bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A structural equation model for knowledge sharing behavior in an emerging economy
Authors: Youssef Mohamed , Haak-Saheem Washika , Youssef Eyad M. 
Published: June 2017

PurposeKnowledge sharing behaviour is becoming one of the main priorities in organizations operating in emerging economies, as knowledge sharing behaviour may impact their competitiveness. The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of: openness and trust; top management support; and the reward system on knowledge sharing behaviour. In addition, the paper investigates how knowledge sharing behaviour impacts firm’s competitiveness.Design/methodology/approachThe analyses in this paper were based on data from more than 230 companies operating in five industries in an emerging economy in the Gulf area. Structural equation modelling (SEM) methodology was used to test the impact of the three independent latent variables of openness and trust, top management support and the reward system on the knowledge sharing behaviour as well as the impact of the later on firm’s competitiveness.FindingsExploratory factor as well as confirmatory factor analysis were used to assess the five dimensions of knowledge sharing behaviour and firm’s competitiveness. SEM was used to test the four main hypotheses in this study and to assess the structural relationships among these five latent variables. There was a moderate relationship between the knowledge sharing behaviour and the three independent latent variables of openness and trust; top management support; and the reward system. There was a strong positive association between knowledge sharing behaviour and firm’s competitiveness.Practical implicationsFor academics, the paper offers an opportunity to further study knowledge sharing behaviour in other emerging economies. Academics who are interested in examining this issue further may extend our study in many directions. For practitioners, our findings should motivate practitioners to place emphasis on top management support, openness and trust and the reward system to create a proper culture for knowledge creation and sharing.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first attempt in its purpose and design to study knowledge sharing behaviour in multiple industries in an emerging economy such as that of Saudi Arabia.
Knowledge management ecological approach: a cross-discipline case study
Authors: Cheng Lee , Leong Samuel 
Published: June 2017

Purpose
The growing needs of interdisciplinary research have been hindered by implementation difficulties because of factors such as the availability and distribution of related knowledge. Knowledge management could be a viable solution to address the problems of interdisciplinary research and further its synergic effect by optimizing the use of knowledge across different disciplines. A knowledge management ecological (KME) approach that facilitates the study of knowledge management in discourses between different disciplines was proposed and applied in a case study within an interdisciplinary environment comprising three disciplines: software development, software business and music education.

Design/methodology/approach
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with three groups of key informants to examine the knowledge management processes within the environment.

Findings
The findings reveal the details of knowledge management activities in each of the three disciplines, but the lack of collaboration between them limits the opportunity for a synergistic effect to benefit the cross-discipline environment.

Originality/value
This study shows how the KME approach can be used to deepen the interdisciplinary understanding of knowledge management within and between different disciplines.
General performance factors and group differences in assessment center ratings
Authors: Buckett Anne , Becker Jürgen Reiner , Roodt Gert 
Published: June 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to establish the extent of general performance factors (GPF) in assessment center (AC) exercises and dimensions. The study further aims to determine if larger GPF contributes to larger ethnic group differences across exercises and dimensions that are more cognitively loaded in an emerging market context.Design/methodology/approachThe authors analyzed data across three independent AC samples (Sample 1:N=172; Sample 2:N=281; Sample 3:N=428). The Schmid-Leiman solution was used to determine the extent of GPF in AC exercises and dimensions. An independent samplest-test and Cohen’sdwas used to determine the size of ethnic group differences across exercises and dimensions.FindingsThe results indicate that GPF is consistently large for the in-basket exercise. Furthermore, dimensions that are more cognitively loaded, such as problem solving, strategic thinking, and business acumen, seem to produce the largest ethnic group differences. Overall, the research indicates that larger GPF is associated with larger ethnic group differences in relation to specific AC dimensions and exercises.Originality/valueThe authors add to the literature by investigating the prevalence of a GPF in AC ratings across AC exercises and dimensions. A novel contribution of the research attempts to link the prevalence of a GPF in AC ratings to group membership in South Africa. The study offers an alternative statistical analysis procedure to examine GPF in AC ratings.
Project management issues: vulnerability management assessment
Authors: Aleksic Aleksandar , Puskaric Hrvoje , Tadic Danijela , Stefanovic Miladin 
Published: June 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the vulnerability of projects implemented in enterprises. The paper focuses on the issue of vulnerability assessment in the planning stages of a project, before its realization.

Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, the realization of the project has been analyzed through the phases of delivery, and the fuzzy approach has been deployed for mathematical modeling of uncertainties. An appropriate expert and management team has assessed the variables of the project’s vulnerability by using linguistic expressions, as this way of assessment is close to the human way of thinking. The model of project’s vulnerability assessment has been verified on real life data by means of an illustrative example.

Findings
A very significant part of business operations in enterprises all over the world is realized through the practice of project management. In daily business practice, project activities may be exposed to different risk sources. These risks may be studied from different perspectives, but without reevaluation, risk sources increase the vulnerability of projects as well as of the whole enterprise.

Originality/value
The results of the analysis of the obtained data gives good direction to future research in the scope of vulnerability management in the enterprises oriented to long-term sustainability.
Evaluation and zoning of various urban land spaces based on restrictive indicators: the case of Shanghai, China
Authors: Wang Hefeng , Cao Yuan , Liu Xinxia , Yang Yantao 
Published: June 2017

Purpose
Using Shanghai as an example, the purpose of this paper is to perform grade evaluation and zoning for different land use spaces by GIS by identifying the major restrictive factors in current socio-economic development.

Design/methodology/approach
Based on short plate theory, 11 major restrictive indicators that will restrict socio-economic development in Shanghai are identified, and urban land is divided into four subspaces and the restrictive grade evaluation of urban land subspace is achieved with GIS spatial analysis; then, land development zoning is processed according to the results of the evaluation.

Findings
In all, 11 major restrictive indicators that will restrict socio-economic development in Shanghai are identified. The restrictive grades of the agricultural production, urban construction and ecological protection subspaces are mainly common, weak and weaker, and the relatively strong restrictive grade of industrial development subspace is mainly concentrated in the more developed industrial districts (counties). The areas of the common and good regions of constructive development and ecological development zones account for 87.4 and 98.3 per cent of each total area, respectively, and urban land still has significant development potential in Shanghai.

Originality/value
This paper proposes various urban land space evaluations and zoning strategies based on restrictive indicators and perspectives, enriching the ideas and methods of urban land use evaluation.
Preparation of TiO2/ZnO composite catalysts and their photocatalytic activity for degradation of pentachlorophenol
Authors: Xie Juan , Hao Yongjing , Li Meixia , Lian Yiwei , Bian Li 
Published: June 2017

Purpose
This paper aims to report a novel preparation method of titanium dioxide (TiO2)/zinc oxide (ZnO) composites with different mole ratios of TiO2:ZnO and their photocatalytic activity.

Design/methodology/approach
TiO2/ZnO composites are prepared by a facile route. X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and ultra-violet–visible diffuse reflectance spectra (UV-vis DRS) are used to characterize the products. Photocatalytic activity of the samples is evaluated by degradation of persistent organic pollutant pentachlorophenol under ultra-violet (UV) irradiation.

Findings
It is found that all the as-prepared TiO2/ZnO composites not only have good catalytic activity under UV light irradiation, but also have excellent circulation stability. The optimal mole ratio of TiO2:ZnO is 0.75:1.

