation and the Jacobian matrix of an arm. According to the structure of the basis function and the sparsity of the features, combined with joint-angle and driving-torque data acquisition, the effective features of dynamic gravity parameters are screened out using L1-norm optimization and learning algorithms.FindingsThe theoretical analysis revealed that training data obtained based on joint angles and driving torques could rapidly update dynamic gravity parameters. The simulation experiment was carried out by using the publicly available robot model and compared with the previous disassembly method to evaluate the feasibility and performance. The real 7-degree of freedom (DOF) industrial manipulator was used to further discuss the effects of the feature selection. The results show that this estimation method can be fully operational and efficient in industrial applications.Research limitations/implicationsThis approach is applicable to most serial robots with multi-DOF and the dynamic gravity parameters of the robot are estimated through learning and optimization. The method does not require prior knowledge of the robot arm structure and only requires joint-angle and driving-torque data acquisition under low-speed motion. Furthermore, as it is a data-driven-based method, it can be applied to gravity parameters updating.Originality/valueDifferent from previous general robot dynamic modelling methods, the sparsity of the analytical form of dynamic equations was exploited and model learning was formulated as a convex optimization problem to achieve effective gravity parameters screening. The novelty of this estimation approach is that the method does not only require any prior knowledge but also does not require a specifically designed trajectory. Thus, this method can avoid the laborious work of parameter calibration and the induced modelling errors. By using a data-driven learning approach, the new parameter updating process can be completed conveniently when the robot carries additional mass or the end-effector changes for different tasks.
Ecosystem network health and SMEs’ credit quality
Authors: Song Hua , Chen Sijie , Yu Kangkang 
Published: August 2021

PurposeIn industrial and business-to-business (B2B) marketing research, a business network ecosystem is an important antecedent of small- and medium-sized enterprises’ (SMEs’) performance. The purpose of this study is to clarify the direct and indirect effects of ecosystem network health on SMEs’ credit quality.Design/methodology/approachThe data is collected from a survey of operations managers and financial managers of 282 SMEs in China. Structural equation modeling is used to test the hypotheses, and latent moderated structural equations are used to estimate the moderating effect model.FindingsThis research indicates that ecosystem network health can directly affect SMEs’ credit quality and have an indirect impact on credit quality through value co-creation capability. In addition, better informal institutional arrangements in the ecosystem can amplify the positive effects of network health and value co-creation capability on SMEs’ credit quality.Originality/valueFrom an ecosystem perspective, it is necessary to bring the ecosystem characteristics into business scenario and explore their impacts on SMEs’ financing behaviors. This study contributes to B2B marketing research in terms of investigating the role played by ecosystem characteristics and value co-creation capability.
Do bank regulations matter for financial stability? Evidence from a developing economy
Authors: Atellu Antony Rahim , Muriu Peter , Sule Odhiambo 
Published: August 2021

PurposeThis paper aims to establish the effect of bank regulations on financial stability in Kenya. Specifically, the study seeks to uncover the effect of micro and macro prudential regulations on financial stability and their trade-offs or complementarities.Design/methodology/approachUsing annual time series data over the period 1990–2017, the study uses structural equation model (SEM) estimation technique. This solves the problem of approximating measurement errors, using both latent constructs and indicator constructs.FindingsStudy findings reveal that macro and micro prudential regulations are significant drivers of financial stability. Further, prudential regulations are more effective when they complement each other.Research limitations/implicationsThis study centers on how bank regulations affect financial stability. Future research could be carried out on the effect of Non-Bank Financial Institutions regulations on financial system stability.Practical implicationsComplementing macro and micro prudential regulation is more effective and efficient in ensuring stability of the financial system other than letting the two policy objectives operate independently.Social implicationsRegulatory authorities should introduce prudential regulations that would encourage innovations in the banking sector. This ensures easy deposit mobilization that enhances financial inclusion. Prudential regulations that ensure financial stability will be effective when low income earners are included in the financial system.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to investigate the role of banking regulations on financial stability. This study is also pioneering in the use of SEM estimation technique, in examining how prudential regulations affect financial stability. Previous cross-country studies have focused on macro prudential regulations ignoring the importance of micro prudential regulations.
Four challenges to Confucian virtue ethics in technology
Authors: Bay Morten 
Published: August 2021

