bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A three-dimensional gadolinium organic framework based on a pyridinedicarboxylic acid organic linker with a paddle-wheel-type network structure
Authors: Tiwari Ranjay K. , Saini Mukesh Kumar , Behera Jogendra N. , Hussain Firasat
Published: January 2022

A new gadolinium(III)–pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylic acid (GdIII–2,5-H2pdc)-based three-dimensional coordination polymer, namely, poly[dimethylazanium [bis(μ-pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylato)gadolinium(III)]], {[(CH3)2NH2][Gd(C7H3NO4)2]}
n
, CP-1, has been synthesized via a typical solvothermal method. The as-synthesized material was characterized in the solid state using single-crystal X-ray diffraction, powder X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis and FT–IR spectroscopy. During the synthesis of CP-1, the in situ dimethylformamide (DMF) promotes the formation of a dimeric unit and these act as secondary building blocks in the assembly of a three-dimensional anionic {[Gd(pdc)2]−}∞ framework. The framework has channels along the c axis which are filled by dimethylazanium cations. Interestingly, the framework shows a helical-type assembly running down the a axis. A Hirshfeld surface analysis of CP-1 suggests that extra stability is provided by hydrogen-bonding interactions. The magnetic properties of CP-1 showed weak antiferromagnetic couplings between adjacent Gd3+ ions.
A crystal-processing machine using a deep-ultraviolet laser: application to long-wavelength native SAD experiments
Authors: Kawano Yoshiaki , Hikita Masahide , Matsugaki Naohiro , Yamamoto Masaki , Senda Toshiya
Published: January 2022

While native SAD phasing is a promising method for next-generation macromolecular crystallography, it requires the collection of high-quality diffraction data using long-wavelength X-rays. The crystal itself and the noncrystalline medium around the crystal can cause background noise during long-wavelength X-ray data collection, hampering native SAD phasing. Optimizing the crystal size and shape or removing noncrystalline sample portions have thus been considered to be effective means of improving the data quality. A crystal-processing machine that uses a deep-UV laser has been developed. The machine utilizes the pulsed UV laser soft ablation (PULSA) technique, which generates less heat than methods using infrared or visible lasers. Since protein crystals are sensitive to heat damage, PULSA is an appropriate method to process them. Integration of a high-speed Galvano scanner and a high-precision goniometer enables protein crystals to be shaped precisely and efficiently. Application of this crystal-processing machine to a long-wavelength X-ray diffraction experiment significantly improved the diffraction data quality and thereby increased the success rate in experimental phasing using anomalous diffraction from atoms.
Crystal structure of betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase from Burkholderia pseudomallei
Authors: Beard Dylan K. , Subramanian Sandhya , Abendroth Jan , Dranow David M. , Edwards Thomas E. , Myler Peter J. , Asojo Oluwatoyin A.
Published: January 2022

Burkholderia pseudomallei infection causes melioidosis, which is often fatal if untreated. There is a need to develop new and more effective treatments for melioidosis. This study reports apo and cofactor-bound crystal structures of the potential drug target betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase (BADH) from B. pseudomallei. A structural comparison identified similarities to BADH from Pseudomonas aeruginosa which is inhibited by the drug disulfiram. This preliminary analysis could facilitate drug-repurposing studies for B. pseudomallei.
Structural and spectroscopic characterization of CO inhibition of [NiFe]-hydrogenase from Citrobacter sp. S-77
Authors: Imanishi Takahiro , Nishikawa Koji , Taketa Midori , Higuchi Katsuhiro , Tai Hulin , Hirota Shun , Hojo Hironobu , Kawakami Toru , Hataguchi Kiriko , Matsumoto Kayoko , Ogata Hideaki , Higuchi Yoshiki
Published: January 2022

Hydrogenases catalyze the reversible oxidation of H2. Carbon monoxide (CO) is known to be a competitive inhibitor of O2-sensitive [NiFe]-hydrogenases. Although the activities of some O2-tolerant [NiFe]-hydrogenases are unaffected by CO, the partially O2-tolerant [NiFe]-hydrogenase from Citrobacter sp. S-77 (S77-HYB) is inhibited by CO. In this work, the CO-bound state of S77-HYB was characterized by activity assays, spectroscopic techniques and X-ray crystallography. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy showed a diamagnetic Ni2+ state, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy revealed the stretching vibration of the exogenous CO ligand. The crystal structure determined at 1.77 Å resolution revealed that CO binds weakly to the nickel ion in the Ni–Fe active site of S77-HYB. These results suggest a positive correlation between O2 and CO tolerance in [NiFe]-hydrogenases.
Integrating agriculture and industry 4.0 under “agri-food 4.0” to analyze suitable technologies to overcome agronomical barriers
Authors: Arora Charvi , Kamat Aditya , Shanker Saket , Barve Akhilesh
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The main intention of this paper is to analyze various factors hindering the growth of the agricultural supply chain and several industry 4.0 technologies to eliminate the same. In addition to a detailed assessment on the implementation of these technologies in agriculture, this manuscript also presents a priority list providing a rank to them based on the relative efficiency of these advancements in addressing these obstacles.

