Sinead Watson and Yun Yun Gong
Food handlers are often a major source of norovirus transmission in the UK. Considering key behaviours of food handlers that lead to norovirus transmission would help prevent the…
Abstract
Purpose
Food handlers are often a major source of norovirus transmission in the UK. Considering key behaviours of food handlers that lead to norovirus transmission would help prevent the spread. The purpose of this paper is to examine the key risk behaviours of food handlers that lead to norovirus transmission, and to recognise important prevention strategies.
Design/methodology/approach
A narrative review of the literature summarising the main risk behaviours of food handlers that lead to norovirus transmission.
Findings
Suboptimal personal hygiene such as poor hand washing compliance, working while ill or returning to work too early and not adhering to cleaning and disinfecting protocols were the main risk behaviours of food handlers identified. To prevent the transmission of norovirus within UK food establishments, environmental barriers such as limited access to cleaning products and facilities, workload and pay concerns should be resolved, and a theory-based approach should be used when developing training programmes to improve food handlers’ knowledge and behaviour. Systematic monitoring adhered to ensure food safety protocols should be regularly carried out.
Research limitations/implications
A limited number of qualitative studies assessing food handlers’ attitudes and beliefs concerning norovirus transmission are available. Gaining more detailed and in-depth information on what food handlers perceive are the main barriers when it comes to adhering to food safety guidelines, would aid in the development of effective norovirus mitigation strategies.
Originality/value
This review discusses the main risk behaviours of food handlers associated with norovirus transmission. It highlights the need for more qualitative research on exploring the attitudes and beliefs of food handlers with regard to norovirus transmission.
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Aying Zhang, Ziyu Xing and Haibao Lu
The purpose of this paper is to study the mechanochemical effect and self-growth mechanism of double-network (DN) gel and to provide a quasiperiodic model for rubber elasticity.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to study the mechanochemical effect and self-growth mechanism of double-network (DN) gel and to provide a quasiperiodic model for rubber elasticity.
Design/methodology/approach
The chemical reaction kinetics is used to identify the mechanochemical transition probability of host brittle network and to explore the mechanical behavior of endosymbiont ductile network. A quasiperiodic model is proposed to characterize the cooperative coupling of host–endosymbiont networks using the Penrose tiling of a 2 × 2 matrix. Moreover, a free-energy model is formulated to explore the constitutive stress–strain relationship for the DN gel based on the rubber elasticity theory and Gent model.
Findings
In this study, a quasiperiodic graph model has been developed to describe the cooperative interaction between brittle and ductile networks, which undergo the mechanochemical coupling and mechanical stretching behaviors, respectively. The quasiperiodic Penrose tiling determines the mechanochemistry and self-growth effect of DNs.
Originality/value
It is expected to formulate a quasiperiodic graph model of host–guest interaction between two networks to explore the working principle of mechanical and self-growing behavior in DN hydrogels, undergoing complex mechanochemical effect. The effectiveness of the proposed model is verified using both finite element analysis and experimental results of DN gels reported in literature.
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Le Wang, Hang Liu, Shuohua Yun, Fang Cui and Kun Wang
This study aims to explore the underlying mechanism and boundary conditions of consumer’s preference on a multiple-percentage discount over an economically equivalent single…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the underlying mechanism and boundary conditions of consumer’s preference on a multiple-percentage discount over an economically equivalent single discount.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors tested their predictions using two large-scale online experiments accompanied by a fully controlled laboratory experiment.
Findings
This study shows that the preference for a multiple-percentage discounts over an economically equivalent single-percentage discount is because consumers directly add the raw values of multiple-percentage discounts. The preference is less prominent if the percentage discounts are presented using round (vs non-round) numbers and is strengthened by experiential-thinking style.
Research limitations/implications
This study examined consumer preferences between a single-percentage discount and an economic equivalent multiple-percentage discount. A promising research topic is exploring consumer preferences between multiple-percentage discounts.
Practical implications
Understanding how different presentation formats of the same price discount can lead to different evaluations enables managers and marketers to ensure a more effective promotional strategy.
Originality/value
This study extends literature on price-based promotions by demonstrating how consumers’ preferences for multiple discounts can be strengthened or weakened.
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Hsi-An Shih, Tuong-Vy Nguyen and Yun-Hwa Chiang
Drawing on both social exchange theory (SET) and social cognitive theory, this paper aims to theorize and empirically examine a moderated serial mediation model that investigates…
Abstract
Purpose
Drawing on both social exchange theory (SET) and social cognitive theory, this paper aims to theorize and empirically examine a moderated serial mediation model that investigates the underlying mechanism through which high-performance work practices (HPWPs) influence employee innovative behaviors.
