bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Screening and identification of two pheromone receptors based on the coadaptation of pheromones and their receptors in rats
Authors: Wang Wei-Chao , Zhang Yao-Hua , Hou Guan-Mei , Sun Yan-Yan , Wu Yi-Jun , Zhang Jian-Xu
Published: December 2022

The coadaptation or genetic coupling of senders and receivers of sex signals in some animals has been described, but no empirical evidence shows whether sex pheromones and their receptors undergo coadaptation in mammals. In this study of the brown rat (Rattus norvegicus), we found markedly higher levels of two predominant male pheromones (2-heptanone and MUP13) in the North China subspecies [R. n. humiliatus(RNH)] than in the Northeast China subspecies [R. n. caraco(RNC)] by gas or liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. Coincidently, two vomeronasal receptor genes (Vom1r68andVom2r53) were found to be expressed at higher levels in RNH females than in RNC females and were thus considered candidate receptors for 2-heptanone and MUP13, respectively. An immunofluorescence analysis showed that these two VR receptors colocalized with mTmG on the membrane of HEK293-T cells. We also verified the responsiveness of Vom1r68 to 2-heptanone and Vom2r53 to MUP13 in HEK293-T cells by calcium imaging. In conclusion, we screened and identified the receptors of two pheromones based on the coadaptation of pheromones and their receptors, which further verified their coevolution.
Combat aircraft as airborne launch platforms for space rockets
Authors: Olejnik Aleksander , Zalewski Piotr , Kiszkowiak Łukasz , Rogólski Robert , Dziubiński Adam , Frant Michał , Majcher Maciej , Omen Łukasz
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to analyze the possibility of using combat aircraft including decommissioned as a platform for launching and carrying space rockets with satellites (nano and microsatellites). Thus, an airborne-launcher-to-space-system may be attractive to countries without ground-based space rocket launch sites.

Design/methodology/approach

For considered launch-to-orbit system configurations, simulations of space rocket effects on aerodynamic characteristics were performed using computational fluid dynamics (CFD ANSYS Fluent) methods. In addition, experimental studies were performed in a wind tunnel to verify the numerical simulations. Discrete models of the aircraft structure were developed for analysis using finite element method (FEM). The analysis of simulated structural properties of the models was carried out to test its stiffness and mass characteristics important for solving the static and dynamic problems of the structure. The validation analyses of aircraft models were based on mass distribution estimation and matching the stiffness properties of the individual airframe structural assemblies.

Findings

The results of numerical analyses and tunnel tests indicate that the influence of carrier rockets on the change of aerodynamic and strength characteristics of the airframe is rather negligible. The aircraft can be used as launching platforms for space rockets. Simulations have indicated that the aircraft will successfully perform a mission of taking away and launching a rocket of at least about 1,000 kg total weight with a 10 kg space payload included.

Practical implications

The combat aircraft can be used as launch platforms for space rockets, and the air/rocket set can become the equivalent of responsive space assets for countries with small space budgets.

Originality/value

The work presents original results obtained by the authors during a preliminary design of a low-cost satellite launch system consisting of a carrier aircraft and a space rocket orbiter. The possibility of using decommissioned combat aircraft as air-launch-to-orbit platforms was taken into consideration. In the absence of aircraft design documentation, reverse engineering methods and techniques were used to develop aircraft geometry and airframe strength structure. Use of CFD, FEM and simulation methods to evaluate system capabilities was demonstrated. Numerical results from CFD simulations were finally verified in experimental tests.
An integration of S-O-B-A paradigm to explore university students' entrepreneurial attitude, intention and action: do university and family support matter?
Authors: Awal Md. Rabiul , Faisal-E-Alam Md. , Husain Taha
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The primary purpose of this study is to integrate the stimulus-organism-behavior-accomplishment (S-O-B-A) paradigm to investigate the chain effect of university students' perceived university and family support on their entrepreneurial action (EA) with a serial mediation of their attitude and intention.

Design/methodology/approach

This study introduces stratified random sample to choose respondents and a cross-sectional research design. partial least square-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) has applied to thoroughly investigate the behavioral intention concerned with students' entrepreneurship action.

Findings

The findings explored that perceived university support and family supports positively impact students' entrepreneurship attitude, where perceived family support creates statistically more powerful implications than university support. Students' attitude toward entrepreneurship positively affects their entrepreneurial intent, and finally, the entrepreneurial pursuit has an affirmative impact on students' EA.

