bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knee-extensor strength, symptoms, and need for surgery after two, four, or six exercise sessions/week using a home-based one-exercise program: A randomized dose-response trial of knee-extensor resistance exercise in patients eligible for knee replacement (the QUADX-1 trial)
Authors: Husted Rasmus Skov , Troelsen Anders , Husted Henrik , Grønfeldt Birk Mygind , Thorborg Kristian , Kallemose Thomas , Rathleff Michael Skovdal , Bandholm Thomas
Published: April 2021

Objective

To investigate firstly the efficacy of three different dosages of one home-based, knee-extensor resistance exercise on knee-extensor strength in patients eligible for knee replacement, and secondly, the influence of exercise on symptoms, physical function and decision on surgery.

Method

One-hundred and forty patients eligible for knee replacement were randomized to three groups: 2, 4 or 6 home-based knee-extensor resistance exercise-sessions per week (group 2, 4 and 6 respectively) for 12 weeks. Primary outcome: isometric knee-extensor strength. Secondary outcomes: Oxford Knee Score, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, average knee pain last week (0-10 numeric rating scale), 6-minute walk test, stair climbing test, exercise adherence and “need for surgery”.

Results

Primary analysis: Intention-to-treat analysis of 140 patients did not find statistically significant differences between the groups from baseline to after 12 weeks of exercise in isometric knee-extensor strength: Group 2 vs. 4 (0.003 Nm/kg (0.2%) [95% CI -0.15 to 0.15], P=0.965) and group 4 vs. 6 (−0.04 Nm/kg (−2.7%) [95% CI -0.15 to 0.12], P=0.628). Secondary analysis: Intention-to-treat analyses showed statistically significant differences between the two and six sessions/week groups in favor of the two sessions/week group for Oxford Knee Score: 4.8 OKS points (15.2%) [1.3 to 8.3], P=0.008) and avg. knee pain last week (NRS 0-10): - 1.3 NRS points (−19.5%) [-2.3 to -0.2], P=0.018. After the 12-week exercise intervention, data were available for 117 patients (N=39/group): 38 (32.5%) patients wanted surgery and 79 (67.5%) postponed surgery. This was independent of exercise dosage.

Conclusion

In patients eligible for knee-replacement we found no between-group differences in isometric knee extensor strength after 2, 4 and 6 knee-extensor resistance exercise sessions per week. We saw no indication of an exercise dose-response relationship for isometric knee-extensor strength and only clinically irrelevant within group changes. For some secondary outcome (e.g. KOOS subscales) we found clinically relevant within group changes, which could help explain why only one in three patients decided to have surgery after the simple home-based exercise intervention.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02931058. Preprint: https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.04.07.21254965.
Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of a Clinical Grade Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocyte Patch: A Pre-Clinical Study
Authors: Miyagawa Shigeru , Kawamura Takuji , Ito Emiko , Takeda Maki , Iseoka Hiroko , Yokoyama Junya , Harada Akima , Mochizuki-Oda Noriko , Imanishi-Ochi Yukiko , Li Junjun , Sasai Masao , Kitaoka Fumiyo , Nomura Masaki , Amano Naoki , Takahashi Tomoko , Dohi Hiromi , Morii Eiichi , Sawa Yoshiki
Published: April 2021

Aims

Cardiomyocyte-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for severely damaged myocardium. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of clinical grade human iPSC-derived cardiomyocyte (hiPSC-CM) patches and conduct a pre-clinical proof-of-concept analysis.

Methods and results

A clinical grade hiPSC line was established from peripheral blood mononuclear cells collected from a healthy volunteer homozygous for human leukocyte antigens and differentiated into cardiomyocytes using cytokines and chemical compounds. hiPSC-CMs were cultured on temperature-responsive culture dishes to fabricate the hiPSC-CM patch. The hiPSC-CMs expressed cardiomyocyte-specific genes and proteins while electrophysiological analyses revealed that hiPSC-CMs were similar to the human myocardium.In vitrosafety studies using cell growth, soft agar colony formation, and undifferentiated cell assays indicated that tumourigenic cells were not present. Moreover, no genomic mutations were discovered using whole genome and exome sequencing analysis. Tumour formation was not detected in anin vivotumourigenicity assay using NOG mice. General toxicity tests also showed no adverse events due to hiPSC-CM patch transplantation. An efficacy study using a porcine model of myocardial infarction demonstrated significantly improved cardiac function with angiogenesis and a reduction in interstitial fibrosis, which was enhanced by cytokine secretion from hiPSC-CM patches after transplantation. No lethal arrhythmias were observed.

