bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is student internship still beneficial today? The views of multi-parties in Ghana
Authors: Arthur Patrick , Koomson Samuel 
Published: July 2023

PurposeThere is evidence of country-level contextual variations regarding the benefits of practical experience acquired by students during higher education. This paper, therefore, analyses the benefits of student internships in the Ghanaian context.Design/methodology/approachIn Study 1, two structured but distinct surveys were distributed to senior members and students of six specialised technical education institutions (TIs). Study 2 involved in-depth interviews with the heads of organisations in the tertiary education sector, including trade groups, industries and government agencies.FindingsInternship provides soft skills, confidence, career development, sense of responsibility, employability, income, knowledge sharing and networking for students/interns. For TIs, it contributes to the professional development of faculty supervisors and helps them to update the content they teach. For employers, it unveils talented and promising students who can be employed immediately after graduation at a relatively cheaper cost.Research limitations/implicationsThere is still the need for additional research in different contexts: both developed and developing economies to clear doubts on the controversies surrounding the relevance of internship in the 21st century.Practical implicationsTIs should continue to champion student internship programmes. This study highlights the need for employers to place internship students in areas that relate to their fields of study. It also underscores the need for students to embrace internship since it is the cornerstone to their employability in the labour market.Social implicationsUndeniably, student internships provide a critical platform for career beginners.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to knowledge by offering contextual literature in Ghana on the benefits of student internship programme for interns/students, TIs and employers, all together.
Contextual factors influencing investment decision making: a multi group analysis
Authors: Sachdeva Muskan , Lehal Ritu 
Published: July 2023

PurposeStock markets are considered as the largest and most important units for the development and growth of the economy. The present study attempts to provide a comprehensive view of factors influencing investment decision making process of stock market investors. A multi group analysis of gender is also carried out on the proposed model.Design/methodology/approachThe data of 402 valid responses are collected through structured questionnaires from individual investors of North India. SPSS 23 is used to do the descriptive analysis and AMOS 22 is used to establish the validity of the constructs and for hypotheses testing. For performing multi group analysis, several invariance tests have also been conducted to check the robustness of the model.FindingsThe results reveal that all the factors such as firm image, accounting information, neutral information, advocate recommendation and personal financial needs significantly influence investment decision making concluding image of the firm being the most influential factor and advocate recommendation being the least influential factor for investment decisions. No significant differences between males and females were found.Research limitations/implicationsThe current study suffers from the limitation of restricted geographical area of North India. Moreover, there is also a scope to incorporate more demographic factors for predicting investment decisions.Originality/valueThis study incorporates a range of factors which covers all the aspects of investment decision making. This study also highlights the notion of signaling theory, thus contributing to the limited literature in Indian context.
Employing criteria scoring matrix in appraising the economic return of transcending to a circular built environment
Authors: Atapattu A.M.D.S. , Hadiwattage Chandanie , Perera B.A.K.S. , Rajaratnam Dilakshan 
Published: July 2023

PurposeThe circular economy concept emerged as the resolution to the destructive linear economy practices. Nevertheless, the transition to a circular built environment is hindered due to the ambiguities of the economic value of the concept. Conversely, numerous decision-making tools are applied in the construction industry in assessing economic alternatives, even if there is a gap in utilising these tools in appraising circular economic practices. Hence, this study investigates the potential benefits of applying proven decision-making practices, particularly criteria scoring matrices, in developing circular built environments.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative approach was followed to achieve the aim of the study. A conceptual design of a criteria scoring matrix was developed with a comprehensive literature survey. Semi-structured interviews of a three-round Delphi expert survey were employed to assess the matrix qualitatively and develop the matrix further. Data were analysed using the content analysis method.FindingsThe lack of a value assessment tool in economically assessing the circular economy principles is a key barrier to transcending to a circular built environment. In addressing this issue, this study develops a criteria scoring matrix for circularity value assessment during the design stage of a construction project.Originality/valueThis research contributes to the theory by developing a criteria scoring matrix to measure the economic contribution of circular economy principles. Further, this research contributes to the practice by allowing construction alternatives to be selected, balancing the potential economic return options of a project with the project's contribution to a circular economy.
Cultivating post-acquisition employee engagement: the Danaher business system
Authors: Durand Muriel , Hansen Gregory , Thomas Mark 
Published: July 2023

Purpose
One of major concerns of serial acquirers is to ensure value creation. However, mergers and acquisitions (M&As) are well known for the key management problems they generate such as change management, cultural clashes and increased managerial turnover. Despite this, M&As also offer opportunities for integrating best practices. This paper aims to demonstrate how Danaher attempts to cultivate employee engagement in companies it has recently acquired.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper adopts a single-case approach to show how Danaher implements its in-house method – the Danaher Business System – a management system during the take over and the postacquisition phase.