Originality/value

This study incorporates the S-O-B-A paradigm for the very first time to investigate the effects of students' environmental support on their EA with double mediation by their attitude and intention.
Mapping the field of crowdfunding and new ventures: a systematic literature review
Authors: Chaudhary Sanjay , Dhir Amandeep , Battisti Enrico , Kliestik Tomas
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Crowdfunding, an alternative funding source to support entrepreneurial initiatives, has increasingly attracted the attention of scholars. However, knowledge of the drivers and outcomes of crowdfunding is currently scant. This study thus presents a review of the extant literature on new ventures soliciting crowdfunding.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a systematic literature review (SLR) of peer-reviewed articles, identifying and thematically analyzing 58 publications.

Findings

The thematic analysis revealed six main themes: a) founders and crowdfunding, b) signaling and crowdfunding, c) digitalization and crowdfunding, d) outcomes, e) geography and crowdfunding and f) success factors. In addition, crucial research gaps are identified to guide future research.

Practical implications

Beyond classifying the material on the basis of the thematic analysis and identifying potential future research avenues, the study has main implications. The authors detailed how crowdfunding, as a source of entrepreneurial funding, differed from other funding sources and explored entrepreneurial challenges that may be encountered in managing crowdfunding campaigns. The findings may thus help in the design of crowdfunding campaigns and serve educators in various disciplines when teaching and training participants on designing and promoting crowdfunding campaigns.

Originality/value

After identifying and integrating results from relevant articles on crowdfunding, the authors explained dominant themes in the literature and proposed a conceptual framework wherein the authors highlight factors that influence crowdfunding outcomes. The authors highlight the increasing relevance of crowdfunding for new ventures and elucidate avenues for future research.
Understanding how satisfactory service relationships can be mutually beneficial in the higher education context
Authors: Malhotra Neeru , Frech Bernadette , Leeflang Peter , Kim Young-Ah , Higson Helen
Published: December 2022

Purpose

While extant research has predominantly focused on outcomes of customer satisfaction that benefit the focal firm such as customer engagement behaviors (CEBs), little is done to understand human capital-related outcomes that directly benefit customers and thus benefit the firm indirectly. Drawing on the theory of reasoned action, broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions and human capital theory, this study aims to understand how and why a satisfied customer benefits the firm directly (CEBs) and indirectly (human capital-related outcomes).

Design/methodology/approach

Following a sequential mixed-methods approach, two studies are conducted in an extended service encounter context (higher education) where customers also constitute key human capital of the service firm. First, a qualitative study is conducted, which is then followed by a quantitative study. Survey data collected from students working as interns in organizations and their immediate managers resulted in 209 “intern–manager” dyads.

Findings

The findings demonstrate that customer satisfaction on its own does not substantially account for either human capital-related outcomes or CEBs (except word of mouth [WOM]). Both emotional and cognitive mechanisms play key and unique mediating roles in translating satisfaction into outcomes that benefit a service firm directly and indirectly by benefiting its customers.

Research limitations/implications

While much research demonstrates benefits of customer satisfaction for the focal firm, this research advances our understanding of the novel consequences of customer satisfaction by shedding light on human capital-related outcomes that directly benefit customers. It also aids in explicating prior inconsistent findings on the relationship between customer satisfaction and CEBs by uncovering the underlying mediating mechanisms.

Practical implications

This investigation provides a deeper understanding of the significance of customer satisfaction by demonstrating how and why satisfied customers increase firm value beyond purchase, for instance, by being direct (through positive WOM) and indirect (through enhanced human capital performance) promoters, consultants (through participation) or investors (through monetary giving). A key implication of this research is that simply enhancing customer satisfaction on its own may not suffice as the findings suggest that satisfaction translates into beneficial outcomes only when satisfaction is channeled toward enhancing customer perceptions of competence and their positive emotions.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by providing a deeper understanding of how and why customer satisfaction influences outcomes that not only benefit the firm but also its customers in extended service encounter context.
Illustrating linguistic dexterity in “English mostly” spaces: how translanguaging can support academic writing in secondary ELA classrooms
Authors: Williamson Thea , Clemons Aris
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Little research has been done exploring the nature of multilingual students who are not categorized as English language learners (ELLs) in English language arts (ELA) classes. This study about a group of multilingual girls in an ELA class led by a monolingual white teacher aims to show how, when a teacher makes space for translanguaging practices in ELA, multilingual students disrupt norms of English only.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use reconstructive discourse analysis to understand translanguaging across a variety of linguistic productions for a group of four focal students. Data sources include fieldnotes from 29 classroom observations, writing samples and process documents and 8.5 h of recorded classroom discourse.

