bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aided design decision-making framework for engineering projects considering cost and social benefits
Authors: Li Meng-Nan , Wang Xueqing , Cheng Ruo-Xing , Chen Yuan
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Currently, engineering project design lacks a design framework that fully combines subjective experience and objective data. This study develops an aided design decision-making framework to automatically output the optimal design alternative for engineering projects in a more efficient and objective mode, which synthesizes the design experience.

Design/methodology/approach

A database of design components is first constructed to facilitate the retrieval of data and the design alternative screening algorithm is proposed to automatically select all feasible design alternatives. Then back propagation (BP) neural network algorithm is introduced to predict the cost of all feasible design alternatives. Based on the gray relational degree-particle swarm optimization (GRD-PSO) algorithm, the optimal design alternative can be selected considering multiple objectives.

Findings

The case study shows that the BP neural network-cost prediction algorithm can well predict the cost of design alternatives, and the framework can be widely used at the design stage of most engineering projects. Design components with low sensitivity to design objectives have been obtained, allowing for the consideration of disregarding their impacts on design objectives in such situations requiring rapid decisions. Meanwhile, design components with high sensitivity to design objective weights have also been obtained, drawing special attention to the effects of changes in the importance of design objectives on the selection of these components. Simultaneously, the framework can be flexibly adjusted to different design objectives and identify key design components, providing decision reference for designers.

Originality/value

The framework proposed in this paper contributes to the knowledge of design decision-making by emphasizing the importance of combining objective data and subjective experience, whose significance is ignored in the existing literature.
Eco-innovation and SMEs’ sustainable performance: a meta-analysis
Authors: Oduro Stephen
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The study aims to build upon the Resource-based view of the firm (RBV) and Dynamic Capability Theory (DCT) to perform a meta-analysis on the eco-innovation/SMEs’ sustainable performance relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Employing a psychometric meta-analytic approach with a random-effects model, the study examines a sample of 134,841 SMEs covering 99 studies and 233 study effects. Subgroup and meta-regression analysis were used to test the study`s hypotheses in Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) statistical software.

Findings

Results unveil that the average impact of eco-innovation on SMEs` sustainable performance is positively significant but moderate. Moreover, it was found that eco-process, eco-product, eco-organizational, and eco-marketing innovations positively influence SMEs’ sustainable performance, but the impact of eco-organizational innovation is the strongest. Findings further reveal that eco-innovation positively influences economic, social, and environmental performance, but its effect on social performance is the largest. Moreover, our findings reveal that contextual factors, including industry type, culture, industry intensity, global sustainable competitive index, and human development index, moderate the eco-innovation/SMEs’ sustainable performance relationship. Lastly, methodological factors, namely sampling technique, study type, and publication status, account for study-study variance.

Practical implications

Our findings imply that investing in eco-innovation is worthwhile for SMEs. Therefore, CEOs/managers of SMEs must adopt eco-innovation initiatives by establishing a sustainability vision, developing employee environmental development and training, building a stakeholder management system, and promoting employee engagement in sustainability activities.

Originality/value

The study develops a holistic conceptual framework to consolidate the distinct types of eco-innovation and their association with the sustainable performance of SMEs for the first time in this research stream, thereby resolving the anecdotal results and synthesizing the fragmented literature across culture, discipline, and contexts.
Banking without limits: a bibliometric analysis of scholarly works on electronic banking
Authors: Mintah Rockson , Owusu Godfred Matthew Yaw , Amoah-Bekoe Rita , Obro-Adibo Gorkel
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This paper reviews scholarly literature on electronic banking (EB) research over a three-decade period. The focus of this review is to evaluate the intellectual structure and trends and unearth new areas in the research domain of EB.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing data from the Scopus database, a bibliometric analysis was performed on 2,391 research articles published in the EB domain. The articles were examined and synthesized through volume analysis, citation analysis, authorship analysis and the level of collaboration, co-citation analysis and keyword co-occurrence analysis. A well-known bibliometric tool, VOSviewer, was used to create and analyse various bibliometric maps, networks and tables.

Findings

This study uncovers the temporal and spatial trends of publications on EB, the most influential documents, authors, productive publication outlets, countries in the domain, the status of collaboration and the major themes that have been studied in the literature. The publication trail over the years has been gauged using overlay visualization.

Practical implications

This paper highlights new concepts that have emerged in EB over the past three decades and suggests future avenues for research in this area.

