bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular Characterization of the Tumor Microenvironment in Renal Medullary Carcinoma
Authors: Tourigny David S. , Zucker Mark , Kim Minsoo , Russo Paul , Coleman Jonathan , Lee Chung-Han , Carlo Maria I. , Chen Ying-Bei , Hakimi A. Ari , Kotecha Ritesh R. , Reznik Ed
Published: April 2022

Renal medullary carcinoma (RMC) is a highly aggressive disease associated with sickle hemoglobinopathies and universal loss of the tumor suppressor gene SMARCB1. RMC has a relatively low rate of incidence compared with other renal cell carcinomas (RCCs) that has hitherto made molecular profiling difficult. To probe this rare disease in detail we performed an in-depth characterization of the RMC tumor microenvironment using a combination of genomic, metabolic and single-cell RNA-sequencing experiments on tissue from a representative untreated RMC patient, complemented by retrospective analyses of archival tissue and existing published data. Our study of the tumor identifies a heterogenous population of malignant cell states originating from the thick ascending limb of the Loop of Henle within the renal medulla, displaying the hallmarks of increased resistance to cell death by ferroptosis and proteotoxic stress driven by MYC-induced proliferative signals. Specifically, genomic characterization of RMC tumors provides substantiating evidence for the recently proposed dependence of SMARCB1-difficient cancers on an intact CDKN2A-p53 pathway and we suggest increased cystine-mTORC-GPX4 signaling also plays a role within transformed RMC cells. We further propose that RMC has an immune landscape comparable to that of untreated RCCs, including heterogenous expression of the immune ligand CD70 within a sub-population of tumor cells, which could provide an immune-modulatory role that serves as a viable candidate for therapeutic targeting.
Human anelloviruses produced by recombinant expression of synthetic genomes
Authors: Nawandar Dhananjay M. , Trivedi Maitri , Bounoutas George , Lebo Kevin , Prince Cato , Scano Colin , Agarwal Nidhi , Ozturk Erin , Yu Jason , Arze Cesar A. , Bhattacharyya Agamoni , Verma Dinesh , Thakker Parmi , Cabral Joseph , Liou Shu-Hao , Swanson Kurt , Swaminathan Harish , Diaz Fernando , Mackey Ashley , Chang Yong , Ong Tuyen , Yozwiak Nathan L. , Hajjar Roger J. , Delagrave Simon
Published: April 2022

Human anelloviruses are acquired universally in infancy, highly prevalent, abundant in blood, and extremely diverse. Their apparent lack of pathogenicity indicates that they are a major component of the commensal human virome. Despite their being extensively intertwined with human biology, these viruses are poorly understood. A major impediment in studying anelloviruses is the lack of an in vitro system for their production and/ or propagation. Here we show that the T cell-derived human cell line MOLT-4 can be transfected with plasmids comprising tandem anellovirus genomes to produce viral particles visualized by electron microscopy. We found that a previously described human anellovirus of the Betatorquevirus genus (LY2), as well as a second Betatorquevirus detected by sequencing DNA extracted from a human retinal pigmental epithelium (nrVL4619), can be synthesized and produced by these means, enabling further molecular virology studies. Southern blot was used to demonstrate replication, and site-directed mutagenesis of the viral genome was performed to show that the production of anellovirus in this cell line is dependent on the expression of certain viral proteins. Finally, experiments performed in mice using purified nrVL4619 particles produced in MOLT-4 cells demonstrated infectivity in vivo in the tissue of origin. These results indicate that anelloviruses can be produced in vitro and manipulated to improve our understanding of this viral family which is ubiquitous in humans and many other mammals. Applications of this work to gene therapy and other therapeutic modalities are currently under investigation.

IMPORTANCE

Anelloviruses are a major component of the human virome. However, their biology is not well understood mainly due to the lack of an in vitro system for anellovirus production and/or propagation. In this study, we used multiple orthogonal measures to show that two different anelloviruses belonging to the Betatorquevirus genus can be produced in a T-cell-derived human cell line, MOLT-4, via recombinant expression of synthetic genomes. Additionally, we show that anellovirus particles generated in this in vitro system demonstrate infectivity in vivo. Our findings enable new molecular virology studies of this highly prevalent, non-pathogenic, and weakly immunogenic family of viruses, potentially leading to therapeutic applications.
Lower uncertainty bounds of diffraction-based nanoparticle sizes
Authors: Noyan İsmail Cevdet , Öztürk Hande
Published: April 2022