PurposeAs interest in technology ethics is increasing, so is the interest in bringing schools of ethics from non-Western philosophical traditions to the field, particularly when it comes to information and communication technology. In light of this development and recent publications that result from it, this paper aims to present responds critically to recent work on Confucian virtue ethics (CVE) and technology.Design/methodology/approachFour critiques are presented as theoretical challenges to CVE in technology, claiming that current literature insufficiently addresses: overall applicability, collective ethics issues, epistemic overconfidence within technology corporations and amplification of epistemic overconfidence by the implementation of CVE. These challenges make use of general CVE literature and work on technology critique, political philosophy, epistemology and business ethics.FindingsImplementing CVE in technology may yield some benefits, but these may be outweighed by other outcomes, include strengthening hierarchies, widening inequities, increasing, rather than limiting, predictive activity, personal data collection, misinformation, privacy violations and challenges to the democratic process.Originality/valueThough not directly advocating against CVE, the paper reveals hitherto unidentified and serious issues that should be addressed before CVE are used to inform ethics guidelines or regulatory policies. It also serves as a foundation for further inquiry into how Eastern philosophy more broadly can inform technology ethics in the West.
A mixed-method evaluation of video interaction guidance (VIG) delivered by early-years workers in a socially disadvantaged urban community
Authors: Chakkalackal Lauren , Rosan Camilla , Corfield Freya , Stavrou Stavros , Kennedy Hilary , Bou Camille , Breedvelt Josefien 
Published: August 2021

Purpose
The transition to parenthood can pose challenges for women and men, and these are heightened in the context of social disadvantage (e.g. poverty, deprivation, social exclusion, housing instability and disabilities). There is mounting evidence that video-feedback approaches can provide a valuable buffer against such adverse outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the acceptability and preliminary clinical impact of video interaction guidance (VIG), delivered by health visitors and community support workers in a socially disadvantaged London borough, selected due to its multiple indices of deprivation predicting child and maternal adversity.

Design/methodology/approach
The study followed a non-randomised, before-and-after evaluation design. Health visitors and community support workers were trained in VIG delivery following the VIG Association-UK protocol. Families with infants under 12 months were conveniently recruited and received six weekly home-based sessions of VIG. The primary outcome was the acceptability of the intervention, assessing parents’ experiences using semi-structured interviews post-intervention. Clinical outcome measures were recorded pre-and post-intervention to yield preliminary evidence on intervention effectiveness.

Findings
In total, 23 families partook in the study, of which 19 completed the pre- and post-VIG quantitative analysis and 6 also completed the post-VIG qualitative interviews. Qualitative analyses documented high rates of acceptability and perceived improvement in family well-being. Preliminary outcome data indicated that completing the VIG intervention was associated with decreased parental anxiety and depression and increased parental confidence, parent-infant relationship quality, as well as an improvement in infant social and emotional development. However, the selective nature of convenience sampling limits the generalisability of the findings. The non-randomised design of the evaluation implies that findings can only be interpreted as preliminary evidence of intervention effectiveness. These considerations are addressed in the discussion.

Originality/value
The results of this study provide preliminary evidence of the acceptability and effectiveness of VIG delivery by health visitors and community support workers to new parents in socially disadvantaged urban communities. However, this study must be pursued further to be evaluated with larger, randomised samples to further explore the generalisability of VIG effectiveness in such settings.
SEC’s disclosure effectiveness initiative reshapes MD&A disclosure requirements
Authors: Parrino Richard J. 
Published: August 2021

Purpose
This article examines rule amendments issued by the US Securities and Exchange Commission in November 2020, as part of the SEC’s ongoing “disclosure effectiveness initiative”, that revise in significant respects the requirements for financial disclosures presented in SEC filings as Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Design/methodology/approach
This article provides an in-depth analysis of the rule amendments in the context of contrasting perspectives expressed by the SEC, individual SEC Commissioners who dissented from adoption of the amendments, and market participants regarding the merits of the SEC’s movement away from prescriptive disclosure requirements towards a more principles-based approach to disclosure.

Findings
Although the SEC’s rules have long reflected a mix of principles-based and prescriptive disclosure elements, the principles-based emphasis in this latest stage of the SEC’s disclosure modernization project accords the managements of filing companies greater latitude to determine whether financial information is material to investors and how such information should be presented.