Originality/value

Research in the domain of EB is empirical, with only a handful of studies being literature reviews. This is the first-of-its-kind study that aims to trace the development of electronic banking over the past 29 years, from 1994 to 2022, through bibliometric analysis and network visualization.
A little humor goes a long way? The influence of humor on offer acceptance in one-shot online negotiations
Authors: Garnier Emma , Hamstra Melvyn R.W. , Lempp Frieder , Storme Martin
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether the use of humor in one-shot online negotiations affects the chance that the target of the humor will accept the offer. This study/paper proposes two competing hypotheses in this specific context: humor could be perceived as impertinent and thus decrease offer acceptance, or it could be perceived as friendly and thus increase offer acceptance.

Design/methodology/approach

To test these hypotheses, this study/paper conducted an experimental scenario study among 589 participants in a negotiation about selling a wardrobe on an online marketplace. Participants took the perspective of the seller, and this study/paper compared a condition in which the buyer used a joke versus a condition in which the buyer did not use a joke.

Findings

The use of humor by a buyer significantly increased the chance of offer acceptance by the seller. Without humor, 62% of sellers accepted the buyer’s offer. With humor, 82% of sellers accepted the offer. Further analysis suggests this is explained by the buyer being perceived as friendlier in the humor condition relative to the no humor condition. There were no effects on perceptions of buyer’s impertinence.

Practical implications

The findings indicate that humor is beneficial for buyers in a one-shot online negotiation. On the flipside, this implies that sellers should be cautious about being manipulated into accepting inferior deals by buyers who use humor in one-shot online negotiations.

Originality/value

The significant increase in the number of transactions on online marketplaces (such as AliExpress or eBay) justifies having a fresh look at the role of humor in one-shot online negotiations that are at the core of such transactions. Research in this domain is relatively scarce. In particular, there is no study that specifically tests whether humor is beneficial or detrimental in one-shot online negotiations. This study/paper extends the existing literature to the area of one-shot online interactions characterized by psychological distance.
Employee treatment and annual report readability
Authors: Murphy Brid , Sun Li , Wang Meng (Vivian)
Published: May 2024

Purpose

In this study, we examine the relation between employee treatment and annual report readability, which is measured as a reading difficulty score.

Design/methodology/approach

We use regression analysis to explore the impact of employee treatment on annual report reading difficulty.

Findings

We find a significant negative relation between employee treatment and reading difficulty, which suggests that annual reports of firms with better employee treatment are easier to read and understand (i.e. more readable).

Originality/value

Our study contributes to a more thorough knowledge of annual report readability and our findings may be of relevance to accounting standard setters and investors.
Capability configurations for successful advanced servitization
Authors: Heirati Nima , Thornton Sabrina C. , Leischnig Alexander , Henneberg Stephan C.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Advanced servitization is the process that involves the combination of different services that facilitate both the use of a product and customer operations. Although servitization has emerged as a frequent strategy for manufacturers to differentiate themselves from the competition, its implementation can pose major challenges and may not always result in superior firm performance. Consequently, successful advanced servitization may require specific organizational capabilities to unleash performance-enhancing effects. To date, little is known about how to effectively configure advanced servitization to achieve such performance gains.

Design/methodology/approach

Adopting a fit theory perspective and using a configurational approach, we examine the interplay between servitization, organizational capabilities, contextual factors and financial performance. Specifically, we focus on advanced servitization and assess its necessity and sufficiency for achieving high financial performance. In addition, we study how the alignment of servitization approaches with organizational capabilities and contextual factors affects financial performance. We analyze data from 151 manufacturers in an emerging economy using fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA).

Findings

Our findings indicate that advanced servitization is sufficient, but not necessary for high financial performance. In addition, the findings indicate that the alignment of servitization approaches with specific service-related capabilities unfolds complementarity effects that contribute to achieving high financial performance for manufacturers with different firm size and competitive intensity. The findings indicate three configurations that may serve as templates for managers to orchestrate resource allocation and successfully deploy advanced servitization.

Originality/value

Our study advances the servitization literature by further illuminating advanced servitization as a more complex servitization process. We show how high-performing manufacturers align servitization and organizational capabilities across different contexts, and thus provide design choices for managers in configuring servitization.
The effect of emotional changes in composite reviews on consumers' information adoption from a dual perspective
Authors: Zhang Depeng , Ma Jiaxin , He Zhenxing
Published: May 2024

Purpose

With the appearance of additional review functionality on e-commerce platforms emotional changes in composite reviews have become more diverse. How consumers process the emotional changes in composite reviews is an important concern for companies. This study investigates the impact of explores how changes in the emotional valence and emotional intensity of composite reviews on consumers' information adoption.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on emotion as social information theory, this study constructs a double mediation model of how the change in emotional valence of composite reviews affects consumers' adoption intention and examines the moderating effect of the dynamic change of emotional intensity. One field and three online experiments were conducted to test the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

Consumers were more likely to adopt positive–negative composite reviews than negative–positive composite reviews. Compared to negative–positive composite reviews, positive–negative composite reviews led to higher perceived empathy and lower motivational suspicion, which, in turn, led to higher information adoption. Moreover, dynamic changes in emotional intensity played a moderating role in this effect. Interestingly, the amount of attribute difference changed the differences in perceived empathy and motivated consumer suspicion generated by the composite review when considering the reviewer’s attribute difference description.

