bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Frequent coexistence of closely related tree species on a small scale in temperate evergreen forests in Japan
Authors: Watanabe Shuntaro , Maesako Yuri 
Published: February 2021

AbstractUnderstanding how biotic interaction affects species composition and distribution is a major challenge in community ecology. In plants, negative reproductive interaction among closely related species (i.e., reproductive interference) is known to hamper the coexistence of congenic species. Since the magnitude of reproductive interference in plants depends on pollen flow distance, we hypothesized that the coexistence of congeners on a small spatial scale would be less likely to occur by chance but that such coexistence would be likely to occur on a scale larger than pollen flow distance. In the present study, we tested this hypothesis using spatially explicit woody plant survey data. Contrary to our prediction, congenic tree species often coexisted at the finest spatial scale and significant exclusive distribution was not detected. Our results suggest that cooccurrence of congenic tree species is not structured by reproductive interference, and they indicate the need for further research to explore the factors that mitigate the effects of reproductive interference.
Leveraging competitiveness to develop optimal strategies: evidence from the restaurant industry
Authors: Chiu Chia-Ning 
Published: February 2021

PurposePerformance evaluation is a good way to improve competitiveness, and leveraging competitiveness is vital to developing optimal strategies and sustainable development for the growing restaurant industry in the USA and across the globe. This study can benefit from the methods to inform business strategies and decisions. Through the combination of two methods, this paper aims to provide novel perspectives to realize each restaurant company’s resource allocation and performance, to know their market position compared to with other competitors, and then to develop their own business strategies.Design/methodology/approachThis study proposes an application of slack-based measure (SBM) to determine input excesses and output shortfalls of the restaurant industry. Subsequently, context-dependent data envelopment analysis (DEA) is used to identify the level of each restaurant company and compute the relative attractiveness and progress scores for each restaurant at each level, positioning each restaurant company’s stance in their markets.FindingsThe empirical results reveal that management teams need to pay more attention to human resources, asset management and food cost control because the analysis of SBM model shows an opportunity for restaurant companies to adjust their hiring numbers to reach the optimal amount of employees. In addition, restaurant companies are categorized by their efficient frontiers into four levels using context-dependent DEA. Furthermore, the findings provide the four quadrants that each restaurant company falls into. Each of those four quadrants can guide the types of strategies a restaurant should adopt.Originality/valueThis study can help the publicly traded restaurant companies to identify their market position with target benchmarks, and then to develop optimal strategies and future plans for growth.
Measuring regional competitiveness on the basis of entrepreneurship, technological readiness and quality of institutions
Authors: Moirangthem Nirmalkumar Singh , Nag Barnali 
Published: February 2021

Purpose
Developing composite index-regional entrepreneurship, technological readiness and institution quality index (RETRIQ) of regional entrepreneurship, technology readiness and quality of institution to measure regional competitiveness. This study, also, aims to test econometrically the effectiveness of the index in capturing the economic performance of the sub-national regions.

Design/methodology/approach
The data of eight indicators used in the index are from sources available freely in the public domain. The causal relationship analysis is done using panel data of 10 years from 2008 to 2017 for 32 Indian states/union territories. The generalized method of moments (GMM) is used for this dynamic regression estimation.

Findings
Based on RETRIQ, 32 states and union territories of India have ranked. The estimation using GMM shows a significant association between the composite index and economic growth.

Research limitations/implications
The limitations of the study include the broad assumption that these sub-national regions belong to a uniform macro-economic and technology environment and data constraints as it is a longitudinal study. Then, the implication of the study is that the composite index-RETRIQ could capture differences in regional competitiveness explaining regional economic disparity.

Practical implications
The index will be useful for policy implications in the assessment of competitiveness disparity.

Originality/value
It is a composite index of regional entrepreneurship, technological readiness and quality of the institution. The panel data across states along 10 years series is novel.
Assessment of e-service quality performance of university libraries
Authors: Trivedi Dharmendra , Bhatt Atul , Trivedi Mayank , Patel Pankajray Vinodchandra 
Published: February 2021

Purpose
This empirical study aims to measure the performance of electronic service quality and related infrastructure in a state university library and suggests the strategies for further improvement based on this study.

Design/methodology/approach
The data collection was done through a survey questionnaire based on the 22 attributes of four e-Service quality dimensions rated on five-point Likert scale. The sample population consisted of 239 respondents comprising of different categories of users of university library.