A self-consistent analysis is reported of traditional diffraction-based particle size determination techniques applied to synthetic diffraction profiles generated with the Patterson approach. The results show that dimensions obtained from traditional techniques utilizing peak fitting or Fourier analysis for single-crystal nanoparticles have best-case error bounds of around 5%. For arbitrarily shaped particles, lower error magnitudes are possible only if the zeroes of the thickness fringes are used. The errors for sizes obtained by integral-breadth- and Fourier-decomposition-based techniques depend on the shape of the diffracting domains. In the case of integral-breadth analysis, crystal shapes which scatter more intensity into the central peak of the rocking curve have lower size errors. For Fourier-decomposition analysis, crystals which have non-uniform distributions of chord lengths exhibit nonlinearities in the initial ranges of the normalized Fourier cosine coefficient versus column length (|A

L
| versus L) plots, even when the entire rocking curve is used in the decomposition. It is recommended that, in routine analysis, all domain size determination techniques should be applied to all reflections in a diffraction pattern. If there is significant divergence among these results, the `average particle size(s)' obtained might not be reliable.
CELLOPT: improved unit-cell parameters for electron diffraction data of small-molecule crystals
Authors: Gruene Tim , Clabbers Max T. B. , Luebben Jens , Chin Jia Min , Reithofer Michael R. , Stowasser Frank , Alker André M.
Published: April 2022

Electron diffraction enables structure determination of organic small molecules using crystals that are too small for conventional X-ray crystallography. However, because of uncertainties in the experimental parameters, notably the detector distance, the unit-cell parameters and the geometry of the structural models are typically less accurate and precise compared with results obtained by X-ray diffraction. Here, an iterative procedure to optimize the unit-cell parameters obtained from electron diffraction using idealized restraints is proposed. The cell optimization routine has been implemented as part of the structure refinement, and a gradual improvement in lattice parameters and data quality is demonstrated. It is shown that cell optimization, optionally combined with geometrical corrections for any apparent detector distortions, benefits refinement of electron diffraction data in small-molecule crystallography and leads to more accurate structural models.
Experimental and simulation study on hydrogen-bond-induced crystallization of spherical ammonium dinitramide
Authors: Li Jingjing , Gong Li , Lan Yanhua , Zeng Tao , Li Dinghua , Li Jianmin , Yang Rongjie
Published: April 2022

The effects of hydrogen bonding between solvents (ethanol, ethanol–acetone and ethanol–ethyl acetate) and ammonium dinitramide (ADN) crystal faces on the morphology of ADN are studied experimentally and by molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. Scanning electron microscopy shows that ADN recrystallized from ethanol, ethanol–acetone and ethanol–ethyl acetate takes the form of a slice, a sheet aggregate and a sphere, respectively. The MD results show that the order of the standard deviation (E
dev) of the hydrogen-bonding energy (E
b) in the three solvent systems is as follows: ethanol > ethanol–acetone > ethanol–ethyl acetate. The larger the E
dev, the larger the difference of each crystal plane size. The radial distribution function reveals that the carbonyl group of ethyl acetate promotes hydrogen-bond formation between O atoms in the nitro groups of ADN and H atoms in ethanol; meanwhile the O atom in the C—O bond of ethyl acetate forms a hydrogen bond with an H atom in ADN. Therefore, the E
dev of each crystal face is further lowered, and finally a spherical ADN is obtained.
Compassion‐focused therapy group for men with intellectual disabilities who had maladaptive conceptualisations of masculinity
Authors: Searle Robert John , Borseti Ianiv , Price Katy-May
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the effectiveness of an adapted compassion-focused therapy (CFT) group treatment programme for individuals with an intellectual disability (ID), specifically aimed to help address maladaptive conceptualisations of masculinity.

Design/methodology/approach

Outcome measurements were competed at pre- and post-group and the effectiveness of the intervention were assessed using a Wilcoxon signed ranks test.

Findings

Findings demonstrated that the treatment group showed significant differences in their “gender role conflict” subscales including the Success, Power, Control and “Restrictive Affectionate Behavior Between Men” subscales; however, no significant differences were found on the Restrictive Emotionality or Conflicts Between Work and Leisure subscales. Furthermore, no significant differences were found on participants psychological well-being, psychological distress, anxiety, self-compassion or quality of life measures.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations include that a lack of qualitative information regarding outcomes, a lack of control group and a small number of participants may have impacted the outcome of the research.

Practical implications

The Men’s Masculinity group had a positive impact on the participant’s sense of success, power and control, so it could be considered that this group enabled participants to feel more powerful and in control of their difficulties which is associated with the “drive” system of CFT.

