bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Communication via quad/hexa-copters during disasters
Authors: Vohra D.S. , Garg Pradeep Kumar , Ghosh Sanjay 
Published: August 2023

PurposeThe purpose is to derive the most effective place in the air for an aerial robot, viz., drone to use as an alternative communication system during disasters.Design/methodology/approachIn this technology-driven era, various concepts are becoming the area of interest for multiple researchers. Drone technology is also one of them. The researchers, with interest in drones, are therefore trying to understand the various uses of employing drones in diverse applications which are mind-boggling, starting from civil applications (viz., an inspection of power lines, counting wildlife, delivering medical supplies to inaccessible regions, forest fire detection, and landslide measurement) to military applications (viz., real-time monitoring, surveillance, patrolling, and demining). However, one area where its usage is still to be exploited in many countries is using drones as a relay when communication lines are disrupted due to natural calamities. This will be particularly helpful in rescuing the affected people as the aerial node will enable them to communicate to the rescue team using mobiles/ordinary landline telephones even when regular communication towers are destroyed due to disastrous natural calamities, for example, tsunamis, earthquakes, and floods. Various algorithms, namely, water filling algorithm, advanced water filling algorithm, equal power distribution algorithm, and particle swarm optimization, were therefore studied and analyzed using simulation in addition to various path loss models to realize the desired place for an aerial robot, viz., drone in the air, which will eventually be used as an alternative communication system for badly hit ground users due to any disaster.FindingsIt was found that the effective combination of the water filling algorithm and particle swarm optimization algorithm may be done to place the drone in the air to increase the overall throughput of the affected ground users.Originality/valueThe research is original. None of the parts of this research paper has been published anywhere.
Examining whether religion is a positive factor in access to self-employment for youths: evidences from Congolese data
Authors: Ngassa Ted Cléophane 
Published: August 2023

PurposeHigh levels of youth unemployment in Africa, the difficulty of accessing salaried jobs, and the weakness of public institutions in charge of employment issues push youths towards informal channels that can help them find jobs. Among these informal channels, religion has been playing an increasingly important role. Thus, this study aimed to analyse the effects of religion on youths' access to self-employment.Design/methodology/approachThis study used data from the survey on the improvement of youth employment policies in Francophone Africa—conducted in 2018 by the Laboratory for Economic and Social Research and Studies (LARES) of Marien Ngouabi University—to estimate the effects of religion on access to self-employment. The econometric model employed is a two-stage model. Conditional mixed process developed by Roodman (2011) was used to verify the model's robustness.FindingsThe results indicate that religion exhibits a positive and significant effect on access to self-employment. This effect is stronger for youths from Muslim communities than for those from other religious communities, compared to youths who do not engage in religious communities.Social implicationsBased on the current dynamics observed in numerous African countries with respect to employment access, these results imply that religious denominations should be considered when developing policies and programs related to employment, particularly for youths.Originality/valueThe approach followed in this study contributes to the literature predominantly by demonstrating how the network theory approach helps explain, to some extent, the link between religion and access to employment in general and access to self-employment, particularly in developing economies—mainly in sub-Saharan Africa, where the recourse to informal channels of access to self-employment constitutes a significant solution approach for youths.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-02-2023-0097
Economic agency of women in Islamic economic philosophy: going beyond Economic Man and Islamic Man
Authors: Khawar Mariam 
Published: August 2023

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a gender-sensitive analysis of economic agency in Islamic economic philosophy.Design/methodology/approachA critical review of classical ethics literature and the concept of khilafah is undertaken and discussed in conjunction with the current understanding of homo Islamicus.FindingsBuilding on the principles of khilafah, the concept of homo Islamicus is a pious stand-in for the flawed homo economicus. Among its flaws is the complete absence of a discussion of women as economic agents. To remedy this the discipline must acknowledge explicitly the denial of women and gender from the discussion of moral agency and include gender as a category of analysis for economic agency. This is only possible by: (1) introducing a non-patriarchal reading of khilafah as the model of agency and (2) by operationalising taqwa as the cardinal virtue of the economic agent instead of neoliberal rationality.Research limitations/implicationsIf Islamic economic philosophy is to contend as an alternative mode of economics, it must consider gender and class dimensions in its micro-foundation discussion, economic agency is one of them.Originality/valueThis study reveals the patriarchal readings that are part of the foundation of the concept of the economic agent in Islamic economics, problematising it and providing a gender-sensitive concept of economic agency.
Empirical investigation of Islamic legal framework, crowd humanitarian funds and poverty reduction in selected Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
Authors: Jelili Amuda Yusuff , Hassan Shafiqul 
Published: August 2023