Findings
The results of this study indicated that all four dimensions rated by the users fell between mean score 3 to 4 (good), the highest score was received in dimension online public access catalogue (OPAC) and internet service with followed by Library website, Library electronic equipment’s and e-User education. Out of total 22 e-Service quality attributes, none of the attributes received score above 4 (excellent), which indicates that still university library need to improve the current performance of e-Service quality and to take remedial steps to enhance the existing e-services and infrastructure.

Practical implications
Findings from this study could assist university library authority to sustain and enhance performance of e-Services that could achieve the core journey of the modern university libraries.

Originality/value
This study was the first endeavour for measurement of the performance of e-Service quality and related infrastructure of federal university libraries in India.
Dynamical shakedown analysis of high-rise tower structure
Authors: Zhang Guichen , Zhang Hongtao , Peng Heng , Liu Yinghua 
Published: February 2021

Purpose
High-rise tower structures supported by side frame structure and viscous damper in chemical industry can produce plasticity under dynamic loads, such as wind and earthquake, which will heavily influence the long-term safety operation. This paper aims to systematically study the optimization design of these structures by free vibration and dynamic shakedown analysis.

Design/methodology/approach
The transfer matrix method and Euler–Bernoulli beam vibration are used to study the free vibration characteristic of the simplified high-rise tower structure. Then the extended stress compensation method is used to construct the self-equilibrated stress by using the dynamic load vertexes and the lower bound dynamic shakedown analysis for the structure with viscous damper. Using the proposed method, comprehensive parametric studies and optimization are performed to examine the shakedown load of high-rise tower with various supported conditions.

Findings
The numerical results show that the supported frame stiffness, attached damper or spring parameters influence the free vibration and shakedown characters of high-rise tower very much. The dynamic shakedown load is lowered down quickly with external load frequency increasing to the fundamental natural frequency of the structure under spring supported condition, while changed little with the damping connection. The optimized location and parameter of support are obtained under dynamical excitations.

Research limitations/implications
In this study, the high-rise tower structure is simplified as a cantilever beam supported by a short cantilever beam and a damper under repeated dynamic load, and linear elasticity for solid is assumed for free vibration analysis. The current analysis does not account for effects such as large deformation, stochastic external load and nonlinear vibration conditions which will inevitably be encountered and affect the load capacity.

Originality/value
This study provides a comprehensive method for the dynamical optimization of high-rise tower structure by combining free vibration and shakedown analysis.
Understanding the components and magnitude of the cost of quality in building construction
Authors: Garg Sahil , Misra Sudhir 
Published: February 2021

PurposeThough the components and concepts of cost of quality (COQ) are well understood in the domain of manufacturing, only limited data are available from the construction industry for various reasons. The present study seeks to establish a relationship between project defect score (pds), representing the quality of construction in the project, and the COQ in the building construction industry. The study also seeks to estimate the contributions of the various components to the overall COQ in the construction industry, along with their distribution and interrelationships among themselves.Design/methodology/approachA framework for estimating COQ was developed, and the data regarding prevention, appraisal and failure cost were collected from 122 projects. Various mathematical and statistical tools like Pearson's correlation, multiple linear regression (MLR) and curve fitting have been used for data analysis.FindingsThe prevention–appraisal–failure (PAF) model was found to be appropriate to estimate COQ, and the prevention, appraisal, conformance cost (CC) and failure cost were found to vary between 0.19 and 8%, 0.05 and 5%, 0.3 and 10% and 0.01 and 5%, respectively, whereas the overall COQ varied from 3.5 to 10.01% of the project cost. The correlations between various components of COQ were found to be significant. MLR suggested that appraisal cost is more impactful in reducing failure cost than prevention cost. Using curve fitting, the cubic model appropriately represented all interrelationships. The optimal overall COQ was found to be 3.86%, and the reasons for low COQ have been explored.Originality/valueThe study evaluates the applicability of available models for COQ calculations for the construction industry and presents a framework to estimate its components. The study also explores the interrelationship between the various components of COQ and presents a generalized relationship between COQ and the pds.
Perfect social media image posts: symmetry and contrast influence consumer response
Authors: Kostyk Alena , Huhmann Bruce A. 
Published: February 2021

Purpose
Two studies investigate how different structural properties of images – symmetry (vertical and horizontal) and image contrast – affect social media marketing outcomes of consumer liking and engagement.

Design/methodology/approach
In Study 1’s experiment, 361 participants responded to social media marketing images that varied in vertical or horizontal symmetry and level of image contrast. Study 2 analyzes field data on 610 Instagram posts.

