Maryam AlJame and Imtiaz Ahmad
The evolution of technologies has unleashed a wealth of challenges by generating massive amount of data. Recently, biological data has increased exponentially, which has…
Abstract
The evolution of technologies has unleashed a wealth of challenges by generating massive amount of data. Recently, biological data has increased exponentially, which has introduced several computational challenges. DNA short read alignment is an important problem in bioinformatics. The exponential growth in the number of short reads has increased the need for an ideal platform to accelerate the alignment process. Apache Spark is a cluster-computing framework that involves data parallelism and fault tolerance. In this article, we proposed a Spark-based algorithm to accelerate DNA short reads alignment problem, and it is called Spark-DNAligning. Spark-DNAligning exploits Apache Spark ’s performance optimizations such as broadcast variable, join after partitioning, caching, and in-memory computations. Spark-DNAligning is evaluated in term of performance by comparing it with SparkBWA tool and a MapReduce based algorithm called CloudBurst. All the experiments are conducted on Amazon Web Services (AWS). Results demonstrate that Spark-DNAligning outperforms both tools by providing a speedup in the range of 101–702 in aligning gigabytes of short reads to the human genome. Empirical evaluation reveals that Apache Spark offers promising solutions to DNA short reads alignment problem.
Mariam AlKandari and Imtiaz Ahmad
Solar power forecasting will have a significant impact on the future of large-scale renewable energy plants. Predicting photovoltaic power generation depends heavily on climate…
Abstract
Solar power forecasting will have a significant impact on the future of large-scale renewable energy plants. Predicting photovoltaic power generation depends heavily on climate conditions, which fluctuate over time. In this research, we propose a hybrid model that combines machine-learning methods with Theta statistical method for more accurate prediction of future solar power generation from renewable energy plants. The machine learning models include long short-term memory (LSTM), gate recurrent unit (GRU), AutoEncoder LSTM (Auto-LSTM) and a newly proposed Auto-GRU. To enhance the accuracy of the proposed Machine learning and Statistical Hybrid Model (MLSHM), we employ two diversity techniques, i.e. structural diversity and data diversity. To combine the prediction of the ensemble members in the proposed MLSHM, we exploit four combining methods: simple averaging approach, weighted averaging using linear approach and using non-linear approach, and combination through variance using inverse approach. The proposed MLSHM scheme was validated on two real-time series datasets, that sre Shagaya in Kuwait and Cocoa in the USA. The experiments show that the proposed MLSHM, using all the combination methods, achieved higher accuracy compared to the prediction of the traditional individual models. Results demonstrate that a hybrid model combining machine-learning methods with statistical method outperformed a hybrid model that only combines machine-learning models without statistical method.
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Aleixo Fernandes, Marcelo Moll Brandao, Evandro Luiz Lopes and Filipe Quevedo-Silva
The purpose of this paper is to identify the influence of the company’s reputation and individual consumer involvement in the relationship between satisfaction, loyalty and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify the influence of the company’s reputation and individual consumer involvement in the relationship between satisfaction, loyalty and willingness to pay more for a product.
Design/methodology/approach
The method used is quantitative, by means of a survey with real consumers of automotive services of two vehicle dealerships, whose data were analyzed through linear regression analysis and conditional analysis of moderation.
Findings
The authors have identified that the relationship between satisfaction and loyalty and between loyalty and willingness to pay more for a product is entirely moderated by the (high) reputation of the brand and the (high) individual involvement of the consumer.
Practical implications
The study contributes to marketing managers as it demonstrates effect of brand reputation and involvement. Therefore, it is understood that these variables need to be considered in satisfaction surveys, as it has been proven that satisfaction alone cannot explain the variables of business performance (loyalty and willingness to pay).
Originality/value
The greatest innovation of this study is the identification of the total moderation between stated satisfaction and loyalty and between satisfaction and willingness to pay more. It has been demonstrated that high levels of brand reputation coupled with high levels of consumer involvement account for the fully dependent variables.
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This present study sheds light on how these issues affect police officers’ personal and professional lives. This research looks at how family support (FS) and workplace pressures…
Abstract
Purpose
This present study sheds light on how these issues affect police officers’ personal and professional lives. This research looks at how family support (FS) and workplace pressures affect police effectiveness.