Conclusion

hiPSC-CM patches show promise for future translational research and clinical trials for ischaemic heart failure.

One-sentence summary

This pre-clinical study provides a proof-of-concept of the safety and efficacy of hiPSC-CM patches for the treatment of heart failure.

Translational Perspective

Regenerative therapy using cells and tissues is attractive as a novel approach for treating severe heart failure. We focused on human iPS cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) as a cell source. Using basic research, the characteristics of hiPSC, hiPSC-CMs, and hiPSC-CM patches were determinedin vitroandin vivo. We also conducted a pre-clinical study using a porcine model of myocardial infarction that confirmed the safety and efficacy of the hiPSC-CM patch, highlighting its potential for clinical application.
AAV-mediated gene therapy produces fertile offspring in theLhcgr-deficient mouse model of Leydig cell failure
Authors: Xia Kai , Wang Fulin , Lai Xingqiang , Luo Peng , Chen Hong , Ma Yuanchen , Huang Weijun , Ou Wangsheng , Li Yuyan , Feng Xin , Lei Zhenmin , Xiang’an Tu , Ke Qiong , Mao Frank F.X. , Deng Chunhua , Xiang Andy P.
Published: April 2021

Leydig cell failure (LCF) caused by gene mutation results in testosterone deficiency and infertility. Serum testosterone levels can be recovered via testosterone replacement; however, established therapies have shown limited success in restoring fertility. Here, we used a luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotrophin receptor (Lhcgr)-deficient mouse model of genetic LCF to investigate the feasibility of gene therapy for restoring testosterone production and fertility. We screened several adeno-associated virus (AAV) serotypes and identified AAV8 as an efficient vector to drive exogenousLhcgrexpression in progenitor Leydig cells through interstitial injection. We observed considerable testosterone recovery and Leydig cell maturation after AAV8-Lhcgr treatment in pubertalLhcgr-/-mice. This gene therapy substantially recovered sexual development, partially restored spermatogenesis and effectively produced fertile offspring. Furthermore, these favorable effects could be reproduced in adultLhcgr-/-mice. Our proof-of-concept experiments in this mouse model demonstrate that AAV-mediated gene therapy may represent a promising therapeutic approach for patients with genetic LCF.
Blockchain connectivity inhibitors: weaknesses affecting supply chain interaction and resilience
Authors: Vivaldini Mauro , de Sousa Paulo Renato
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The paper aims to further understanding of connectivity from the perspective of blockchain technology (BT) in the supply chain (SC). It presents the weaknesses (inhibitors) of connectivity during technology implementation, focusing on supply chain interaction and resilience.

Design/methodology/approach

Restricting the focus to digital connectivity, interaction and supply chain resilience, this paper uses a systematic literature review (SLR) to examine how the literature has addressed, related or flagged connectivity weaknesses affecting supply chain interaction and resilience.

Findings

This study highlights the influence of connectivity for blockchain-technology projects. Technical and organisational influencers that affect the adoption of technology in the SC are presented. These influencers support the factors proposed in this study regarding the weaknesses that negatively affect the interaction between the agents involved and the SC's resilience. The research suggests that the weaknesses are related to technical needs and the relationships between companies arising from functionalities.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is restricted to a review of the theory and the researched material. Although the author was careful to choose the best search terms related to the research objective, some potentially relevant articles may have been excluded.

Practical implications

The study summarises research on blockchain connectivity influencers in the SC, helping managers to anticipate and mitigate some of doubts and concerns in projects of this nature.

Originality/value

This is one of the first articles in the area of operations and SCs that addresses the topic of connectivity, focusing on its restrictive factors (connectivity inhibitors), in the context of blockchain implementation in the SC.
Online sustainability information disclosure of mold companies
Authors: Correia Elisabete , Garrido Susana , Carvalho Helena
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The study aims to improve the understanding of the online sustainability disclosure phenomena considering the quantity and nature of the content of the information related to sustainability disclosed in the corporate website of companies, providing evidence about the website sustainability disclosure of different size companies and characterizing the website sustainability disclosure of the Portuguese mold companies.

Design/methodology/approach

A content analysis methodology was used to the corporate websites of 83 companies in the sample. A direct approach was followed where the researcher is asked to read and classify the text in a previously defined category, but where the possibility of identifying new categories from the collected data is not excluded.

Findings

The information on sustainability disclosed by the mold companies is limited, whether in quantity or concerning the type of information. The information disclosed about environmental and social aspects is scarcer, being the focus more on aspects related to the economic dimension of sustainability, particularly in the areas related to products and services and customers.

