bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhancing the protective performance of organic coatings for marine applications with nepheline-epoxy resin composites
Authors: Liu Xiangbin , Meng Fandi , Liu Ruiping , Kou Junlin , Zhang Zeyang , Feng Jianrong , Liu Li , Wang Fuhui 
Published: December 2024

Purpose
The marine environment presents a great challenge to the anticorrosion properties of organic coatings applied on equipment. Since the compactness of coatings is critical in marine environments, a novel nepheline-epoxy resin (N-EP) composite was introduced into organic coatings to improve the interfacial compatibility between the pigments and the binder. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the N-EP composite in enhancing the corrosion resistance of the coatings in marine conditions.

Design/methodology/approach
These composite particles were prepared via the mechanical ball milling method at thermofield-assisted, leading to chemical bonding between inorganic nepheline and epoxy resin, the agglomeration of particles was avoided by this method. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscope, particle size distribution, sedimentation and thermogravimetric-differential thermal analysis were used to verify the feasibility of thermal field-assisted mechanochemistry for achieving a direct reaction between epoxy resin and nepheline powder, as well as to determine the optimal reaction conditions. Additionally, water absorption tests, Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and scanning electron microscope were conducted to assess the anticorrosive properties of the modified nepheline coatings.

Findings
The results further indicated that N-EP improved the barrier performance and mechanical properties of the coating. For example, after modified, the tensile strength of coating had increased from 41.96 ± 0.05–63.14 ± 0.05 MPa. This can be attributed to the less defective N-EP/binder interface and the uniform dispersion of N-EP in the coating. The optimal preparation conditions (500 r/min of ball grinding speed and 6 h of ball grinding time) for the composites were also studied for a superior corrosion resistance of the coating.

Originality/value
Thermofield-assisted mechanochemistry enables direct reactions between epoxy resin and nepheline powder, enhancing the dispersion stability and interfacial compatibility of N-EP. This modification improves coating compactness, reduces porosity and enhances corrosion resistance by strengthening the labyrinth effect on water diffusion.
Artificial intelligence adoption, audit quality and integrated financial reporting in GCC markets
Authors: Khan Faisal , Ullah Jan Sharif , Zia-ul-haq Hafiz Muhammad 
Published: December 2024

PurposeThe current research investigates how the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI)—a set of technologies designed to enhance decision-making and automate processes—impacts Integrated Financial Reporting (IFR) in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) listed firms, which present the typical features of emerging economies. It is postulated that their IFR is enhanced as firms within these markets experience AI adoption. In addition, the study also focuses on the role of audit quality towards AI adoption and the IFR relationship within these regions. To this effect, the study examines the moderation effect of audit quality (using its sub-components i.e. audit fee, audit industry specialization and restatement) on the relationship between AI adoption experience and IFR in GCC.Design/methodology/approachThe investigation draws upon panel data consisting of 2,912 non-financial firm-year observations covering the period from 2010 to 2023 across GCC markets. To achieve its purpose, the study applies the conventional ordinary least square (OLS) to estimate the effect of AI adoption experience on IFR. Subsequently, to guarantee the robustness of the results, this study utilizes the propensity score matching (PSM) technique.FindingsThe results from empirical analysis disclose a direct impact of AI adoption on the IFR of the firms within GCC markets. Furthermore, the study also discovers that the high level of audit quality moderates this positive relationship. Therefore, in the GCC regions, firms with higher AI adoption show higher IFR effectiveness, mainly in the presence of specialized auditors and increased audit fees, whereas their relationship is stronger in the absence of restatements. The results are robust when tested through the PSM technique.Originality/valueThe results of this study highlight the significance for policymakers to ensure comprehensive AI adoption in GCC markets, as well as the appointment of industry specialists and the standardization of audit fees to support the improvement of IFR in the regions.
Analysis of Italian craft beer consumers: preferences and purchasing behaviour
Authors: Cascone Giulio , Tuccio Giancarlo , Timpanaro Giuseppe 
Published: December 2024