Design/methodology/approach

This research proceeds with a two-step process. The particular barriers in the agriculture supply chain and industry 4.0 technologies are determined in the first step. Next, the proposed framework, a combination of data envelopment analysis (DEA) and analytic hierarchy process (AHP), i.e. DEA-AHP, is used to determine a hierarchical structure for the factors and the relative productive efficiencies of the alternatives. The DEA methodology gives a performance analysis of various decision-making units. At the same time, AHP helps in evaluating alternatives weights based on numerous criteria, allowing us to categorize their importance further.

Findings

This study reveals how the involvement of technological advancements in agriculture can help manage the supply chain more efficiently. It also justifies how the large quantities of data generated can handle these increasing challenges in the agricultural supply chain.

Practical implications

The results of this study provide a priority list of alternatives based on their final weights. This ranking system can help farmers and the government select the best-suited technology for bringing automation into the agricultural supply chain.

Originality/value

This research is unique as it analyes the general factors hindering the development of the agriculture supply chain while simultaneously providing a list of alternatives based on their relative efficiencies. The study enriches existing literature by providing an analytic approach to determine the weightage of various critical success factors that can help improvise and entrust the real and undeniable requirements of consumers, suppliers and producers.
Study on load monitoring and demand side management strategy based on Elman neural network optimized by sparrow search algorithm
Authors: Fan Yuanyuan , Sui Tingyu , Peng Kang , Sang Yingjun , Huang Fei
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to collect the energy consumption data and carry out energy consumption analysis of chemical enterprises, which is helpful to grasp the working conditions of each equipment accurately and to perfect the demand side management (DSM) for the user in the terminal.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper proposes a load monitoring system of chemical enterprises to collect the energy consumption data and carry out energy consumption analysis. An Elman neural network based on sparrow search algorithm is proposed to predict the power consumption change and distribution trend of enterprises in the future production cycle. The calculation efficiency and prediction accuracy have been significantly improved.

Findings

The paper analyzes the energy saving effect of energy efficiency management as well as “avoiding peak and filling valley” measures, and reasonable control requirements and assumed conditions are put forward to study the operability of enterprise energy saving measures from the DSM.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the chosen enterprise data, the prediction accuracy needs to be further improved. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test the proposed methodology further.

Practical implications

The paper includes implications for the development of energy consumption analysis and load forecasting of chemical enterprises and perfects the DSM for the user.

Originality/value

This paper fulfills an identified need to study how to forecast the power load and improve the management efficiency of energy consumption.
Recognizing workers' construction activities on a reinforcement processing area through the position relationship of objects detected by faster R-CNN
Authors: Li Jiaqi , Zhou Guangyi , Li Dongfang , Zhang Mingyuan , Zhao Xuefeng
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Recognizing every worker's working status instead of only describing the existing construction activities in static images or videos as most computer vision-based approaches do; identifying workers and their activities simultaneously; establishing a connection between workers and their behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

Taking a reinforcement processing area as a research case, a new method for recognizing each different worker's activity through the position relationship of objects detected by Faster R-CNN is proposed. Firstly, based on four workers and four kinds of high-frequency activities, a Faster R-CNN model is trained. Then, by inputting the video into the model, with the coordinate of the boxes at each moment, the status of each worker can be judged.

Findings

The Faster R-CNN detector shows a satisfying performance with an mAP of 0.9654; with the detected boxes, a connection between the workers and activities is established; Through this connection, the average accuracy of activity recognition reached 0.92; with the proposed method, the labor consumption of each worker can be viewed more intuitively on the visualization graphics.

Originality/value

With this proposed method, the visualization graphics generated will help managers to evaluate the labor consumption of each worker more intuitively. Furthermore, human resources can be allocated more efficiently according to the information obtained. It is especially suitable for some small construction scenarios, in which the recognition model can work for a long time after it is established. This is potentially beneficial for the healthy operation of the entire project, and can also have a positive indirect impact on structural health and safety.
Brand magnification: when brands help people reconstruct their lives
Authors: Fuschillo Gregorio , Cayla Julien , Cova Bernard
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to detail how consumers can harness the power of brands to reconstruct their lives.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors followed five brand devotees over several years, using various data collection methods (long interviews, observations, videos, photographs and secondary data) to study how they reconstructed their lives with a brand.

