bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Food price inflation convergence: an international study from 2000–2020
Authors: Fan Xuecheng , Wang Xinxin , Xu Zeshui , Skare Marinko 
Published: May 2022

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the food price inflation convergence across countries and regions. This study aims to identify the key drivers for food price inflation across countries and regions.Design/methodology/approachWe test whether the international food price inflations are converging over time using the log t convergence test and clustering analysis. These inflation data are collected from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.FindingsThe test results suggest that there is little evidence of overall convergence. Then we utilize a clustering algorithm and the results support that there is strong evidence of multiple convergence clubs. In addition, we examine the transition path of the various convergence and find that social stability regulation together with economic conditions are important determinants of convergence club membership.Research limitations/implicationsFirst off, local conflict and economic environment result in food supply and prices, but this study is limited to the dynamics of prices.Practical implicationsFood prices inflations are not converging to single common price inflation, but there exist subgroups of countries or regions within which food price inflation tends to converge. These groupings tend to be related to the economic development and social stability of countries and regions.Social implicationsThe authors believe that any analysis of food price inflations that does not consider the political environment and economic conditions dynamics will likely be omitting important components of food price dynamics.Originality/valueThis study uses a unique data set covering 198 countries and regions and provides a comprehensive analysis of international food price inflation convergence identifying the key drivers of convergence club membership.
Feeling “holier than thou”: exploring the critical nexus between project governance, exploitative leadership and multi-dimensional success in ICT projects
Authors: Zaman Umer , Damij Nadja , Khaliq Aisha , Nawaz Muhammad Shahid , Pradana Mahir 
Published: May 2022

PurposeProject managers are under a never-ending pressure to demonstrate the expected value of projects to the project sponsors; however, in most cases, project managers fail to realize this strategic value due to the loopholes left in project governance throughout various stages of the project life cycle. Furthermore, another root cause of project failure might be linked to an exceedingly self-interested project leader who is exploitative of his/her team. This is a recurring yet still unexplored aspect of destructive leadership that requires attention from the scientific community as well as practitioners. Hence, the present study explored the relationship between project governance and information and communication technology (ICT) project success, as well as the moderating effects of exploitative leadership on this relationship.Design/methodology/approachWith this aim, 357 responses were collected from project professionals in the emerging ICT industry in Pakistan, and the results were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) with partial least squares (PLS).FindingsThe findings provide new evidence that project governance significantly improves project success opportunities in the ICT industry; however, this relationship is negatively moderated by exploitative leadership.Originality/valueThe study findings extend the project leadership literature by uncovering the influence of the dark side of project leadership (i.e. exploitative leadership), in addition to revalidating the impact of project governance on project success through a multi-dimensional context.
Principals' role in teachers' knowledge-sharing beliefs, intention and behaviour in Iranian schools: exploring the impact of knowledge-sharing leadership
Authors: Zeinabadi Hassanreza 
Published: May 2022

PurposeKnowledge-sharing is a valuable learning activity among teachers that leads to individual and collective professional development and contributes to students' learning outcomes and school effectiveness. However, teachers are generally weak at knowledge-sharing and are often professionally isolated from colleagues. Regardless of the general and context-specific reasons for this weakness, researchers believe that principals' knowledge-sharing leadership (KSL) can influence teachers' knowledge-sharing behaviours (KSB). Nevertheless, little is known about how it can exert its impact. In addition, given the precedence of teachers' beliefs and intentions over their behaviours, the mechanism of this impact has not yet been investigated based on this sequence. This study seeks to investigate and compare this impact in the form of two competing models, including the theory of reasoned action and planned behaviour. Both models consider KSB due to teachers' beliefs and intentions.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 445 teachers completed an online form comprising two scales, including KSL and the knowledge-sharing belief-intention-behaviour. Data were analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM).FindingsThe model hypothesising the impact of KSL on constructs of the theory of reasoned action had a better fit with the data. The direct and indirect relationships analysis showed that KSL directly affects two fundamental beliefs of teachers, including attitudes toward knowledge-sharing (ATKS) and subjective norms (SN). Also, these beliefs directly affected teachers' intentions and, ultimately, their KSB indirectly.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the school leadership literature. Further, it has supported the theory of reasoned action when the teacher's KSB is targeted. Although researchers previously have adopted this theory, they have focused more on containing constructs while neglecting principal-related external variables. Finally, this study provides insights into principals' training programs. While principals may try to be knowledge-sharing leaders through self-practising competencies, they should be purposefully trained.
How can robo-advisors retain end-users? Identifying the formation of an integrated post-adoption model
Authors: Cheng Yung-Ming 
Published: May 2022