Research limitations/implications

The research design can be broadened to include other sustainability dissemination tools and other research methodologies, such as case studies, to provide a deeper understanding of the concerns and initiatives/practices of sustainability of mold companies.

Practical implications

This study contributes to the knowledge of sustainability dissemination practices in SMEs, an area of research that needs to be more explored and, in an industrial sector (molds) that have not received much attention in this area.

Originality/value

Based on the premise of the importance of corporate sustainability communication, the study focuses on the Internet as an information dissemination tool. It provides indications on the theme and information type that can be used to report the company's sustainability.
Human resource practitioners as sexual harassment commissioners: Sisyphus amid gender inequalities
Authors: Kuna Shani , Nadiv Ronit
Published: April 2021

Purpose

There has been ample research on the antecedents and consequences of workplace sexual harassment (WSH), a volatile issue in contemporary labor markets. There is, however, a lingering gap in the scholarly literature regarding the organizational practices involved in contending with WSH incidents following their occurrence. By exploring the practices and challenges of sexual harassment commissioners, a mandatory role performed by Israeli human resource practitioners, this study aims to unpack the embedded power dynamics, which construct how WSH is both deciphered and handled within organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 45 sexual harassment commissioners (SHCs) in various business organizations in Israel to explore practitioners' conceptions of the challenges underlying their role. A grounded theory approach was utilized.

Findings

The findings demonstrate that, while SHCs seemingly are empowered by their exclusive authority to inquire into an intricate organizational matter, counter practices have emerged to undermine their authority and influence. This negatively affects their ability to reduce the prevalence of WSH. SHCs' attempts to approach WSH utilizing a power discourse are eroded by systematic barriers that channel them toward adoption of the default legal discourse. The latter frames WSH in terms of individual misconduct rather than as a phenomenon stemming from and expressive of organizational and societal gender inequalities.

Research limitations/implications

This study does not represent the voices of WSH complainants or of top executives. The data focused on SHCs' descriptions of their role challenges.

Practical implications

Implications are suggested regarding the academic education and training of SHCs.

Originality/value

This study sheds light on covert and unspoken barriers to gender equality in the labor market.
Shelter management during pandemics: lessons from cascading risks of cyclones and COVID-19
Authors: Mohanty Sujit , Dabral Ambika , Chatterjee Ranit , Shaw Rajib
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The concept of multi-purpose cyclone shelters has been found effective in saving various lives during past cyclones. The recent cyclone Amphan, which hit the Indian states of Odisha and West Bengal in the middle of pandemic COVID-19 has posed severe issues related to cyclone shelter management in the rural areas. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the case of Odisha in a pandemic and draw some key lessons of cyclone shelter management, which can be useful for future cascading risks in other parts of the country and the region.

Design/methodology/approach

Cyclone shelters are critical infrastructures in the management of cyclones, associated hazards and saving crucial lives. The effective management of shelters during emergencies is dependent on the existing institutional mechanism, local stakeholders and their understanding of the key functions of the emergency shelters. This paper reviews the key challenges through literature, reports and direct interviews of field professionals and practitioners.

Findings

In normal times, cyclone shelters are used as schools and their management lies with the local communities and/or elected bodies. Some of the key emerging issues include: the convincing population at risk for evacuation with proper care, existing emergency shelters being repurposed as COVID-19 facilities, need for hygiene and safety material, special arrangement and segregation of population at higher risk of COVID-19 and large destruction of social infrastructures.

Originality/value

During cascading disasters, adaptive governance becomes important. With the study of cyclones during the pandemic period, the paper draws key decision-making and governance points of cyclone shelter management. This case analysis can be useful to other similar situations during the prolonged pandemic time.
Impact of psychological factors, university environment and sustainable behaviour on teachers' intention to incorporate inclusive education in higher education
Authors: Bodhi Rahul , Singh Tripti , Joshi Yatish , Sangroya Deepak
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The current study examines the impact of various psychological factors, university environment and sustainable behaviour on teachers' intention to incorporate inclusive education in higher education.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional survey was conducted to collect data from 204 academicians and scholars from India. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was employed to examine data.

Findings

Results revealed that teachers' attitudes, university environment and spirituality had a positive and significant association with intention to incorporate inclusive education. Path analysis showed that teachers' attitude was the most prominent predictor of intention to incorporate inclusive education, followed by spirituality and university environment.