Findings

Consumers transform their existence through a distinctive form of brand appropriation that the authors call brand magnification, which unfolds: materially, narratively and socially. First, brand devotees scatter brand incarnations around themselves to remain in touch with the brand because the brand has become an especially positive dimension of their lives. Second, brand devotees mobilize the brand to craft a completely new life story. Finally, they build a branded clan of family and friends that socially validates their reconstructed identity.

Research limitations/implications

The research extends more muted depictions of brands as soothing balms calming consumer anxieties; the authors document the mechanism through which consumers remake their lives with a brand.

Practical implications

The research helps rehabilitate the role of brands in contemporary consumer culture. Organizations can use the findings to help stimulate and engage employees by unveiling the brand’s life-transforming potential for consumers.

Originality/value

The authors characterize a distinctive, extreme and unique form of brand appropriation that positively transforms consumer lives.
Tensions between disciplinarity and generality within a professional development on writing instruction
Authors: Kwok Michelle
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Although English Language Arts (ELA) teachers have historically been expected to take the lead in literacy training, the domain of ELA has yet come to terms with what holds it together as a discipline. Within this conundrum, the author studied one group of ELA teacher leaders who led a professional development (PD) aimed at training teachers in disciplinary writing instruction. This study aims to explore the differences in perspectives between what constitutes disciplinarity for ELA teachers and teachers in other content areas.

Design/methodology/approach

Over the course of two years, the author observed the PD, taking extensive field notes, collecting artifacts and conducting interviews. The author engaged in constant comparative analysis of the data throughout this time, open coding within each data source and then triangulating the data to support the author’s finding.

Findings

Whereas the ELA teacher leaders seemed to focus on general aspects of writing, teachers from the other content areas shared discipline-specific understandings about writing. The teachers and teacher leaders, however, did not explicitly discuss these differences in how they conceptualized writing instruction; rather, this tension was revealed through the author’s analysis of the data.

Originality/value

The findings of this study illustrate how a vague definition of writing in English and of disciplinary literacy has come to bear on one PD of writing. This study recommends future research to continue to develop clear epistemologies, purposes and literate practices of the disciplines related to ELA.
The relationship between perceived usability, personality traits and learning gain in an e-learning context
Authors: Vlachogianni Prokopia , Tselios Nikolaos
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of perceived usability and students' personality traits on their learning gain in an e-learning context at the university level.

Design/methodology/approach

The factors examined are related to individual characteristics such as students' personality traits, as well as to perceptual characteristics such as the perceived usability of the platform used. A total of 110 undergraduate students participated in the study. A one-group pretest-posttest research design was adopted. Big 5 personality test, System Usability Scale (SUS) and a general knowledge assessment questionnaire were used.

Findings

Perceived usability of Zoom platform is statistically significantly correlated with students' learning gain (r = 0.294, p = 0.002, s). Concerning learning effectiveness in the current e-learning scenario, students' final performance was found to be statistically significantly higher than the initial (p = 0.000, s). A hierarchical regression analysis (R2 = 0.146) unveiled that Zoom's perceived usability and personality traits are significant predictors for learning gain (p = 0.011, s).

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this research provide important implications regarding the design of lessons in an e-learning context.

Social implications

A substantial fraction of the educational process is going online, especially in higher education. Thus, a thorough understanding of the factors which influence learning gain in an e-learning context is of significance.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this study is that it quantifies the variance of the learning gain explained by two factors, namely, SUS and personality.
Millennials’ acceptability of tawarruq-based ar-rahnu in Malaysia
Authors: Amin Hanudin , Hassan M. Kabir
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This study aims to enlighten the effects of Islamic religiosity, Islamic altruism and Islamic debt collection policy (IDCP) on millennials’ acceptability of tawarruq-based ar-rahnu in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applies the factors drawn from the Islamic theory of consumer behaviour (ITCB) and uses data obtained from a survey of 267 respondents to examine the impact of these factors on millennials’ acceptability of tawarruq-based ar-rahnu.

Findings

The findings indicate that Islamic religiosity, Islamic altruism and IDCP are all important factors influencing millennials’ acceptability of tawarruq-based ar-rahnu.

Research limitations/implications

The study is narrowed down in scope in terms of the broader context of tawarruq-based ar-rahnu and the variables retrieved from the ITCB, which may explain its limited impact.

Practical implications

Considering the effects of the variables investigated in this study might assist enhance product acceptance among consumers.