PurposeThis study's purpose is to propose an integrated post-adoption model based on expectation-confirmation model (ECM) and cognitive absorption (CA) theory to examine whether network factors, gamification factor, and quality factors as antecedents to end-users' beliefs can affect their continuance intention of the robo-advisor.Design/methodology/approachA total of 600 questionnaires were distributed in three sample banks in Taiwan, and sample data for this study were collected from these three banks' customers who had experience in using these banks' own robo-advisor to make their investment decisions. Consequently, 381 useable questionnaires were analyzed using structural equation modeling in this study, with a useable response rate of 63.5%.FindingsThis study proposes a solid research model that based on ECM and CA theory, three types of factors, network factors, gamification factor, and quality factors, as antecedents to end-users’ continuance intention of the robo-advisor have been examined, and this study's results strongly support the research model with all hypothesized links being significant.Originality/valueThis study contributes to end-users' continuance intention of the robo-advisor based on ECM, CA theory, theory of network externalities, gamification, and updated DeLone and McLean IS success model, and reveals deep insights into the evaluation of determinants in the field of end-users' continuance intention of the robo-advisor. Hence, it is especially worth mentioning that three types of determinants (i.e. network factors, gamification factor, and quality factors) are simultaneously evaluated, and extrinsic and intrinsic motivators are both taken into account in this study's research model development of end-users' continuance intention of the robo-advisor to acquire a more all-round and robust analysis.
To buy or to back? Backers' motivations for fashion crowdfunding projects
Authors: Ahn SooKyoung 
Published: May 2022

PurposeAlthough fashion products feature a short lifespan owing to rapid changes in trends, fashion is one of the most active sectors in reward-based crowdfunding. This study aims to explore what drives backers to be involved in fashion projects despite the delay in obtaining rewards.Design/methodology/approachThis study used the mixed method approach by conducting a critical incident technique and two online surveys with 801 crowdfunding backers.FindingsEight dimensions of backers' motivations were identified: altruism, enjoyment, novelty, information, economic incentive, reward, recognition, and social relationship. The finding was validated by testing the relationship with external variables.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings provide the empirical foundation for studies on reward-based crowdfunding motivation and marketing strategy development appealing to backers' specific motivations. They highlight the importance of motivations in funding fashion projects and sharing information.Originality/valueThis study applies three motivational orientations and reflects the characteristics of product categories of rewards.
The Covid-pandemic has ended. Again.
Authors: Oskam Jeroen , Davis Tim 
Published: May 2022

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss the evolving interpretations of the Covid crisis and its impact on hospitality and tourism.Design/methodology/approachScenario planning paper following Framework Foresight about the Covid pandemic and its impact on hospitality and tourism. Research input was gathered from research reports in different disciplines and discussions with an expert panel.FindingsThe paper argues that hypothesized recovery scenarios were founded on hope and inaccurate extrapolations, and that hospitality and tourism may head for permanently lower volumes.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper contributes to the debate on tourism resilience and hopeful visions of a sustainable restart.Practical implicationsInstead of just focusing on direct pandemic impact and that of governmental measures, a third variable of consumer confidence will be decisive, and more important than expected by many initially, in future scenarios for hospitality and tourism.Originality/valueThe proposed scenarios that were designed with executive level industry input have so far proven more realistic than prevalent views of a swift recovery.
The influence of leadership on strategic flexibility and business performance: the mediating role of talent management
Authors: Kafetzopoulos Dimitrios , Psomas Evangelos , Bouranta Nancy 
Published: May 2022

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to determine whether leadership affects strategic flexibility and business performance taking into consideration the mediating role of talent management in these relationships.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed framework is tested by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and finally structural equation modeling (SEM), using the survey data from 462 Greek firms. The mediation effect of talent management was tested by the Sobel test.FindingsThe results show that leadership drives firms to strategic flexibility and business performance, but the introduction of talent management fully mediates these relationships. Strategic flexibility also affects business performance positively.Research limitations/implicationsThis study explores a formal style of leadership; many leadership styles remain unexplored. The field of talent management is in urgent need of more empirical research to explain its importance and how talent management is handled in the 21st-century.Practical implicationsThis study proves that managers should invest more in talent management; outstanding talent can be leveraged to implement the best operational practices while managers' motivation for talent management contributes to a deeper anchoring of strategic flexibility and performance efforts in firms.Originality/valueThe current state of knowledge of both theory and practice for critical organizational factors such as strategic flexibility and talent management will be extended.
High-involvement work practices, employee trust and engagement: the mediating role of perceived organisational politics
Authors: Mehmood Iqbal , Macky Keith , Le Fevre Mark 
Published: May 2022

