bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhancing employee wellbeing – an employability perspective
Authors: P M Nimmi , Zakkariya K.A. , Philip Anju Varghese 
Published: February 2022

PurposeSkill obsolescence among employees can be detrimental to organizational performance and can lead to an ensuing decline in the wellbeing of employees. Today's organizations bank on the employability skills of their human capital to stay afloat in business. The current study examines the impact of developing an employability culture in the organization, the perceived internal employability developed in the employees and impact on employee wellbeing.Design/methodology/approachResearch data were gathered from a sample of 421 software engineers in private IT companies in India. Structural equation modeling using SPSS and AMOS was conducted to examine the impact of employability culture and perceived internal employability on the three dimensions of employee wellbeing.FindingsThe study found a positive relationship between employability culture and the components of employee wellbeing. A partial mediation by perceived internal employability was reported between employability culture and the three components of employee wellbeing.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is a focused attempt on discerning the effect of organizational elements in the form of employability culture on the employee perceptions and the state of wellbeing, which are considered valuable resources in the career context. The study reiterates the prominence of contextual factors in employees' resource enhancement.Originality/valueThe study is a unique approach to determine the effect of perceived internal employability and employability culture on employee wellbeing based on the social cognitive career theory and the conservation of resources theory.
Procurement process risk and performance: empirical evidence from manufacturing firms
Authors: Nyamah Edmond Yeboah , Feng Yi , Yeboah Nyamah Evelyn , Opoku Richard Kofi , Ewusi Matilda 
Published: February 2022

PurposeThis paper employs the positivism paradigm, quantitative approach and explanatory research design. It analyses primary data obtained from manufacturing firms via structured questionnaires and uses the partial least square-structural equation modelling technique to establish the effect of individual procurement process risk on procurement performance.Design/methodology/approachProcurement risks are inevitable in manufacturing procurement process; a situation that could undermine the performance of manufacturing firms if not properly managed. Yet, with procurement accounting of about 14–19% of developing countries gross domestic product, the effects of procurement process risk on performance remain scarce in manufacturing firms in developing countries. Therefore, the paper aims to investigate the effect of procurement process risk on procurement performance of manufacturing firms.FindingsIn this paper, five out of the six procurement process risks studied were found to be undermining procurement performance of manufacturing firms significantly. However, the risk threshold effect on the performance differs.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough this research is geographically/sector bias, several insightful managerial implications can be drawn to manage procurement process risk in manufacturing settings irrespective of the area of operation. The results of this research imply that manufacturing firms' procurement process is risk prone and the effect of risk surrounding each procurement process on procurement performance differs. Hence, the need to identify and analyse the risks surrounding each procurement process before making managerial decision to spend firms limited resources in response to the individual risk to improve procurement performance in the manufacturing sector.Originality/valueThis paper is the first to provide existing and future procuring practitioners/firms with in-depth empirical evidence of the effect of the procurement process risks on procurement performance in manufacturing firms operating in developing economies.
Does increased water efficiency improve financial performance? The important role of operational efficiency
Authors: Fu Wayne , Jacobs Brian W. 
Published: February 2022

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the relationships between changes in water efficiency, profit and risk for firms in the global Consumer Packaged Goods industry. This study also aims to consider the moderating effect of operational efficiency on those relationships.Design/methodology/approachUsing a sample of 155 firms with annual corporate social performance and financial performance data from Bloomberg for the years 2010–2019, this study employs first-differencing panel regression models to obtain our results.FindingsThis study finds strong evidence that operational efficiency moderates the relationships between water efficiency, profit and risk. For operationally efficient firms, increasing water efficiency increases profit and reduces risk. But for firms that are not operationally efficient, this study finds the opposite effects. These findings suggest a threshold level of operational efficiency that firms should achieve before they can reap financial benefits from increases in water efficiency.Originality/valueDespite the increasing importance of water efficiency as a measure of corporate social performance, its effects on financial performance are not well studied. The relationship between operational efficiency and water efficiency has also not been examined. This work provides empirical evidence to better understand these important relationships. The major implication for managers is that operational efficiency is a foundational capability that should be developed before focusing on efforts to improve water efficiency. For operationally efficient firms, improvements in water efficiency can be an important mechanism to increase profitability and reduce risk.
Cash transfer and multidimensional child poverty: evidence from Ghana
Authors: Osei Kwabena Brefo , Turkson Danny 
Published: February 2022