Originality/value

The findings have important theoretical contributions that deepen business and consumer understanding of the impact of composite reviews and have practical implications for improving the management of composite reviews by businesses.
Barrier-breakers’ influence on full-adoption of digital payment methods
Authors: Dimitrova Irina
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to empirically examine the relationships between barrier-breakers and customers’ intention to fully adopt digital payment methods (DPMs).

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data were analyzed using statistical methods focusing on hypothesis testing with an ordinal regression model and moderation analysis using the PROCESS macro extension. Participants were divided into two groups of customers in Sweden: adopters-accepters, i.e. young bank customers and adopters-resisters, i.e. members of a formally organized group opposed to a cashless society.

Findings

The findings revealed that only the credibility barrier-breaker could increase the adopters-accepters’ intention to fully adopt DPMs. Credibility also seemed to be an important barrier-breaker for the adopters-resisters, as were perceived usefulness and social influence. Additional analyses showed that the impersonalization barrier reduces the impact of the barrier-breakers on DPM adoption.

Practical implications

Retail banks and merchants can use these results as a guide to what barrier-breakers might affect various customers’ intention to fully adopt DPMs, and to act accordingly. The impersonalization barrier also merits attention when creating an emotional connection to customers who use DPMs.

Originality/value

This study provides empirically based knowledge of the influence of barrier-breakers on the intention of customers, categorized as adopters-accepters and adopters-resisters, to fully adopt DPMs, and highlights the importance of maintaining a human touch in the post-COVID-19 digital era.
Unraveling the dark side of ChatGPT: a moderated mediation model of technology anxiety and technostress
Authors: Duong Cong Doanh , Ngo Thi Viet Nga , Khuc The Anh , Tran Nhat Minh , Nguyen Thi Phuong Thu
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Limited knowledge exists regarding the adverse effects of artificial intelligence adoption, including platforms like ChatGPT, on users’ mental well-being. The current research seeks to adopt the insight from the stressor-strain-outcome paradigm and a moderated mediation model to examine how technology anxiety moderates the direct and indirect relationships between compulsive use of ChatGPT, technostress, and life satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing data from a sample of 2,602 ChatGPT users in Vietnam, PROCESS macro was approached to test the moderated mediation model.

Findings

The findings indicate that compulsive use of ChatGPT exhibited a substantial and positive impact on technostress, while technostress was found to have a negative influence on life satisfaction. Moreover, although compulsive use of ChatGPT did not show a significant direct effect, it indirectly impacts life satisfaction via technostress. Remarkably, technology anxiety was found to significantly moderate both direct and indirect associations between compulsive use of ChatGPT, technostress, and life satisfaction.

Practical implications

Based on the findings of this research, some practical implications are provided.

Originality/value

The research offers a fresh perspective by applying the stressor-strain-outcome perspective to provide empirical evidence on the moderated mediation effects of technology anxiety and technostress on the relationship between compulsive use of ChatGPT and users’ life satisfaction. The research thus sheds new light on artificial intelligence adoption and its effects on users’ mental health.
Increasing access and transparency: evaluating transcript provision for rape victim-survivors in Scottish legal proceedings
Authors: Richardson Emma
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a viewpoint in response to the Scottish Government announcing a yearlong pilot scheme to make court transcripts available to complainants of rape who have had their case heard in the High Court. This is the outcome of a campaign led by survivors to make accessible records of their trial. Here, a five-question model is applied which cautions the use of written records of spoken interaction by asking, how adequate are they for the purpose intended to serve?

Design/methodology/approach

Five questions are asked of transcripts, or written records, from a previously developed model (Richardson et al., 2022): (i) Are they an accurate representation of the spoken interaction that took place?; (ii) Who has agency, whose “voice” is represented in the recorded account?; (iii) Do lay and professional parties have ownership over the record?; (iv) How usable is the record; and (v) How resource efficient it is to produce?

