bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Socioeconomic development and sustainable development in Nigeria: the roles of poverty reduction and social inclusion
Authors: Abdulkareem Hauwah K.K. , Jimoh Sodiq Olaiwola , Shasi Olatunji M. 
Published: September 2022

PurposeThis study examines the roles of poverty reduction and social inclusion as socioeconomic factors in achieving sustainable development (SD) in Nigeria from 1970 to 2019.Design/methodology/approachVector error correction model (VECM) is adopted as the analytical technique. Three groups of factors are employed when determining SD: economic (per capital gross domestic product [GDP] and the inflow of foreign direct investment [FDI]), social (life expectancy, school enrollment, poverty and the proportion of women in parliament) and environmental (CO2 emission and natural resource endowment).FindingsThe findings reveal that the economic factors (GDP per capita and the inflow of FDI to the GDP ratio) and two of the social determinants (life expectancy and school enrollment) have a positive effect on SD while the remaining two social determinants (poverty gap and the proportion of women in parliament) and the environmental determinants (CO2 emission and natural resource endowment) have a negative influence on SD in Nigeria during the period under study.Originality/valueFirst, this study integrates social inclusion into the poverty–SD nexus in the same study framework for a thorough analysis given that social inclusion has been identified as one of the leading variables affecting sustainability. Second, this study fills a gap in the literature by accounting for economic, social and environmental factors that influence SD, as opposed to the majority of existing studies that only employed environmental variables when examining the relationship between poverty and sustainability.
Comparison of machine learning algorithms for evaluating building energy efficiency using big data analytics
Authors: Egwim Christian Nnaemeka , Alaka Hafiz , Egunjobi Oluwapelumi Oluwaseun , Gomes Alvaro , Mporas Iosif 
Published: September 2022

Purpose
This study aims to compare and evaluate the application of commonly used machine learning (ML) algorithms used to develop models for assessing energy efficiency of buildings.

Design/methodology/approach
This study foremostly combined building energy efficiency ratings from several data sources and used them to create predictive models using a variety of ML methods. Secondly, to test the hypothesis of ensemble techniques, this study designed a hybrid stacking ensemble approach based on the best performing bagging and boosting ensemble methods generated from its predictive analytics.

Findings
Based on performance evaluation metrics scores, the extra trees model was shown to be the best predictive model. More importantly, this study demonstrated that the cumulative result of ensemble ML algorithms is usually always better in terms of predicted accuracy than a single method. Finally, it was discovered that stacking is a superior ensemble approach for analysing building energy efficiency than bagging and boosting.

Research limitations/implications
While the proposed contemporary method of analysis is assumed to be applicable in assessing energy efficiency of buildings within the sector, the unique data transformation used in this study may not, as typical of any data driven model, be transferable to the data from other regions other than the UK.

Practical implications
This study aids in the initial selection of appropriate and high-performing ML algorithms for future analysis. This study also assists building managers, residents, government agencies and other stakeholders in better understanding contributing factors and making better decisions about building energy performance. Furthermore, this study will assist the general public in proactively identifying buildings with high energy demands, potentially lowering energy costs by promoting avoidance behaviour and assisting government agencies in making informed decisions about energy tariffs when this novel model is integrated into an energy monitoring system.

Originality/value
This study fills a gap in the lack of a reason for selecting appropriate ML algorithms for assessing building energy efficiency. More importantly, this study demonstrated that the cumulative result of ensemble ML algorithms is usually always better in terms of predicted accuracy than a single method.
How compatible is the principle of neutrality with the implementation of economic sanctions? An examination into Switzerland’s use of sanctions
Authors: Teichmann Fabian Maximilian Johannes , Wittmann Chiara 
Published: September 2022

Purpose
The current political situation in Europe has amplified economic sanctions as a retaliatory measure for states not directly involved in the conflict but wanting to influence the political situation. The purpose of this paper is to further understand the interplay of the neutrality principle and employment of economic sanctions.

Design/methodology/approach
Through an extensive literature review, heavily based on the publications of the Swiss Confederacy, neutrality as a foreign policy serving to promote Swiss interests is explored. The room for interpretation and freedom of action in the neutrality principle is highlighted above all.

Findings
Economic sanctions are compatible with the neutrality principle, but do not necessarily further the same purpose. Political pressure to participate in sanctions does not take into consideration the ways in which the credibility of neutrality can be implicated, as well as the value of protecting Switzerland’s role as an international mediator.