Findings
The findings from this paper demonstrate best practice management and strategies needed to ensure successful M&As. Almost 40 years after serial acquisitions, Danaher is cited as one of the most successful serial acquirers. Its human approach to takeovers has been a central part of this.

Originality/value
This paper offers a concise and clear outline of the management strategies used by Danaher to ensure successful acquisitions relying on Kaizen and LEAN with a strong focus on the human side. During the takeover and postacquisition integration, Danaher’s human approach would appear to be a key differentiating element.
Predicting transfer of training through the unified model of task-specific motivation
Authors: Jansen in de Wal Joost , de Jong Bas , Cornelissen Frank , Brabander Cornelis de 
Published: July 2023

Purpose
This study aims to investigate the merits of the unified model of task-specific motivation (UMTM) in predicting transfer of training and to investigate (relationships between) changes in UMTM components over time. In doing so, this study takes the multidimensionality of transfer motivation into account.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors collected data among 514 employees of the judiciary who filled in the UMTM questionnaire directly after the training and after three weeks. The data were analyzed by means of structural equation modelling.

Findings
The outcomes show that transfer motivation predicts transfer intention and transfer of training over time. Moreover, the study shows that (change in) transfer motivation is predicted by (change in) personal and contextual factors identified by the UMTM as antecedents of motivation.

Originality/value
This study describes the first longitudinal evaluation of the UMTM in the literature and shows its applicability for predicting transfer of training. It is also one of the few studies that investigate transfer motivation multidimensionally and the role it plays for transfer of training. As such, this study informs other transfer of training models about the nature of transfer motivation and how transfer of training could be predicted.
Beyond trait distances: Functional distinctiveness captures the outcome of plant competition
Authors: Mahaut Lucie , Violle Cyrille , Shihan Ammar , Pélissier Rémi , Morel Jean‐Benoit , de Tombeur Félix , Rahajaharilaza Koloina , Fabre Denis , Luquet Delphine , Hartley Susan , Thorne Sarah J. , Ballini Elsa , Fort Florian 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Functional trait distances between coexisting organisms reflect not only complementarity in the way they use resources, but also differences in their competitive abilities. Accordingly, absolute and relative trait distances have been widely used to capture the effects of niche dissimilarity and competitive hierarchies, respectively, on the performance of plants in competition. However, multiple dimensions of the plant phenotype are involved in these plant–plant interactions (PPI), challenging the use of relative trait distances to predict their outcomes. Furthermore, estimating the effects of competitive hierarchy on the performance of a group of coexisting plants remains particularly difficult since relative trait distances relate to the effects of a focal plant on another.

We argue that trait distinctiveness, an emerging facet of functional diversity that characterizes the eccentric position of a species (or genotype) in a phenotypic space, can reveal the unique role played by a given individual plant in a group of competing plants. We used the model crop species Oryza sativa spp. japonica to evaluate the ability of trait distances and trait distinctiveness to predict the outcome of intraspecific PPI on the performance of single genotype and genotype mixtures. We performed a screening experiment to characterize the phenotypic space of 49 rice genotypes based on 11 above‐ground and root traits. We selected nine genotypes with contrasting positions in the phenotypic space and grew them in pots following a complete pairwise interaction design.

Relative distances and distinctiveness based on traits associated with light competition were by far the best predictors of the performance of single genotypes—taller genotypes that acquired resource faster being the best competitors—while absolute trait distances had no effect. These results indicate that competitive hierarchy for light dominates PPI in this experiment. Consistently, trait distinctiveness in plant height and age at flowering had the strongest, positive effects on mixture performance, confirming that functional distinctiveness captures the effects of trait hierarchies and asymmetric PPI at this scale.