Practical implications

The study determines the key predictors of teachers' intention to incorporate inclusive education. The identified factors can help the government and public policymakers foster inclusive education. The study determines that teachers have the capability to drive inclusive education through intrinsic spiritual views and feelings of satisfaction and happiness. Marketers must capitalize on the spiritual aspect of individuals and accordingly develop long-term inclusive strategies.

Originality/value

The current study addresses prevailing gaps in existing literature on teachers' attitude and intention to adopt inclusive education. The study examines the impact of key predictors of teachers' intention to adopt inclusive education and focuses on emerging factors such as university environment, spirituality, teachers' self-efficacy, concern and sustainable behaviour.
The effect of supply chain quality management on supply chain performance: the indirect roles of supply chain agility and innovation
Authors: Abdallah Ayman Bahjat , Alfar Nour A. , Alhyari Salah
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The current study seeks to investigate how supply chain quality management (SCQM) and supply chain agility (SCA) and innovation (SCI) have an impact on supply chain performance (SCP) and how SCQM affects SCP through the mediating role of SCA and SCI capabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

In line with the research objective, a quantitative model was applied, and a multi-item survey questionnaire was developed to collect primary data. A random sample of 284 manufacturing firms belonging to different industries was used. The measurement model was assessed for validity and reliability, and satisfactory levels of these tests were demonstrated. Research hypotheses were examined using structural equation modeling (SEM).

Findings

The results of the current study have significant implications in regard to the further improvement of SCP through SCQM. The study also found that SCQM plays a key role across the entire SC network in facilitating and developing SCA and SCI capabilities. The remarkable findings of the current study revealed the indirect effect of SCQM on SCP through SCA and SCI. These results broaden the work of previous studies which identified the positive effects of SCQM on performance by providing meaningful insights into SCQM's role in promoting SCA and SCI capabilities, which, in turn, further improves SCP.

Originality/value

This study addresses a gap in the literature concerning the effect of SCQM on SCP. In addition, it is the first study, to the best of the researchers' knowledge, to explore the role of two major SC capabilities, namely, SCA and SCI on the SCQM–SCP relationship. Moreover, the present study addresses a questionable issue in the literature regarding practices that conceptualize SCQM. Several studies confuse SCQM practices with internal quality management (QM) practices. This study defines SCQM as consisting of collaborative QM practices with external SC members and proposes five related practices for measuring SCQM.
Drones to the rescue? Exploring rescue workers' behavioral intention to adopt drones in mountain rescue missions
Authors: Holzmann Patrick , Wankmüller Christian , Globocnik Dietfried , Schwarz Erich J.
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Mountaineering and related activities are increasingly becoming popular and are accompanied by an increase in medical incidents. Emergency operations in mountainous terrain are time-critical and often pose major logistical challenges for rescuers. Drones are expected to improve the operational performance of mountain rescuers. However, they are not yet widely used in mountain rescue missions. This paper examines the determinants that drive the behavioral intention of mountain rescuers to adopt drones in rescue missions.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a behavioral study that builds upon an extended model of the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) and investigates the relationship between individual attitudes, perceptions, and intentions for drone adoption. Original survey data of 146 mountain rescuers were analyzed using moderated ordinary least squares (OLS) regression analysis.

Findings

Results indicate that the behavioral intention to use drones in mountain rescue missions is driven by the expected performance gains and facilitating conditions. Favorable supporting conditions and experience with drones further moderate the relationship between performance expectancy and behavioral intention. The effects for effort expectancy, social influence, and demonstrations were not significant.

Practical implications

Rescue organizations and stakeholders are recommended to consider the identified determinants in the implementation of drones in emergency logistics. Drone manufacturers targeting mountain rescue organizations are advised to focus on operational performance, provide sufficient support and training, and promote the gathering of practical experience.

Originality/value

A tailored-model that provides first empirical results on the relevance of personal and environmental factors for the acceptance of drones in emergency logistics is presented.
Sustainability evaluation of service supply chains: a case study of an Indian hospital
Authors: Nagariya Ramji , Kumar Divesh , Kumar Ishwar
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Increasing pressure from the stakeholders makes the inclusion and evaluation of sustainable practices in the service supply chain (SSC) inevitable. Therefore, this paper aims to evaluate the sustainability status of a case organization and discover the barrier to sustainability in the SSC.

Design/methodology/approach

From the literature review, five sustainability dimensions, seventeen attributes and sixty-five subattributes of the SSC are identified. A three-level conceptual model drawn on human perception is developed. The overall sustainability status of the SSC is determined by using the multigrade fuzzy logic approach. The fuzzy concept incorporated helps in overcoming the challenges of vagueness and impreciseness in the responses. The case SSC is a WestIndia–based hospital.