Originality/value
The consistency with which the neutrality principle is translated into the modern geopolitical context is crucial for its longevity. The novelty of the current political sanctions, still unfolding, demands a careful examination into the history of neutrality and the use of sanctions. No better insight can be offered than by the development of neutrality in the history of the titan of neutrality, Switzerland.
Examining impact of ESG score on financial performance of healthcare companies
Authors: Kalia Deepali , Aggarwal Divya 
Published: September 2022

Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the effect of total and each individual component of environmental, social and governance score (ESG) on financial performance (FP) of healthcare companies.

Design/methodology/approach
Data for 468 health-care firms for the business year 2020 is sourced from Thomson Reuters to obtain ESG data. Correlation and multivariate regression analysis are done to investigate the relation between ESG activities and firm performance. The analysis has been done on overall data and subsample data to examine the relation across developing vs developed markets.

Findings
The results of the study suggest that relation between ESG score and FP cannot be generalized. The results show that performing ESG activities positively impact firm performance of healthcare companies in developed economies; however, this relationship would be negative or insignificant in the case of developing economies.

Practical implications
The results of this study have implications for both practitioners and policymakers. The authors suggest the specific setups in which the relationship between ESG activities and firm performance will be negative or insignificant. These results are beneficial to policymakers who seek to increase the active participation of firms in ESG activities.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to explore the relationship of ESG score on FP through the lens of country-level development variables for health-care sector companies.
An examination of value co-creation drivers in Ghana's hotel setting: a micro-level approach
Authors: Yeboah Dora , Ibrahim Masud , Agyapong Kingsley 
Published: September 2022

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the drivers that motivate employees and guests' hotel service participation to understand how that can influence the implementation of Value Co-Creation (VCC) in sub-Saharan African context.Design/methodology/approachUsing an interpretive paradigm, the study draws on 32 in-depth interviews, 6 focus group discussions involving 32 participants and participant observation field notes. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.FindingsThe study unravels nine motives that drive employee–guest VCC participation: passion, relationship, belongingness, shared and enhanced experiences, satisfaction, reputation development, openness, communication and rewards.Research limitations/implicationsThis exploratory, cross-sectional study was undertaken in hotels within sub-Saharan Africa. Thus, findings cannot be generalised. However, it provides an opportunity for future quantitative approaches within different contexts involving other stakeholders.Practical implicationsConsidering the numerous challenges from COVID-19 pandemic on the service industry, hotel managers might want to use the findings to not only formulate policies that support employee–guest co-creation for service improvement and survival but also introduce enhanced innovative service practices that deliver on employee and guest service expectations for retention. The findings encourage hotel managers to identify employee and guest context-specific motivations to be able to match with value-driven service activities, aimed at attracting positive behaviours to better respond to the numerous COVID-19-related challenges.Originality/valueThis work adds to the VCC literature by investigating the collective and individual drivers at the employee and guest dyadic level within sub-Saharan African hotel context. The authors propose a comprehensive model to guide the successful implementation of employee–guest VCC.
How does human capital efficiency impact credit risk?: the case of commercial banks in the GCC
Authors: Hasnaoui Jamila Abaidi , Hasnaoui Amir 
Published: September 2022

PurposeThis paper aims to assess human capital efficiency's impact on commercial banks' credit risk in six GCC member countries.Design/methodology/approachThe study employs quarterly balanced panel data of banks between 2014 and 2019. The authors use three different constructs of credit risk, namely the probability of default which is a forward-looking quantification, a book value-based infection ratio and independent opinion of credit ratings, to assess the relationship with human capital efficiency. Different macro and firm-specific control variables are introduced, including a dummy for technological innovation and a GARCH-based measure of oil price volatility.FindingsThe findings of this study reveal that human capital efficiency is negatively related to the credit risk profile and banks with higher human capital efficiency tend to have lower credit risk. These results remained robust across the three definitions of credit risk used in this study.Originality/valueThis study is unique in exploring the impact of human capital efficiency on credit risk because credit risk is not only a central determinant of bank performance but also can trigger a systemic panic. Therefore, it is vital to assess its relationship with human capital efficiency. The different constructs of credit risk are innovative with reference to human capital. Lastly, using EVA as a measure of value addition in the context of human capital efficiency is a methodological contribution.
The price reaction and investment exposure of equity funds: evidence from the Russia–Ukraine military conflict
Authors: Yarovaya Larisa , Mirza Nawazish 
Published: September 2022