Originality/value

Overall, this study adds to the small but growing literature that supports using CFT groups as a stand-alone psychological intervention when working with people with an ID.
A systematic review of indicators for sustainability of urban heritage sites
Authors: Cho Ken Ying , Kusumo Camelia May Li , Tan Keith Kay Hin , Rasoolimanesh S. Mostafa
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The revitalisation of tangible and intangible urban heritage can foster social cohesion and drive creativity and innovation in a changing global environment. Recognising its potential for economic development, many local municipalities are putting forward efforts to revitalise these areas. However, this has caused these sites to face new pressures, such as gentrification, demographic shifts and commercial exploitation. Therefore, a sustainable redevelopment of urban heritage sites that strikes a balance between the economic, environmental and social dimensions is needed. To plan and manage this balance, a strong and clear indicator to measure the sustainability of urban heritage is required. The study systematically reviewed through Scopus indexed journals the dimensions to develop sustainable indicators of urban heritage sites and highlighted the gaps for future research. It identified the existing studies and explored publications, research methods, challenges and suggestions to develop the indicators.

Design/methodology/approach

The study applied Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 Statement. The Boolean search was in Scopus indexed journals for papers related to indicators in sustainable urban heritage sites.

Findings

Most of the literature highlighted the interconnected relationships between the indicators for the sustainability of urban heritage sites: social, economic and environmental dimensions. It further revealed that for a more robust management of sustainable monitoring tools, it is crucial to include governance dimensions. Plus, technology is the intertwined aspect for the four dimensions, with culture identified as the centre for sustainability of urban heritage sites.

Research limitations/implications

The paper only focused on secondary data using literature review papers that recommend gaps for future research. Possible future research includes alternative, niche literature reviews and the implementation of indicators in regional urban heritage sites.

Originality/value

It created a new insight into the dimensions recommended to develop sustainable indicators for urban heritage sites.
Rurbanomics for common prosperity: new approach to integrated urban-rural development
Authors: Chen Kevin Z. , Mao Rui , Zhou Yunyi
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Challenges from the urban–rural disparity immensely burden the world's progress fulfilling Sustainable Development Goals and the goals' central promise, particularly for developing countries experiencing rapid structural change and urbanization. A knowledge gap lies between the epistemology of urban–rural disparity and the practice of integrated urban-rural development. This paper aims to provide a new approach to bridge the knowledge gap based on the recent Chinese experience.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative research reviewed major economic and multidisciplinary studies regarding urban-rural development and the growth-equality tradeoff. Chinese experience is employed to showcase concrete challenges from the urban–rural disparity and how the proposed approach works for urban-rural integration.

Findings

Theoretical and practical approaches with urban bias largely fail to counter the challenges. Building on China's recent practice probing beyond urban bias, IFPRI (2019) proposes the term rurbanomics with a highlight of equalized urban-rural economic partnership, whereafter Zhou and Chen (2021) enrich the term into a conceptual framework. This paper further improves rurbanomics as a new viable approach to integrated urban-rural development under the overarching goal of common prosperity. The approach prioritizes driving forces in the economic, demographic, eco-environmental, social institutional and technological aspects for the policy community to leverage. Long-term mechanisms are decerned to link urban-rural integration to common prosperity.

Practical implications

China has leveraged ingredients of the rurbanomics approach in the political deployment to integrated urban-rural development. However, the application of this approach is yet to be adapted with local heterogeneities and live up to application's potential. Long-term mechanisms recommended by the rurbanomics approach will need to be carried out. Future improvements will need substantial theoretical extension and micro-level empirical studies.

Originality/value

This paper streamlines the epistemological shreds regarding pursuits, challenges, global experiences and theoretical approaches of urban-rural development. The paper also develops rurbanomics to navigate urban-rural integration, Sustainable Development Goals and common prosperity. By decerning long-term mechanisms in the Chinese case accordingly, this paper provides clues for other economies to employ the new approach.
Do independent boards pay attention to corporate sustainability? Gender diversity can make a difference
Authors: Kanadlı Sadi Boğaç , Alawadi Asma , Kakabadse Nada , Zhang Pingying
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Using the attention-based view, this paper aims to examine whether and how board composition might influence the allocation of board attention to corporate sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual paper that uses a theoretical perspective pointing to the importance of generating a board composition that might benefit both business case framing and paradoxical framing, a typology introduced in managerial cognition literature to explain managerial decision-making.

