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1 – 10 of 24Mangirdas Morkūnas, Julius Janavicius and Artiom Volkov
This paper embarks on revealing the main factors behind the intentions of youth in Lithuania to get involved in bribery.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper embarks on revealing the main factors behind the intentions of youth in Lithuania to get involved in bribery.
Design/methodology/approach
A questionnaire survey of 432 respondents served as a source of primary data. The structural equation modelling – partial least squares techniques was employed as a main research tool.
Findings
It was revealed that youth in Lithuania display a high value congruity with their counterparts in Western Europe and a relatively reluctant to offer bribes. It can be stated that youths’ positive attitude towards some shadow economy activities is a forced response to government failures, rather than an intrinsic motivation created by cultural legacy or psychological issues.
Originality/value
It is one of the first scientific attempt to investigate reasons behind the formation of the positive attitude towards bribery and intentions to get involved in bribery among the youth.
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The last two years are characterized by record numbers of initial public offerings (IPOs), foreign investor abstinence and rising retail investor appetite in the Turkish stock…
Abstract
Purpose
The last two years are characterized by record numbers of initial public offerings (IPOs), foreign investor abstinence and rising retail investor appetite in the Turkish stock market. This study aims to investigate whether retail investor dominance coupled with foreign investor aversion has significant impact on initial and short-term returns.
Design/methodology/approach
The research covers the population of 188 companies going public at Borsa Istanbul from 2010 to the end of 2021. Three hypotheses are developed and tested by means of ordinary least squares and Tobit regressions to examine the association between investor allocations and returns. A new measure for retail investor trade size, average retail investment per capita (ARI) is utilized to explain the linkage between retail investor appetite and short-term returns. Two-stage least squares and Heckman selection regressions are employed for robustness tests to address potential endogeneity.
Findings
Pandemic IPOs provide significantly larger short-term returns than pre-pandemic IPOs measured up to one month. Underpricing during the pandemic is not significantly greater due to 10% daily price limit, which leads to a gradual release of retail investor appetite and increase in stock prices in the short term. Retail investors control 66% of the market during the pandemic compared to 35% before, while foreign institutional investor market share declines from 53% to 6%. Average retail investor number in an offering increases by 55.4-fold during the pandemic, resulting in substantially smaller allocations to the average individual investor. Greater returns during the pandemic are associated with smaller retail investment per capita, while domestic institutional investment is associated with lower returns as typically expected from institutional investors, although its significance disappears after controlling for potential endogeneity.
Research limitations/implications
This study investigates returns up to one month. To better understand whether short-termism of retail investors and recent foreign investor aversion have detrimental effect on companies, and on the market as a whole, longer-term studies are needed. This is not possible at the current stage since not enough time has passed.
Practical implications
This research is relevant to emerging market investors and companies due to the ongoing foreign investor aversion and fast-changing market conditions. The research cautions market participants against the short-termism of retail investors and urges policymakers to regain investors with longer investment horizons.
Social implications
Many newcomer retail investors are in the stock market due to lack of more profitable alternatives in Turkey. Although their participation is accompanied by larger short-term returns for the time being, the current momentum is unlikely to last long as the pandemic ends, and interest rates around the world begin to be raised. The study urges small investors to invest in a more informed manner and aim for longer time horizons, as it may not be possible to make a quick profit in the stock markets in the near future.
Originality/value
This is the first study to investigate changing investor profile in emerging markets and its impact on returns following pandemic declaration. The question is important because the investor composition affects the investment horizon in the market.
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Mujeeb Saif Mohsen Al-Absy and Husain Isa Merza
The aim of the study is to examine the influence of remuneration committee (RC) characteristics, namely separation, size, independence, meetings, and female directors, on firm…
Abstract
The aim of the study is to examine the influence of remuneration committee (RC) characteristics, namely separation, size, independence, meetings, and female directors, on firm performance (FP) by using return on assets (ROA), return on equity (ROE) and earnings per shares (EPS). The study covers all firms being listed in Bahrain Bourse for two years which are 2020 and 2021. The results of the study show that having more directors in RC would significantly increase firm performance “ROE and EPS.” Further, having more females in RC would significantly increase firm performance “ROA.” In addition, having separate RC would significantly decrease firm performance “ROA and EPS.” Moreover, the independence of directors in RC and its frequent meetings has no significant impact on the firm’s performance. The results show that there is a need to re-evaluate the role of the RC and strengthen its effectiveness, as some of the variables examined by this study have an insignificant impact on a firm’s performance. Further, there is a need to allocate additional efforts and policies in developing corporate governance and RCs as well.
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Shadrack Lusi Muma, Kovin Shunmugam Naidoo and Rekha Hansraj
Effective refractive error (RE) coverage in a resource-constrained country such as Kenya could possibly be achievable if the current dominant commercial entrepreneurship is…
Abstract
Purpose
Effective refractive error (RE) coverage in a resource-constrained country such as Kenya could possibly be achievable if the current dominant commercial entrepreneurship is supplemented with alternative avenues such as social entrepreneurship. This study aims to explore the perceived impact of social enterprises (SEs) in scaling effective RE coverage in Kenya.