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess the impact of the Ukraine–Russia military conflict on the returns and investment flows of equity funds across multiple countries.Design/methodology/approachUsing a comprehensive sample of 1,281 equity funds in 40 countries. The countries were segregated into conflict states, members of NATO, and those which abstained from voting on the UN resolution on March 2, 2022. The authors employ a GARCH-based event study and estimate CARs for t−5, t−3, t, t + 3, and t + 5 event windows. Further, the authors use panel estimation to assess the link between the CARs and the investment exposure of the sample funds.FindingsThe findings highlight an adverse reaction of mutual funds in Russia, Ukraine, and the NATO States. On the contrary, the mutual funds in the countries that abstained during the voting on the UN resolution on March 2nd posted positive abnormal returns. Similarly, the investment exposure towards the conflicted countries and NATO states is unfavorable except for the abstained countries.Originality/valueThis is the primary study to evaluate the impact of the recent geopolitical tensions on mutual funds domiciled across various geographical locations.
Comparing models of follower outcomes: destructive and constructive leader behavior
Authors: Mharapara Tago L. , Cooper-Thomas Helena D. , Stadler Matthias , Hutchison Ann 
Published: September 2022

PurposeTo provide evidence-based recommendations on the types of leader behaviors organizations should target for a better return on leader training investment the authors draw on the destructive and constructive leadership behavior model and the bad is stronger than good proposition to examine the following question: Compared to constructive leader behavior, does destructive leader behavior have a greater effect on follower outcomes or is something more nuanced occurring?Design/methodology/approachThe authors used Qualtrics online panels to collect data (N = 211 andN = 342) from full-time office-based participants. They used multivariate latent regression and dominance weights analyses to examine the relative strength of destructive versus constructive leader behaviors on followers' satisfaction with leader, and task performance.FindingsAcross both samples, leader hypocrisy and leader social undermining had relatively stronger effects on follower satisfaction with leader. Leader knowledge hiding had a relatively strong effect on follower task performance. Leader ethical conduct had the strongest association with follower satisfaction with leader in both samples. Hence, the authors' results were aligned with the bad is stronger than good proposition.Originality/valueThe authors' show that white-collar organizations can benefit from improved follower attitudes and performance by reducing leader hypocrisy and social undermining (destructive behavior) while simultaneously promoting leader ethical conduct (constructive behavior).
Hierarchical trait filtering at different spatial scales determines beetle assemblages in deadwood
Authors: Neff Felix , Hagge Jonas , Achury Rafael , Ambarlı Didem , Ammer Christian , Schall Peter , Seibold Sebastian , Staab Michael , Weisser Wolfgang W. , Gossner Martin M. 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Environmental filters—including those resulting from biotic interactions—play a crucial role during the assembly of ecological communities. The importance of scale has thereby been acknowledged but filters at different scales have rarely been quantified in relation to each other, although these hierarchically nested filters eventually determine which communities assemble from a regional species pool.

Saproxylic beetles offer an ideal system to study such hierarchically nested environmental filters. Three steps of filtering during the community assembly of these deadwood‐dependent beetles are proposed. First, starting from a regional species pool, species must disperse to forest sites. Second, within a site, individuals need to find a patch with preferred microclimatic conditions. Third, the conditions of a single deadwood object (i.e. tree species identity, decomposition stage) at this patch will determine, which species colonise and establish.

To study these hierarchical filters, we used unique long‐term data ets of saproxylic beetle diversity from trap catches at 29 sites and from emergence traps on 694 experimentally installed deadwood logs at the same sites in three regions in Germany. To relate different environmental filters to beetle assemblages, we used a set of 13 functional traits that are hypothesised to relate to different filters at different scales.

We show that all three hierarchical filtering steps resulted in reductions of functional diversity and simultaneous shifts in the functional composition of beetle assemblages, reflecting the roles of different traits in response to different filters. Trait composition changed most strongly at the last filtering step, that is, depended on tree species identity and decomposition stage.

We showed that if community assembly is analysed as a hierarchical multi‐step process based on data from different spatial scales, environmental filters can be quantified at these scales. As such, a better understanding of the role that different filters play at different spatial scales can be reached.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Do departure and flight route decisions correlate with immune parameters in migratory songbirds?
Authors: Brust Vera , Eikenaar Cas , Packmor Florian , Schmaljohann Heiko , Hüppop Ommo , Czirják Gábor Á. 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Many songbirds migrate twice a year to exploit seasonally available resources. These journeys are energetically demanding and energy reserves of these small birds are limited. Accordingly, most of the time migrating is spent during stopovers that serve to rest, replenish resources and recover. While external influences, like prevailing weather conditions and resource availability, are well studied with regard to stopover behaviour and departure decisions, studies on how birds' individual physiological condition and stopover decisions may be linked are scarce.