PurposeThis study reports the results of the empirical investigation of the Shari'ah legal framework which serves as a basis of the crowd humanitarian fund and poverty reduction among members of Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for improving living conditions of less privileged people in the society.Design/methodology/approachQuantitative design was employed in this study and the population comprised middle and high-skilled workers among members of the OIC.FindingsThe results demonstrated that the majority of middle- and high-skilled workers were from the middle east and others were from Saudi Arabia, Asia and Africa respectively.Research limitations/implicationsMost studies on crowd humanitarian funds were theoretical in nature, this study has empirically investigated.Practical implicationsBy making crowd humanitarian funds to be grounded within the framework of Shari'ah, it will enable majority of people in predominant Muslim countries to partake in mutual or crowd funding in order to help the less-privileged individuals among OIC members in the society.Social implicationsIt is an important contribution for financial inclusion and economic growth for improving social and living conditions of the less privileged people in the society.Originality/valueMost studies on crowd humanitarian funds were theoretical in nature; this study has empirically provided a substantial direction for activating the mindset of the empirical investigation of different financial concepts.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-12-2022-0773.
How do auditor attributes affect bank earnings management? Evidence from Africa
Authors: Mnif Yosra , Slimi Imen 
Published: August 2023

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the impact of the auditor's characteristics on bank's earnings management (EM) through loan loss provisions (LLP) for African banks.Design/methodology/approachThis study is based on 360 bank-year observations from 14 African countries for the period 2011–2016, discretionary LLP is used as proxy for EM. Panel regressions have been conducted.FindingsThe authors' findings reveal that auditor's industry specialization and tenure exert a negative and significant influence on the extent of LLP-based EM. The results also show that total fees paid to the banks' auditors are positively related to the extent of EM. In a further analysis, the authors find that industry specialist auditors are more effective in reducing the incoming-increasing. Similarly, the positive relationship previously found between EM and total fees still holds only for income-increasing. Moreover, auditor tenure negatively impacts both income-increasing and income-decreasing EM. As for auditor change, results reveal differential effect on EM.Originality/valueThe current research extends prior literature and provides an understanding of an important external monitoring mechanism, the external audit, within African banks. To the best of the authors' knowledge, there is a paucity of cross-country studies that has addressed the influence of auditors' attributes on banks' EM in Africa.
Ecological underpinnings of niche identity and diversity within the profession
Authors: Suryani Ani Wilujeng , Helliar Christine , Carter Amanda 
Published: August 2023

PurposeDiversity and inclusion is a key focus of the profession. This paper investigates the ecological inherited niche of Indonesia and which employers accounting students choose and whether this will result in a diverse and inclusive profession. The authors conceptualise diversity as the demand-from the profession encompassing professional accounting firms, and inclusion as the supply of individuals wishing to enter the profession.Design/methodology/approachThe 1377 responses to a questionnaire survey of students deciding on their career paths were analysed using a multinomial logistic regression and path model.FindingsThe findings show that a lack of diversity in the profession is caused by the ecological background, constructing a local niche, that prevents diversity. This is manifest in ethnicity, gender and education, whereby the local niche consists of Chinese males recruited from B-rated private universities. To bring diversity and inclusivity into the workplace, the profession needs to entice people from multi-faceted groups and match ecological niche underpinnings to expectations of the professional landscape. Non-Chinese females are needed to become role models and trail blazers to establish a diverse profession. The public interest will then be better served.Originality/valueThis study uses niche construction as the theoretical framing and demonstrates that the profession needs to take action to become truly diverse and inclusive.
Impact of China's belt and road initiative on logistics management in Africa: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Luke Rose , Mageto Joash 
Published: August 2023

PurposeThe belt and road initiative (BRI) emanates from China and seeks to connect Europe, Asia and Africa through transport and telecommunications infrastructure. Despite the importance of Africa in the BRI network, very little research has been done on the BRI in Africa, and even less of this emanates from Africa itself. In particular, considering that the BRI investments in Africa are largely transport related, there is almost no research covering the area of logistics, which should be greatly affected by the infrastructure investments. This paper sought to establish the current state of logistics research related to the BRI in Africa.Design/methodology/approachA bibliometric analysis was conducted on documents extracted from the SCOPUS database.FindingsThe findings indicate that there is a lack of research in critical areas such as environmental, social and economic impact of BRI transport investments, governance, logistics performance and international cooperation. In particular, there is a massive gap in local knowledge regarding the BRI.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is limited to published research indexed in the SCOPUS database. Future research directions include empirical studies into BRI project initiation investigation, economic and environmental impacts, governance structures and policy intervention requirements and macro-level logistics impacts.Practical implicationsThe study emphasises the importance publishing all the relevant information regarding BRI related projects in Africa to create transparency.Originality/valueThe study investigates the current research on the effect of China's BRI on transport and logistics in Africa through a bibliometric analysis. The investigation reveals that while there are huge investments in infrastructure, the actual effect on logistics of participating countries in Africa has not been interrogated.
All that glitters is not gold: a study of tourists' visit intention by watching deepfake destination videos
Authors: Sivathanu Brijesh , Pillai Rajasshrie , Mahtta Mahek , Gunasekaran Angappa 
Published: August 2023