Design/methodology/approach
This was an exploratory study with data collected from representatives of SEs (n = 29), trainees of SEs (n = 112) and beneficiaries of eye care services provided by SEs (n = 674). Participants were recruited purposively with data collected through telephonic calls. Thematic analysis was carried out by categorizing the codes into categories and themes based on the semantic meaning of the codes.
Findings
The perceived impact of SEs from the representative perspective included entrepreneurship and livelihood (n = 3; 10.3%), skills development (n = 20; 69%), technology development (n = 7; 24.1%), access to specialized services (n = 7; 24.1%) and affordability, accessibility and availability of RE services (n = 27; 93.1%). From the perspective of trainees, the themes included economic empowerment (n = 99; 88.4%), improved quality of life (n = 84; 75.0%), sensitizing locals to RE during screening events (n = 112; 100.0%) and enhancing accessibility, availability and affordability (n = 107; 95.5%).
Originality/value
The perceived impact of SEs highlighted in this paper showcases that they are useful for integration into the eye health ecosystem in a resource-constrained country such as Kenya. Integration of SEs into the eye health ecosystem could potentially address the human resource challenge, scale RE service delivery, enhance awareness creation and address the cost barriers to current RE service delivery coverage.
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Fouad Al Bayaty, Mazen M. Jamil Al-Obaidi, Anissa Lokman, Suhaila Yazid and Omar Emad Ibrahim
This study examines the osteoconductive and healing capabilities of locally implanted synthetic hydroxyapatite (sHAp) derived from eggshells in the central incisor sockets of rats.
Abstract
Purpose
This study examines the osteoconductive and healing capabilities of locally implanted synthetic hydroxyapatite (sHAp) derived from eggshells in the central incisor sockets of rats.
Design/methodology/approach
Toxicity experiments were conducted in vitro and in vivo, to testify the safety dosage of sHAp. Around 24 mature male Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats had their upper central incisors extracted. The rats were placed into three groups of eight rats each: Group 1: the sockets of extracted central incisors were left unfilled (control), Group 2: filled up with commercially available hydroxyapatite (HAp) and Group 3: implanted with sHAp locally retrieved from eggshells. After extraction, four rats from each group were sacrificed at 2nd and 4th weeks. Maxillary tissue sections were obtained and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Masson’s trichome (MT) staining. Anti-osteocalcin (OCN) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) were used primary antibodies for immunohistochemistry (IHC) special labeling.
Findings
The results showed that the locally implanted sHAp was non-toxic and safe in cell lines (human osteoblast and fibroblast) and animals. Histological analysis of H&E, MT and IHC showed that the sockets treated with locally implanted sHAp from eggshells were filled with new bone tissue of comparable thickness to other groups.
Originality/value
This unique technique uses locally implanted eggshell-derived sHAp with osteoconductive characteristics. In an in vivo model, sHAps increased OCN and PCNA expression to improve bone repair.
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Hümeyra Çetin Babaoğlu, Sultan Arslan Tontul, Lokman Karaduman and Yakup Üzgü
The article aimed to use sourdough powder as a natural preservative against mould growth and a glycemic index reducer agent.
Abstract
Purpose
The article aimed to use sourdough powder as a natural preservative against mould growth and a glycemic index reducer agent.
Design/methodology/approach
In this study, muffin production was carried out with sourdough powder addition at the rate of 0, 15 and 30%. To obtain the sourdough powder, sourdough was fermented by using Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactococcus lactis (previously isolated from spontaneous sourdough) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
Findings
The specific volume, number of crumb pores and total pore area were not adversely affected by the addition of 15% or 30% sourdough powder (p > 0.05). The sourdough addition reduced the L* values of the muffin crust, while the b* value of the muffin crumb with 30% sourdough powder decreased compared to the control (p < 0.05). The addition of sourdough powder decreased eGI and RDS values and increased SDS content of samples (p < 0.05). In storage, the mould growth was observed in the control group and samples containing 15% sourdough powder on the 5th day, while the samples containing 30% sourdough powder were moulded on the 7th day. The sourdough powder increased the hardness and chewiness values of samples (p < 0.05), while it had no significant effect on springiness, cohesiveness and resilience (p > 0.05).
Originality/value
The sourdough powder provides a lower glycemic index and longer microbial shelf life that makes the product advantageous in consumer demand. This is the first time sourdough powder has been used to achieve this purpose.
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Samir Ibrahim Abdelazim, Abdelmoneim Bahyeldin Mohamed Metwally and Saleh Aly Saleh Aly
The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of firm financial and operational characteristics on the level of forward-looking information disclosure (FLID) by…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of firm financial and operational characteristics on the level of forward-looking information disclosure (FLID) by Egyptian-listed non-financial companies. The present research also aims to investigate the moderating role of gender diversity on the board of directors.