Findings
Study 1 demonstrates that vertical or horizontal symmetry and high image contrast increase consumer liking of social media marketing images, and that processing fluency and aesthetic response mediate these relationships. Study 2 reveals that symmetry and high image contrast improve consumer engagement on social media (number of “likes” and comments).

Research limitations/implications
These studies extend theory regarding processing fluency’s and aesthetic response’s roles in consumer outcomes within social media marketing. Image posts’ structural properties affect processing fluency and aesthetic response without altering brand information or advertising content.

Practical implications
Because consumer liking of marketing communications (e.g. social media posts) predicts persuasion and sales, results should help marketers design more effective posts and achieve brand-building and behavioral objectives. Based on the results, marketers are urged to consider the processing fluency and aesthetic response associated with any image developed for social media marketing.

Originality/value
Addressing the lack of empirical investigations in the existing literature, the reported studies demonstrate that effects of symmetry and image contrast in generating liking are driven by processing fluency and aesthetic response. Additionally, these studies establish novel effects of images’ structural properties on consumer engagement with brand-based social media marketing communications.
Environmental demands and resources: a framework for understanding the physical environment for work
Authors: Roskams Michael , Haynes Barry 
Published: February 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the extent to which Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) theory (Demeroutiet al., 2001; Bakker and Demerouti, 2017) is an appropriate conceptual framework for understanding the physical environment for work.Design/methodology/approachA conceptual analysis of the multidisciplinary workplace literature was performed to assess the core propositions of JD-R theory as they relate to the workplace environment.FindingsThe analysis confirms that the workplace environment can be viewed as a composite of environmental demands (which instigate a health impairment process) and environmental resources (which trigger an engagement process). Employees proactively try to improve the suitability of their workspace through environmental crafting, motivated by minimising demands and maximising resources.Originality/valueThe application of JD-R theory to the workplace environment fills a gap in the literature for a framework which captures the dynamic nature of the employee-workplace relationship.
Effectiveness of sustainability communication on social media: role of message appeal and message source
Authors: Kapoor Payal S. , Balaji M.S. , Jiang Yangyang 
Published: February 2021

Purpose
This study aims to examine the effectiveness of sustainability communication on social media. More specifically, the effects of message appeal (sensual vs guilt) and message source (hotel vs social media influencer [SMI]) on perceived environmental corporate social responsibility and the intention to stay at the eco-friendly hotel were examined.

Design/methodology/approach
Three studies using the experimental design were carried out. Study 1 examined the relationship between message appeal (sensual vs guilt), perceived environmental social corporate responsibility and the intention to stay at the eco-friendly hotel when the hotel posts sustainability messages on social media. Study 2 replicated Study 1 findings when the SMI posts sustainability messages. Study 3 examined the moderating role of message source (hotel vs influencer) in the effects of message appeal (sensual vs guilt) on behavioral intentions.

Findings
Sustainability messages with the sensual (vs guilt) appeal are more persuasive when the eco-friendly hotel (vs SMI) posts it on social media. Furthermore, the traveler’s perception of the hotel’s environmental corporate social responsibility mediates this relationship.

Research limitations/implications
This study extends the literature on sustainability communication by demonstrating the role of message source and message appeal in influencing the traveler’s perceptions and intentions toward eco-friendly hotels.

Practical implications
According to the study findings, eco-friendly hotels can motivate travelers to make pro-sustainable choices by accurately matching the message appeal with the message source in the sustainability communication on social media.

Originality/value
This study is one of the earliest studies that examine the congruency effect of message appeal and message source for sustainability communication on social media in the hospitality realm. The findings offer novel insights for eco-friendly hotels to develop effective sustainability communication on social media.
Energy conservation opportunities: evidences from three industrial clusters in India
Authors: Naik Shankara , Bagodi Virupaxi 
Published: February 2021

Purpose
The purpose of the paper is to examine the monitoring of electrical energy consumption, measures adopted for reducing energy consumption, barriers to energy efficiency improvement and driving forces for energy efficiency improvement in three industrial clusters. It is intends to capture the managerial perspectives on energy saving practices and to identify the possible energy saving opportunities in small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Design/methodology/approach
Three industrial clusters were identified for the study. Research instrument based in-person survey was conducted in which the authors directly administered the questionnaire to all the 181 organisations. This was thought of to facilitate not so well-educated respondents. The survey took about six months in which 110 units responded. Descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis and path analysis were used to draw inferences.

Findings
There is ample scope for energy savings in the studied clusters. Energy efficiency in many organisations has deteriorated. Their attitude to embrace new or modern technology is shunning. Management’s belief that prevailing technology is efficient, lack of skilled labour, lack of accessibility to updated or modern technology, and lack of compatibility of new technology are found to be the barriers to energy efficiency improvement. Benchmarking by appropriate governments and publicly financed energy auditing act as the driving forces.