Design/methodology/approach
The analysis of the measurement and structural model was conducted using AMOS version 26. To ensure the accuracy of the results, a two-stage analysis methodology (Anderson and Gerbing, 1988) was used. The first stage involved testing the measurement model using various validity indicators such as confirmatory factor analysis, comparative fit index, goodness of fit index and Tucker–Lewis index to evaluate the incremental compatibility of the model. Root-mean-square approximation error and CMIN/DF were also used to further assess the model’s validity. In the second stage of the analysis, the structural model was estimated using structural equation modeling technique (Hair et al., 1998). The data obtained from the measurement model was then used to determine the fit indices. Because the values were consistent with the criterion values, the model was deemed to be a good fit.
Findings
The study conducted sheds light on the crucial role that work stressors (WS) and FS play in determining job satisfaction (JS) among nongazetted officers (NGOs) and other ranks (ORs) police officials in the state of Punjab, India. The findings suggest that there exists a complex interdependence between WS and FS, and their correlation with regards to work, family and children’s evaluations. The first hypothesis (H1, Table 4) was found to be true (0.440, p = 0.001), indicating that more than 44 % of the job performance of police officials in Punjab is affected by stressors related to work. The study also identified eight WS that have a significant impact on the performance of police officials on the job. On the other hand, FS was found to have no influence on the job performance of police officials in Punjab, and hence, the second hypothesis was rejected. Further analysis showed that FS was more prevalent among NGOs as compared to ORs police personnel, but it did not directly influence their job performance. The benefits of FS may be moderated by the nature of the job; hence, FS may be more critical in stressful jobs such as police work than in less stressful jobs. The study emphasizes the importance of balancing work and family demands and highlights the need for family-friendly policies to achieve this balance. Future research should focus on the types of policies that should be offered to lessen stress and conflict and examine the benefits of merely offering programs versus requiring or encouraging their usage. The findings of this study could be useful for policymakers and organizations in designing policies that promote employee well-being and JS while balancing work and family demands.
Research limitations/implications
As with any research endeavor, it is essential to interpret the findings of this study while considering its limitations. First, the study relied on a convenience sample drawn solely from one nation, namely, India, which may restrict the generalizability of the results to other countries or cultural contexts. Furthermore, it is important to note that this study exclusively explored the causal relationship between monetary compensation, intrinsic motivation and employee performance, without delving into the nuances of various forms or qualities of FS (e.g. emotional support, instrumental support, perceived vs actual support) and their impact on job performance among police officers. Additionally, the research did not investigate whether the influence of FS on job performance varies based on the specific WS encountered by police officers. These limitations highlight potential avenues for future research to explore in greater depth.
Practical implications
To enhance the well-being and JS of police officers and their families, a comprehensive set of tailored interventions and support programs can be implemented. Recognizing the unique stressors faced by officers and introducing critical incident debriefing sessions and counseling services to provide a confidential space for emotional processing. Offering flexible scheduling, exploring remote work options and developing workshops and resource programs to address the needs of officers’ families, including stress management and communication skills. Strengthening parental leave policies, incorporating extended paid leave and clear communication, to alleviate stress during significant family events. Establishing peer support networks within police departments to provide officers with a valuable avenue for sharing experiences and coping strategies. Collectively, these interventions aim to create a supportive and family-friendly environment within the police force, ultimately fostering improved work-family balance and enhanced well-being for police personnel. To enhance the well-being and JS of police officers and their families, a comprehensive set of tailored interventions and support programs can be implemented. Recognizing the unique stressors faced by officers, critical incident debriefing sessions and counseling services should be introduced to provide a confidential space for emotional processing. Given the demanding nature of police work, exploring flexible schedules and remote work options can assist officers in achieving a better work-life balance, particularly when dealing with family-related challenges. Workshops and resource programs specifically addressing the needs of officers’ families, including stress management and communication skills, can be developed to strengthen family connections. Strengthening parental leave policies, incorporating extended paid leave and clear communication, can alleviate stress during significant family events. Establishing peer support networks within police departments provides officers with a valuable avenue for sharing experiences and coping strategies. Regular mental health check-ins and screenings, as well as financial education workshops, acknowledge and address the unique challenges faced by officers and their families. Community engagement and recognition initiatives, along with specialized training on work-family balance, can foster positive morale. Finally, the establishment of a crisis intervention and FS hotline serves as a vital lifeline during critical situations, ensuring immediate assistance and resources for officers and their families in times of need. Collectively, these interventions aim to create a supportive and family-friendly environment within the police force.