Findings

Students used multilingualism across a variety of discourse modes, frequently in spoken language and rarely in written work. Translanguaging was most present in small-group peer talk structures, where students did relationship building, generated ideas for writing and managed their writing agendas, including feelings about writing. In addition, Spanish served as “elevated vocabulary” in writing. Across discourse modes, translanguaging served to develop academic proficiency in writing.

Originality/value

The authors proposed a more expansive approach to data analysis in English-mostly cases – i.e. environments shaped by multilingual students in monolingual school contexts – to argue for anti-deficit approaches to literacy development for multilingual students. Analyzing classroom talk alongside literacy allows for a more nuanced understanding of translanguaging practices in academic writing. They also show how even monolingual teachers can disrupt monolingual hegemony in ELA classrooms with high populations of multilingual students.
A bibliometric review on knowledge management in tourism and hospitality: past, present and future trends
Authors: Fauzi Muhammad Ashraf
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to review the plethora of studies on knowledge management (KM) in the hospitality and tourism. The purposes of this paper through a bibliometric analysis via the VOSviewer tool are to analyze the current research stream and to assess emerging trends in KM in the tourism and hospitality field.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 1,732 publications with 65,150 cited references were retrieved from the Web of Science to uncover the structure and intellectual base of studies in tourism with a KM perspective. Three bibliometric analyses were performed using VOSviewer software (citation, co-citation and co-occurrence of keywords); this study aims to uncover the knowledge structure of the past, current and future trends based on the bibliographic database by assessing the most influential past publication; determining the structure of the co-cited publications; and evaluating emerging trends for future studies.

Findings

This study produced two ground-breaking research streams inductively evaluated from the three bibliometric analyses: KM and digital technology; and innovation in tourism. Furthermore, the pressing issue of sustainability in tourism from the perspective of KM would be a crucial aspect in the tourism field. These streams would provide fundamental knowledge-based and further enhance the assimilation of KM within the tourism sector. The outcome would facilitate future scholars to link important tourism topics to benefit the tourism industry facing a competitive and challenging business environment.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to the current theoretical understanding through thematic knowledge mapping of KM and the tourism and hospitality field.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this study is the first to apply bibliometric analysis to the tourism and KM field by providing a basis for the most significant issue in tourism and the essence of emerging topics and trends.
Educational constellations: a systematic review of macro-networks in education
Authors: Barrero-Fernández Beatriz , Mula-Falcón Javier , Domingo Jesús
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Nowadays, networks are the basic core of social organization and interaction; consequently, networking has become an indispensable requirement in today's societies. In education, the development of different types of collaborative networks has been observed, leading, in recent years, to the creation of educational macro-networks that generate links between schools and different types of institutions. Therefore, this study consists of a systematic review to examine the most relevant findings on this type of educational macro-networks. The authors’ objectives were: to examine the main characteristics of this type of networks; to analyze the consequences they cause; and to determine which aspects contribute to or hinder their construction and development.

Design/methodology/approach

A bibliographic search was carried out in Web of Science, SCOPUS and Education Resources Information Center, which yielded a total of 29 studies that were analyzed thematically using Nvivo software.

Findings

Among the most noteworthy results are: the wide variety of existing structures; the benefits they generate in terms of learning outcomes, educational equity and the reduction of inequalities; and the influence exerted by the type of leadership and policies in the development of this macro-networks. Finally, future lines of research and policy implications for practice are highlighted.

Originality/value

In this society, networks have become the basic core of an organization and the new form of social interaction. As a result, networks have begun to play a fundamental role in today's societies, even permeating various spheres such as education. In this context, it is essential to analyse this type of relationship in the field of education in order to truly understand its implications in this sector as well as its development and structure.
House price dynamics under lower leverage: the case of metropolitan cities in India
Authors: Pani Sudhanshu Sekhar
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the dynamics of house prices in metropolitan cities in an emerging economy. The purpose of this study is to characterise the house price dynamics and the spatial heterogeneity in the dynamics.

Design/methodology/approach

The author explores spatial heterogeneity in house price dynamics, using data for 35 Indian cities with a million-plus population. The research methodology uses panel econometrics allowing for spatial heterogeneity, cross-sectional dependence and non-stationary data. The author tests for spatial differences and analyses the income elasticity of prices, the role of construction costs and lending to the real estate industry by commercial banks.

Findings

Long-term fundamentals drive the Indian housing markets, where wealth parameters are stronger than supply-side parameters such as construction costs or availability of financing for housing projects. The long-term elasticity of house prices to aggregate household deposits (wealth proxy) varies considerably across cities. However, the elasticity estimated at 0.39 is low. The highest coefficient is for Ludhiana (1.14), followed by Bhubaneswar (0.78). The short-term dynamics are robust and show spatial heterogeneity. Short-term momentum (lagged housing price changes) has a parameter value of 0.307. The momentum factor is the crucial dynamic in the short term. The second driver, the reversion rate to long-term equilibrium (estimated at −0.18), is higher than rates reported from developed markets.