Originality/value
This report presents a simple and rapid method for the preparation of TiO2/ZnO composites with excellent photocatalytic activity. Experimental results could provide useful reference for the treatment of chlorophenols in the future.
The stability of the casein–gluconate matrix in reduced‐lactose kefir with soluble fraction polysaccharides containing β‐glucan from Pleurotus ostreatus
Authors: Cais‐Sokolińska Dorota , Stachowiak Barbara , Kaczyński Łukasz K , Bierzuńska Paulina , Górna Barbara 
Published: June 2017

In this experimental study, the soluble fraction of polysaccharides (SFP) was isolated from the fruiting bodies of Pleurotus ostreatus mushrooms, to stabilise the casein–gluconate kefir matrix. Soluble fraction of polysaccharides dissolved in water or in milk was added to the lactose‐reduced milk (0.5% w/v). Fermentation was carried out at 22 °C (to pH 4.4, 31°SH). Kefirs with SFP dissolved in the milk showed higher firmness, cohesiveness and consistency than the control kefir. The dissolving of SFP in the milk reduced spontaneous whey syneresis and prevented changes in water holding capacity. Soluble fraction of polysaccharides decreased the feeling of prickling in the kefirs and their mouth‐coating properties.
Beyond protest and discontent: A cross‐national analysis of the effect of populist attitudes and issue positions on populist party support
Authors: VAN HAUWAERT STEVEN M. , VAN KESSEL STIJN 
Published: June 2017

AbstractStudies on populist parties – or ‘supply‐side populism’ more generally – are numerous. Nevertheless, the connection with demand‐side dynamics, and particularly the populist characteristics or tendencies of the electorate, requires more scholarly attention. This article examines in more detail the conditions underlying the support for populist parties, and in particular the role of populist attitudes amongst citizens. It asks two core questions: (1) are populist party supporters characterised by stronger populist attitudes than other party supporters, and (2) to what extent do populist (and other) attitudes contribute to their party preference? The analysis uses fixed effect models and relies on a cross‐sectional research design that uses unique survey data from 2015 and includes nine European countries. The results are threefold. First, in line with single‐country studies, populist attitudes are prominent among supporters of left‐ and right‐wing populist parties in particular. Second, populist attitudes are important predictors of populist party support in addition to left‐wing socioeconomic issue positions for left‐wing populist parties, and authoritarian and anti‐immigration issue positions for right‐wing populist parties. Third, populist attitudes moderate the effect of issue positions on the support for populist parties, particularly for individuals whose positions are further removed from the extreme ends of the economic or cultural policy scale. These findings suggest that strong populist attitudes may encourage some voters to support a populist party whose issue positions are incongruous with their own policy‐related preferences.
Effect of ethnicity on clinical presentation and risk of antiphospholipid syndrome in Roma and Caucasian patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a multicenter cross‐sectional study
Authors: Manzano‐Gamero Victoria , Pardo‐Cabello Alfredo J. , Vargas‐Hitos José A. , Zamora‐Pasadas Mónica , Navarrete‐Navarrete Nuria , Sabio José M. , Jáimez‐Gámiz Laura , Ríos‐Fernandez Raquel , Ortego‐Centeno Norberto , Ayala‐Gutierrez M. Mar , de Ramón Enrique , Colodro‐Ruíz Agustín , Micó‐Giner Luisa , Castillo‐Palma María J. , Robles‐Marhuenda Ángel , Luna‐Del Castillo Juan de Dios , Jiménez‐Alonso Juan ,   the Spanish Autoimmune Diseases Study Group (GEAS)
Published: June 2017