Findings

The conclusions emerging from the reviewed literature suggest that boards that have realized an independence of perspective focus on shareholder profit maximization at the expense of considerations of corporate sustainability. It emerges that women directors who have adopted paradoxical framing can enable boards to consider not only economic but also environmental and social issues of sustainability during board decision-making. Further, it is noted that the effect of gender diversity on allocation of board attention to corporate sustainability is contingent upon contextual (board openness) and structural (chairperson leadership) factors that facilitate social interactions inside boardrooms.

Originality/value

By considering alternative cognitive frames as well as social interactions, the propositions contribute to a better understanding of the allocation of board attention regarding ambiguous sustainability issues.
Review of public–private partnerships across building sectors in nine European countries: Key adaptations for PPP in housing
Authors: Batra Ritika
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to review the existing practices of public–private partnerships (PPPs) in the building sectors in European countries, to be able to assess its suitability for housing provision while focussing on the social impact.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the sectoral spread of PPP, nine European countries were included in this study. Formative evaluation is used to structure the review based on four key attributes of PPPs to develop a comprehensive understanding of the existing PPP procedures and guidelines amongst these countries. Data were gathered through public and governmental reports, consultant reports, country guidelines, standards and procedures, and cases, in order to identify the prevalent practices and trends in these countries.

Findings

The review identified the need to calibrate the PPP approach towards other stakeholders, particularly the end-users. It further highlighted the need to focus on social integration and social sustainability and establish set procedures for PPPs in housing to create a credible and trustworthy environment for the investors. Joint support from private and public partners and community participation has a diverse impact on the success of PPP in housing.

Practical implications

This review shall enable governments, industry and stakeholders to make provisions and policies for overcoming the challenges identified with regard to PPPs and pave the way for its application in the housing sector ensuring a positive social impact.

Social implications

This review shall facilitate greater involvement of end-users and enhancing social integration in housing through PPP, and pave the way towards creating cohesive communities by focussing on the concept of togetherness and social sustainability.

Originality/value

This study provides a holistic summation of the prevalent PPP practices and broadens the adaptations for the housing sector. The novelty of this paper specifically lies in learning from PPP practices across other building sectors for adapting its utilisation for housing and thereby extending the state of art for PPP housing.
Developing a service quality scale for artificial intelligence service agents
Authors: Noor Nurhafihz , Rao Hill Sally , Troshani Indrit
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Service providers and consumers alike are increasingly adopting artificial intelligence service agents (AISA) for service. Yet, no service quality scale exists that can fully capture the key factors influencing AISA service quality. This study aims to address this shortcoming by developing a scale for measuring AISA service quality (AISAQUAL).

Design/methodology/approach

Based on extant service quality research and established scale development techniques, the study constructs, refines and validates a multidimensional AISAQUAL scale through a series of pilot and validation studies.

Findings

AISAQUAL contains 26 items across six dimensions: efficiency, security, availability, enjoyment, contact and anthropomorphism. The new scale demonstrates good psychometric properties and can be used to evaluate service quality across AISA, providing a means of examining the relationships between AISA service quality and satisfaction, perceived value as well as loyalty.

Research limitations/implications

Future research should validate AISAQUAL with other AISA types, as they diffuse throughout the service sector. Moderating factors related to services, the customer and the AISA can be investigated to uncover the boundary conditions under which AISAQUAL is likely to influence service outcomes. Longitudinal studies can be carried out to assess how ongoing use of AISA can change service outcomes.

Practical implications

Service managers can use AISAQUAL to effectively monitor, diagnose and improve services provided by AISA while enhancing their understanding of how AISA can deliver better service quality and customer loyalty outcomes.

Originality/value

Anthropomorphism is identified as a new service quality dimension. AISAQUAL facilitates theory development by providing a reliable scale to improve the current understanding of consumers’ perspectives concerning AISA services.
The impact of big data analytics talent capability on business intelligence infrastructure to achieve firm performance
Authors: Qaffas Alaa A. , Ilmudeen Aboobucker , Almazmomi Najah Kalifah , Alharbi Ibraheem Mubarak
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The emerging attention in big data has led businesses to improve big data analytics talent capability to enrich firm performance. The big data capability pays off for some companies but not for all, and it appears that very few have achieved a big impact through big data. Rooted in the latest literature on the knowledge-based view, IT capability, big data talent capability and business intelligence, this study aims to examine how big data talent capability impact on business intelligence infrastructure to achieve firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The primary survey data of 272 IT managers and big data analysts from Chinese firms was analyzed by using the structural equation modeling and partial least squares (Smart PLS 3.0). The analysis uncovers a positive and significant relationship in the proposed model.

Findings

The finding shows that the big data analytics talent capability positively impacts on business intelligence infrastructure that in turn directs to achieve firm financial and marketing performance.