Research limitations/implications

This research applies to markets that require some home equity contributions from buyers of housing services.

Practical implications

Stakeholders can characterise stable housing markets based on long-term fundamental value and short-run house price dynamics. Because stable housing markets benefit all stakeholders, weak or non-existent mean reversion dynamics may prompt the intervention of policymakers. The role of urban planners, and local and regional governance, is essential to remove the bottlenecks from the demand side or supply side factors that can lead to runaway prices.

Originality/value

Existing literature is concerned about the risk of a housing bubble due to relaxed credit norms. To prevent housing market bubbles, some regulators require higher contributions from home buyers in the form of equity. The dynamics of house prices in markets with higher owner equity requirements vary from high-leverage markets. The influence of wealth effects is examined using novel data sets. This research, documents in an emerging market context, the observations cited in low-leverage developed markets such as Germany and Japan.
Sustainability performance of digitalized manufacturing industry in COVID era: a comparative study between developed and developing economies
Authors: Hemmati Mina , Newaz Md Shah , Rahman Muhammad Khalilur , Appolloni Andrea , Zailani Suhaiza
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The study aims to identify the extent to which industry 4.0 (IR4.0) adoption impacts the sustainable manufacturing (SM) performance of the manufacturing industry, focusing on the comparative analysis between developed and developing economies amid coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

The study proposes a conceptual model formed on seminal theories and literature using the cross-sectional design. For data collection, a purposive sampling method is used where 154 Malaysian (developing) and Australian (developed) manufacturing firms' data were collected. Partial least square-based structural equation modeling is employed to test the hypothesis and proposed research model.

Findings

This study finds that adoption of IR4.0 technologies does not directly influence the sustainability performance of the manufacturing industry, but rather the trajectories of SM (efficiency, flexibility, automation and big data and granularity) fully mediate the relationship between IR4.0 adoption and sustainability manufacturing performance. The comparative analysis between Australia and Malaysia shows no significant difference in the relationships or the framework; hence, the differences between developed and developing countries are not significant in this mechanism.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the insights of the managers regarding COVID-19 and the implementation of IR4.0 in the SM domain. The policymakers would further get better insights since the study pays attention to sustainable development goal, industry, innovation, infrastructure and responsible production.
Entrepreneurial orientation and firm performance in SMEs: the mediating role of entrepreneurial competencies and moderating role of environmental dynamism
Authors: Aftab Junaid , Veneziani Monica , Sarwar Huma , Ishaq Muhammad Ishtiaq
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Entrepreneurial orientation is among the vital factors that contribute to performance, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). However, the empirical studies provide mixed results and call for new studies to examine this relationship. Therefore, this study aims to determine the entrepreneurial orientation's (EO) direct and indirect impact (via entrepreneurial competencies) on firm performance. Additionally, the moderating role of environmental dynamism is also tested in entrepreneurial competencies and firm performance relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

The data (N = 332) were collected from managerial rank employees, using a self-administered questionnaire, working in different SMEs in Pakistan. In addition, structural equation modeling (SEM) was executed using SmartPLS 3.2.

Findings

The study's results demonstrate that EO positively influences entrepreneurial competencies and firm performance, and entrepreneurial competencies also mediate the relationship between EO and performance. Additionally, environmental dynamism strengthens the positive relationship between entrepreneurial competencies and performance.

Originality/value

This study identifies that entrepreneurial competency is the missing link between EO and firm performance, due to which the relationship between them is indecisive. This study also contributes to the contingency perspective by explaining the role of environmental dynamism as a boundary condition in strengthening the relationship between entrepreneurial competencies and SMEs' performance in an emerging economy.
The influences of livestreaming on online purchase intention: examining platform characteristics and consumer psychology
Authors: Zhu Peng , Liu Zixi , Li Xiaotong , Jiang Xu , Zhu Mark Xuefang
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Livestreaming, as a relatively new online marketing model, has generated numerous business opportunities for e-commerce and social commerce. The purpose of this paper is to investigate to what degree livestreaming content impacts online users' cognitive and emotional reactions and whether their cognitive and emotional responses affect their purchase intention.

Design/methodology/approach

Through the lens of regulatory focus theory (RFT) and stimulus–organism–response (S–O–R) theory, the authors empirically examine the influencing mechanisms of livestreaming on online consumers' purchase intentions. Structural equation models are used to analyze the relationships in the proposed research model.