Findings

The application of these questions to the yearlong pilot scheme offers a view on how transcripts, as written records of spoken interaction, must be considered not as direct replicas of the interaction that took place, but as a subjective text created by professional parties. In making these available, ownership is significantly increased. However, whether they are adequate for the purpose they intend to serve is yet to be known.

Originality/value

The originality of this viewpoint is offering a framework in which to locate some of the potential considerations by which to evaluate the pilot scheme. In considering how “high” or “low” answers to the five questions might “score” and recognising that as the scheme develops these issues intersect, consequences may be predicted by what is already known. For example, by increasing resource efficiency, you might decrease accuracy of representation and vice versa.
Design and management considerations towards productively sustainable work places in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Hassanain Mohammad A. , Almhbash Turky Suliman , Zami Mohammad Sharif , Ibrahim Ahmed M. , Alshibani Adel
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to review and assess the sustainable design and management considerations affecting workplaces’ productivity in Saudi Arabia.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a mixed approach, commencing with literature review, development and pilot-testing of a structured questionnaire instrument to assess design and management considerations towards productively sustainable workplaces (PSWs). In total, 31 considerations affecting sustainable workplaces’ productivity were identified and clustered under five main directions. A collective group of stakeholders, including architects/engineers (A/E), workplace users and facilities managers, were approached to correlate and compare their individual assessment of the identified PSWs. The relative importance index (RII) for each of the PSW considerations is correlated and discussed.

Findings

A high level of agreement is recognized among the three stakeholder groups for PSWs considerations’ assessed rankings. The provision of sufficient ventilation and illumination levels, availability of occupational health, security and safety, availability of ergonomically oriented technological infrastructure, availability of formal and informal meeting spaces, efficient space utilization and ergonomic workstations are all ranked highest in importance as design considerations towards PSWs.

Originality/value

The study stems from the need to understand how the PSWs’ design and management considerations are perceived by all streams of stakeholders. The findings identify the considerations’ importance for prioritization on PSWs’ investments.
Beyond the basics: mapping the inflation response to fiscal deficit in India with smooth transition autoregressive model
Authors: Tariq Asif , Bashir Shahid , Amin Aadil
Published: May 2024

Purpose

India’s historical fiscal performance has featured elevated deficit levels. Driven by the imperative need for fiscal stimulus measures in response to the crisis, efforts toward fiscal consolidation from 2003 to 2008 were reversed in 2008–2009 due to the financial crisis. These stimulus actions are believed to have wielded a notable influence on inflation dynamics. Presumably, a high inflation rate hinders growth and inflicts severe welfare costs. Accordingly, the principal objective of this paper is to scrutinise the threshold effects of fiscal deficit on inflation within the context of the Indian economy.

Design/methodology/approach

We employed the Smooth Transition Autoregressive (STAR) Model, a robust tool for capturing non-linear relationships, to discern the specific threshold level of fiscal deficit. Our analysis encompasses annual data spanning from 1971 to 2020. Additionally, we have leveraged the Toda-Yamamoto causality test to establish the existence and direction of a causal connection between fiscal deficit and inflation in the Indian economy.

Findings

Our analysis pinpointed a critical threshold level of 3.40% for fiscal deficit, a value beyond which inflation dynamics in India undergo a marked transition, signifying the presence of significant non-linear effects. Moreover, the results derived from the Toda-Yamamoto causality test offer substantiating evidence of a causal relationship originating from the fiscal deficit and leading to inflation within the Indian economic framework.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of our study carry significant implications, particularly for the formulation and execution of both fiscal and monetary policies. Understanding the threshold effects of fiscal deficit on inflation in India provides policymakers with valuable insights into achieving a harmonious balance between these two critical economic variables.

Originality/value

To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first of its kind to empirically investigate threshold effects of fiscal deficit on inflation in India from a non-linear perspective using the Smooth Transition Autoregression (STAR) model.
Expressive relationship between religion and emotional bonding on consumers’ loyalty in the banking sector
Authors: Dewi Ratna , Mulang Hastuti , Junaidi Junaidi
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the role of religion on Indonesia’ Muslim consumers’ emotional bonding and loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample consists of 505 and structural equation modelling was used to confirm research hypotheses.

Findings

The results indicated that religion has a positive and significant effect on Muslim consumers’ emotional bonding; furthermore, emotional bonding play an important role in mediating the relationship between consumers’ religiosity and consumers’ loyalty.

Research limitations/implications

Future research is required to confirm the validity of this study throughout the sector and among Muslim banking consumers.

Practical implications

Bank managers also promote their consumers as change agents to recommend their companies to others. It is also essential in strengthening the relationship between consumers and the companies.