Originality/value

This study theorized on the multitheoretic lenses, and findings suggest the managers and industry practitioners to develop business intelligence infrastructure capabilities from big data analytics talent capability.
The effect of corporate governance quality and its mechanisms on firm philanthropic donations: evidence from the UK
Authors: Ananzeh Husam , Al Amosh Hamzeh , Albitar Khaldoon
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate whether and how better corporate governance practices can lead to philanthropic behavior among companies in the UK. In particular, this study attempts to determine whether corporate governance quality in general, as well as its specific mechanisms, affects corporate giving.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is based on a sample of Financial Times Stock Exchange All-Share nonfinancial companies. Data on firm donations, including donations amount and donations intensity, were manually collected from companies’ annual reports for the period 2018–2020. This paper uses panel data models to examine the research hypotheses.

Findings

The results of this study indicate that both donations amount and donations intensity are positively associated with the practice of better corporate governance. Board independence is positively associated with donations amount, but not with the intensity of donations. Furthermore, board size, board gender diversity and the establishment of a corporate social responsibility (CSR) committee are likely to have a positive impact on the amount and the intensity of firms’ donations. However, neither the chief executive officer board membership nor the audit committee’s independence is related to the firm’s donations.

Practical implications

This study sheds light on specific governance factors that affect firm donations in the context of UK companies. This allows regulators and legislators to evaluate the donations activities in the country and issue more directives to reinforce corporate governance practices that support corporate donations. In addition, the findings of this study are considered crucial to investors who prefer investing in companies with significant CSR-related activities to improve the value relevance of their investments.

Originality/value

This study provides a shred of unique evidence on the impact of corporate governance practices on firms’ donations.
Life events, philosophy, spirituality and gastronomy experience
Authors: Japutra Arnold , Tjiptono Fandy , Setyawan Andhy , Permana Ida Bagus Gede Adi , Widaharthana I Putu Esa
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine how life events, philosophy and spirituality contribute to the development of gastronomy experiences for competitive advantage.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on a qualitative case study approach, interviews were conducted with the owner/chef, employees and customers of Moksa – a plant-based restaurant in Bali, Indonesia.

Findings

The integration of life events (change in health, relationship journey and residential relocation), life philosophy (healthy lifestyle, sustainability and cuisine for the soul) and spirituality (religious values and spiritual fulfillment of life purpose) can facilitate the creation and management of an improved gastronomy experience.

Research limitations/implications

There are key elements of life that can help in the creation of a unique, memorable and holistic gastronomy experience. Restaurant owners and managers should embed these elements in their strategy.

Originality/value

This research adds to the scant knowledge on life courses and gastronomy experiences in the hospitality sector. It also contributes to enhancing understanding of the psychological factors that lead to better experiences.
Predicting household sign up for solar energy: an empirical study based on the extended theory of planned behavior
Authors: Waris Idrees , Hameed Irfan , Ali Rashid
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study aims to understand households’ adoption of small-scale solar energy to reduce carbon dioxide emissions that cause due to conventional energy consumptions.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is quantitative in nature and households were selected as unit of analysis. Online data has been collected from seven main cities of Pakistan to understand households’ intention to use small-scale solar energy for domestic consumption. A total of 370 valid data were analyzed through partial least square structural equation modeling.

Findings

The study findings reveal that publicity information, attitude green norm and perceived behavioral control are the strongest predictors of households’ intention to use small-scale solar energy.

Practical implications

The considered model practically contributes to the literature by understanding households’ intention to adopt solar technologies that are viable means to conserve conventional energy and preserve the environment through less emission of carbon dioxide. In addition to this, understanding the green norm of households is imperative in a developing country, Pakistan where climate risk is high. Understanding household’ green norms would help marketers and practitioners to design and introduce new and more efficient renewable technologies that maintain environmental sustainability.

Originality/value

This study has contributed to theory of planned behavior (TPB) by the inclusion of publicity information and green norms. Previous studies focused on the environmental benefits of using renewable energy sources. This study added novel antecedents into TPB that help to understand the adoption of small-scale solar energy for domestic consumption.
The Machiavellianism of Tunisian accountants and whistleblowing of fraudulent acts
Authors: Dammak Saida , Mbarek Sonia , Jmal Manel
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine the influence of accounting professionals’ Machiavellian behavior and ethical judgments on their intention to report fraudulent acts and also to examine the moderating effect of Machiavellianism on the relationship between professionals’ ethical judgments and whistleblowing intention, as well as the mediating effect of personal responsibility, personal costs/benefits and the seriousness of the questionable act on this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected via a survey sent to 201 Tunisian accounting professionals and analyzed using the structural equation method.