Social implications
The primary objective of this study is to assess the impact of occupational demands and familial support on the overall happiness levels of police officers stationed in Punjab, India. The research underscores the crucial importance of implementing family-friendly policies aimed at achieving a harmonious equilibrium between professional responsibilities and family life commitments. The findings unveil a multifaceted interconnection between occupational stress, familial support systems and individual assessments concerning career fulfillment, domestic life and parental responsibilities. Moreover, the study sheds light on various family-friendly initiatives, such as empowerment strategies and recognition programs, that have the potential to augment JS among police personnel. Furthermore, it suggests that future investigations delve deeper into the efficacy of implementing voluntary programs rather than mandating or promoting their usage in mitigating stress and resolving familial conflicts. The study establishes a clear correlation between JS, overall well-being and the interplay between occupational demands and familial encouragement. Policymakers and corporate entities are urged to take cognizance of these factors while formulating strategies aimed at enhancing the health and contentment levels of employees in the workplace. Additionally, the study underscores the significance of cultural factors, emphasizing the need to consider them in future research endeavors and policy formulations. Cultural factors such as societal norms, values and expectations can influence the way that police personnel perceive and use FS, as well as the impact that FS has on their job performance. By conducting cross-cultural studies, researchers can gain insights into how the relationship between FS and job performance may vary across different cultural contexts. This can help to identify universal factors as well as culturally specific influences on the interplay between FS and job performance among police personnel. Furthermore, investigating the impact of FS on job performance in diverse cultural contexts can contribute to the development of culturally sensitive support programs and policies for police officers. Understanding how cultural factors shape the experiences of police personnel and their families can inform the design of interventions that are tailored to the specific needs and challenges present in different cultural settings. In summary, expanding the research scope to include diverse cultural contexts can enhance the generalizability of the findings and contribute to the development of culturally sensitive support programs and policies for police officers.
Originality/value
The content of this paper is entirely original and has not been derived from any other published or unpublished documents. It has been created solely for the purpose of providing new and unique information for the readers.
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Brighton Nyagadza, Gideon Mazuruse, Asphat Muposhi and Farai Chigora
This study aims to examine the influence of service quality, satisfaction, trust, value and commitment on hotel customers’ attitudinal and behavioural loyalty.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the influence of service quality, satisfaction, trust, value and commitment on hotel customers’ attitudinal and behavioural loyalty.
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Imtiaz Sifat, Azhar Mohamad and Zarinah Hamid
Magnet effect entails a hypothesis in market microstructure entailing a systemic likelihood of prices being sucked toward the theoretical threshold. The purpose of this paper is…
Abstract
Purpose
Magnet effect entails a hypothesis in market microstructure entailing a systemic likelihood of prices being sucked toward the theoretical threshold. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the existence of magnet effect in Bursa Malaysia via overnight returns.
Design/methodology/approach
This study investigates the existence of magnet effect via overnight returns in Bursa Malaysia by utilizing historical daily price data from 1994 to 2017 by probabilistic regression approaches. The authors divide the study period into three distinct regimes based on regulatory limit mechanisms.
Findings
Based on demarcated regimes, the authors find evidence of magnet effect in Bursa Malaysia throughout all regimes, with a heightened magnitude detected between 2002 and 2013. Moreover, upper limit scenarios exhibit a greater propensity for magnet effect. The authors end the paper with implications of the findings for portfolio managers, intraday traders, and policymakers.
Originality/value
The research is the first of its kind in attempting to measure the magnet effect in Malaysia via overnight jumps.
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This study aims to review the current research in the digitalization of the humanitarian supply chain performance management (HSCPM) and complement the insights found in the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to review the current research in the digitalization of the humanitarian supply chain performance management (HSCPM) and complement the insights found in the literature with the support of humanitarian organization (HO) reports. As a result, this study also identifies research gaps and directions for future research.
Design/methodology/approach
The study first used a systematic literature review using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis to collect and review 25 peer-reviewed articles. Second, the study complemented the articles’ findings by collecting and analyzing 12 HO reports.