PurposeIn the current landscape of the beverage market, craft beer has secured a prominent position, attracting consumers seeking high-quality products with distinctive characteristics. This study aims to identify the key drivers of consumer preferences for craft beer attributes.Design/methodology/approachConjoint analysis and cluster segmentation were employed to analyze the preferences of 351 Italian craft beer consumers.FindingsThe preferences of a representative sample were analyzed to identify the utilities associated with various beer attributes, including colour, alcohol level, body, raw material origin and price. The findings indicate that colour is the most highly valued attribute, followed by price and alcohol level. Consumers prefer beers with a lighter colour, a moderate alcohol level between 5 and 7% and an affordable price. Furthermore, beers that emphasize the Italian origin of raw materials are appreciated, demonstrating a strong link with local identity. The segmentation of the sample into three clusters revealed significant differences in preferences. The first cluster preferred light beers at medium prices, the second for amber beers at low prices and the third opted for dark and full-bodied beers.Originality/valueThe findings of this study provide valuable insights for craft beer producers seeking to refine their marketing strategies and product development. Producers can better meet consumers’ evolving preferences by better understanding the diverse needs of consumers and optimizing their offerings in an increasingly competitive market.
Understanding superstar firms’ phenomenon
Authors: Behera Jitamitra , Sharma Ruchi 
Published: December 2024

Purpose
The current worldwide business landscape with large firms, asymmetric market shares and reduced competition has heralded academic and journalistic scholarship to discuss the causes and consequences of such a phenomenon. This is referred to as the emergence and sustenance of superstar firms. The previous studies make a fragmented understanding of the superstar firms, thus, there is a need to take stock of this vast and dispersed literature to set the future research agenda. The present study aims to focus on conceptual and fundamental aspects of Superstar firms’ phenomenon.

Design/methodology/approach
Adopting critical assessment methodology of review and systematic literature review i.e. preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA), this study investigates relevant literature. The paper critically synthesizes and analyses the definitions, measurement techniques, characteristics and roles of superstar firms.

Findings
This study defines superstar firms as more productive firms having larger market share and wider markup than other firms in industries. The study also finds that superstar firms are superior in advertisement strategies, marketing strategies, technological adoption, skilled employment and intangible investment, while the advancement of technology and the advent of globalization are the major drivers of the star firms’ phenomenon. Besides, this study uncovers the diverse roles of superstar firms concerning different economic aspects.

Research limitations/implications
The review is concept centric rather than author centric. It does not incorporate quantitative data analysis for empirical investigations of hypothesis. However, the research addresses the commonalties and distinctions of factors responsible for the emergence of superstar firms, which dissects investment in public R&D, technological import subsidies and credit facilities to provide equitable opportunity and balanced development.

Originality/value
As the superstar firms’ phenomenon is an emerging and crucial aspect, the present study systematically analyses the phenomenon to comprehend the market structure and behavior. The study also identifies the research gaps that guide future research to understand the present setting of the market.
High performance work systems and organizational performance: modeling the mediating role of managers’ trust in employee representation systems in European organizations
Authors: Adhami Tarek , Timur Tarik 
Published: December 2024

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the impact of managers’ trust in employee representation systems on the relation between HPWS and organizational performance. The present research, by including the trust of managers in ER, studies managers as direct factors that affect the HPWS-performance relation.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) through SmartPLS software using a formative model (Mode B) that includes mediation on data collected by Eurofound from 6,980 establishments in 29 European countries.FindingsOur findings show that HPWS has positive direct effects on organizational performance. Our results indicate that trust of managers in ER has a mediator role and has a positive effect on the HPWS-performance relation.Originality/valueThe present study may be the first study that directly incorporates the role of managers and managers’ trust in the employee representation system in the relation between HPWS and organizational performance, highlighting the importance of the managers in the organization and emphasizing their role in the HPWS-performance relation.
Addiction treatment and harm reduction programs in prisons: lessons from Iran
Authors: SaberiZafarghandi MohammadBagher , Eshrati Sahar , Shoorsan Ali , Kohzadi Amir 
Published: December 2024

Purpose
Substance use disorder is one of the most prevalent health issues among prison populations. In this regard, addiction treatment and harm reduction programs have been implemented in Iranian prisons since 2002. The purpose was to describe the practical experience of implementing harm reduction programs in Iran’s prisons, emphasizing the impact of policy decisions on it.

Design/methodology/approach
The study was qualitative study. In addition to analyzing 16 documents, the authors conducted face-to-face semi-structured interviews with 11 key informants who were asked questions about the evolution of treatment and harm reduction programs in prisons. The authors analyzed the data using the content analysis method and MAXQDA-10 software.