Our findings shed new light on the role of trait diversity in regulating PPI and ecosystem processes and call for a greater consideration of functional distinctiveness in studies of coexistence mechanisms.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Potential persistence of high‐mountain lizards
Authors: Moreira Matthew Owen , Fonseca Carlos , Rojas Danny 
Published: July 2023

AbstractClimate change will impact environments globally. These changes, however, can affect species or regions differently. The upward limitation of high‐mountain species suggests these are especially prone to the effects of climate change. We assess the impact of future climate scenarios on high‐mountain species' suitable climatic niches. We gathered 1351 occurrence records of high‐mountain (>2000 m asl) squamates and assessed species distribution models for those species occupying more than 10 unique grid‐cells. Afterwards, for each species we ensemble climatic‐niche suitability models for historic (1981–2010) and future climate scenarios (2011–2040, 2041–2070, 2071–2100) for two representative concentration pathways (RCP 2.6 and 8.5). We identified 252 high‐elevation squamate species that occur in Africa, Asia, North America and South America. When we examined species distribution models for the 17 lizard species occupying more than 10 unique grid‐cells, we found a consistent negative effect of future climate change on suitable climatic‐niche models: we inferred species' climatic‐niche losses for 16 species and species' climatic‐niche gains for 1 species. Regardless of future scenarios, two species of lizards will likely lose at least 80% of their suitable climatic niche, and seven species will likely see their suitable climatic niche completely disappear. Climate change will likely have a negative impact on species' suitable climatic‐niche availability. High altitude and associated environmental factors may accelerate local extinctions of mountain reptiles. We highlight the importance of identifying high‐risk species for better conservation efforts.
ESG Reputational Risk, Corporate Payouts and Firm Value
Authors: Chasiotis Ioannis , Gounopoulos Dimitrios , Konstantios Dimitrios , Patsika Victoria 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThis study explores the relationship between ESG reputational risk, corporate payouts and firm value. Using a sample of 2021 US‐listed firms between 2007 and 2019, we provide robust evidence that ESG reputational risk relates to higher payouts, and that free cash flows amplify this relationship. Turning to payout composition, we document that ESG reputational risk associates with a payout mix comprising a higher analogy of share repurchases versus dividends; and that this relationship is more pronounced under financial constraints. Furthermore, we show that the market places a premium on payouts from high ESG reputational risk firms. Our findings are in line with the notion that ESG reputational risk represents agency problems and raises financial risk, inducing firms to disgorge cash via a more flexible payout regime. Results are robust to several estimation techniques that address endogeneity, self‐selection and censored observations.
Family socioeconomic status and sibling correlations in upper secondary education. An empirical analysis of educational inequalities in Italy
Authors: Zhelenkova Antonina , Panichella Nazareno 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe study examines the educational inequalities in upper secondary education in Italy, with a focus on the vertical dimension of school enrolment and the horizontal dimension of track and curriculum choice. To measure the importance of family background, we use the estimation of sibling correlations, which has seldom been used in the analysis of track choice in upper secondary education. Using data from the Italian Labor Force Survey 2005–2020 (ILFS), which includes detailed information on household characteristics such as the gender composition of siblings and parental education and occupational status, we find that around half of the variation in the probability of attending upper secondary school in Italy is related to the family of origin. We also show that comparing sibling correlations on binary outcomes should be complemented by additional statistics, such as variances at the individual and family levels and proportions of enrolled sibling pairs. For upper secondary school enrolment, advantaged families have a relatively lower sibling correlation due to minor variations at both individual and family levels. However, in terms of track choice, the sibling correlation is relatively higher for enrolment in the academic track compared to the technical and vocational tracks. Additionally, with respect to the attendance of science/technical curricula within each track, the results indicate a lower sibling correlation for the academic track than for the other two tracks, which suggests that individual characteristics have a greater impact than family background when these outcomes are considered.
Chemical antifouling strategies in sensors for food analysis: A review
Authors: Gu Ying , Li Yonghui , Wu Qiyue , Wu Zhongdong , Sun Liping , Shang Ying , Zhuang Yongliang , Fan Xuejing , Yi Lunzhao , Wang Shuo 
Published: July 2023

AbstractSurface biofouling induced by the undesired nonspecific adsorption of foulants (e.g., coexisting proteins and cells) in food matrices is a major issue of sensors for food analysis, hindering their reliability and accuracy of sensing. This issue can be addressed by developing antifouling strategies to prevent or alleviate nonspecific binding. Chemical antifouling strategies involve the use of chemical modifiers (i.e., antifouling materials) to strongly hydrate the surface and reduce surface biofouling. Through appropriate immobilization approaches, antifouling materials can be tethered onto sensors to form antifouling surfaces with well‐ordered structures, balanced surface charges, and appropriate surface density and thickness. A rational antifouling surface can reduce the matrix effect, simplify sample pretreatment, and improve analytical performance. This review summarizes recent developments in chemical antifouling strategies in sensing. Surface antifouling mechanisms and common antifouling materials are described, and factors that may influence the antifouling effects of antifouling surfaces and approaches incorporating antifouling materials onto sensing surfaces are highlighted. Moreover, the specific applications of antifouling sensors in food analysis are introduced. Finally, we provide an outlook on future developments in antifouling sensors for food analysis.
Research on detection techniques for pattern modifications of playing cards used in illegal gambling operations
Authors: Lee Joong , Kim Hongseok , Kang Tae‐Yi , Yook Simyub 
Published: July 2023