PurposeThe impact of cash transfers on improving the living conditions of children and reducing early-life deprivations and vulnerabilities are crucial to safeguarding equality of opportunities and achieving sustainable, equitable and inclusive growth within the Sustainable Development Goals. The study aims to examine the change in deprivation rate among children aged 0–17 years between 2010 and 2012, as well as the impact of cash transfer on multidimensional child poverty in Ghana using the global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI).Design/methodology/approachThe study used the Ghana Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty Impact Evaluation Survey data, which has the baseline data collected in 2010, and the follow-up was collected in 2012. The authors used the difference-in-difference estimation technique to assess the impact of the cash transfer program on the MPI of pre-school (0–5 years) and school-aged (5–17 years) children, and compared the results with that of Propensity Score Matching.FindingsThe deprivation trend reveals that deprivation among pre-school children increased for nutrition, water and sanitation. The estimated result shows that cash transfer significantly reduces MPI of pre-school and school-aged in beneficiary households by 10.5 and 1.3% relative to non-beneficiary children, respectively.Originality/valueFor cash transfer programs to efficiently alleviate child poverty in Ghana, the paper recommends that the conditionality aspect of the program that has been neglected by managers of the program should be enforced. Also, the program should be supplemented with food nutrients for children to reduce the deprivation of nutrition.
Action learning and the ambidextrous organization
Authors: Zabiegalski Eric , Marquardt Michael John 
Published: February 2022

PurposeThis article couples organizational theory with practice with the union of action learning and the ambidextrous organization. It aims to show how action learning contributes to the creation and sustainment of an ambidextrous (learning) organization.Design/methodology/approachA side-by-side comparison of action learning and the ambidextrous organization was used.FindingsAction learning “teaches” and promotes the framework and processes of ambidexterity and the practical creation of learning organizations. An action learning team in action performs like an ambidextrous organization to the extent that “acting” is synonymous with exploitation and “learning” with exploration.Research limitations/implicationsAction learning is a powerful tool for the ambidextrous organization, serving as a template for the practitioner to create a learning organization.Originality/valueThis paper extends the literature on organizational structure, leadership, culture and change as it relates to ambidexterity, learning organizations and action learning. It integrates learning theory through action learning with the practice of the ambidextrous organization. A synergistic theory/practice circle is created through the combination of the processes of “theory informing theory” from academia and “practice informing practice” from industry, creating a “theory informing practice and practice validating and updating better theory” circle.
How to match mentors and protégés for successful mentorship programs: a review of the evidence and recommendations for practitioners
Authors: Deng Connie , Gulseren Duygu Biricik , Turner Nick 
Published: February 2022

PurposeThe purpose of this qualitative review paper is to identify for practitioners ways of matching mentors and protégés to enhance the effectiveness of formal mentoring programs.Design/methodology/approachThe paper qualitatively reviews the best available evidence of ways to match mentors and protégés to maximize mentorship outcomes.FindingsTwo factors to consider when making mentor–protégé matches emerged from the research literature (1) the matching process (i.e., how matches are made and facilitated by practitioners such as incorporating participant input on matches): and (2) individual characteristics (i.e., individual differences that may serve as matching criteria such as experiential, surface-level, and deep-level characteristics). This qualitative review resulted in three practical recommendations to practitioners interested in matching mentors and protégés using evidence-based methods: (1) match based on deep-level similarities, (2) consider developmental-needs of protégés during matching, and (3) seek mentors' and protégés’ input before finalizing matches.Research limitations/implicationsLimitations of the research reviewed are highlighted: measures of perceived similarity, relative effectiveness of matching-related factors, limited research investigating the role of dissimilarity on mentoring outcomes, and linear relationship assumptions between matching-related factors and mentoring outcomes.Practical implicationsThe authors’ recommendations suggested greater use of valid psychometric assessments to facilitate matching based on actual assessed data rather than program administrators' personal knowledge of mentors and protégés.Originality/valueThe literature on mentor–protégé matching is missing practical guidance on how to apply the research. This highlights a need for a qualitative review of the literature to identify what matching processes and criteria are most effective, providing a “one-stop-shop” for practitioners seeking advice on how to construct effective mentor–protégé matches in formal mentorship programs.
Electric vehicle charging infrastructure: positioning in India
Authors: Kore Hemant Harishchandra , Koul Saroj 
Published: February 2022

PurposeThe study identifies the challenges of developing the “electric vehicle (EV)” charging infrastructure in India, having an ambitious target of 30% EV adoption by 2030.Design/methodology/approachFirst, a systematic literature review determined EV adoption and challenges in the EV charging infrastructure development globally and specifically in India. Secondly, a focussed group study in which 10 domain experts were consulted to identify additional challenges in India's EV adoption involving EV charging infrastructure.FindingsAccordingly, 11 significant challenges of EV charging infrastructure development in India have been identified–seven through the comparative analysis of the literature review and four from the focussed group study. Secondary data provides insight into the situation around developed countries and in developing countries, specifically in India. Finally, the Government of India's measures and priorities to facilitate such a development are emphasised.Research limitations/implicationsThe study can help policymakers/researchers understand the gaps and align measures to address the challenges. A focussed group study may have its limitations due to the perception of the experts.Originality/valueThe systematic literature review of 43 articles using comparative analysis and subsequently a focussed group study of experts to verify and add challenges has made the study unique.
“There was help for me at the time, but I didn't feel like I deserved it”: exploring the unmet needs of adolescents experiencing maternal cancer in Ireland
Authors: Rodriguez Leonor , Dolan Pat , Kerin Michael , Groarke Annmarie 
Published: February 2022