Originality/value

This study is focussed on tawarruq-based ar-rahnu in the context of the ITCB, taking a different approach than past research on the subject.
Community participation in heritage tourism management of Sukhothai historical park
Authors: Esichaikul Ranee , Chansawang Rochaporn
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine community participation in cultural heritage management with regard to sustainable heritage tourism management in Sukhothai Historical Park (SHP) in Sukhothai Province.

Design/methodology/approach

The qualitative and quantitative research approaches were applied; in-depth interviews were conducted with 27 key informants, and 104 questionnaires were distributed among stakeholders and local communities.

Findings

The results revealed that sustainable park management has made a positive impact upon local economy, social and cultural conservation of the world heritage site. The Park Authority has developed and conserved archaeological sites with local community assistance, particularly for physical management, but it has not yet used archaeological heritage in the park for more benefits of tourism development.

Research limitations/implications

The results reveal that sustainable park management has made a positive impact on the local economy and social and cultural conservation of the World Heritage city. The Park Authority has developed and conserved archaeological sites with local community assistance, particularly for physical management, but it has not yet used archaeological heritage in the park for greater urban tourism development. Sustainable cultural heritage management in SHP is government-led, so community participation is based upon two-way communication in the form of “tokenism.”

Practical implications

Sukhothai is encouraged to find suitable mechanisms to facilitate multisectoral communication and development to jointly face the challenge of more visitors and urbanization.

Originality/value

Guidelines for enhancing community involvement in cultural heritage management of the park were proposed.
Preparation process optimization of hard magnetic brake friction material based on NdFeB additive
Authors: Zhao Shaodi , Bao Jiusheng , Zhang Qingjin , Yin Yan , Wang Xiaoyang , Ai Junwei
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This study aims to develop magnetic field-controlled friction braking technology, the preparation process of hard magnetic brake friction material was optimized and analyzed in this paper.

Design/methodology/approach

NdFeB, a rigid magnetic material, was selected as additive. Magnetic field orientation, a part of material preparation, was added to the preparation process. Experiments investigated the tribological properties of each brake lining sample. The preparation process of the hard magnetic friction material was optimized based on fuzzy theory by using analytic hierarchy process (AHP) methods and SPSS software. The microscopic morphology and the distribution and content of elements of friction lining samples prepared with or without orientation excitation voltage were analyzed by scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis.

Findings

The results showed that the tribological properties of brake lining samples could be improved by process optimization and the oriented excitation voltage can effectively improve the properties of the brake lining.

Originality/value

The magnetic field orientation was added into the traditional preparation process, and a set of process parameters with the best tribological properties were obtained through optimization. It is believed that this research will be of great theoretical and practical significance to develop both new brake materials and active control technology of the braking process in the future.
The seven pillars of a winning strategic architecture in emerging markets
Authors: Connolly Aidan , McLoughlin Damien , Pazzaglia Federica , Sonpar Karan , Shelman Mary
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This viewpoint reflection draws upon the authors’ ongoing experience and research in the agribusiness sector and aims to propose a framework for succeeding in emerging markets and offer some insights that run counter to traditional approaches and practices. Despite its economic, social and political significance, the agribusiness sector remains neglected in mainstream academic scholarship. Additionally, much research presents an MNC-centric view, despite the success of several local firms. The framework presented in this viewpoint reflection identifies seven pillars of a winning strategic architecture to succeed in emerging markets and encourages future scholarship that theoretically elaborates and specifies boundaries for each of the practices that underpin it.

Design/methodology/approach

This viewpoint draws upon our experience, case studies, and ongoing primary research on the agribusiness sector. It is meant to be a “call for future research” as opposed to testing or elaborating theory.

Findings

This paper proposes a framework on seven pillars of a winning strategic architecture – benefits of centralization, satisficing, avoiding short-term myopia, developing own talent, more playfulness and experimentation, customer-driven product development and novel types of process innovation – and encourage future scholarship to theoretically elaborate and specify boundaries for each of these practices.

Research limitations/implications

This paper offers a winning architecture template of seven practices and urges future theory to test, elaborate and establish boundaries for these practices.

Practical implications

The seven practices offered in this paper will allow managers to question prior assumptions and rethink their business models.

Social implications

Although the agribusiness sector is one of the largest and most important sectors in emerging markets, it remains neglected in much scholarship. This sector employs large numbers of people and focuses on one of the most important aspects of society (i.e. food).