Design/methodology/approach
The hypotheses are tested on data collected from 182 Taiwanese subordinate-supervisor pairs. Hierarchical regression analyzes and bootstrapping were used to analyze the data.
Findings
Findings indicate that employee's individually perceived HPWP is indirectly related to the implementation of workers' creative ideas via information exchange and creative idea generation sequentially. Additionally, the presence of creative coworkers will amplify this serial indirect effect.
Originality/value
This study explicates the underlying theoretical logic linking employee perceived HPWP and individual innovation, i.e. the implementation of the worker's creative ideas by proposing a serial mediation effect. This study also emphasizes the importance of the presence of creative coworkers in the workplace.
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Kaiyan Yang, Xiaowu Gong, Lanli Bai, Yun Zhang and Na Zhou
This study aims to prepare a low-formaldehyde and environmentally friendly glucose-lignin-based phenolic resin.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to prepare a low-formaldehyde and environmentally friendly glucose-lignin-based phenolic resin.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors directly used lignin to substitute formaldehyde to prepare lignin-based phenolic resin (LPF) with urea as formaldehyde absorbent. To improve the performance of the adhesive, the biobased glucose was introduced and the modified glucose-LPF (GLPF) was obtained.
Findings
The results showed that when the replacing amount of lignin to formaldehyde reached 15 Wt.%, the physical properties of the prepared LPF met the Chinese national standard, and the bonding strength increased by 21.9%, from 0.75 to 0.96 MPa, compared with PF. The addition of glucose boost the performance of wood adhesive, for example, the free phenol content of the obtained GLPF was significantly reduced by 79.11%, from 5.60% to 1.17%, the bonding strength (1.19 MPa) of GLPF increased by 19.3% in comparison to LPF and the curing temperature of GLPF decreased by 13.08%.
Practical implications
The low-formaldehyde and environmentally friendly GLPF has higher bonding strength and lower curing temperature, which is profitable to industrial application.
Social implications
The prepared GLPF has lower free formaldehyde and formaldehyde emission, which is cost-effective and beneficial to human health.
Originality/value
The joint work of lignin and glucose provides the wood adhesive with increased bonding strength, decreased free phenol content and reduced curing temperature.
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Qing Liu, Yun Feng and Mengxia Xu
This paper aims to investigate whether the establishment of commodity futures can effectively hedge systemic risk in the spot network, given the context of financialization in the…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate whether the establishment of commodity futures can effectively hedge systemic risk in the spot network, given the context of financialization in the commodity futures market.
Design/methodology/approach
Utilizing industry association data from the Chinese commodity market, the authors identify systemically important commodities based on their importance in the production process using multiple graph analysis methods. Then the authors analyze the effect of listing futures on the systemic risk in the spot market with the staggered difference-in-differences (DID) method.
Findings
The findings suggest that futures contracts help reduce systemic risks in the underlying spot network. Systemic risk for a commodity will decrease by approximately 5.7% with the introduction of each corresponding futures contract, since the hedging function of futures reduces the timing behavior of firms in the spot market. Establishing futures contracts for upstream commodities lowers systemic risks for downstream commodities. Energy commodities, such as crude oil and coal, have higher systemic importance, with the energy sector dominating systemic importance, while some chemical commodities also have considerable systemic importance. Meanwhile, the shortest transmission path for risk propagation is composed of the energy industry, chemical industry, agriculture/metal industry and final products.
Originality/value
The paper provides the following policy insights: (1) The role of futures contracts is still positive, and future contracts should be established upstream and at more systemically important nodes in the spot production chain. (2) More attention should be paid to the chemical industry chain, as some chemical commodities are systemically important but do not have corresponding futures contracts. (3) The risk source of the commodity spot market network is the energy industry, and therefore, energy-related commodities should continue to be closely monitored.
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Seckyoung Loretta Kim, Soojin Lee and Seokhwa Yun
By applying conservation-of-resource (COR) theory, the purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of a leader’s destructive behaviors, i.e., abusive supervision, on employee…
Abstract
Purpose
By applying conservation-of-resource (COR) theory, the purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of a leader’s destructive behaviors, i.e., abusive supervision, on employee knowledge sharing and the moderating effects of learning goal orientation and self-enhancement motives on the aforementioned relationship.
Design/methodology/approach
The hypotheses were tested using regression analysis on data from 245 employees in South Korea.
Findings
The results showed that abused employees who experience depleted resources are likely to reduce their level of knowledge sharing, in accordance with COR theory. Furthermore, this research demonstrated that the negative effects of abusive supervision may differ depending on individual factors. Specifically, when an individual employee has low internal motivation or available resources for knowledge sharing (low learning orientation and high self-enhancement motive), the detrimental consequence of abusive supervision on knowledge sharing is worsened.