Findings

The results indicate that ethical judgments support the whistleblowing intentions among Tunisian accountants. However, this relationship is affected by Machiavellian behavior that minimizes whistleblowing. Furthermore, the results show that Machiavellianism is negatively associated with whistleblowing intention and has an indirect effect on whistleblowing through perceived personal benefit and the seriousness of the questionable act.

Originality/value

Examining the ethical ideologies that may affect whistleblowing, including Machiavellianism and ethical judgment, in the Tunisian context contributes to the literature on the accounting profession in the Middle East and North Africa. The results of this study could raise awareness among policymakers and regulators in developing countries, particularly in Tunisia, to value whistleblowing as a mechanism for detecting and controlling organizational misconduct and enact regulations that encourage accounting professionals to report fraudulent acts while protecting them.
What people TikTok (Douyin) about influencer-endorsed short videos on wine? An exploration of gender and generational differences
Authors: Deng Demi Shenrui , Seo Soobin , Li Zhenmin , Austin Erica Weintraub
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study aims to understand social media users’ responses to the influencer-endorsed wine short videos on the most popular platform – Douyin, relying on message interpretation process (MIP) framework and identify segmentation differences from gender and the generational cohorts (Gen Z and Gen Y).

Design/methodology/approach

Topic modeling, content analysis and quantitative analysis were used to decipher the user-generated content (UGC) data retrieved from 81 wine videos posted by the top 30 social media influencers (SMI) who focused on wine products and consumption experience messages.

Findings

The results demonstrate social media users are most inclined to respond to product-related topics, followed by the influencer, emotional, alcohol drinking intent, behavioral and skepticism. Meanwhile, the findings also revealed that the female group was more likely to engage in influencer topics, whereas the male group contributed more to product subjects. Gen Z cohort involved more themes about alcohol drinking intent, whereas Gen Y contributed more to skepticism.

Practical implications

The findings provide hospitality and wine practitioners, SMI and brand sponsors valuable information to use this advanced tactic among various social networking services.

Originality/value

This study is the first to grasp the Douyin users’ perceptions of this newly emerged influencer marketing strategy via UGC data. Originality is established by investigating gender and generational cohorts’ differences underlined by MIP.
The role of legal professionals in the European and international legal and regulatory framework against money laundering
Authors: Valvi Elissavet-Anna
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The aim of the present study is to shed light on the role of legal practitioners, namely, lawyers and notaries, in the fight against money laundering: Are they considered as facilitators or obstacles against money laundering? How does the global and the EU legal framework deal with the legal professionals?

Design/methodology/approach

The research follows a deductive approach attempting to respond to questions such as: How do the lawyers’ and notaries’ societies react in front of the anti-money laundering measures that concern them and why? What are the discrepancies between the lawyers’ professional secrecy and the obligations that EU anti-money laundering legislation assigns them?

Findings

This study disclosures the response of the European union and international legal and regulatory framework as well as the reflexes of the international and European legal professionals’ associations to this danger. It also demonstrates the reaction of lawyers against European union anti-money laundering legislation, to the point that it limits not only the confidentiality principle but also the position of the European judicial systems to the contradiction between this principle and the lawyers’ obligation to report their suspicions to the authorities.

Research limitations/implications

To fulfil the study goals, it was necessary to overcome some obstacles, like the limitation of existing sources. Indeed, transnational empirical research considering the professionals who facilitate money laundering is narrow. Besides, policymakers and academics only recently expressed more interest in money laundering and its facilitators.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils an identified need to study the legal professionals’ role not only in money laundering practices but also in anti-money laundering policies.
Green and socially responsible finance: past, present and future
Authors: Dervi Umaira Danish , Khan Ashraf , Saba Irum , Hassan M. Kabir , Paltrinieri Andrea
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Green finance has shown the importance of being socially responsible and supporting the flow of financial instruments to develop environmentally sustainable and ethical business models. The growing trends raised the need for a quantitative study to address scientific performance analysis and intellectual development. This paper aims to cater quantitative statistics, through a bibliometric review to understand the vital intellectual and influential constitution of green and socially responsible finance.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors apply trending and cutting-edge quali-quantitative approach of bibliometric citation analysis and review of 280 journal articles from the Web of Science database for the period of 1981–2021.