Originality/value

This paper offers several country intuitive insights on the seven elements of a winning strategic architecture. Examples include: advocating centralization and/or vertical integration, building as opposed to buying talent, satisficing as opposed to excelling and a greater focus on long-term and relational approaches even though they might appear to be inefficient in the short term.
Green supply chain management implementation: modeling the green supply chain practices (GSCPs)
Authors: Panpatil Sarika S. , Kant Ravi
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This study aims to identify and recognize the interrelationship between green supply chain practices (GSCPs) and analyze the effect of GSCPs on green supply chain management (GSCM) implementation on the premise of driving and dependence power of GSCPs.

Design/methodology/approach

This research identifies twenty GSCPs with the consultation of the team of industry practitioners and academicians. Interpretative structural modelling (ISM) is applied to develop the relationship between GSCPs, which gives the direct and indirect effects of each GSCPs. The result obtained from ISM is used as an input for Fuzzy matriced impacts croises multiplication appliquee a un classement (Fuzzy MICMAC) to identify the driving and dependence power of GSCPs.

Findings

An integrated model has been established using ISM and the Fuzzy MICMAC method to categorize the GSCPs. It reveals the direct and indirect effect of each GSCPs on the execution of GSCM. The result shows that driver GSCPs have deliberate importance because of their driving power and dependent GSCPs are more performance-oriented.

Research limitations/implications

ISM model and fuzzy MICMAC analysis depends on the judgment of the professional's team from a single industry. These opinions may be subjective judgments of the experts and any biasing may influence the final result.

Practical implications

This study gives significant guidance to industry practitioners and academicians. Industry practitioners need to concentrate on these most significant GSCPs for the successful implementation of GSCM. They must also plan for the growth of GSCM by concentrating on all GSCPs. On the other side, academicians may be motivated to categorize other issues which are essential for GSCPs.

Originality/value

In this research, an effort has been made to identify the significant GSCPs for GSCM implementation on a single platform. A huge literature is available on GSCPs, but none of the researchers paid attention to model these GSCPs using ISM and fuzzy MICMAC.
The effect of gender equality on the carbon intensity of well-being: panel data analysis for the MENA economies 1995-2018
Authors: Sileem Hanan , Al-Ayouty Iman
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the ecological efficiency through assessing the relation of the “carbon intensity of well-being” (CIWB) to gender equality, gross domestic product (GDP)/capita, the urban intensity of the population, the age structure of the population, foreign direct investment as a percentage of GDP and manufacturing as a percentage of GDP.

Design/methodology/approach

CIWB equation is estimated for a panel of 18 MENA economies and Turkey over the period 1995–2018 using the two-way fixed effects Prais–Winsten regression with panel-corrected standard errors.

Findings

The elasticity coefficients obtained from the estimated models indicated mixed effects on CIWB. While the increase of female educational attainment, accompanied with an increase in the female labor force participation rate, reduce CIWB, the younger female population and the younger population, in general, increase CIWB. Furthermore, while increasing FDI inflows reduces CIWB, increasing the manufacturing share of GDP increases CIWB.

Originality/value

The pursuit of Sustainable Development Goals worldwide has moved the relevant literature on climate change mitigation and adaptation measures to a new level, where using the CIWB method is increasingly used to reflect carbon dioxide emissions per capita unit of expected lifespan. The present paper’s contribution to the literature is two-fold: one is computing and estimating the CIWB to examine ecological efficiency for the middle east and north africa (MENA) economies and Turkey over the period of study; and two is integrating and validating the beneficial impacts of integrating the gender equality dimension in the CIWB–climate change literature.
Dark triad-consumer behavior relationship: the mediating role of consumer self-confidence and aggressive interpersonal orientation
Authors: Blair James Robert , Gala Prachi , Lunde Matthew
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the consumer behavior of the Dark Triad (DT) personality traits. It investigates the sequential mediating role of consumer self-confidence and aggressive interpersonal orientation in the relationship between the DT personality traits (i.e., narcissism, psychopathy and Machiavellianism) and consumer behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

Using identity theory as a theoretical framework, the authors develop and assess a model linking the DT personality traits to consumer behavior, using two products: a watch and restaurant menu items, in different experimental settings.

Findings

Results from the two studies that surveyed consumers show that individuals with the DT personality traits have a positive significance of consumers’ attitudes, intent to recommend to others and purchase intentions, regardless of hedonic or utilitarian products. Further, consumer self-confidence mediates the DT–consumer behavior relationship, and this relationship is sequentially mediated by aggressive interpersonal orientation of the consumer.

Research limitations/implications

Consumer behavior researchers and marketing managers will have a better understanding of who DT consumers are and the variables associated with their consumption attitudes and intentions. This understanding allows marketers to focus on promotions to boost consumer self-confidence and aggressive interpersonal orientation of these DT consumers, which will increase their purchase intentions. Future researchers could replicate the results beyond an experimental design to improve the external validity of the findings, among other future research opportunities.