Findings

The results of this study show that information-task fit positively affects consumers' perceived usefulness of livestreaming. Both visual effects and sociability positively affect consumers' perceived value and social presence. Furthermore, perceived usefulness and perceived joy positively affect consumers' purchase intentions in a livestreaming environment. This study’s results also demonstrate that the regulatory focus of consumers has a moderating effect on the influence of their perceived joy on shopping intentions.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the relevant literature by simultaneously examining the role of e-commerce platform characteristics and online consumer psychology in influencing behavioral intention. With a better understanding of their role, platform operators and sellers can refine their livestreaming marketing tools and strategies. Highlighting the interplays among external stimuli, user reactions and user motivational styles, this study contributes to mobile e-commerce literature and the broader literature on digital marketing and human–computer interaction.
Policing the pandemic in Australia and New Zealand: lessons for trust and legitimacy
Authors: Evans Nicholas
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to assess COVID-19 as presenting both a crisis and opportunity for police trust and legitimacy by considering the role of police in delivering the legislative requirements of government and enforcing various health orders across Australia and New Zealand.

Design/methodology/approach

The research relies on a mixed-methods analysis of national, commonwealth, state and territory policy, corporate police reports, academic commentary and media coverage throughout the pandemic. Survey data gathered during the pandemic relevant to trust and legitimacy in police and government is also analysed.

Findings

Five findings relating to police trust and legitimacy are identified. They reveal that police mostly did seize the pandemic as an opportunity to implement practices that enhanced perceptions of trust and legitimacy. However, even where police were able to leverage COVID-19 as an opportunity, the protracted nature of the pandemic posed a challenge for maintaining trust and legitimacy gains. The findings also underscore the importance of a continued focus on building trust and legitimacy post-pandemic to counter any lingering consequences.

Research limitations/implications

The applicability of the findings outside the Australian and New Zealand context may be limited, given differences in jurisdictional legislative frameworks and policing operational environments.

Practical implications

This study identifies good community engagement practice for pandemic policing, contributes to communication strategies for managing trust decay during an emergency, forecasts ongoing trust and legitimacy challenges to policing’s post-pandemic operational environment and enhances aspects of post-pandemic recruitment approaches.

Originality/value

The findings contribute to emerging police practice and research on building and sustaining trust and legitimacy during periods of uncertainty and volatility, such as during and after a pandemic.
Indigenous – foreign culture fit and public employee performance: the case of Ghana
Authors: Awaah Fred
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The study examines the relationship between the interaction of indigenous–foreign cultures and public employee performance (PEP) in the Ghanaian public sector due to the perceived unproductive cultures in the public sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs a quantitative approach, where cross-sectional survey design is used to collect the data from Ghanaian public employees. The analysis is done using correlation and hierarchical regression techniques.

Findings

The results reveal that both indigenous and foreign cultures are pervasive in the Ghanaian public sector, with high power distance and individualism being dominant cultures. Furthermore, while the indigenous cultures have negative significant relationship with PEP, the foreign cultures have positive significant relationship with PEP. The foreign cultures effectively control the relationship between the indigenous cultures and PEP but insignificantly moderate such relationship.

Practical implications

The findings imply that deliberate attempts should be made to encourage the foreign cultures with attractive reward packages to induce workers. This will indirectly control the practice of the inimical cultures and ultimately reduce their negative effect on PEP.

Originality/value

The study contributes significantly to the extant literature by providing empirical evidence of the indigenous–foreign culture fit and PEP from a developing country, Ghana.
Intertwining green SCM- and agile SCM-based decision-making framework for sustainability using GIVTFNs
Authors: Sahu Atul Kumar , Kottala Sri Yogi , Narang Harendra Kumar , Rajput Mridul Singh
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Supply chain management (SCM)-embedded valuable resources, such as capital, raw-materials, products, partners, customers and finished inventories, where the evaluation of environmental texture and flexibilities are needed to perceive sustainability. The present study aims to identify and evaluate the directory of green and agile (G-A) attributes based on decision support framework (DSF) for identifying dominating measures in SCM.

Design/methodology/approach

DSF is developed by exploiting generalized interval valued trapezoidal fuzzy numbers (GIVTFNs). Two technical approaches, i.e. degree of similarity approach (DSA) and distance approach (DA) under the extent boundaries of GIVTFNs, are implicated for data analytics and for recognizing constructive G-A measures based on comparative study for robust decision. A fuzzy-based performance indicator, i.e. fuzzy performance important index (FPII), is presented to enumerate the weak and strong G-A characteristics to manage knowledge risks in allied business environment.