Findings

The results identify the leading academic authors, journals, institutions and countries with relation to green and socially responsible finance literature. We also discuss three research streams in this field: (1) overview of green finance, perception and investor behavior; (2) analysis of performance models and growth factors of green finance; (3) pricing mechanism of SRI. Finally, we identify the research gaps within existing green finance literature, proposing 30 research questions for the future agenda.

Research limitations/implications

The study confines on the Web of Science database, English published articles in known journals and reviews only. It relies on a reputable source and top scientific productions with the most direct link to green finance.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors knowledge, this paper is the first to discuss research streams in the literature of Green finance from a bibliometric aspect along with vast coverage of articles from reputed journals and databases till date. The results of this research along with future research questions will guide the researchers and academicians to further explore and stand on solid quantitative basis regarding the scientific development of Green finance.
Toward interregional innovation systems in PeruHacia los sistemas de innovación interregional en el PerúPara sistemas inter-regionais de inovação no Peru
Authors: Bazán Borja Mario
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify and interpret the effect of governmental financial support to generate knowledge-based collaborations between actors in cross-border regions for the design of mission-oriented policies to improve the regionalization process taking into account the interregional innovation systems in Peru.

Design/methodology/approach

Innovation systems, social network analysis and mission-oriented policies contribute to analyze links between border subnational territories and to build strategies toward interregional innovation systems.

Findings

A total of 5 out of 18 possible regional interactions are strong enough to be considered interregional innovation systems. Thus, mission-oriented policies may be designed to strengthen ties between regions.

Research limitations/implications

As the amount of data observed is not large enough, this study and its outcomes must be considered an exploratory exercise.

Originality/value

Innovation policy design based on the Peruvian context and evidence opens opportunities to rethink regionalization processes in the country.
Behavior or culture? Investigating the use of cryptocurrencies for electronic commerce across the USA and China
Authors: Cristofaro Matteo , Giardino Pier Luigi , Misra Sanjay , Pham Quoc Trung , Hiep Phan Hai
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This paper claims to identify the behavioral and cultural features that push to use, or not, cryptocurrencies for electronic commerce. Indeed, despite the use of cryptocurrencies for electronic commerce spreading worldwide at a fast and growing pace, there are supporters and detractors among their users. The analysis of what distinguish these two groups of users is fundamental for understanding their different intention to use cryptocurrencies for electronic commerce.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey has been administered to 2,532 cryptocurrencies’ users across the USA and China, collecting data on their behavioral predispositions and cultural features. Results were then analyzed through structured equation modeling.

Findings

Results showed that while attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control and herding behavior have a positive impact on the intention to use cryptocurrencies for electronic commerce, financial literacy has no influence. Cultural dimensions amplified or reduced the discovered relationships and caused different effects: positive for the USA and negative for China when considering illegal attitude and perceived risk.

Originality/value

Theory of planned behavior, financial behavior and cultural factors can, all together, represent a useful framework for envisioning the behavior of users in adopting cryptocurrencies for electronic commerce purposes through a test of all its elements. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study considering behavior and cultural variables on the intention to use cryptocurrencies for electronic commerce as well as being the largest carried out, in terms of sample, on the cryptocurrency topic.
Qard Hasan as a feasible Islamic financial instrument for crowdfunding: its potential and possible application for financing micro-enterprises in Malaysia
Authors: Aderemi Abdulmajeed Muhammad Raji , Ishak Muhammad Shahrul Ifwat
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the viability of applying Qard Hasan as an Islamic crowdfunding financial instrument to finance micro-enterprises in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a qualitative study in which semi-structured interviews were conducted with several crowdfunding professionals concerning the application of Qard Hasan in Islamic crowdfunding. To realise the purpose of this study, the data is subjected to thematic analysis.

Findings

The finding reveals that though it is often argued that Qard Hasan is basically not a business-oriented instrument, a closer look at the framework reveals the uniqueness and flexibility of this instrument to be adopted as a viable financial instrument for crowdfunding in financing micro-enterprises in Malaysia. Although it is associated with various risks including default risk and the risk of attracting big funds. However, these risks can be managed and overcome by using FinTech mechanisms such as blockchain to carry out due diligence, monitor the project and ensure the repayment in installment.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this study may not be suitable for generalisation to all crowdfunding practices as the semi-structured interview is concentrated predominantly in Malaysia. However, it still provides valuable contributions to the Islamic crowdfunding sector in Malaysia between theory and practice.

Practical implications

The Qard Hasan crowdfunding framework in this study can potentially be applied to help micro-entrepreneurs reach out to financial services within their means. This framework provides means to grow the micro-enterprise sector.