Findings

The study evaluates the case hospital to be “very sustainable” but far from the “extremely sustainable” level. Six barriers are identified which are reduction in solid waste, compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations, water usage efficiency, training and education of employees, return on investment and safety equipment for employees. These barriers hinder the hospital from achieving an “extremely sustainable” level.

Practical implications

This paper evaluates, helps the management in identifying the barriers and thus enabling them to work upon these barriers and achieve a greater level of sustainability.

Originality/value

The sustainability practices adopted in this paper for the evaluation of the sustainability status of the SSC have not been used in previous studies. In this study apart from environmental, social and economic aspects, customer management and health, safety and risk management are also incorporated for evaluating the performance of the SSC which makes this study unique. The proposed model can be taken as a benchmark for evaluating the sustainability performance of any SSC.
Implementation barriers of smart technology in Indian sustainable warehouse by using a Delphi-ISM-ANP approach
Authors: Kumar Shashank , Raut Rakesh D. , Narwane Vaibhav S. , Narkhede Balkrishna E. , Muduli Kamalakanta
Published: April 2021

Purpose

In the digitalization era, supply chain processes and activities have changed entirely, and smart technology impacts each sustainable supply chain movement. The warehouse and distribution of various organizations have started adopting smart technologies globally. However, the adoption of smart technologies in the Indian warehousing industry is minimal. The study aims to identify the implementation barriers of smart technology in the Indian warehouse to achieve sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs an integrated Delphi-ISM-ANP research approach. The study uses the Delphi approach to finalize the barriers identified from the detailed literature review and expert opinion. The finalized 17 barriers are modeled using interpretive structural modeling (ISM) to get the contextual relationship. The ISM method's output and analysis using the analytical network process (ANP) illustrate priorities.

Findings

The study's findings showed that the lack of government support, lack of vision and mission and the lack of skilled manpower are the most significant barriers restricting the organization from implementing smart and sustainable supply chain practices in the warehouse.

Practical implications

This study would help the practitioners enable the sustainable warehousing system or convert the existing warehouse into a smart and sustainable warehouse by developing an appropriate strategy. This study would also help reduce the impact of different barriers that would strengthen the chance of technology adoption in the warehouses.

Originality/value

The literature related to adopting smart and sustainable practices in the warehouse is scarce. Modeling of adoption barrier for smart and sustainable warehouse using an integrated research approach is the uniqueness of this study that have added value in the existing scientific knowledge.
The change in environmental perception in strategic plans: the case of local governments in Turkey
Authors: Hiziroglu Mahmut
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This study aims to find out whether strategic plans contribute to change by exploring to what extent environmental (external and internal) perceptions of the public institutions changed in consecutive plans.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is an explorative case study of three metropolitan municipalities in Turkey: Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir, which represent about one-third of population of the country. In this context, three consecutive strategic plans of metropolitan municipalities in question were examined based on a content analysis using a guideline developed by the author.

Findings

The findings reveal that the use of strategic plans as a guide is indispensable. The study argues that consecutive strategic plans of metropolitan municipalities are both conducive to change and are useful tools for the effectiveness of the strategy.

Research limitations/implications

While this study analyses the strategic plans regardless of considering the extent to which the institutions have achieved their desired goals, it recommends that the “strategic plans” should not only be used as rituals but also as a guide to change.

Practical implications

The study emphasizes the fact that strategic plans provide managers with the necessary tools to perform an analysis that gives insight into the extent to which they are able to manage the change when they compare their strategic plans and put them into practice in the consecutive periods.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the field by questioning the basis of criticisms of strategic planning in the context of public sector and shows how strategic plans play a role in tracing the change in institutions.
Performance evaluation of a hybrid series–parallel system with two human operators using Gumbel–Hougaard family copula
Authors: Ismail Abdulkareem Lado , Abdullahi Sanusi , Yusuf Ibrahim
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This study deals with the reliability analysis of a hybrid series–parallel system consisting of two subsystems A and B with two human operators. Subsystem A has two units in active parallel while subsystem B consists of two-out-of-four units. Both units have exponential failure and repair time. The system under consideration has two states: partial failure state and complete failure state. The mathematical equations associated with the transition diagram have been formulated using regenerative point techniques. The system is analysed using Laplace transforms to solve the mathematical equations. Some important measures of reliability such as availability of system, reliability of the system, mean time to failure (MTTF), sensitivity for MTTF and cost analysis have been discussed. Some particular cases have also been derived and examined to see the practical effect of the model. The computed results are demonstrated by tables and graphs. Furthermore, the results of the designed model are beneficial for system engineers and designers, reliability and maintenance managers.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper considered a hybrid series–parallel system consisting of two subsystems A and B with two human operators. The performance of the system is studied using the supplementary variable technique and Laplace transforms. The various measures of reliability such as availability, reliability, mean time to system failure (MTSF), sensitivity for MTTF and cost analysis have been computed for various values of failure and repair rates. Maple 13 software has been used for computations.