Findings

The modeling is illustrated from the insights of decision-makers for augmenting business value based on cognitive identification of measures, where the best performance score is identified by the “sustainable packaging” under the traits of green supply chain management (GSCM). “The use of Web-based applications” under the traits of agile supply chain management (ASCM) and “Outsourcing flexibility” under traits of ASCM is found as the second and third most significant performance characteristics for business sustainability. Additionally, the “Reutilization (recycling) and reprocessing” under GSCM in manufacturing and “Responsiveness and speed toward customers needs” under ASCM are found difficult in attainment.

Research limitations/implications

The G-A evaluation will assist in attaining performance excellence in day-to-day operations and overall functioning. The outcomes will help executives to plan strategic objectives and attaining success.

Originality/value

To reinforce the capabilities of SCM, wide extent of G-A dimensions are presented, concept of FPII is reported to manage knowledge risks based on identification of strong attributes and two technical approaches, i.e. DSA and DA under GIVTFNs are presented for attaining robust decision and directing managerial decision-making process.
How does involvement build loyalty towards music-streaming platforms? A multi-analytical SEM-ANN technique
Authors: Theadora Clarissa , Amelia Maria Veronica , Tan Garry Wei-Han , Lo Pei-San , Ooi Keng-Boon , Dwivedi Yogesh Kumar
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Given the acute competition between music-streaming platforms (MSPs), the purpose of this study is to identify the relational motivators of brand loyalty towards the MSP in terms of user-brand involvement, brand trust, brand engagement, brand recommendation and brand loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

Cross-sectional quantitative data, gathered from a total of 340 eligible respondents via an online questionnaire survey, were empirically analysed and validated using a hybrid predictive-analytics structural equation modelling (SEM) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) method.

Findings

The results of this study demonstrate that user-brand involvement promotes brand loyalty toward a MSP by fostering brand engagement, brand trust and positive word-of-mouth. SEM and ANN data comparison reveals good consistency.

Research limitations/implications

The generalizability of the research outcomes may be constrained, as this study only considers the data from a single country (i.e. Malaysia) and one music streaming platform (i.e. Spotify). This study highlighted the relevance of user-brand involvement and non-core supporting services in the cultivation of brand loyalty, particularly their salient roles in promoting favourable attitudes and behaviours towards platform brands.

Practical implications

The insights produced can aid MSPs in devising better user retention strategies that can be used to maintain their competitive edge over time. The findings of this study made it abundantly evident that practitioners should facilitate more user-brand cooperative activities to encourage user-brand involvement and, ultimately, foster brand loyalty.

Originality/value

This study has addressed a major research gap by examining the relational roots of brand loyalty, which transcend the typical focus on transactional factors and technical lock-in. This study pioneered the investigation of brand involvement with user involvement.
Robot service failure: the double-edged sword effect of emotional labor in service recovery
Authors: Shi Yunxia , Zhang Rumeng , Ma Chunhao , Wang Lijie
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss the effect of frontline employees' emotional labor (surface acting vs. deep acting) on customer satisfaction and the moderating role of responsibility attributions in the situation of robot service failure.

Design/methodology/approach

The scenario-based experimental method was designed to perform hypothesis testing and SPSS was used to analyze the data from the 363 questionnaires collected.

Findings

The results indicate that (1) employees' emotional labor recovery has a double-edged sword effect. Deep acting improves customer satisfaction, while surface acting undermines the effectiveness of service recovery and leaves customer satisfaction below previous levels. (2) Customers' responsibility attributions for service failure moderate the effect of service recovery.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to focus on the role of frontline employees' emotional labor in robot service failure contexts, which not only enriches and expands the relevant literature in this domain, but also deepens the understanding of how emotional labor and responsibility attribution effect the customer satisfaction.
Do financial education workshops enhance parent–adolescent communication about money?
Authors: Jariwala Harsha Vijaykumar
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of financial education workshops (FEWs) on parent–adolescent communication about money by controlling for a parent's gender.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilized a pre- and post-survey-based experimental research design for impact evaluation. Assuming that parents often claim that they frequently communicate with their children about money, the researcher asked children to rate their perception of their mothers' financial communication with them. Their mothers completed the pre-survey before agreeing to participate in FEWs. A follow-up survey was conducted for both study groups six months after completing the FEW series. The data consisted of 300 responses on 19 pairs of money communication items from both study groups. Neither the mothers nor the children were aware that data were collected from both the groups.

Findings

The results of the paired t-tests support the notion that financial education enhances monetary communication between mothers and adolescents.