Originality/value

Our findings highlight the underlying reasons behind dark triad consumption behaviors. This furthers our understanding of dark triad consumers using identity theory as our theoretical framework.
Does political connection affect corporate financial performance? The moderating role of directors’ financial expertise
Authors: EL Ammari Anis
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the effects of political connections (PCs) on corporate financial performance (CFP) in an emerging economy. It also investigates the moderating influence of the directors’ financial expertise (DFE) on the relationship between politically connected firms and their financial performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The study sample includes 304 firm-year observations from non-financial Tunisian listed firms covered over 2012–2019. Financial data are from various sources: financial statements, annual reports, official bulletins of the Tunisian Stock Exchange (TSE) and the Financial Market Council. PCs and DFE data are manually collected from the TSE and companies’ websites. Multivariate regression analyses are used to test the research hypotheses.

Findings

The results show that PCs negatively affect CFP and the DFE is a moderator variable that exacerbates this negative relationship. These results could be explained on the one hand by the fact that politicians often lack management, professionalism and know-how. On the other hand, political members on boards focus mainly on their political agendas and prioritize their interests rather than firm performance. Furthermore, board directors are more inclined towards the grabbing-hand approach to create personal linkages with these politicians and take personal benefits rather than protect the interests of minority shareholders and effectively use firm resources.

Research limitations/implications

The most important limitation of the study is the small number of non-financial TSE-listed firms. Indeed, the small sample size prevents us from considering industry specificities and working in a homogeneous environment.

Practical implications

This study recommends that external investors pay particular attention to politically connected firms as PCs tend to weaken corporate governance. Also, it helps policymakers better assess the need to harmonize and develop corporate governance standards and practices that account for the specific conditions in Tunisia to mitigate the lobbying of political parties and supervise their abuse of power. Furthermore, the negative relationship between PCs and CFP in a poorly regulated and governed country could be used by financial institutions in their credit scoring.

Social implications

The findings suggest that the nexus between politics and business draws attention to corruption post-revolution.

Originality/value

The originality and the relevance of this study consist in studying the moderating effect of the DFE on the association between PCs and CFP. To the best of the author’s knowledge, this study pioneers assessing the role of the DFE as a moderating variable. It also supplements prior literature by examining the combined factors, such as PCs and DFE, on CFP in an emerging market.
Determinants to adopt conventional and Islamic banking: evidence from Indonesia
Authors: Junaidi Junaidi , Anwar Suhardi M. , Alam Roslina , Lantara Niniek F. , Wicaksono Ready
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate how extrinsic and intrinsic religiosity influences the mediator variables, such as consumers’ brand image and materialism in the Indonesian banking sector (e.g. conventional and Islamic). It also examines how mediators influence consumers’ preferences.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample consists of 575 bank consumers. The experiment method was used to test the research hypotheses through three studies.

Findings

The empirical results indicate that religiosity positively affects consumers' decision-making process, precisely when bank products are based on Islamic principles. Furthermore, consumers' brand image and materialism partially mediate religiosity and consumers’ preferences.

Research limitations/implications

This study was limited to Indonesian bank consumers. Therefore, future study is needed to analyze cross-region.

Practical implications

Bank managers and regulators need to enhance Islamic banks' products and services and the varying principle between conventional banks. They also need to enlighten consumers from the perspective of business and religiosity.

Originality/value

This study contributes to consumers’ behavior literature and the decision-making process of developing and testing a model of religious determinants of consumer preference toward bank products.
A sustainable redesign model for the water/wastewater supply network: a water–energy nexus approach
Authors: Gilani Hani , Shobeiry Sahar , Biglari Kami Mohammad , Sahebi Hadi
Published: January 2022

Purpose

A sustainable selection method for facility location of the water treatment is formulated by best–worst method. In addition, the model addresses the selection of appropriate technologies in the treatment plant, management of water leakage in the whole transmission network by using modernization and selection of different transmission technologies. Finally, the interaction between water and energy in this network seems to be paying particular attention.

Design/methodology/approach

Rapid population growth and urban development, and the constraints of water supply have become one of the crucial challenges around the world in the 21st century. Hence, the use of refined urban wastewater is increasing in many countries as an alternative source of water. In this regard, the rehabilitation of urban wastewater recycling and reuse has been proposed as one of the most suitable solutions for urban water management. Hence, in this paper, a mathematical model is formulated to design the simultaneous marketing of the urban water distribution network and wastewater treatment (including).