Originality/value

This study provided the Muslim consumers’ loyalty standpoint, the study enlightened bank managers about consumers’ loyalty through religiosity and emotional bonding.
Temporary employment and financial distress in times of crisis
Authors: Zhang Dengjun , Wellalage Nirosha , Fernandez Viviana
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study investigates the impact of temporary employment on various forms of financial distress for firms during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors apply a logit model to evaluate the differences in the probabilities of experiencing financial distress for firms with or without temporary reemployment and for firms with different intensities of temporary workers. As an additional test, an ordinal logistic model is applied to reflect different degrees of financial distress.

Findings

Our main results indicate that firms with temporary employment are more likely to experience financial distress than firms without temporary employment, regardless of the severity of financial distress. Among firms with temporary employment, our analysis suggests that a firm’s likelihood of experiencing financial distress depends on its relative share (quantile) of temporary workers.

Practical implications

Our findings provide valuable insights for evaluating the impact of temporary employment on firms’ vulnerability during the COVID-19 crisis and suggest strategies for firms to enhance resilience to similar future crises.

Originality/value

Our study is the first one that explores the relationship between temporary employment and financial distress. Firms around the world have been pursuing flexible labor to improve resilience and firm performance. The pandemic may further ramify this trend, creating a future “new normal” regarding employment relationships, job segmentation and gender equality in the job market. This article adds a new dimension to the evaluation of the new normal, which may help firms evaluate the consequences of temporary employment, especially in times of crisis.
A case study on the site supervisory attributes in construction labour management, performance assessment and productivity measurement practices
Authors: Manoharan Kesavan , Dissanayake Pujitha , Pathirana Chintha , Deegahawature Dharsana , Silva Renuka
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The sustainability of the construction industry is associated with the productivity, profitability and competitiveness of the firms, which are significantly affected by inefficient site supervision and labour management approaches. This study aims to use a case study with mixed methods to evaluate the site supervisory characteristics in labour management, labour performance assessment and labour productivity measurement towards developing meaningful guidelines in polishing construction supervision attributes.

Design/methodology/approach

Well-developed modern apprenticeship elements were applied to 62 construction supervisors who were selected using the snowball sampling method, and their relevant competency characteristics were assessed using a comprehensively developed grading mechanism connected with useful training manuals/tools. Academic reviews, experts’ consultations and other meticulous mixed approaches were applied at different stages of the research plan’s sequential layout.

Findings

The mean performance scores of supervisors indicate proficient-level grades in the competency characteristics related to applying efficient labour management procedures and developing-level grades in designing productivity measurement tools, performing assessments on efficiency and productivity and proposing enhancement practices on efficiency and productivity for site operations. The findings point to a modern generalised guideline that establishes the ranges of supervisory attributes within the scope of the study. The validity, reliability, adaptability and generalisability of the findings were assured by using pertinent statistical tests and professional assessments.

Research limitations/implications

Though the study’s conclusions/findings are primarily applicable to the construction environment of a developing country comparable to the Sri Lankan context, they will considerably impact current/future industrial practices in various other countries and emerging industries.

Originality/value

The research has produced a conceptualised modern tool that guides determining the capacity levels of supervisory attributes for carrying out labour management, labour performance assessment and labour productivity measurement aspects in construction. The research has opened a pump that inflows new values of highly workable supervision features for strengthening the site management structures and filling the industry’s knowledge vacuum in the methodical execution of apprenticeships.
Performance management in a rapidly changing world: implications for talent management
Authors: Maley Jane F. , Dabić Marina , Neher Alain , Wuersch Lucia , Martin Lynn , Kiessling Timothy
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This conceptual work examines how, in times of post-COVID-19 paradigm shift, the employee performance management (PM) process can help multinational corporations (MNCs) strengthen their talent management and, at the same time, meet their future needs.

Design/methodology/approach

We take a conceptual approach and present our perspective on what we see as the most critical trends shaping PM and talent management. Contingency theory and Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity (VUCA) theory provide a sound theoretical framework for understanding and responding to the complex and rapidly changing business context post-COVID-19.

Findings

Drawing on these theories, we create a framework providing a means of understanding why and how MNCs can maintain talent and, at the same time, develop new talent through the PM process.

Practical implications

Importantly, our study emphasizes the critical role that project management and talent management techniques play for both practitioners and scholars. In order to gain and sustain a competitive edge in the ever-changing VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity) landscape, these processes necessitate ongoing reassessment and adaptation. As Plato eloquently stated, “Our Need Will Be the Real Creator,” encapsulating our vision for the proactive and dynamic nature of effective project management and talent management practices.