Originality/value
The SMEs must use simple yet powerful energy auditing practices on regular basis to reduce energy consumption. This will not only result in lesser energy costs but also lessen the burden on environment. As these are predominantly small enterprises, appropriate governments interventions are essential to bring the desired change.
Protection of shareholders class rights in company law
Authors: Nwafor Anthony 
Published: February 2021

Purpose
A company that is registered with share capital may issue different classes of shares and may confer rights on members, which place them in different classes in the company’s organisational structure. This paper is concerned with the propensity for encroachment on such vested class rights as companies strive to wriggle out of business challenges spawn by the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study is to ascertain the extent of protection that the law accords to the different classes of shareholders and members in a company especially when the company seeks to vary the vested class rights.

Design/methodology/approach
A doctrinal methodology, which relies on existing literature, case law and statutory instruments, is adopted to explore the nature of class rights and the adequacies of the remedial measures availed by statute to the aggrieved bearers of class rights in the context of the South African Companies Act 71 of 2008 with inferences drawn from the UK companies statute and case law.

Findings
The findings indicate that accessing the remedies available to aggrieved shareholders under the relevant statutory provisions are fraught with conditionality, which could make them elusive to those who may seek to rely on such provisions to vindicate any encroachment on their class rights.

Practical implications
The paper embodies cogent information on the interpretation and application of the relevant statutory provisions geared at the protection of shareholders class rights, which should serve as guides to companies and the courts in dealing with matters that affect the vested class rights of shareholders and members of a company.

Originality/value
The paper shows that protections offered to classes of shareholders under the law can also be extended to classes of members who are not necessarily shareholders, and that shareholders who seek to vindicate their class rights may conveniently rely on Section 163 that provides for unfair prejudice remedy to avoid the onerous conditions under Section 164 of the South African Companies Act 71 of 2008, which directly deals with class rights.
Labour-friendly practices and value maximization: a SEM approach
Authors: Al-Tawil Tareq Na’el , Gantasala Venugopal Prabhakar , Younies Hassan 
Published: February 2021

PurposeThis paper aims to present a vital strand that is part and parcel of an informed discussion towards the adoption of labour-friendly practices (LFP). This study is intended to examine the influence of LFP on five dimensions: job performance (JP), employee satisfaction (ES), corporate governance (CG), customer satisfaction (CS) and organizational performance (OP).Design/methodology/approachThe study was conducted on top and middle-level management personnel in several companies across the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A total of 1,000 questionnaires was distributed personally and via email of which 366 usable responses were analysed using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling (SEM).FindingsThe results reinforce the premise that LFP positively and significantly influences value maximization.Originality/valueThis paper affirmed that what is good for the employees (or other stakeholders) is also good for shareholders, but within the constraints of an ideal context, where the shareholders subscribe to strict ethical principles and the stakeholders act with their moral agency intact. Thus, the discussion of LFP comprises not just about what is satisfying for the employees but also what is conducive for optimal value creation. The empirical findings were, however, more compatible within the agency theory framework because of the non-instrumentality that was observed too ideal and philosophical for the stakeholder theory of value creation.
The impact of the gender composition of company boards on firm performance
Authors: Soare Teodora-Maria , Detilleux Céline , Deschacht Nick 
Published: February 2021

PurposeThe authors estimate the effect of the gender composition of company boards on firm performance by exploiting variation in the percentage of women after the implementation of a 2011 Belgian policy reform, which introduced a gender quota for listed companies.Design/methodology/approachThe authors analyze the evolution of firm performance between companies that were subjected to the quota law and compare it with the performance of similar firms that were not subjected to the law. This difference-in-difference (DiD) approach allows the authors to avoid the potential bias resulting from unobserved firm characteristics.FindingsThe authors find that the quota policy resulted in the replacement of about one male director by a female one in the average firm between 2010 and 2017. However, this increase in diversity appears to have negatively affected some firm performance indicators. The authors find statistically significant negative effects for 10 out of the 23 financial indicators included in this study, while the other 13 indicators showed no significant effect.Originality/valueThe originality of this research lies in both the methodology and the findings. The policy reform that the authors study can be regarded as a natural experiment so that the DiD method provides estimates of the causal effect of the gender composition of company boards on firm performance. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that presents causal evidence of negative effects of gender quota on organizational performance. These results cast doubts on the business case argument for gender quota and show that results from correlational studies are likely to be biased upward.