Practical implications
The research suggests that managers should be aware of the deleterious effects of abusive supervision on knowledge sharing and should invest more time and effort in preventing abusive supervision in the workplace.
Originality/value
Although organizations might invest significant amounts of effort in knowledge sharing, abusive supervision could be a barrier that discourages employees’ knowledge sharing. Yet, the strength of aforementioned relationship is dependent on individual factors. In order to achieve organizational effectiveness through knowledge sharing, the critical role of leaders’ behavior and employees’ characteristics or motivation should not be overlooked.
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This chapter examines how the breakthrough of Zhang Ziyi's depiction of a female kung fu master in The Grandmaster (2013) transforms the figure of the heroine in Chinese action…
Abstract
This chapter examines how the breakthrough of Zhang Ziyi's depiction of a female kung fu master in The Grandmaster (2013) transforms the figure of the heroine in Chinese action films. Zhang is well known for her acting in action films conducted by renowned directors, such as Ang Lee, Zhang Yimou and Wong Kar-wai. After winning 12 different Best Actress awards for her portrayal of Gong Ruomei in The Grandmaster, Zhang announced that she would no longer perform in any action films to show her highest respect for the superlative character Gong. Tracing Zhang's transformational portrait of a heroine in The Grandmaster alongside her other action roles, this analysis demonstrates how her performance projects the directors' distinctive gender viewpoints. I argue that Zhang's characterisation of Gong remodels heroine-hood in Chinese action films. Inheriting the typical plot of a daughter's use of martial arts for revenge for her father's death, Gong breaks from conventional Chinese action films that highlight romantic love during a woman's adventure and the decisive final battle scene. Beyond the propensity for sensory stimulation, Gong's characterisation enables Zhang to determine that women can really act in action films – demonstrating their inner power and ability to create multi-layered characters – not merely relying upon physical action. This chapter offers a relational perspective of how women transform the action film genre not merely as gender spectacles but as embodied figures that represent emerging female subjectivity.
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Yi Hsuan Lee, Chiou-Fong Wei, Bruce C. Y. Lee, Ya-Yun Cheng and Yao Chen
This study examines whether consumer brand engagement (CBE) can mitigate the negative effects of economic animosity (EA) on purchase intention (PI) and strengthen the positive…
Abstract
Purpose
This study examines whether consumer brand engagement (CBE) can mitigate the negative effects of economic animosity (EA) on purchase intention (PI) and strengthen the positive effect of country-of-origin (COO) on PI.
Design/methodology/approach
Using questionnaires distributed to 372 young Chinese adults, the study collected PI data for US products in the Chinese market. Partial least square structural equation modeling was adopted.
Findings
This study found a positive relationship between COO and CBE and a negative relationship between EA and CBE. CBE exhibits a partial mediating effect in the relationship between COO and PI and a full suppression effect on EA toward PI.
Research limitations/implications
This research is limited to China; future research could extend this framework to the United States.
Practical implications
This study contributes to relationship marketing knowledge. Furthermore, it provides new tools for multinational corporations to deploy their marketing strategies and avoid negative consequences stemming from the EA effect in the Chinese market following the US–China trade war.
Originality/value
This study is the first to extend COO and EA research to CBE discipline.
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Seckyoung Loretta Kim, Donghwan Lee and Seokhwa Yun
The purpose of this research is to examine the positive relationship between leader's boundary-spanning behavior and employee creative behavior. Moreover, the research…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this research is to examine the positive relationship between leader's boundary-spanning behavior and employee creative behavior. Moreover, the research investigates a three-way effect by exploring leader's boundary-spanning behavior, need for status and creative self-efficacy on employee creative behavior.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors conducted a cross-sectional survey involving 260 supervisor-subordinate dyads from various companies in South Korea. The research tests the hypotheses through a hierarchical regression analysis.
Findings
The authors provided empirical evidence that leader's boundary-spanning behavior positively related to employee creative behavior. Moreover, the result demonstrated that the effect of leader's boundary-spanning behavior on creative behavior was the strongest in the context of high need for status and high creative self-efficacy.
Research limitations/implications
The research contributes to the three streams of literature on boundary spanning, creativity, and leadership by exploring leaders' boundary-spanning behavior, employees' need for status, and employees' creative self-efficacy.
Practical implications
The findings suggest that organizations should promote leaders' boundary-spanning behavior, thereby enhancing employees' creative behavior. Also, the study highlights the critical role of individual factors, such as the need for status and creative self-efficacy, and situational factors that determine the level of creative behavior.
Originality/value
Integrating the componential model of creativity and the interactionist perspective of creativity, this research examines the positive influence of leaders' boundary-spanning behavior on creative behavior. Furthermore, the research exhibits how leader's boundary-spanning behavior, need for status and creative self-efficacy could develop creative conditions to promote employee creative behavior.