Research limitations/implications

This study is helpful to policymakers and financial educators not only to understand the need for “family-based financial education workshops” but also to design and implement such programs to open up the line of “money communication” between parents and children.

Social implications

This important outcome provides a likely assumption that the enhancement in communication that had been previously constrained by factors such as a “parent's inability or unwillingness to discuss financial matters” is improved by empowering the parent on the subject of personal finance. Second, financial educators and policymakers need to understand that parents play a crucial role in the socialization process of their children. Parents' instructions and communications with their children not only impact the children's financial choices but also make them feel more competent about managing their finances. So, importance of financial socialization strategies should be included in the FEWs designed for the adults.

Originality/value

Existing research studies evaluated the FEW outcomes by reporting a positive change in various financial behaviors of the participants by considering only one unit of the household. This study extends the impact evaluation of FEWs to measure the behavioral outcomes at the household level by considering two units of the household, the mother parent and adolescent child by studying their communication about money.
Improving cross-functional teams’ effectiveness during supply chain disruptions: the importance of information scouting and internal integration
Authors: van den Adel Mitchell J. , de Vries Thomas A. , van Donk Dirk Pieter
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Organizations increasingly rely on cross-functional teams to deal with supply chain (SC) disruptions. These teams may use their broad range of connections and expertise to gather or scout relevant information, enabling them to develop integrative countermeasures and increase their organization’s resilience. Despite their potential, cross-functional teams often struggle to attain information scouting’s prospective benefits for effectively resolving disruptions. By drawing from group information-processing theory, this study aims to explore when and how cross-functional teams can realize information scouting’s full potential for ensuring their organization’s resilience.

Design/methodology/approach

Multisource, multi-informant data were collected from 80 cross-functional teams exposed to SC disruptions in a realistic SC management simulation.

Findings

The results show that a cross-functional team’s ability to effectively use information scouting for ensuring its organization’s resilience is contingent upon the degree to which the team’s members share information and align decisions internally (i.e. internal integration). The findings further reveal that this moderating role of internal integration is strengthened when the cross-functional team faces a volatile environment in which multiple SC disruptions are likely to occur (i.e. higher SC vulnerability).

Originality/value

This study contributes by advancing a more complete perspective on how a cross-functional team may contribute to its organization’s resilience. Specifically, the present research reveals how the benefits of a cross-functional team’s information scouting for dealing with SC disruptions are critically dependent upon internal conditions within the team, as well as external conditions related to its organization’s overall SC (i.e. beyond individual dyadic relationships).
Organizational assessments to drive strategic planning in changing work environments
Authors: Davis Everod A.
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to highlight issues that can occur even when organizations are experiencing revenue growth and expansion and the importance of undertaking organizational analysis so that effective change management can be implemented to facilitate the necessary changes.

Design/methodology/approach

The author draws upon 15+ years in general management, research in organizational behavior and organizational analysis practitioner’s guide.

Findings

Research shows that employee’s level of organizational commitment and contextual job performance are influenced by how they perceive their organizations support them as individuals. Within the context of changes in work environments, whether through growth or personnel, an organizational analysis, systematically pursued with the appropriate tools, will expose the underlying issues, which can then be addressed with an applicable change model.

Originality/value

Based on the author’s research findings, experience and expertise, this study provides readers with insights on the organization assessment process that can potentially be applied to their own organization.
Bridging tea with tourism: empirical evidence from India and Sri Lanka
Authors: Tiwari Sunil , Mohanty Patita Paban , Fernando Imali N. , Cifci Ibrahim , Kuruva Mahendra Babu
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the specific tea tourism (TT) determinants. This paper uses the Porter’s Diamond model to critically examine how India and Sri Lanka gained a competitive advantage in the international market.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-country study was conducted in which TT destinations in both India and Sri Lanka were considered for study. TT stakeholder perspectives were assessed through the Porter Diamond model, whereas data collection was based on a structured questionnaire that adopted the conceptual model (refer to the questionnaire as annex 1).

Findings

This study revealed that each determinant of Porter’s Diamond model (i.e. Factor Conditions – FC, Demand Conditions – DC, Related and Supporting Industry – RSI, Firm Strategy, Structure and Rivalry – SSR, Government – GO and Situational Force – SF) is playing a significant role in TT and India has an edge on Sri Lanka as a TT destination over each determinant of Porter Diamond model.

Research limitations/implications

This study restricts its scope to the present TT stakeholders of India and Sri Lanka, comprising 6 latent variables and 31 indicators, offering opportunities for future research to tourists and local residents in TT using the same model variables, and indicators.

Practical implications

This study highlights the emerging TT destinations in India and Sri Lanka by sensitizing the competitiveness and comparativeness using Porter’s Diamond model through the partial least squares structural equation modeling.