AbstractWe investigated pattern‐modified marked cards used in fraudulent gambling cases in Korea. These cards are printed with modifications to some of the repeated marks on the back, revealing the hand on the front and enabling fraudsters to deceive their victims. We proposed a method for identifying the modified part by first enhancing the card's color difference using an image processing technique and then calculating the similarity between the repeated basic patterns with a Siamese network. This method is fast and convenient, as it can determine the deformation with only 1 or 2 cards and can be implemented in mobile applications, allowing law enforcement officers to investigate quickly. The proposed method serves as a useful tool to aid document examiners in making judgments, as it does not require expensive equipment and effectively visualizes the alterations.
The intestinal microbiota and metabolic profiles of Strauchbufo raddei underwent adaptive changes during hibernation
Authors: CAO Hanwen , SHI Yongpeng , WANG Ji , NIU Zhanyu , WEI Li , TIAN Huabing , YU Feifei , GAO Lan 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe intestinal microbiota help regulate hibernation in vertebrates. However, it needs to be established how hibernation modulates the gut microbiome and intestinal metabolism. In the present study, we used an artificial hibernation model to examine the responses of the gut microbiota of the Strauchbufo raddei to the environmental changes associated with this behavior. Hibernation significantly lowered the diversity of the microbiota and altered the microbial community of the gut. Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidota were the major bacterial phyla in the intestines of S. raddei. However, Firmicutes and Proteobacteria predominated in the gut of active and hibernating S. raddei, respectively. Certain bacterial genera such as Pseudomonas, Vibrio, Ralstonia, and Rhodococcus could serve as biomarkers distinguishing hibernating and non‐hibernating S. raddei. The gut microbiota was more resistant to environmental stress in hibernating than active S. raddei. Moreover, metabolomics revealed that metabolites implicated in fatty acid biosynthesis were highly upregulated in the intestines of hibernating S. raddei. The metabolites that were enriched during hibernation enabled S. raddei to adapt to the low temperatures and the lack of exogenous food that are characteristic of hibernation. A correlation analysis of the intestinal microbiota and their metabolites revealed that the gut microbiota might participate in the metabolic regulation of hibernating S. raddei. The present study clarified the modifications that occur in the intestinal bacteria and their symbiotic relationship with their host during hibernation. These findings are indicative of the adaptive changes in the metabolism of amphibians under different environmental conditions.
Optimizing extraction conditions and isolation of bound phenolic compounds from corn silk (Stigma maydis) and their antioxidant effects
Authors: Khan Ummara , Hayat Faisal , Khanum Fakhara , Shao Yuting , Iqbal Shahid , Munir Sadia , Abdin Mohamed , Li Longxiang , Ahmad Ramala Masood , Qiu Jiarong , Xin Zhihong 
Published: July 2023

AbstractDuring the processing of maize, Stigma maydis, also known as corn silk, is normally discarded as waste. Phytochemical research was carried out on the S. maydis to use it as a valuable source of bioactive components. This research aimed to maximize the recovery of free and bound phenolic compounds from corn silk under optimal experimental conditions. Response surface design was operated to optimize the alkaline hydrolysis extraction of bound phytochemicals from corn silk based on total phenolic content and DPPH radical scavenging activity. The optimum conditions (i.e., NaOH concentration 2 M, digestion time 135 min, digestion temperature of 37.5°C, the solid‐to‐solvent ratio of 1:17.5, and acetone) were obtained. The optimum parameters were used to extract the corn silk. The structures of two compounds isolated from ethyl acetate extracts were then identified as friedelin (1) and (E)‐4‐(4‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxyphenyl) but‐3‐en‐2‐one (2). The DPPH, H2O2, and ABTS % inhibition of the compounds is as follows: compound (1) 74.81%, 76.8%, 70.33% and compound (2) 70.37%, 56.70% and 57.46%, respectively. The current study has opened previously unexplored perspectives of the composition of bound compounds in corn silk and established the foundations for more effective processing and utilization of corn waste.Practical ApplicationBound phenolic compounds from corn silk under optimal experimental conditions were obtained. Corn silk can be utilized as a type of medicinal herb as well as a source of inexpensive natural antioxidants.