Originality/value

The study establishes the benefits of an agile and flexible PM approach to help develop talent and pave the way for future research in this increasingly critical area
A collaborative approach to professional development on inclusive practices aligned to preschool mandates
Authors: Damiani Michelle L. , Unick Brad V. , Schultz Karen-Joy
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Professional development (PD) is an essential component of continuing learning for in-service teachers. This paper discusses a school-based example of using the best practice of coaching in early childhood education supported by a professional development school partnership. We explain how a teacher identified need led to a collaborative, multistep approach to meeting that need in connection to State mandates.

Design/methodology/approach

In this research, we used a case study methodological approach with a team of preschool teachers at one school. The model combines use of PD sessions, classroom coaching, classroom observation and reflection.

Findings

Teachers’ feedback indicates that using the strategy positively impacted most of the participants’ ability to support communication, community-building and inclusive practices in their classrooms. The data that emerged in the following year evidenced increased use of visual supports in classrooms, use in connection with literacy goals and interest in creating new uses in the school.

Originality/value

This article contributes an action-oriented school-based example of bridging research to practice to support teachers’ needs through PD and coaching in a PDS. The design and practical implications may interest preschool educators, instructional coaches, administrators, professional development schools and others involved with monitoring teacher development initiatives.
Psychological factors influencing online booking intentions among resort tourism service users
Authors: Baydeni̇z Erdem , Türkoğlu Turgut , Kart Nurullah
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study examines the psychological factors that directly influence individuals’ intentions to book or arrange reservations through resort hotel websites within the context of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). Specifically, this study focused on identifying and understanding the key drivers of online purchase intentions, including performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence and facilitating conditions within the UTAUT model.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used the UTAUT as a theoretical framework. A quantitative research approach was adopted and data were collected through surveys using a five-point Likert scale. The sample consisted of 270 participants, selected through purposive sampling. Data analysis was performed using Smart PLS software.

Findings

The results indicate that performance and effort expectancy significantly influence online purchase intentions. However, social influence did not significantly affect online purchase intention. By contrast, facilitating conditions significantly and positively influence online purchase intention.

Practical implications

These findings have practical implications for hotel managers and marketers. Emphasizing performance, effort expectations and facilitating conditions can improve customer perceptions of website usefulness and directly increase their intention to book. The limited impact of social influence suggests the need to focus less on social recommendations or endorsements in online marketing efforts and prioritize individual factors and objective information.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the field of technology and tourism by examining the psychological factors that directly influence users’ intention to purchase from resort hotel websites. This extends the understanding of online purchase intentions in the context of resort tourism and highlights the importance of facilitating conditions. This study also partially confirms the applicability of the UTAUT model in this domain and provides insights for future research on online purchase intentions in resort tourism.
The use of virtual reality for activities of daily living rehabilitation after brain injury: A scoping review
Authors: Grewal Jasleen , Eng Janice J. , Sakakibara Brodie M. , Schmidt Julia
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI) experience high rates of poor functional outcomes such as inability to complete activities of daily living (ADL). Occupational therapy needs to be customised to the individual's function, goals, and environment to facilitate improvement in ADLs after ABI. Virtual reality (VR) is a novel treatment approach that aims to improve skills within an individualised environment. This study aimed to review the current literature for the use of VR platforms that incorporate ADLs to improve functional outcomes after ABI.

Methods

This review followed the six‐stage framework by Arksey & O'Malley (2005). Electronic databases were searched for peer‐reviewed journal articles based on inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Results

One thousand and six hundred eighty articles were screened, including 413 full text articles and 13 articles were included for review. Among the 13 articles, six were RCTs and the rest were pre‐post intervention studies. Studies largely used non‐immersive VR platforms, which incorporated ADLs such as grocery shopping, aiming to improve functional outcomes.

Consumer and community consultation

Consumer and community were not involved in executing this study.

Conclusion

This review suggests mixed results if VR is effective at treating upper limb, cognition, and ADL function after ABI. Using their clinical reasoning, occupational therapists can determine the suitability of VR for ADL rehabilitation for specific patient populations and settings.