Findings

In this research paper, the authors have computed various measures of reliability such as availability, reliability, MTSF, sensitivity for MTTF and cost analysis for various values of failure and repair rates and find that failure due to human operators are more responsible for successful operation of the system and also regular repair should be invoked to improve system performance.

Originality/value

This research paper is the original work of authors. The references are well cited based on the importance of study. Nothing has been detached from any research paper or books.
Role of psychological and technological attributes on customer conversion to use food ordering apps
Authors: Atulkar Sunil , Singh Ashish Kumar
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Today the mobile apps are helping customers in every means of their life by exploring information related to electronic items and even for food items also. Therefore, the main aim of this study is to examine the influencing role of psychological and technological attributes on customer conversion to use food ordering apps.

Design/methodology/approach

Convenience sampling method was used to collect responses from the customer's age between 18 and 35 years to get more representation of society. 374 customer's data has been used for structural equation model analysis with the help of SmartPLS 3.0 and SPSS-20 software.

Findings

Findings showed that customer conversions are positively influenced by perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, perceived incentives, perceived information, customer relationship management and order management system. In contrast, the perceived price and visual design show insignificant influence.

Research limitations/implications

Research outcome provides some valuable insights to provide direction to all online food aggregators to design their apps according to customers need. Thus, the authentic customer reviews and the facility of providing feedbacks are very fruitful for attracting new user while using and placing orders through theses apps.

Practical implications

Study suggested that observing satisfaction and dissatisfaction levels of the customer helps in enhancing the facilities of food ordering apps, so that the customer would enjoy the whole order process seamlessly, which automatically leads to customer conversions.

Originality/value

Major contribution of this study is the empirical analysis of psychological and technological attributes on customer's conversion towards food ordering app.
Effects of customer trust on engagement in live streaming commerce: mediating role of swift guanxi
Authors: Guo Lingyun , Hu Xiayu , Lu Jinxuan , Ma Ling
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Live streaming commerce, a new form of social commerce where firms integrate with broadcasters, community members and customers in live chat rooms for real-time interaction to help sell products, has become increasingly popular. However, factors that impact the success of live streaming commerce are not fully explored. The purpose of this study is to examine these factors by exploring the relationships among customer trust (i.e., trust in broadcasters, community members, and products) and customer engagement, and the mediating role of swift guanxi.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors surveyed 422 customers who have watched Taobao Live, one of the largest live streaming commerce sites in China, and used their questionnaires to test the research model employing partial least squares modeling.

Findings

The authors’ results indicate that trust in broadcasters has a positive effect on trust in products and community members, which positively influences trust in products. Additionally, swift guanxi has a fully mediating effect on the relationship between customers' trust in broadcasters and customer engagement.

Originality/value

First, from the theoretical perspective, this study comprehensively identifies three types of trust, explores the transfer relationships among trust in broadcasters, community members, and products based on Trust Transfer Theory. In addition, this study examines the mediating influence of swift guanxi on the relationship between customer trust and engagement. Second, from the managerial perspective, the study provides insights to help broadcasters and practitioners use live streaming to facilitate shopping.
Slack resources, free cash flow and corporate social responsibility expenditure: evidence from an emerging economy
Authors: Islam Shah Md Taha , Ghosh Ratan , Khatun Asia
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether financial resource allocation decisions for corporate social responsibility (CSR) depends on slack resources and free cash flow.

Design/methodology/approach

The study's sample consists of 202 company-year observations from 51 financial institutions over the period 2015–2019. The authors collected CSR data from CSR review reports published by the Central Bank (Bangladesh Bank). The financial and governance data are collected from corporate annual reports and year-end review reports published by the Dhaka Stock Exchange. This study uses both the random-effect and generalized estimating equation models to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The authors establish two key findings consistent with the predictions of slack resource theory and free cash flow theory. First, the authors find a significant and positive relationship between slack resources and CSR expenditure. This result also supports the traditional thinking about corporate giving – that doing well enables doing good. Second, the author show that increases in free cash flow are associated with increases in CSR expenditure. This indicates the presence of agency problems between managers and shareholders regarding CSR expenditure.