PurposeThis secondary data analysis explores the unmet needs of adolescents experiencing maternal cancer in Ireland. Research has shown that one of the challenges adolescents deal with at the time of maternal cancer is having unmet needs that can impact negatively on their experience and their ability to cope through this difficult challenge.Design/methodology/approachFifteen adolescents completed qualitative interviews as part of a larger study that explored the experience of adolescent adjustment to maternal cancer. The transcripts of these original interviews were analysed using a secondary content analysis underpinned by the categories included in the Offspring Cancer Needs Instrument (Patterson et al., 2013).FindingsThe findings of this study suggest a necessity to individually explore the unmet needs of adolescents as these were not uniform even within a small sample of 15 adolescents. Unmet needs change and evolve over time as does maternal illness. Adolescents themselves identified the need for more education in the general public and in clinical practitioners on how to respond appropriately to their needs. It is crucial that adolescent's needs and emotions are validated at the time as part of the support provided for them.Originality/valueThis study provides important recommendations for practice and policy on how to provide tailored supports for adolescent who experience cancer in their families as currently there is a lack of effective and evidence-based targeted supports for this specific age group.
Metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 blockade attenuates pathological cardiac remodelling in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Mprah Richard , Ma Yanhong , Adzika Gabriel Komla , Ndzie Noah Marie Louise , Adekunle Adebayo O. , Duah Maxwell , Adu‐Amankwaah Joseph , Wowui Prosperl Ivette , Okwuma Jennifer Dumebi , Qiao Weili , Wang Cheng 
Published: February 2022

AbstractPulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by cardiac remodelling. Glutaminolysis plays a crucial role in PAH‐induced remodelling. The metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) may mediate this process. This study investigated whether or not the blockade of mGluR5 may attenuate PAH‐induced pathological cardiac remodelling. Pulmonary arterial hypertension was induced by intraperitoneally injecting male Sprague‐Dawley (SD) rats with 60 mg/kg of monocrotaline (MCT). 3‐((2‐Methyl‐4‐thiazolyl)ethynyl)pyridine (MTEP) (10 mg/kg intraperitoneally) was used as a therapeutic intervention to block mGluR5. Cardiac functions were assessed with right heart catheterization and electrocardiography. Alterations in protein expressions and inflammatory markers were investigated using western blot and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. Increased right ventricular systolic pressure (RSVP), elevated protein expressions of mGluR5, collagen types I and III and cartilage intermediate layer protein 1 (CILP1), enhanced phosphorylation of phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K), AKT and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (P38MAPK), increased angiopoietin 2 (Ang 2) and vascular endothelial growth factor‐α (VEGF) protein expressions and elevated serum levels of interleukin 6 (IL‐6) and tumour necrotic factor α (TNF‐α) were observed in MCT‐induced PAH rats. MTEP improved hemodynamics and right ventricular hypertrophy. MTEP also attenuated MCT‐induced elevations in the protein expressions of mGluR5, collagen types I and III, CILP1, Ang 2 and VEGF and decreased PI3K, AKT and P38MAPK phosphorylations and inflammatory cytokine levels. Metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 blockade using MTEP ameliorates PAH‐induced pathological right cardiac remodelling via inhibiting the signalling cascade involving PI3K/AKT, P38MAPK, Ang 2 and VEGF.
Risk of early birth by body mass index in a propensity score‐matched sample: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Baer Rebecca J. , Chambers Brittany D. , Coleman‐Phox Kimberly , Flowers Elena , Fuchs Jonathan D. , Oltman Scott P. , Scott Karen A. , Ryckman Kelli K. , Rand Larry , Jelliffe‐Pawlowski Laura L. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractObjectiveEvaluate the risk of preterm (<37 weeks) or early term birth (37 or 38 weeks) by body mass index (BMI) in a propensity score‐matched sample.DesignRetrospective cohort analysis.SettingCalifornia, USA.PopulationSingleton live births from 2011–2017.MethodsPropensity scores were calculated for BMI groups using maternal factors. A referent sample of women with a BMI between 18.5 and <25.0 kg/m2 was selected using exact propensity score matching. Risk ratios for preterm and early term birth were calculated.Main outcome measuresEarly birth.ResultsWomen with a BMI <18.5 kg/m2 were at elevated risk of birth of 28–31 weeks (relative risk [RR] 1.2, 95% CI 1.1–1.4), 32–36 weeks (RR 1.3, 95% CI 1.2–1.3), and 37 or 38 weeks (RR 1.1, 95% CI 1.1–1.1). Women with BMI ≥25.0 kg/m2 were at 1.2–1.4‐times higher risk of a birth <28 weeks and were at reduced risk of a birth between 32 and 36 weeks (RR 0.8–0.9) and birth during the 37th or 38th week (RR 0.9).ConclusionWomen with a BMI <18.5 kg/m2 were at elevated risk of a preterm or early term birth. Women with BMI ≥25.0 kg/m2 were at elevated risk of a birth <28 weeks. Propensity score‐matched women with BMI ≥30.0 kg/m2 were at decreased risk of a spontaneous preterm birth with intact membranes between 32 and 36 weeks, supporting the complexity of BMI as a risk factor for preterm birth.Tweetable abstractPropensity score‐matched women with BMI ≥30 kg/m2 were at decreased risk of a late spontaneous preterm birth.
SCLC and anti‐GABABR encephalitis: A retrospective analysis of 60 cases in China
Authors: Jiang Chunguo , Zhu Min , Wei Dan , Duan Hongyan , Zhang Yuhui , Feng Xiaokai 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundAnti‐gamma aminobutyric acid B receptor (anti‐GABABR) encephalitis is a rare autoimmune neurological syndrome observed in lung cancer patients. More research on the clinical characteristics of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and anti‐GABABR encephalitis should be carried out to improve diagnosis and treatment.MethodsWe retrospectively investigated the clinical characteristics, auxiliary examination results, and treatment responses in patients with SCLC and anti‐GABABR encephalitis at Beijing Chaoyang Hospital from January 2010 to December 2020. The study also retrospectively analyzed cases of SCLC and anti‐GABABR encephalitis well documented in China.ResultsA total of 60 cases of SCLC and anti‐GABABR encephalitis were analyzed in the study, two in our hospital, and 58 previously reported in the literature. The male:female ratio was 3:1, with a median age at presentation of 61 years (range: 40–81 years). Twenty‐eight patients initially presented with seizures, four with cognitive disorder, and three with psychiatric symptoms. The major symptoms were epileptic seizures (n = 56; 96.9%), cognitive impairment (n = 47; 81.0%), psychiatric disorders (n = 45; 77.6%), and conscious disturbance (n = 32; 55.2%). Fifty‐five patients underwent immunotherapy, and 23 patients underwent oncologic treatment in the literature. After a median follow‐up duration of 8.8 (range, 0.5–37.0) months, nine patients showed good outcomes (modified Rankin Scale score, mRS ≤2), eight patients showed poor prognosis (mRS > 2), and 18 patients died.ConclusionsThe clinical characteristics of SCLC and anti‐GABABR encephalitis are seizures, cognitive impairment, and psychiatric disorders which affect middle‐aged to elderly men in China. The long‐term prognosis is relatively poor.
Understanding the concept of subjectivity in performance evaluation and its effects on perceived procedural justice across contexts
Authors: Tran Thuy‐Van , Järvinen Janne 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThis study explores the notion of subjectivity in performance evaluation as a multidimensional concept, including ex ante specified and ex post subjective evaluation, which are determined at different phases of an evaluation period. This distinction is important as these subjectivity types have different purposes and varying impacts on organisational outcomes. Based on a survey of 160 Vietnamese middle managers, we uncover their assorted impacts on perceived procedural justice across contexts of formalisation and job autonomy. As such, this study seeks to offer important insights on the literature of subjective evaluation and organisational justice.
Natural enemies emerging in cereal fields in spring may contribute to biological control
Authors: Tortosa Axelle , Duflot Rémi , Rivers‐Moore Justine , Ladet Sylvie , Esquerré Diane , Vialatte Aude 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Biological pest control is known to depend on landscape heterogeneity. However, such relationship shows irregular pattern and seems influenced by local farming practices and natural enemies that overwinter within crop fields. The objective of this study was to assess the contribution of emerging natural enemies in spring to biological control, and their response to the interaction between landscape heterogeneity and farming intensity.
We monitored the overwintering insect community using emergence traps and measured the local potential pest predation using prey cards in 30 cereal fields, in spring in France. Study fields were selected along a landscape heterogeneity gradient and farming practices were recorded.
None of the 10 emerging taxa influenced predation of lepidopteran eggs or weed seeds. On the ground, aphid predation was positively correlated with emerging carabid beetles. On foliage, aphid predation was negatively correlated with emerging parasitoids. Overall, the community of natural enemies that overwinters within crop fields seemed to benefit from landscape‐scale lower crop diversity and higher edge density in combination with higher local‐scale farming intensities. This suggests that they represent a subset of species adapted to intensified farming systems. This study highlights a broad taxonomic range of emerging natural enemies and their potential contribution to local pest predation.