PurposeThis study aims to examine the tourists' visit intention by watching deepfake destination videos, using Information Manipulation and Media Richness Theory.Design/methodology/approachThis study conducted a primary survey utilizing a structured questionnaire. In total, 1,360 tourists were surveyed, and quantitative data analysis was done using PLS-SEM.FindingsThe results indicate that the factors that affect the tourists' visit intention after watching deepfake videos include information manipulation tactics, trust and media richness. This study also found that perceived deception and cognitive load do not influence the tourists' visit intention.Originality/valueThe originality/salience of this study lies in the fact that this is possibly among the first to combine the Media Richness Theory and Information Manipulation for understanding tourists' visit intention and post-viewing deepfake destination videos.
The pricing strategy of group buying under a dual-channel supply chain with price discounts and waiting time
Authors: Shi Jingyi , Huang Yanting 
Published: August 2023

PurposeAs an important form of the e-commerce industry, online group buying is under the spotlight from with two sides: cheaper price but longer waiting time. The purpose of this paper is to adequately investigate the interaction between saving and waiting time of group buying comprehensively.Design/methodology/approachTo fill the research gap, the authors elaborate a dual-channel supply chain (SC) with regular retail (individual buying) and group-buying channel, and formulate the demand based on the consumer utility with the positive effect of saving money and the negative effect of wasting time.FindingsThe authors find that power structure only changes the optimal prices, instead of the waiting time. The selling price mainly influences consumer demands, instead of the price discount of group buying. The SC profits are only positive to the channel preference, and it is the decisive parameter of consumers' choice. The price sensitivity lays a more remarkable impact on the SC compared to the time sensitivity. Above all, the price is the main factor of group buying, instead of time.Originality/valueThese results underscore the improvement for the dual-channel SC of group buying, providing managerial insights for the group-buying industry.
Expanding on the Revised Essential 7: shared governance structures
Authors: Coler Cynthia , Cosenza Michael , Polly Drew , Stoicovy Donnan , Zenkov Kristien , Burns Rebecca West , Badiali Bernard , Goree Krystal 
Published: August 2023

PurposeThe study aims to review the Nine Essentials.Design/methodology/approachThe authors worked with groups from different conferences to gather data.FindingsA PDS (Professional Development School) is built upon shared, sustainable governance structures that promote collaboration, foster reflection and honor and value all participants’ voices.Originality/valueNine Essentials are foundational to PDS work.
Blockchain in supply chain management: a feature-function framework for future research
Authors: Brau James C. , Gardner John , DeCampos Hugo A. , Gardner Krista 
Published: August 2023

PurposeBlockchain technology offers numerous venues for supply chain applications and research. However, the connections between specific blockchain features and future applications have been unclear to date in its evolution. The purpose of this study is to fill this void.Design/methodology/approachThe authors advance the understanding of blockchain in supply chain management by providing a new research framework built on unique blockchain features as applied across core supply chain functions.FindingsThis study’s framework is a feature-function matrix that integrates four overarching supply chain functions (i.e. supplier management, logistics, production processes and customer management) with nine blockchain features (i.e. traceability/provenance, accessibility, visibility, immutability, distributed/shared ledger, validity, peer-to-peer transacting, pseudonymity and programmability). This study’s feature-function framework is supported by a structured, systematic review of reviews using PRISMA methods. The authors use the framework to present a future blockchain research agenda in supply chain management.Originality/valueThe authors provide a new blockchain feature/supply chain function framework and provide a structured path for future research.
Gravity inversion by second order approximation applied to the Styrian Basin (Austria)
Authors: Granser Harald 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAn approximative second order gravity inversion scheme by a truncated power series expansion is applied to derive the thickness of the Neogene, mostly clastic, sedimentary section of the Styrian Basins in South–East Austria, which are sub‐basins of the Pannonian Basin System. These sub‐basins with a derived thickness of up to 4 km are of interest for geothermal exploitation because of the increased geothermal gradient and heat flow observed in the Pannonian Basin in general and a geothermal gradient of 4°–5°/100 m measured in some wells in the Styrian Basin. The Styrian Basin also has been an area for hydrocarbon exploration in the past 50 years, with oil and gas show encountered in several exploration wells and one sub‐commercial gas discovery. The Miocene and Plio–Pleistocene volcanism in the Styrian Basin caused by Miocene crustal thinning is discussed in terms of the influence to the gravity inversion taking the aeromagnetic field into account. The volcanism is of relevance for the geothermal prospectivity but poses problems for the single layer‐based gravity inversion scheme. Results are discussed from a computational side comparing observed and calculated gravity fields but also the match with well data is discussed. In terms of gravity inversion methodology, the presented can be viewed as an approximative fast‐track approach.
HOUSING INFORMALITY IN THE GLOBAL SOUTH: Insights from a Policy Comparison between Accra and Buenos Aires
Authors: Wang Hsi‐Chuan , Bazán Agustina María 
Published: August 2023