Originality/value

This study is the first to show the positive impacts of slack resources and free cash flow on CSR expenditure in an emerging economy characterized by both capital constraints and high salience of CSR expenditure. The study has important implications for regulators, advocacy groups, shareholders and analysts in emerging economies that share similar contextual characteristics.
#urbanforest: cultural ecosystem services of urban trees through the lens of Instagram
Authors: Speak Andrew , Usher Mark , Solly Hilary , Zerbe Stefan
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The non-material benefits which people derive from ecosystems, cultural ecosystem services (CES), can be difficult to measure and quantify. This study aims to demonstrate the usefulness of social media analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

The widespread use of social media applications has provided a novel methodology for obtaining crowd-sourced data, which can reveal patterns in how social media users interact with urban greenspace and participate in place-making activities. This study explores how urban trees are represented in images tagged with the city of Bolzano, Italy, and uploaded over the course of a year to the image-sharing application Instagram.

Findings

A third of all the images contained some elements of green nature, with 3.1% of the images portraying urban trees as the main subject and 11% with urban trees as background features. Seasonal preferences for winter and summer scenes emerged. Accompanying text, in the form of hashtags and image descriptions, was mostly positive and showed how enthusiastically people describe urban nature. An assessment of the images in terms of CES revealed that beyond aesthetic factors and the inspiration to take photographs of nature, a wide range of CES are represented, reflecting the recognition of the benefits of urban trees by Instagrammers. The collection of images provided a unique snapshot of the city of Bolzano.

Practical implications

This reinforces the importance of urban trees within planning policy for providing sense of place, recreation and stress relief for residents and tourists.

Originality/value

The study builds on recent advances in social media research, focussing on the important field of urban CES.
Motives for corporate philanthropy and charitable causes supported
Authors: Peterson Dane K. , Van Landuyt Cathryn , Pham Courtney
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This paper examines how the inferred motives for corporate philanthropy relate to the types of charitable causes supported.

Design/methodology/approach

Published data were obtained for 256 publicly traded and private corporations from a variety of sources.

Findings

The results demonstrated that a number of motives were not significantly related to total charitable giving, but were related to how charitable funds were distributed to various charitable causes. Thus, the study provides insights on the strategic use of corporate charity as means of achieving various business objectives and advancing a theoretical understanding of corporate philanthropy strategies.

Research limitations/implications

This study only investigated some of the presumed motives for corporate philanthropy. Even for the motives investigated in this study, no attempt was made to examine all the motivational factors that determine the level of need for a specific motive. Thus, while the present study provides some of the first evidence of a relationship between motivational factors and data on the types of charitable causes supported, there are other motivational factors that could be investigated in future studies.

Practical implications

The results have a number of implications for managers of nonprofit organizations such as marketing/targeting potential donors. Additionally, the results could be useful for managers of for profit firms in terms of comparing corporate strategies with competing firms.

Originality/value

The study provides a framework for investigating the relationship between motivational factors and types of charitable causes supported.
When and how authoritarian leadership influences employee innovation behavior in the context of Chinese culture
Authors: Zhang ShanLiang , Liu Xuefei , Du Yana
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the mechanism and boundary conditions of authoritarian leadership that influence employee innovation behavior (EIB) in Chinese culture based on the leader–member exchange theory and state–trait theory.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used Mplus and SPSS to test the proposed model with data from 286 leader–employee dyads in Chinese companies. In this study, questionnaires were collected through commission and field investigation.

Findings

The results indicate that authoritarian leadership can positively influence perceived insider status and EIB within a certain range in Chinese organizational culture, although this is counterintuitive. In addition, perceived insider status has a high level of explanatory power on EIB and can mediate the relationship between authoritarian leadership and EIB. Furthermore, proactive personality can moderate the positive influence of authoritarian leadership on perceived insider status.

Originality/value

Innovation management is inseparable from the specific organizational cultural context. This paper argues that the relationship between authoritarian leadership and EIB in the context of organizational culture in China may differ from that in the west. This study constructs a unique research model and offers new insights into when and how EIB can be influenced by authoritarian leadership.
Strategic planning key factor in tangible–intangible results in microenterprises
Authors: López-Lemus Jorge Armando , De la Garza Carranza María Teresa , Atlatenco Ibarra Quetzalli , López-Lemus José Guadalupe
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The objective of this research is to know the degree of influence that strategic planning (SP) exerts on the tangible and intangible results of business microenterprises in the state of Guanajuato, Mexico.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodological design was quantitative, explanatory, observational and cross-sectional, where a sample of 407 young leaders of microenterprises from the state of Guanajuato, Mexico, was obtained. To evaluate hypotheses, a structural equation model (SEM) was developed. Regarding the goodness and adjustment indices of the SEM, they were absolutely acceptable.