Plain Language Summary

Individuals who sustain an acquired brain injury can have difficulty performing their daily activities such as, making a meal or getting dressed, because of limited function (e.g., physical and cognitive problems). To help improve their ability to complete daily activities, occupational therapy needs to be customised to the individual's function, goals, and environment. Virtual reality is a new rehabilitation approach that allows individuals to improve their function in an individualised environment. In this study, we reviewed the current studies that have used virtual reality platforms that incorporate daily activities to improve function after acquired brain injury. We searched databases and screened the titles and abstracts of 1,680 studies. Then, 413 full‐text studies were screened, and 13 studies were included. Studies mostly used non‐immersive platforms to practise daily activities such as, grocery shopping, aiming to improve function after acquired brain injury. This review suggests mixed results if virtual reality can effectively treat function after acquired brain injury.
Examining the impacts of salt specificity on freshwater microbial community and functional potential following salinization
Authors: Van Gray Jonathon B. , Ayayee Paul
Published: May 2024

The degradation of freshwater systems by salt pollution is a threat to global freshwater resources. Salinization is commonly identified by increased specific conductance (conductivity), a proxy for salt concentrations. However, conductivity fails to account for the diversity of salts entering freshwaters and the potential implications this has on microbial communities and functions. We tested 4 types of salt pollution—MgCl2, MgSO4, NaCl, and Na2SO4—on bacterial taxonomic and functional α‐, β‐diversity of communities originating from streams in two distinct localities (Nebraska [NE] and Ohio [OH], USA). Community responses depended on the site of origin, with NE and OH exhibiting more pronounced decreases in community diversity in response to Na2SO4 and MgCl2 than other salt amendments. A closer examination of taxonomic and functional diversity metrics suggests that core features of communities are more resistant to induced salt stress and that marginal features at both a population and functional level are more likely to exhibit significant structural shifts based on salt specificity. The lack of uniformity in community response highlights the need to consider the compositional complexities of salinization to accurately identify the ecological consequences of instances of salt pollution.
Critical steps in an environmental metaproteomics workflow
Authors: Nebauer Daniel J. , Pearson Leanne A. , Neilan Brett A.
Published: May 2024

Environmental metaproteomics is a rapidly advancing field that provides insights into the structure, dynamics, and metabolic activity of microbial communities. As the field is still maturing, it lacks consistent workflows, making it challenging for non‐expert researchers to navigate. This review aims to introduce the workflow of environmental metaproteomics. It outlines the standard practices for sample collection, processing, and analysis, and offers strategies to overcome the unique challenges presented by common environmental matrices such as soil, freshwater, marine environments, biofilms, sludge, and symbionts. The review also highlights the bottlenecks in data analysis that are specific to metaproteomics samples and provides suggestions for researchers to obtain high‐quality datasets. It includes recent benchmarking studies and descriptions of software packages specifically built for metaproteomics analysis. The article is written without assuming the reader's familiarity with single‐organism proteomic workflows, making it accessible to those new to proteomics or mass spectrometry in general. This primer for environmental metaproteomics aims to improve accessibility to this exciting technology and empower researchers to tackle challenging and ambitious research questions. While it is primarily a resource for those new to the field, it should also be useful for established researchers looking to streamline or troubleshoot their metaproteomics experiments.
The impact of using Social Stories with the creative arts for individuals on the autism spectrum: Professionals' perspectives
Authors: Bawazir Rasha , Jones Phil
Published: May 2024

This study examined professionals' perspectives regarding the impact of using Social Stories with the creative arts for individuals on the autism spectrum. These perspectives were investigated using a theoretical framework which integrates Bandura's social learning theory and Gardner's multiple intelligences theory. A mixed‐methods sequential design was used, starting with a questionnaire, followed by the use of a series of qualitative methods. The findings revealed that including the creative arts is seen as an active component that supports the use of Social Stories. A variety of views, attitudes and suggestions were expressed, along with some concerns and challenges that were raised in relation to the impact of using Social Stories in conjunction with the creative arts.
Lack of social support, gender and colorectal cancer screening participation across Europe: How do screening programmes mitigate the effect of social support for men and women?
Authors: Jolidon Vladimir , De Prez Vincent , Bracke Piet , Cullati Stéphane , Burton‐Jeangros Claudine
Published: May 2024

This study investigates how a lack of social support differentially affects men and women’s colorectal cancer (CRC) screening participation, considering different screening strategies implemented across European countries. Although health sociology has stressed gender differences in social support and its effects on health behaviours, this was overlooked by cancer screening research. Using a data set of 65,961 women and 55,602 men in 31 European countries, we analysed the effect of social support variables on CRC screening uptake. We found that living alone and lower perceived social support were associated with lower screening uptake for both men and women. These effects were, however, stronger among men. Population‐based screening programmes mitigated these effects, particularly for women, but not for men living alone. In countries with opportunistic screening programmes, social support variables remained associated with screening uptake. We conclude that cancer screening interventions should pay attention to social support and its gender‐differentiated effects.
Energy poverty in light of the climate emergency in Sub‐Saharan Africa: Impact and transmission channels
Authors: Messie Pondie Thierry , Engwali Fon Dorothy
Published: May 2024