Findings

It seeks to ensure that energy is supplied through chemical methods to ensure that the system's energy dependence is on the national electricity grid. And in order to validate the model, a case study has been studied. By analyzing the results, it can be concluded that the upgrading of sewage treatment plants to replace underground water and water from nearby dams in household, agricultural and industrial applications will have positive environmental and economic impacts. One of the notable environmental impacts is the decline in groundwater and water scarcity in the coming years.

Originality/value

The summary of contributions is presented follow as: design and planning of water and urban wastewater integrated network; sustainable selection of facility location for the water treatment; capability selecting different treatment technologies in simultaneous design water and urban sewage supply chain; managing water leak in the network; proposed a water–energy nexus model in simultaneous design water and urban sewage supply chain; studying the feasibility of construction of power plants from biogas, the resulting of anaerobic digestion in treatment centers.
Knowledge is power: toward a combined model of knowledge acquisition and knowledge application of enterprises
Authors: Chen Guoquan , Wang Jingyi , Liu Wei , Xu Fen , Wu Qiong
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to theoretically investigate a knowledge management model from the combined perspective of knowledge acquisition and knowledge application and its effect on organizational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study reviews prior research on knowledge acquisition and knowledge application, puts forward the concepts of “the extensiveness of knowledge acquisition” and “the concentration of knowledge application” and more importantly proposes an integrated model by combining these two dimensions. Four case examples of enterprises are subsequently described and analyzed to illustrate the sources of knowledge acquisition, the objects of knowledge application and their influences on organizational performance.

Findings

Four knowledge management modes and their impacts are confirmed in this study. Specifically, the organization of the turbojet engine mode (high extensiveness of knowledge acquisition and high concentration of knowledge application) can achieve good performance. The pipeline mode (high extensiveness of knowledge acquisition and low concentration of knowledge application) is the second, which has limited influence on good organizational performance. Organizations with the flashlight mode (low extensiveness of knowledge acquisition and high concentration of knowledge application) can achieve limited performance under the appropriate environment. The candle mode (low extensiveness of knowledge acquisition and low concentration of knowledge application) is the worst, performance of which is poor due to the break of the knowledge chain.

Practical implications

This paper holds that organizations should actively use the turbojet engine mode, adopt the pipeline mode and the flashlight mode cautiously, and avoid falling into the candle mode.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is among the first to propose the concepts of “the extensiveness of knowledge acquisition” and “the concentration of knowledge application,” and provides a combined model for analyzing differences in organizational performance from the perspective of knowledge.
Prostitute or human trafficking victim? Police discernment of human trafficking
Authors: Reis Tara A. , Gibbs Jennifer C. , Howard Daniel , Strohacker Emily R.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

In 2018, the National Human Trafficking hotline received 275 cases of human trafficking in Pennsylvania, a higher than average portion of the 10,949 human trafficking cases received for the USA. Whether human trafficking victims receive services or enter the criminal justice system as prostitution offenders depends on how police identify them, as police officers are usually the first to interact with human trafficking victims. Thus, understanding how police identify human trafficking is important. The purpose of the study is to explore Pennsylvania police perceptions of human trafficking.

Design/methodology/approach

Scenarios were presented in a survey to 489 Pennsylvania police officers.

Findings

Police training improved officer identification of human trafficking (vs prostitution) involving older victims. Officers with more tenure were less likely to identify older victims of human trafficking than officers with less tenure. However, older officers were better able to successfully identify older (i.e. age 25 years) victims of human trafficking, but officer age had no effect on identifying younger (i.e. age 15 years) victims of human trafficking. The implications are discussed in the study.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the literature by testing (1) whether training affects police ability to identify human trafficking victims in a scenario, controlling for other factors and (2) whether victim age affects officer identification of human trafficking victims. More officers correctly identified younger victims of human trafficking when force was explicitly stated, but more officers misidentified younger victims when force was not explicitly stated and older victims when force was explicitly stated.
Experiencing the sense of the brand: the mining, processing and application of brand data through sensory brand experiences
Authors: Zha Dongmei , Foroudi Pantea , Melewar T.C. , Jin Zhongqi
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to develop an integrative framework based on a convergence of embodiment, ecological and phenomenological theoretical perspectives to explain the multiple processes involved in the consumers’ mining, processing and application of brand-related sensory data through a sensory brand experience (SBE).

Design/methodology/approach

This research adopts a qualitative method by using face-to-face in-depth interviews (retail managers and customers) and focus group interviews (actual customers) with 34 respondents to investigate SBEs in the context of Chinese shopping malls.

Findings

Results show that the brand data mined through multisensory cues (visual, auditory, olfactory, tactile and taste) in a brand setting are processed internally as SBEs (involving sensory impressions, fun, interesting, extraordinary, comforting, caring, innovative, pleasant, appealing and convenient), which influence key variables in customer–brand relationships including customer satisfaction, brand attachment and customer lovemarks.