AbstractInformal settlement growth in various countries has led to distinctive actions that enhance low‐income populations’ accessibility to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services. This trend indicates the need for comparative studies between countries and cities to understand the factors that lead to policy learning opportunities. We conducted an experimental comparison between Accra, Ghana, and Buenos Aires, Argentina, to understand, first, how policies on informal settlements have been formed, and secondly, what inquiries should be made to address housing informality in the global South. A comparison shows that these cities/countries have shared moments of neoliberalization and that their poor residents have experienced similar struggles regarding housing availability and the pursuit of extensive governmental interventions. Therefore, their experiences are worth examining. Our comparison indicates that first, Buenos Aires/Argentina has adopted more inclusive policies regarding informal dwellers than Accra/Ghana, and secondly, that diversifying housing solutions are an inevitable dynamic in cities/countries experiencing a surge in housing pressure across classes, races and geographies. In this article we articulate how the governments of these countries have dealt with these challenges and conceptualize the coproduction needs of housing informality in developing countries. We encourage policymakers facing informality in the South to respond to the questions we raise about facilitating policy learning.
Exposure to endocrine disruptors promotes biofilm formation and contributes to increased virulence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Thiroux Audrey , Labanowski Jérôme , Venisse Nicolas , Crapart Stéphanie , Boisgrollier Chloé , Linares Carlos , Berjeaud Jean‐Marc , Villéger Romain , Crépin Alexandre 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAnthropogenic activities contribute to the spread of chemicals considered as endocrine disruptors (ED) in freshwater ecosystems. While several studies have reported interactions of EDs with organisms in those ecosystems, very few have assessed the effect of these compounds on pathogenic bacteria. Here we have evaluated the impact of five EDs found in aquatic resources on the virulence of human pathogen P. aeruginosa. ED concentrations in French aquatic resources of bisphenol A (BPA), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), ethylparaben (EP), methylparaben (MP) and triclosan (TCS) at mean molar concentration were 1.13, 3.58, 0.53, 0.69, and 0.81 nM respectively. No impact on bacterial growth was observed at EDs highest tested concentration. Swimming motility of P. aeruginosa decreased to 28.4% when exposed to EP at 100 μM. Swarming motility increased, with MP at 1 nM, 10 and 100 μM (1.5‐fold); conversely, a decrease of 78.5%, with DBP at 100 μM was observed. Furthermore, exposure to 1 nM BPA, DBP and EP increased biofilm formation. P. aeruginosa adhesion to lung cells was two‐fold higher upon exposure to 1 nM EP. We demonstrate that ED exposure may simultaneously decrease mobility and increase cell adhesion and biofilm formation, which may promote colonisation and establishment of the pathogen.
A novel heterozygous truncating variant in the AGO1 gene in an Iranian family with schizophrenia as an unreported symptom
Authors: Mir Atefeh , Khorram Erfan , Song Yongjun , Lee Hane , Tabatabaiefar Mohammad Amin 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIntellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are the most common developmental disorders in humans. Combined, they affect between 3% and 5% of the population. Although high‐throughput genomic methods are rapidly increasing the pool of ASD genes, many cases remain idiopathic. AGO1 is one of the less‐known genes related to ID/ASD. This gene encodes a core member protein of the RNA‐induced silencing complex, which suppresses mRNA expression through cleavage, degradation, and/or translational repression. Generally, patients with defects in the AGO1 gene manifest varying degrees of ID, speech delay, and autistic behaviors. Herein, we used whole‐exome sequencing (WES) to investigate an Iranian family with two affected members one of whom manifested ID and autism and the other showed borderline ID and schizophrenia. WES analysis identified a novel heterozygous truncating variant (NM_012199.5:c.1298G > A, p.Trp433Ter) in the AGO1 gene that co‐segregated with the phenotypes using Sanger sequencing. Moreover, the structural analysis showed that due to this variant, two critical domains (Mid and PIWI) of the AGO1 protein have been lost, which has a detrimental effect on the protein's function and structure. To the best of our knowledge, schizophrenia has not been reported in patients with AGO1 deficiency, which is a novel phenotypic finding that expands the AGO1‐related behavioral disorders. Moreover, this study's findings determined that patients with the same variant in the AGO1 gene may show heterogeneity in manifested phenotypes.