Originality/value
This article provides expert guidance on a major new SEC disclosure development from an experienced securities lawyer.
LIBOR transition: challenges for Islamic finance transactions
Authors: Ali Jawad , Rainey Michael , Saghari Asal 
Published: August 2021

Purpose
To examine the implications of the cessation of LIBOR in the context of Islamic finance transactions and to suggest potential solutions for the Shari’ah-compliant use of near risk-free reference rates (RFRs) in such transactions.

Design/methodology/approach
Provides an overview of the main regulatory changes by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to LIBOR, a review of the key details regarding the cessation of LIBOR and specific risk factors, a discussion of core concepts of Islamic finance and the unique challenges that the models face considering the LIBOR reforms, and an outline of several innovative solutions that can be utilized by organizations and institutions to overcome the potential complexities of the LIBOR reforms.

Findings
The financing component of a seller’s profit margin in a murabaha transaction may be calculated using LIBOR, a forward-looking rate. LIBOR as a financing rate benchmark is being replaced by RFRs, which are backward-looking rates. A possible way to use RFRs in a murabaha transaction might be to recalculate the seller’s profit margin depending on actual RFRs during the financing period with the seller offering appropriate rebates to the buyer.

Originality/value
Expert guidance from experienced corporate, financing, investment, and Islamic financing lawyers.
Using a social marketing approach to develop a pro-diversity intervention
Authors: Brauer Markus , Dumesnil Anissa , Campbell Mitchell Robert 
Published: August 2021

Purpose
Despite more than half a century of academic research, relatively few methods have been shown to reliably improve intergroup relations in the real world. This paper aims to use a social marketing approach to design a pro-diversity intervention in a university setting.

Design/methodology/approach
We conducted extensive qualitative, quantitative and observational background research to identify elements that would increase the effectiveness of the intervention. Focus groups and surveys allowed us to identify a target audience, target behaviors and the relevant barriers and benefits.

Findings
The background research suggested increasing inclusive behavior would have a greater impact than reducing discriminatory behavior. Based on this research, this paper determined an optimal target audience was students who had relatively positive attitudes toward diversity but engaged in few inclusive behaviors. This paper used relevant theories from the behavioral sciences to design an intervention that promoted a small set of inclusive behaviors and that addressed the relevant barriers and benefits. The intervention took the form of a single page of targeted messages that instructors can add to their course syllabi. The page communicates injunctive and descriptive norms, highlights the benefits of behaving inclusively and provides concrete behavioral advice.

Originality/value
The research applies the social marketing approach to a novel domain. This approach represents a new way to advance diversity, equity and inclusion through promoting inclusive and reducing discriminatory behavior.
From little seeds to a big tree: a far-reaching assessment of the integrated reporting stream
Authors: Lopes Ana Isabel , Penela Daniela 
Published: August 2021

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide the first assessment of the integrated reporting (IR) stream using a broad sample of publications separated into research scopes (accounting and non-core accounting journals) and using a longitudinal perspective. This study proposes to identify its main contributors, evidencing both individual and collaborative work.

Design/methodology/approach
Bibliometric tools supported by a milestone approach to IR history were used to address the first two research questions on the growth of this stream per scope. Density maps on keyword co-occurrence provided insights into the third question aimed at assessing differences in the scopes’ research topics. The number of publications, citation-based metrics and network analysis based on co-authorship allowed us to answer the last question regarding the top contributors.

Findings
The results endorse the acknowledged interest in this stream, exposing its incredible growth, which already amounts to over 1,000 different scholars, 200 distinguished journals and 7,600 citations across 540 peer-reviewed publications. With the accounting scope leading on citation frequency and the non-core accounting having more publications, an almost picture-perfect circle in a pooled density map supports the field’s advocated interdisciplinarity with its distinctive contributions. Finally, the cluster analysis revealed that 140 publications belong exclusively to 10 research clusters that contribute to more than half of the total citation count.

Originality/value
This rich analysis combines visualizing techniques with in-depth bibliometrics to provide the first far-reaching collation of publications on IR to offer a complementary view on this dynamic interdisciplinary stream.