Originality/value

This study reflects a unique way of exploring emerging TT destinations through Porter’s Diamond model, signifying the competitive advantage.
How workplace bullying affects knowledge hiding? The roles of psychological contract breach and learning goal orientation
Authors: Chaudhary Arooba , Islam Talat
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Workplace bullying is a serious problem among nurses, which results in negative workplace behavior. Therefore, this study aims to understand how workplace bullying affects employees’ knowledge hiding behavior. Specifically, this study explored psychological contract breach as an underlying mechanism between workplace bullying and knowledge hiding; and learning goal orientation as a boundary condition between psychological contract breach and knowledge hiding.

Design/methodology/approach

The study collected data from 343 nurses working in the health-care sector of Pakistan on convenience basis using a questionnaire-based survey between December 2021 to March 2022. The data were analyzed through structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results revealed the adverse effect of workplace bullying on knowledge hiding behaviors among nurses, and psychological contract breach was noted to mediate this association. Further, learning goal orientation was noted to buffer the relationship between psychological contract breach and knowledge hiding.

Research limitations/implications

The cross-section design may restrict causality; however, the findings suggest health-care administration take appropriate measures to reduce the adverse effects of workplace bullying. In addition, the administration is suggested to implement training programs to make nurses capable of dealing with workplace stressors (bullying and psychological contract breach).

Originality/value

This research provides a novel perspective to consider psychological contract breach as a mechanism between workplace bullying and knowledge hiding in the health-care sector from the conservation of resources perspective. It further explored learning goal orientation as a buffer to mitigate the effect of psychological contract breach on knowledge hiding.
Temp nurses go digital: Examining gig care in US nursing homes
Authors: Lien Chia Yu
Published: December 2022

Nursing homes in the United States have long struggled with a shortage of nurses, which has now been exacerbated by the COVID‐19 crisis. In response to the shortage, nursing homes have increasingly used temporary services to fill nursing vacancies. Existing studies have examined the care provided by temporary nurses from traditional staffing agencies; however, at the time of writing, no studies have examined care provided by their counterparts from digital gig platforms. This article reports the findings from 15 months of fieldwork (6/2019–8/2019; 6/2020–5/2021) at two US nursing homes, both characterised by high gig‐nurse usage. I asked the following questions: how nurses engage in and perceive gig services, and how the use of gig services affects the work environment and everyday care. The findings indicate that gig services (1) offer gig nurses monetary incentives at the expense of exaggerating the budget deficit of nursing homes, (2) increase gig nurses' working autonomy while creating a loophole in managerial oversight, (3) lead to an uneven distribution of duties between gig nurses and nursing home staff, which demoralises the latter. Taken together, gig services, while empowering the gig nurses, have resulted in the precarisation of nursing home staffing and care environments.
The involvement of systemic RNA interference deficient‐1‐like (SIL1) in cellular dsRNA uptake in Acyrthosiphon pisum
Authors: Ye Chao , An Xin , Xie Bing‐Qin , Ding Bi‐Yue , Niu Jinzhi , Wang Jin‐Jun
Published: December 2022

Systemic RNA interference deficient‐1‐like (SIL1) is considered a core component in dsRNA uptake in some insect species. Investigation related to the potential function of SIL1 in dsRNA uptake can contribute to a further understanding of RNA interference (RNAi) mechanisms in insects and agricultural pest control. However, the role of SIL1 in dsRNA uptake in insects such as aphids remains controversial. We have thoroughly analyzed the role of SIL1 from the model aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum (ApSIL1) in cellular dsRNA to clarify its function. First, the induced expression of ApSIL1 upon dsRNA oral exposure provided a vital clue for the possible involvement of ApSIL1 in cellular dsRNA uptake. Subsequent in vivo experiments using the RNAi‐of‐RNAi approach for ApSIL1 supported our hypothesis that the silencing efficiencies of reporter genes were reduced after inhibition of ApSIL1 expression. The impaired biological phenotypes of aphids, including cumulative average offspring, deformities of the nymph, and mortality upon pathogen infection, were then observed in the treatment group. Thereafter, in vitro dual‐luciferase reporter assay showed compelling evidence that the luciferin signal was significantly attenuated when dsluciferase or dsGFP was transferred into ApSIL1‐transfected Drosophila S2 cells. These observations further confirmed that the signal of Cy3‐labeled dsRNA was rapidly attenuated with time in ApSIL1‐transfected Drosophila S2 cells. Overall, these findings conclusively establish that ApSIL1 is involved in dsRNA uptake in A. pisum.