Findings

The results obtained through Pearson’s correlation show that there is a positive and significant relationship between SP and the tangible and intangible results of microenterprises. In addition, through the results obtained with the SEM model, it is statistically demonstrated that SP positively and significantly influences the tangible and intangible results of microenterprises in the state of Guanajuato, Mexico.

Research limitations/implications

In this research, only SP was valued as a variable that intervenes in the process of achieving tangible and intangible results to achieve the business objectives of entrepreneurial microenterprises in the state of Guanajuato. It is essential to point out that other variables that intervene in the process must be considered to generate tangible and intangible results. It is recommended to carry out further research under these variables to identify strategies for improving entrepreneurial microenterprises for their growth, sustainability and rapid positioning in a highly competitive market.

Practical implications

SP represents one of the tools to achieve the success of microenterprises through tangible and intangible results. However, microenterprises show a need to involve the use and application of SP to define clear indicators that contribute to obtaining satisfactory tangible and intangible results.

Originality/value

The findings are relevant and of great value, because there is currently not enough research that focuses on the variables analyzed, in this sense, SP and the tangible and intangible results of young entrepreneurial leaders of microenterprises in the Mexican context. The limitations of this study lie in the low participation and interest of young microenterprise entrepreneurs in the state of Guanajuato, Mexico.
A study of the roles of metadata standard and data repository in science, technology, engineering and mathematics researchers' data reuse
Authors: Kim Youngseek
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This research investigates how the availabilities of both metadata standards and data repositories influence researchers' data reuse intentions either directly or indirectly as mediated by the norms of data reuse and their attitudes toward data reuse.

Design/methodology/approach

The theory of planned behavior (TPB) was employed to develop the research model of researchers' data reuse intentions, focusing on the roles of metadata standards, data repositories and norms of data reuse. The proposed research model was evaluated using the structural equation modeling (SEM) method based on the survey responses received from 811 STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) researchers in the United States.

Findings

This research found that the availabilities of both metadata standards and data repositories significantly affect STEM researchers' norm of data reuse, which influences their data reuse intentions as mediated by their attitudes toward data reuse. This research also found that both the availability of data repositories and the norm of data reuse have a direct influence on data reuse intentions and that norm of data reuse significantly increases the effect of attitude toward data reuse on data reuse intention as a moderator.

Research limitations/implications

The modified model of TPB provides a new perspective in apprehending the roles of resource facilitating conditions such as the availabilities of metadata standards and data repositories in an individual's attitude, norm and their behavioral intention to conduct a certain behavior.

Practical implications

This study suggests that scientific communities need to develop more supportive metadata standards and data repositories by considering their roles in enhancing the community norm of data reuse, which eventually lead to data reuse behaviors.

Originality/value

This study sheds light on the mechanism of metadata standard and data repository in researchers' data reuse behaviors through their community norm of data reuse; this can help scientific communities and academic institutions to better support researchers in their data sharing and reuse behaviors.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at:https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/OIR-09-2020-0431
The four pillars for the preservation of the regulatory agencies’ technical impartiality in Brazil
Authors: Shuenquener de Araújo Valter
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to debate on how to achieve, in countries that have invested in the North American model of the regulatory state, the greatest efficiency in creating norms for the organization of public and private activities in order to guarantee the autonomy and technical impartiality required for the proper functioning of regulatory agencies.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper describes the development of the legal framework regarding regulatory agencies in Brazil. The research was based on bibliographical data, media reports, and the Brazilian Supreme Court decisions.

Findings

The regulation dissemination through regulatory agencies in Brazil has given rise to a series of controversies concerning the limits of their performance and the extent of their technical discretion. According to the findings, it is concluded that these independent agencies should be guided by the following four pillars: (1) the legal rule of fixed-term in office; (2) the principle of lesser control intensity (deference) of the agency acts; (3) the prohibition of contingency of agencies’ budgetary resources; and (4) the prohibition of agency powers suppression. Otherwise, the institutional capacity of agencies will be diminished and their neutral action in technical matters will be compromised.

Originality/value

This paper shows how enhanced autonomy and technical impartiality can be useful for better regulatory governance in other countries, preventing them from suffering from the same problems that have occurred in Brazil.