Originality/value

This study has implications for current theory on experiential marketing, branding, consumer–brand relationships, consumer psychology and customer experience management.
The sustainability challenge of product information quality in the design and construction of facades: lessons from the Grenfell Tower fire
Authors: Bahrami Soheila , Zeinali Davood
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This paper explores the quality and flow of facade product information and the capabilities for avoiding the risk of facade fires early in the design process.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative case study using the process tracing method is conducted in two stages. First, a thematic analysis of reports and literature identified two categories for the problems that caused fast fire spread across the Grenfell Tower facade. This enabled classifying the identified problems into four stages of a facade life cycle: product design and manufacturing, procurement, facade design and construction. Second, the capabilities for avoiding the problems were explored by conducting in-depth interviews with 18 experts in nine countries, analyzing design processes and designers' expertise and examining the usability of three digital interfaces in providing required information for designing fire-safe facades.

Findings

The results show fundamental flaws in the quality of facade product information and usability of digital interfaces concerning fire safety. These flaws, fragmented design processes and overreliance on other specialists increase the risk of design defects that cause fast fire spread across facades.

Practical implications

The findings have implications for standardization of building product information, digitalization in industrialized construction and facade design management.

Originality/value

This research adds to the body of knowledge on sustainability in the built environment. It is the first study to highlight the fundamental problem of facade product information, which requires urgent attention in the rapid transition toward digital and industrialized construction.
Fabrication and characterization of screen printed NiMn2O4 spinel based thermistors
Authors: Uppuluri Kiranmai , Szwagierczak Dorota
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this work was to characterize NiMn2O4 spinel-based thermistor powder, to use it in screen printing technology to fabricate temperature sensors, to study their performance for different sintering temperatures of thermistor layer, with and without insulative cover, as well as to investigate stability of the fabricated thermistors and their applicability in water quality monitoring.

Design/methodology/approach

After the characterization of starting NiMn2O4 spinel-based thermistor powder, it was converted to thick film paste which was screen printed on alumina substrate. Thermistor layers were sintered at four different sintering temperatures: 980°C, 1050°C, 1150°C and 1290°C. An interdigitated pattern of Ag-Pd conductive layer was used to reduce the resistance. Temperature-resistance characteristics were investigated in air and water, with and without insulative cover atop the thermistor layer. Stability of the fabricated thermistors after aging at 120°C for 300 h was also examined.

Findings

Thick film NiMn2O4 spinel thermistors, prepared by screen printing and sintering in the temperature range 980°C–1290°C, exhibited good negative temperature coefficient (NTC) characteristics in the temperature range −30°C to 145°C, including high temperature coefficient of resistance, good stability and applicability in water.

Originality/value

This study explores the range of sintering temperature that can be applied for NiMn2O4 thermistor thick films without compromising on the temperature sensing performance in air and water, as well as stability of the thermistors after aging at elevated temperatures.
Exploring ethical consumption of generation Z: theory of planned behaviour
Authors: Djafarova Elmira , Foots Sophie
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This study aims to explore the factors that encourage Generation Z consumers to turn an ethical purchase intention into purchase behaviour. Theory of planned behaviour model is applied to understand the Generation Z ethical consumerism.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative method in the form of 18 semi-structured interviews was conducted on participants aged within the Generation Z cohort in the UK.

Findings

Research findings show that Generation Z has strong awareness and desire towards ethical and environmental issues. Driven in the main by the cohorts unlimited exposure to social media platforms and online resources where information is shared. Generation Z’s frugality limits them to purchase truly ethically in their current life stage. Financial aspirations from this target market suggest a future desire to purchase high value ethical items. Further trends discovered highlighted sustainable lifestyle choices within the generation. Recycling, diet choices and reduced consumption on clothing were expressed. The paper highlights that Generation Z are aware of ethical issues prevalent in society and are doing what they can at this life stage to make a positive impact.

Practical implications

This research has valuable implications for both academics and marketers. It provides new insights for scholars into understanding Generation Z decision-making in ethical consumption. It successfully applied the Theory of Planned Behaviour to understand generational consumer behaviour. The findings can assist practitioners to determine effective marketing strategies to persuade Generation Z to act ethically. The research can also be considered when dealing with government legislation when tackling social change in younger population as this appeared important factor for the researched consumers. Marketers should also consider digital influencers as part of their communication campaigns targeting Generation Z users.

Originality/value

This search offers a valuable contribution to current academic findings towards Generation Z research as ethical consumers incorporating TPB framework.