This study analyzes the effect of energy poverty on environmental quality for a sample of 43 countries in sub‐Saharan Africa. We specify and estimate a linear panel data model for the period 2000–2021, using fixed effects and the Driscoll‐Kraay method. The results show that access to electricity and clean energy for cooking have a positive and significant effect on deforestation and carbon emissions. Taking into account non‐linear analysis, we find that there is an inverted U‐relationship between energy indicators and environmental quality, thus, verifying the hypothesis of the Kuznet environmental curve. Thus, access to electricity and access to clean cooking energy improve environmental quality from a threshold. For the resolution of endogeneity, Lewbel 2SLS, the Kiviet method and S‐GMM were used. In addition, analysis of the sample data using a structural equation model (PLS‐SEM) shows that energy indicators pass through various channels to affect environmental quality. Therefore, based on these results, we recommend increasing investments in electricity infrastructure, especially in clean decentralized energy, in order to reduce deforestation and, therefore, CO2 emissions.
Delirium detection in the emergency department: A diagnostic accuracy meta‐analysis of history, physical examination, laboratory tests, and screening instruments
Authors: Carpenter Christopher R. , Lee Sangil , Kennedy Maura , Arendts Glenn , Schnitker Linda , Eagles Debra , Mooijaart Simon , Fowler Susan , Doering Michelle , LaMantia Michael A. , Han Jin H. , Liu Shan W.
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Geriatric emergency department (ED) guidelines emphasize timely identification of delirium. This article updates previous diagnostic accuracy systematic reviews of history, physical examination, laboratory testing, and ED screening instruments for the diagnosis of delirium as well as test–treatment thresholds for ED delirium screening.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review to quantify the diagnostic accuracy of approaches to identify delirium. Studies were included if they described adults aged 60 or older evaluated in the ED setting with an index test for delirium compared with an acceptable criterion standard for delirium. Data were extracted and studies were reviewed for risk of bias. When appropriate, we conducted a meta‐analysis and estimated delirium screening thresholds.

Results

Full‐text review was performed on 55 studies and 27 were included in the current analysis. No studies were identified exploring the accuracy of findings on history or laboratory analysis. While two studies reported clinicians accurately rule in delirium, clinician gestalt is inadequate to rule out delirium. We report meta‐analysis on three studies that quantified the accuracy of the 4 A's Test (4AT) to rule in (pooled positive likelihood ratio [LR+] 7.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.7–20.7) and rule out (pooled negative likelihood ratio [LR−] 0.18, 95% CI 0.09–0.34) delirium. We also conducted meta‐analysis of two studies that quantified the accuracy of the Abbreviated Mental Test‐4 (AMT‐4) and found that the pooled LR+ (4.3, 95% CI 2.4–7.8) was lower than that observed for the 4AT, but the pooled LR− (0.22, 95% CI 0.05–1) was similar. Based on one study the Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit (CAM‐ICU) is the superior instrument to rule in delirium. The calculated test threshold is 2% and the treatment threshold is 11%.

Conclusions

The quantitative accuracy of history and physical examination to identify ED delirium is virtually unexplored. The 4AT has the largest quantity of ED‐based research. Other screening instruments may more accurately rule in or rule out delirium. If the goal is to rule in delirium then the CAM‐ICU or brief CAM or modified CAM for the ED are superior instruments, although the accuracy of these screening tools are based on single‐center studies. To rule out delirium, the Delirium Triage Screen is superior based on one single‐center study.
Understanding fire intensity in the Sudanian savannah of Western Africa: Implications for sustainable fire management
Authors: Zoffoun Omobayo Ghislain , Djagoun Chabi A. M. S. , Nguyen Thanh Thi , Sinsin Brice , Sogbohossou Etotépé A.
Published: May 2024

The savannah ecosystem is influenced by seasonal fires that shape the landscape, with different fire intensities. The objective of this study is to assess the trend in fire intensity and the influence of the vegetation types. A linear regression model was employed to analyse the trend in fire intensity over the years. The results demonstrate a linear positive evolution of mean fire intensity over the years, with the highest fire intensity observed during the months of November to January. Woodland, shrub savannah and grassland areas exhibited high fire intensity, whereas wetland areas and forests displayed low fire intensity. Overall, remote sensing techniques can facilitate the monitoring of fire events, specifically fire intensity, in the savannah regions of West Africa, thereby aiding in the implementation of appropriate fire management plans.