Social implications

Qard Hasan crowdfunding will effectively alleviate poverty by creating an avenue of opportunities for business enterprises and close the gap between the wealthy and the poor classes in society, which will eventually bring about more cooperation, more collaboration and cultivate a generous society.

Originality/value

In spite of the fact that Islamic crowdfunding is not a new topic in research, it lacks empirical studies, particularly qualitative analysis. As this study engages with experts in Shari’ah and crowdfunding regarding the potential application of Qard Hasan, it highlights a fresh discussion both in theory and practice.
Top management team heterogeneity and economic performance: a micro-foundations perspective of academic business venturing
Authors: Sciarelli Mauro , Landi Giovanni C. , Turriziani Lorenzo , Prisco Anna
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This research focuses on the relationship between Top Management Team heterogeneity (TMT) and University Spin-Offs (USOs) economic performance according to a micro-foundational perspective. The purpose consists in exploring whether a high academic representation in TMTs may improve USOs’ performance and how their competencies and backgrounds affect USOs’ economic success.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors employed data from the Italian platform Netval to identify the entire population of USOs in southern Italy. They selected both pure and hybrid spin-offs that had at least one academic member on the TMT. Applying these conditions to our sample selection, the authors came to a population of 136 firms. They applied a hierarchical regression analysis to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Our main findings reveal that the USOs’ economic performance improves with more academicians in the TMT and even in the same scientific field. Our data also shows that CEO duality has a negative impact on economic performance.

Originality/value

This work takes for the first time a micro-foundational perspective to analyze individual-level factors that affect USOs’ performance. The authors tried to bridge a research gap in the USO literature, shedding light on the relationship between TMT composition and new venture performance, considering some significant interactions between team members. Our expected findings also contribute to the general literature on entrepreneurial teams in new ventures and suggest a means to reconcile some inconsistent literature results on TMT heterogeneity and USO performance.
Perceived quality: in search of a definition
Authors: Solin Andrey , Curry Adrienne
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to present a review of extant literature representing attempts to define perceived quality and to propose a new definition. Perceived quality (PQ) is a well-researched, yet vaguely defined subject. Despite a plethora of PQ definitions suggested by various scholars, there is no consensus among researchers on what it really is. The main purpose of this study is to offer a conceptualization of PQ that different researchers and practitioners would agree upon.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted Garvin's five approaches to defining quality as a frame of reference. The paper utilizes a continuum of approaches to underscore the fact that PQ is neither totally subjective nor wholly objective. After a comprehensive analysis of available conceptualizations, the paper then proposes a new definition that captures the intricate nature of PQ and aligns its various perspectives.

Findings

The paper proposes a new definition of PQ as an impression of quality. Such a conceptualization of PQ aligns the various researcher perspectives of it. It also highlights the fact that PQ relies on quality cues under conditions of limited product knowledge by the consumer, a situation known as information asymmetry.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the understanding of the elusive concept of PQ by suggesting a new definition of PQ.
Brexit and the United Kingdom's Devolutionary Constitution
Authors: Masterman Roger
Published: April 2022

This piece considers the implications of the Brexit process for the United Kingdom's territorial constitution. It advances two narratives of the devolutionary settlement; one which emphasises the continuing post‐devolution influence – and dominance – of the institutions of UK‐level government, the other which regards devolution as having engineered a quasi‐federal division of powers and having diluted the sovereignty of the Westminster Parliament via expressions of national sovereignty in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The continuing resonance of the former is addressed across three elements of the Brexit process: (1) the design and outcome of the 2016 referendum; (2) litigation concerning Brexit and devolution; and (3) the legislative process of repatriating competences to domestic institutions from the EU. Seen through these lenses, Brexit is argued to provide ongoing evidence of the democratic deficits that the post‐1998 phase of devolution was designed to address, and of an increasingly unstable territorial constitution.
Beyond 1973: UK Accession and the Origins of EC Consumer Policy
Authors: Leucht Brigitte
Published: April 2022

This article examines the role of the accession of the UK in the development of the European Community's consumer policy. It will show that British accession boosted the development of EC consumer policy by influencing the European Commission's 1975 programme for consumer and information policy and by providing the Commission with political legitimation for developing its new consumer policy. Beyond accession in 1973, British membership in the EC contributed to the eventual prioritisation of an economic model of European consumer citizenship over competing approaches that favoured consumer protection in the EC from a social policy rationale. This historical examination reveals long term tensions between the UK’s preference for market liberalisation and the creation of the common market, on the one hand, and attempts to safeguard national regulation, on the other – tensions which would resonate throughout the UK's membership of the EC/EU and beyond the area of consumer protection.