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine perceptions of organisational politics (POP) as a mediator of the relationship between high-involvement work practices (HIWPs) and employee outcomes (trust in employer and employee engagement).Design/methodology/approachUsing a longitudinal time-lagged quantitative survey design, data were collected in two waves (n = 1,554, time 1, and n = 970, time 2). Direct and indirect (mediation) effects were tested through structural equation modelling (SEM) in AMOS.FindingsThe results of SEM suggest that HIWPs are positively associated with trust in the employer and employee engagement and negatively associated with POP. The data supported a partial mediation model in which POP mediated the relationship between HIWPs and both trust in the employer and employee engagement levels.Practical implicationsHIWPs reduce employees’ perceptions of the degree to which their work environment is politicised, enhance employee engagement and develop a more trusting relationship between employee and employer.Originality/valuePerceptions that workplace environments are characterised by political behaviours are ubiquitous and a large body of research has highlighted their detrimental effects on both employees and employers. This is the first study that has examined the potential of HIWPs in reducing such perceptions, which in turn, can foster employee engagement and enhance trust in the employer. Longitudinal studies of the effect HIWPs have on employee perceptions and attitudes are also still scarce.
Karuk ecological fire management practices promote elk habitat in northern California
Authors: Connor Thomas , Tripp Emilio , Tripp Bill , Saxon B. J. , Camarena Jessica , Donahue Asa , Sarna‐Wojcicki Daniel , Macaulay Luke , Bean Tim , Hanbury‐Brown Adam , Brashares Justin 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

After a century of fire suppression and accumulating fuel loads in North American forests, prescribed burns are increasingly used to prevent conditions leading to catastrophic megafire. There is widespread evidence that prescribed fire was used by Indigenous communities to manage natural and cultural resources for thousands of years. Wildlife habitat is an example of an ecological response that was actively managed with prescribed burns by Indigenous American peoples and is an important factor in western US forest management planning, restoration and climate resilience efforts.

We analysed the effects of modern prescribed burns informed by traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) on the predicted change in elk winter habitat in Karuk aboriginal territory in Northern California between 2013 and 2018 using species distribution and simultaneous autoregressive modelling techniques.

Burn types most closely resembling Karuk traditional practices, specifically those incorporating multiple‐year broadcast burns, had significant positive effects on elk winter habitat suitability. Conversely, concentrated burns focused solely on reducing fuel loads had significant negative effects on elk winter habitat suitability. However, areas where these fuel‐reduction burns were combined with multiple years of broadcast burns featured the highest increases in habitat.