We used a large‐scale radio‐telemetry network covering the German Bight (SE North Sea) to study how birds' immunological constitution at stopover may correlate with departure and flight behaviour in five species of short‐ to medium‐distance migratory songbirds. We measured markers of the innate (bacterial killing activity, lysozyme concentration, natural antibodies and complement titres) and acquired immune function (immunoglobulin Y) in the birds' plasma. After sampling, we tracked the birds' behaviour in terms of stopover duration as well as flight routes and flight distances within the telemetry network after departure.

We found that stopover durations were positively related to natural antibodies and immunoglobulin Y across species and to the bacterial killing activity solely in song thrushes in spring, while no relations became apparent in fall. Flight distances were linked positively to immunoglobulin Y concentrations in both spring and fall, though not in all of the investigated species. Coastal and offshore‐oriented routes were taken independent of the birds' immune status.

Our study for the first time shows that migratory behaviour of songbirds in the wild is correlated with their immune status, not only during but also beyond stopover. Furthermore, birds with increased complement titres and Immunoglobulin Y concentrations, either due to recent infection or greater investment in their immune function, took additional time at their stopover sites, probably to reach their breeding grounds in good condition. During the less time‐constrained fall season, stopovers were generally prolonged, independent from the birds' immune status and any delays taken to improve immune status are most likely not detrimental in terms of fitness.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Tree mixtures mediate negative effects of introduced tree species on bird taxonomic and functional diversity
Authors: Schuldt Andreas , Huke Pelle , Glatthorn Jonas , Hagge Jonas , Wildermuth Benjamin , Matevski Dragan 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Recent biodiversity loss has emphasized the necessity to critically evaluate the consequences of human alterations of forest ecosystems. Stand diversification via tree species mixtures and the use of non‐native trees are two such alterations currently gaining importance as climate change adaptations. However, the effects of local versus regional tree mixing on associated biodiversity and notably the modifying role of tree species growing outside their natural range remain poorly understood.

We assessed how monocultures and mixtures of native and introduced tree species influence the taxonomic and functional diversity of bird communities at stand and landscape scales in north‐west Germany. We focused on the dominant natural tree species (Fagus sylvatica) and economically important conifer species planted outside their natural range (the native Picea abies and non‐native Pseudotsuga menziesii).

We found that bird species richness and functional diversity were generally higher in pure and mixed stands of native F. sylvatica than in pure conifer stands, especially in comparison to non‐native P. menziesii. These differences were particularly strong at the landscape scale. Pure conifer stands harboured only a reduced set of functionally similar bird species. Structural diversity based on tree microhabitat availability emerged as a key predictor of bird diversity.

Synthesis and applications. Our study suggests that tree species mixtures do not necessarily increase bird diversity compared to pure stands of native trees, but can promote bird diversity relative to pure stands of species planted outside their natural range. Moreover, local mixtures, rather than a mosaic of pure stands, may promote bird diversity also at the landscape scale. By contrast, pure stands of tree species planted outside their natural range can increase biotic homogenization of forest birds. Promoting structural diversity of microhabitats via tree retention and ensuring that non‐native trees are planted in mixtures with native trees may alleviate potential limitations of climate change‐oriented management for biodiversity.
Trusted contraception information sources for individuals with opioid use disorder
Authors: Sobel Lauren , Lee Yeon Woo , White Katharine , Woodhams Elisabeth , Patton Elizabeth 
Published: September 2022

AbstractObjective (Study Question)To identify trusted sources of contraception information among pregnancy‐capable individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD).Data Sources/Study SettingWe conducted interviews between October 2018 and January 2019 at Boston Medical Center, a university‐based tertiary care center.Study DesignData were drawn from semi‐structured qualitative interviews with a convenience sample of 20 pregnant or recently pregnant individuals with OUD. We used the Ottawa Decision Support Framework, a health decision making conceptual model, to structure our interviews. We analyzed the data using inductive and deductive coding.Data Collection/ Extraction MethodsNot applicable.Principal FindingsPregnancy‐capable individuals who use opioids value friends who are not actively using opioids, including peers in recovery homes, as trusted sources of contraception information. They also value internet resources, including websites recommended by clinicians and social media posts, and established clinical providers as reliable sources of contraception information in ways that emulate individuals with other chronic medical conditions. ConclusionThese sources of contraception information may explain some trends in contraceptive use among individuals with OUD, inform nonstigmatizing contraceptive counseling, and serve as a foundation for improved decision support.