Findings
The study reveals the common understanding and links between HSCPM concepts and digitalization approaches, determining that the digitalization approaches per se used in the literature are indistinct and fragmented. Furthermore, it reveals the gaps between literature and practice that cause the research to develop slowly. Some suggestions are made to aid relevant future research. Both gaps and research directions are presented in Table 5.
Research limitations/implications
This study first contributed to methodology in reviewing the digitalization of HSCPM research from literature and practical perspectives. There is a need to expand the data collection scope, integrate various analyses and foster collaborations with multi-disciplinary researchers and practitioners.
Social implications
This study highlights the gaps and potential pathways for the research community to conduct future research investigations into the digitalization of HSCPM.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the first studies to analyze the HSC’s current research into the application of digitalization in HSCPM from both academic and practical perspectives. It also provides a replicable methodology for future studies.
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Muhammad Asif Zaheer, Tanveer Muhammad Anwar, Laszlo Barna Iantovics, Maryam Manzoor, Muhammad Ali Raza and Zoia Khan
This research aimed to raise awareness about the need for safety measures and features of online food delivery applications (OFDAs) to build electronic trust (e-trust) with…
Abstract
Purpose
This research aimed to raise awareness about the need for safety measures and features of online food delivery applications (OFDAs) to build electronic trust (e-trust) with augmented purchase intention among customers. Moreover, this study explores the attributes of electronic commerce (e-commerce) and how e-trust influences the purchasing intention of consumers while ordering food through OFDAs including fear of contagious diseases. Determinants of e-commerce in the digital era profoundly impact the performance of enterprises.
Design/methodology/approach
Data from 493 food consumers collected from Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Pakistan, who were regular users of OFDAs. To scrutinize the dataset, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to assess the construct validity in this research study. Structural equation modeling (SEM), which is facilitated by Smart-PLS, was employed to examine the direct, moderation and mediation effects of the proposed model.
Findings
Results revealed the positive and significant impact of the e-trust on the purchase intention. Additionally, e-trust acted as a mediating factor in the connection between electronic security (e-security), electronic privacy (e-privacy), usability, electronic payment (e-payment), electronic innovativeness (e-innovativeness) and the buyer's purchase intention. Furthermore, the fear of contagious viruses negatively moderated the e-trust and purchase intention that weakened buying behavior.
Originality/value
This research is primarily centered on enhancing the comprehension regarding safety orientation within the context of an evolving restaurant industry. The findings of this study hold substantial contributions for academics, web developers, application designers, OFDAs, restaurants and other businesses since they indicate the attractiveness of OFDAs in generating feelings of pleasure and boosting users' intentions to keep using the application.
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This paper investigates the financial strength of banks in Bangladesh and factors affecting the financial strength over the years 2010–2015 on 35 banks.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper investigates the financial strength of banks in Bangladesh and factors affecting the financial strength over the years 2010–2015 on 35 banks.
Design/methodology/approach
Additive value function with CAMEL rating (capital stength, asset quality, managerial efficiency, earning ability, liquidity) has been employed to calculate banks’ financial strength index (FSI). In the second stage, panel regression has been exercised to find out the determinants of banks’ financial strength.
Findings
Empirical finding exhibits that the Islamic banks of Bangladesh are financially stronger and outperform conventional and Islamic window banks with higher liquidity. In the ownership category, private banks have more financial strength with higher capital strength, asset quality, managerial efficiency and earning ability than public banks. Bank size, loan recovery, salary and banking sector development positively affect whereas the loan-asset negatively affect the bank’s financial strength in Bangladesh.
Research limitations/implications
This study has its limitations despite its importance. CAMELS is a more improved form than using CAMEL. But because of the data deficiency on “S” which represents sensitivity, it would not be possible to use CAMELS framework. Further researchers could incorporate this.
Practical implications
Government and banks should allow Islamic banks to enter the market on easy terms because of their outstanding performance in the existing market. In addition, banks should provide loans with consideration so that they cannot create credit risk. In addition, they should calculate composite financial strength annually to understand which components they need to work on.
Originality/value
This study extends the extant result on the composite FSI. It is hard to examine the financial strength of banks using only ratio value, which misleads most of the time. The study offers evidence on how the FSI provides more rigorous results and what are the factors contribute most to the financial strength of banks.