Synthesis and applications. Our results suggest that transitioning to prescribed burns that more closely follow Karuk traditional ecological knowledge will promote elk habitat in the region. This would be best achieved through continuing to work closely with Indigenous representatives to plan and implement cultural fire prescriptions on a landscape scale, a trend we posit would benefit environmental management efforts across the globe.
Kinetics of moisture loss applied to the baking of snacks with pregelatinized cassava starch
Authors: Cazzaniga A. , Brousse M. M. , Linares A. R. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractMoisture loss kinetics is a complex process defined as the liquid removal from a solid by thermal application. The purposes of the study were to obtain kinetic curves of moisture loss during the baking of cassava snacks and establish which processes govern the moisture loss, recognize which mathematical models describe the moisture loss curves more precisely, and determine activation energy (Ea) and effective diffusivity (Deff). Experimental data were obtained through baking at four temperatures formulations for snacks with different dehydrated cassava puree (DCP) proportions. Page's and Chávez Méndez's models showed the best fits. We calculated Deff and Ea employing the analytical solution of Fick's Second Law for the geometry of plane plates. Deff values increase with DCP but did not show a trend. The range found was from 5.22E‐06 to 2.93E‐05 m2/s. The results of Ea showed that the mixture of flours produced an increase in the energy necessary to initiate the effective diffusion (24.84 kJ/mol) compared to the samples without mixing (15.54 kJ/mol). Moisture loss curves show that the diffusion process governs a large part of the process.Practical ApplicationGiven the need to increase research for the development of the cassava industry, which currently has low competitiveness compared to less expensive products such as corn, various efforts are being made to generate new products that can replace wheat flour, at least in part. However, it is necessary to research how this substitution affects the various steps of the production system, including baking. During baking, one of the most significant processes is moisture loss. In this sense, the kinetic modeling of the moisture loss process parameters is mainly helpful in the food industry. The mathematical models of moisture loss processes are used to design new or improved baking systems or even control the process.
Puncture frequency predicts pneumothorax in preoperative computed tomography‐guided lung nodule localization for video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery
Authors: Huang Jing‐Yang , Tsai Stella Chin‐Shaw , Wu Tzu‐Chin , Lin Frank Cheau‐Feng 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundIatrogenic pneumothorax is the most frequent complication in preoperative CT‐guided localization (POCTGL) of lung nodules. We aimed to determine the predictive factors of iatrogenic pneumothorax.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed data of consecutive POCTGL procedures in patients who received video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) at our hospital between May 2015 and October 2019. All of our patients utilized laser angle guide assembly to aid in the localization procedures.ResultsIn 610 consecutive POCTGL procedures, 40 (6.6%) patients developed iatrogenic pneumothorax, and complications occurred in 8.5%. Univariate analyses revealed that puncture frequency, male gender, puncture depth, left decubitus position, and nodule near fissure were factors associated with pneumothorax, while multivariate analysis showed that only male gender (odds ratio 3.58, p = 0.012) and puncture frequency (odds ratio 2.39/time, p = 0.0004) determined development of pneumothorax. Further collective analysis on puncture frequency revealed that tumor in a difficult zone (1.33 ± 0.71 vs. 1.19 ± 0.45, p = 0.002), especially adjacent to the mediastinum (1.41 ± 0.75 vs. 1.21 ± 0.52, p = 0.002), angle difference of plan‐to‐practice (r = 0.209, p = < 0.001), depth to skin (r = 0.152, p < 0.001), and depth to pleura (r = 0.164, p < 0.001) were factors related to increased puncture frequency in univariate analyses. Only angle difference of plan‐to‐practice was associated in multivariate analysis (odds ratio: 1.158, p = 0.008).ConclusionsPuncture frequency was the key factor in the development of iatrogenic pneumothorax from POCTGL. Other associated factors, especially angle difference, may have affected the puncture frequency and subsequently have some influence on the incidence of iatrogenic pneumothorax.
Predictive value of post‐treatment C‐reactive protein‐to‐albumin ratio in locally advanced non–small cell lung cancer patients receiving durvalumab after chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Araki Taisuke , Tateishi Kazunari , Komatsu Masamichi , Sonehara Kei , Wasamoto Satoshi , Koyama Shigeru , Yoshiike Fumiaki , Hama Mineyuki , Nishie Kenichi , Kondo Daichi , Agatsuma Toshihiko , Kato Akane , Takata Munetake , Kanda Shintaro , Hanaoka Masayuki , Koizumi Tomonobu 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundsThe PACIFIC trial established durvalumab consolidation therapy after concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) as the standard treatment for locally advanced non–small cell lung cancer (LA‐NSCLC). However, little is known about the predictive factors of durvalumab efficacy in this population. This study aimed to validate the predictive use of inflammation‐related parameters in patients with LA‐NSCLC treated with CCRT plus durvalumab.MethodsWe recruited 76 LA‐NSCLC patients who received CCRT followed by durvalumab from 10 Japanese institutions. The neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR), C‐reactive protein‐to‐albumin ratio (CAR), and prognostic nutrition index (PNI) were measured before (pre‐treatment) and 2 months after (post‐treatment) durvalumab induction. Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to examine prognostic factors associated with progression‐free survival (PFS) after durvalumab therapy.ResultsThe median follow‐up time was 17 (range, 3.3–35.8) months. The median PFS and overall survival (OS) times were 26.1 and 33.7 months, respectively. Durvalumab was discontinued in 47 (61.8%) patients, with non‐infectious pneumonitis being the most common reason. Post‐treatment CAR (cutoff, 0.2) was a significant stratifying factor in survival comparison (<0.2 vs. ≥ 0.2, median PFS, not‐reached vs. 9.6 months. Log‐rank, p = 0.002). Multivariate analysis with a Cox proportional hazards model showed that post‐treatment CAR was an independent prognostic factor for PFS (hazard ratio, 3.16, p = 0.003).ConclusionsThis study suggests that post‐treatment CAR has predictive value for LA‐NSCLC patients treated with CCRT plus durvalumab consolidation therapy.