Design/methodology/approach
The sample incorporates the non-financial companies included in the EGX 100 of the Egyptian Stock Exchange (ESE), whose reports were available during the study period from 2013 to 2018. The final sample comprises 49 companies with 294 observations. Statistical analysis is performed using multiple regression analysis.
Findings
This study found a significant positive impact of return on assets, leverage, company size and age on the level FLID, while external audit firm type and industry were found to impact the level of FLID negatively. Further, the board gender diversity (BGD) is found to have a moderating impact as it strengthens the effect of financial and operational characteristics on the level of FLID.
Practical implications
The present study has some implications for Egyptian companies, investors in the Egyptian market and regulators in emerging economies, which include paying more attention to BGD when selecting the board members by companies as well as following up the female representation in all the listed companies by regulators.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the moderating role of BGD and its impact on the level of FLID in emerging markets. This extends the disclosure literature as the present study brings new evidence from an emerging market regarding BGD moderating role as early research concentrated on the direct impact of BGD on the level of FLID.
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Lokman Gunduz and Mustafa Kemal Yilmaz
This paper aims to examine the convergence pattern of residential house prices in a panel of 55 major cities in Turkey over the period between 2010 and 2018 and to investigate the…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine the convergence pattern of residential house prices in a panel of 55 major cities in Turkey over the period between 2010 and 2018 and to investigate the determinants of convergence club formations.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors applied the log t-test to identify the convergence clubs and estimated ordered logit model to determine the key drivers.
Findings
The results suggest that there are five convergence clubs and confirm the heterogeneity of the Turkish housing market. Istanbul, the commercial capital, and Mugla, an attractive tourist destination, are at the top of the housing market and followed by the cities located in the western part, particularly along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts of Turkey. Moreover, the ordered logit model results point out that the differences in employment rate, climate, population density and having a metropolitan municipality play a significant role in determining convergence club membership.
Practical implications
Large-scale policy measures aiming to increase employment opportunities in rural cities of central and eastern provinces and providing lower land prices and property taxes in the metropolitan cities of Turkey can help mitigate some of the divergence in the house prices across cities.
Originality/value
The novelty of this study lies in employing a new data set at the city level containing 55 cities in Turkey, which is by far the largest in terms of city coverage among emerging market economies to implement the log t-test. It also contributes to the literature on city-specific determinants of convergence club formation in the case of an emerging economy.
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Elif Gürsoy, Havva Yeşildere Sağlam, Fatma Başaran, Emine Çetin Atay and Nurgül Şimal Yavuz
The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the leadership orientations of nurses and their clinical decision-making skills.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the leadership orientations of nurses and their clinical decision-making skills.
Design/methodology/approach
This descriptive study was conducted between June and December 2018 on nurses working at three hospitals in Turkey. This study was completed with 1,100 nurses. The Personal Information Form, Leadership Orientation Scale and Clinical Decision-Making Scale in Nursing were used for data collection.
Findings
A significant correlation was found between the leadership orientations of nurses and age, sex, institution where they were employed, time spent in the profession, being in a management position and satisfaction with the current unit of employment (p < 0.05), and a significant correlation was found between clinical decision-making skills of nurses and age, sex and occupational status (p < 0.05). Furthermore, a significant correlation was found between the mean scores of the Leadership Orientation Scale and Clinical Decision-Making in Nursing Scale (p < 0.05).
Originality/value
The development of leadership orientations of nurses positively affects their clinical decision-making skills. In this respect, it is important to instill effective leadership orientations in nurses and to incorporate novel training methods in nursing education to develop accurate and timely clinical decision-making skills.
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Afzal Izzaz Zahari, Nor Balkish Zakaria, Mohd Hizam Hanafiah and Lokman Effendi Ramli
This paper aims to present a case study analysing the reintegration programs of Malaysian violent extremist detainees and prisoners. It explores the ongoing challenges faced by…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present a case study analysing the reintegration programs of Malaysian violent extremist detainees and prisoners. It explores the ongoing challenges faced by these individuals as they strive to reintegrate and assimilate into society.
Design/methodology/approach
Qualitative data was collected through interviews with 12 violent extremist detainees and prisoners who had successfully reintegrated into society. The life course perspective was used as the analytical framework, and data analysis was conducted using ATLAS.ti.
Findings
The study revealed common challenges faced by the participants in gaining societal acceptance, dealing with stigma and achieving economic stability. The results also highlighted the difficulties of sustaining livelihoods due to heightened vigilance in the surrounding environment.
Research limitations/implications
These findings enhance the understanding of factors influencing successful reintegration of people who were involved in violent extremism into mainstream society.
Practical implications
Government bodies, agencies or organisations and non-governmental organisations can implement these successful factors to prevent any issues of recidivism or resentment towards society.
Originality/value
This research contributes unique insights based on data from individuals who have undergone successful or partial successful reintegration. Detailed academic sharing of such information from a Southeast Asian country such as Malaysia is relatively scarce, given the specific procedures required for accessing such data.
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