AbstractAimTo determine if there are ethnic differences in the prevalence of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), clinical presentation and autoantibody profile between Roma and Caucasian patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).MethodA cross‐sectional study was conducted including data from Roma and Caucasian SLE patients consecutively attending six hospitals in Spain. Socio‐demographic characteristics, prevalence of APS, clinical and analytical features of SLE and APS were compared between ethnic groups.ResultsData from 52 Roma and 98 Caucasian SLE patients were included. Roma SLE patients had a higher risk (odds ratio 2.56, 95% CI 1.02–6.39) and prevalence of APS (28.8% vs. 13.3%, P = 0.027). Furthermore, Roma SLE patients had a statistically significant higher prevalence of abortions (23.5% vs. 10.2%, P = 0.049). In relation to other APS diagnostic criteria, Roma SLE patients had a non‐statistically significant higher prevalence of fetal deaths (14.3% vs. 5.1%, P = 0.106) and thrombotic events (21.1% vs. 12.2%, P = 0.160). In relation to SLE clinical features, Roma patients had a significantly higher prevalence of arthritis (75% vs. 57.1%, P = 0.034) and non‐significant higher prevalence of serositis (44.2% vs. 29.6%, P = 0.104), discoid lesions (11.5% vs. 5.1%, P = 0.191), oral ulcers (46.1% vs. 34.7%, P = 0.218) and livedo reticularis (21.1% vs. 15.3%, P = 0.374). No statistically significant differences were found in the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics Damage Index or the autoimmune serological profile.ConclusionPrevalence and risk of APS were significantly higher in Roma SLE patients. Furthermore, Roma patients had a significantly higher prevalence of abortions and a non‐significant higher prevalence of fetal deaths and thrombotic events.
Inference of selection gradients using performance measures as fitness proxies
Authors: Franklin Oliver D. , Morrissey Michael B. 
Published: June 2017

Summary

Selection coefficients, i.e. selection differentials and gradients, are useful for quantifying selection and for making comparisons across traits and organisms, because they appear in known equations for relating selection and genetic variation to one another and to evolutionary change. However, selection coefficients can only be estimated in organisms where traits and fitness (components) can be measured. This is probably a major contributor to taxonomic biases of selection studies. Aspects of organismal performance, i.e. quantities that are likely to be positively related to fitness components, such as body size, are sometimes used as proxies for fitness, i.e. used in place of fitness components in regression‐based selection analysis. To date, little theory exists to inform empirical studies about whether such procedures may yield selection coefficients with known relationships to genetic variation and evolution.

We show that the conditions under which performance measures can be used as proxies for fitness are very limited. Such analyses require that the regression of fitness on the proxy is linear and goes through the origin. We illustrate how fitness proxies may be used in conjunction with information about the performance–fitness relationship, and clarify how this is different from substituting fitness proxies for fitness components in selection analyses.

We apply proxy‐based and fitness component‐based selection analysis to a system where traits, a performance measure (size; similar to proxies that are commonly used in place of fitness), and a more proximate fitness measure, are all available on the same set of individuals. We find that proxy‐based selection gradients are poorly reflective of selection gradients estimated using fitness components, even when proxy–fitness relationships are quite strong and reasonably linear.

We discuss the implications for proxy‐based selection analysis. We emphasise that measures of organismal performance, such as size, may in many cases provide useful information that can contribute to quantitative inferences about natural selection, and their use could allow quantitative inference about selection to be conducted in a wider range of taxa. However, such inferences require quantitative analysis of both trait–performance and performance–fitness relationships, rather than substitution of performance for measures of fitness or fitness components.
Dietary α‐ketoglutarate supplementation improves hepatic and intestinal energy status and anti‐oxidative capacity of Cherry Valley ducks
Authors: Guo Shuangshuang , Duan Rui , Wang Lei , Hou Yongqing , Tan Linglin , Cheng Qiang , Liao Man , Ding Binying 
Published: June 2017

Abstractα‐Ketoglutarate (AKG) is an extensively used dietary supplement in human and animal nutrition. The aim of the present study was to investigate effects of dietary AKG supplementation on the energy status and anti‐oxidative capacity in liver and intestinal mucosa of Cherry Valley ducks. A total of 80 1‐day‐old ducks were randomly assigned into four groups, in which ducks were fed basal diets supplemented with 0% (control), 0.5%, 1.0% and 1.5% AKG, respectively. Graded doses of AKG supplementation linearly decreased the ratio of adenosine monophosphate (AMP) to adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the liver, but increased ATP content and adenylate energy charge (AEC) in a quadratic and linear manner, respectively (P < 0.05). Increasing dietary AKG supplemental levels produced linear positive responses in ATP content and AEC, and negative responses in AMP concentration, the ratio of AMP to ATP and total adenine nucleotide in the ileal mucosa (P < 0.05). All levels of dietary AKG reduced the production of jejunal hydrogen peroxide and hepatic malondialdehyde (P < 0.05). Hepatic and ileal messenger RNA expression of AMP kinase α‐1 and hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α were linearly up‐regulated as dietary AKG supplemental levels increased (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary AKG supplementation linearly or quadratically enhanced hepatic and intestinal energy storage and anti‐oxidative capacity of Cherry Valley ducks.
Dynamics of cytokine gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of indigenous and exotic breeds of pigs in India
Authors: Kirthika Perumalraja , Ali Mohammad Ayub , Behera Parthasarathi , Subudhi Prasant Kumar , Tolenkhomba Thingujam Chaa , Gali Jagan Mohanarao 
Published: June 2017

AbstractTo incorporate immune competence traits in swine breeding programs, association between immune responsiveness and susceptibility to specific infectious diseases must be established. In order to understand the differences in immune competence between indigenous (Zovawk) and exotic (Large White Yorkshire: LWY) pigs reared in India, we carried out a time course expression analysis of immune‐regulating key cytokine genes (interleukin (IL)‐2, interferon (IFN)‐γ, IL‐4 and IL‐10) in the phytohemagglutinin‐P stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The IL‐2 transcript levels in PBMCs increased several thousand‐fold when compared to unstimulated cells in both the breeds, albeit the response in that of Zovawk was remarkably higher. Higher and earlier IFN‐γ and IL‐4 expression levels in Zovawk pigs suggest that both TH1 and TH2 immune responsiveness of this indigenous breed affords better preparedness for danger signals. Moreover, the low expression levels of IL‐10 depict a regulated adaptive immune responsiveness. Remarkable difference between the two breeds of the pigs is evident showing a clear advantage of the Zovawk over LWY in terms of a shorter lag period of adaptive immune response. These findings provide a lead for understanding the genetic differences with respect to immune competence levels of indigenous pigs compared to exotic counterparts.
Extension of the culture period for the in vitro growth of bovine oocytes in the presence of bone morphogenetic protein‐4 increases oocyte diameter, but impairs subsequent developmental competence
Authors: Yang Yinghua , Kanno Chihiro , Sakaguchi Kenichiro , Yanagawa Yojiro , Katagiri Seiji , Nagano Masashi 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBone morphogenetic protein‐4 (BMP‐4) inhibits luteinization of granulosa cells during in vitro growth (IVG) culture of bovine oocytes; however, oocytes derived from a 12 day IVG were less competent for development than in vivo‐grown oocytes. We herein investigated whether an extended IVG culture with BMP‐4 improves oocyte growth and development to blastocysts after in vitro fertilization. Oocyte‐granulosa cell complexes (OGCs) were cultured for 14 or 16 days with BMP‐4 (10 ng/mL), while a 12 day culture with BMP‐4 served as the in vitro control. OGC viability was maintained for the 16 day culture with BMP‐4 (83.2%), but was significantly lower without BMP‐4 (58.9%) than the control (83.0%). Prolong‐cultured oocytes at 16 days had statistically greater diameter (114.6 μm) than the control (111.7 μm). IVG oocytes with BMP‐4 for the 16 day culture had a similar nuclear maturation rate to the control (approximately 67%); however, blastocyst rates in BMP‐4 treated oocytes of 14 (1.8%) and 16 day (0%) IVG were statistically lower than that of 12 day IVG (9.0%). In conclusion, BMP‐4 maintained OGC viability and promoted oocyte growth in a prolonged culture, but impaired the developmental competence of oocytes. Prolonged culture may not be an appropriate strategy for enhancing the developmental competence of IVG oocytes.