Findings
The HIV outbreak in Iranian prisons in the late 20th century posed a significant challenge. Initially, policymakers’ responses were varied from denying the issue to solving it, reflecting the prevailing abstinence paradigm among drug experts and politicians. However, a legal amendment was eventually issued based on evidence-based health literature. Despite initial obstacles such as financial constraints and lack of human resources, the successful implementation of large-scale harm reduction measures, including methadone maintenance treatment and interventions targeting infectious diseases, has led to the development of a unique health model in the Persian Gulf region. This model, born out of the Iranian experience, offers hope for the future of prison health.

Originality/value
Lessons from the Iran case could provide valuable insight for countries about the role of policy in implementing harm reduction programs in prisons. Policy advocacy and reform is one of the main measures to provide evidence-based health interventions in prisons.
Tax evasion and money laundering: the moderating effects of the strength of auditing and reporting standards and judicial independence
Authors: Khelil Imen , Guidara Achraf , Khlif Hichem 
Published: December 2024

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between tax evasion and money laundering and test whether the strength of auditing and reporting standards (SARS) and judicial independence moderate this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach
The sample contains 684 country-year observations from 2012 to 2017. The authors collect data on money laundering by using Basel Anti-Money Laundering Reports from 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017. According to Medina and Schneider (2019), tax evasion is measured as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP) by the shadow economy. The SARS, judicial independence and the remaining variables are derived from Global Competitiveness reports for the same years.

Findings
The findings show that tax evasion is positively associated with money laundering. This positive association is mitigated for countries with high SARS and weakened for countries characterized by high judicial independence. By contrast, the positive association between tax evasion and money laundering is maintained with the same significance level for countries characterized by low SARS and low judicial independence.

Practical implications
From a managerial standpoint, tax evasion may represent a signal of unethical management behaviour through money laundering. This may cause severe government penalties and heavy reputational costs in case of detection leading to both management and firm failures.

Originality/value
The findings have policy implications for countries and governments seeking to combat both tax evasion and money laundering. The findings also emphasize the important role played by SARS and judicial independence to mitigate and weaken the positive effect of tax evasion on money laundering.
Navigating through uncertainties: coordinating digital transformation in international manufacturing networks
Authors: Badasjane Viktorija , Ahlskog Mats , Granlund Anna , Bruch Jessica , Sauter Barrett 
Published: December 2024

PurposeCoordination of digital transformation within globally dispersed factories belonging to international manufacturing networks (IMNs) is essential for competitiveness. This paper explores how digital transformation necessitates changes in the coordination of IMNs.Design/methodology/approachA case study is conducted with three Swedish manufacturing companies, thus adding to the limited empirical research covering the examined research field. Data analysis uses the technology-organization-environment (TOE) framework.FindingsThe results highlight 15 digital transformation attributes linked by intermediate themes to 13 changes in the coordination of IMNs and provide concrete industry examples. Four major themes emerged as significant in the coordination of IMNs: increased speed of technology development and rollout, amplified emphasis on a global mindset, increased need to adapt the organizational structures to enable collaboration and a higher degree of uncertainty.Originality/valueAlthough coordination of IMNs is acknowledged as directly related to competitive advantage, the ways digital transformation necessitates changes in the coordination of IMNs have been missing in contemporary research. This research decreases this omission.
Real Estate Insights: The impact of amenities on residential rents – exploring the urban rent premium in Berlin’s vibrant community hubs
Authors: Cajias Marcelo , Wins Anett , Restle Rebecca 
Published: December 2024

PurposeIntegrating amenity scoring into real estate investment strategies represents an innovative approach. The case study focuses on the impact of amenities on residential rents, with Berlin serving as an example of a tight rental market and a dynamic city. The scoring and modeling approach offers a scalable framework for identifying high-potential investment opportunities.Design/methodology/approachThe PATRIZIA Amenities Basic-Living-Need Scores© (BLNs) were developed to measure a location’s attractiveness based on the availability and quality of amenities. An AI-driven scoring algorithm takes the quality and quantity of all available amenities into account. The higher the scores, the better and more diversified is a location supplied with amenities for residential living. A generalized additive model is fitted to assess the strength and direction of impact of the BLNs on residential rents while controlling for other factors such as property and locational characteristics.FindingsThe results indicate that amenities are a fundamental determinant of rental values and tenant satisfaction, providing investors with actionable insights to maximize returns in competitive urban markets. Focusing on areas with high BLN scores can lead to better investment outcomes due to higher rental premiums associated with these locations. The study also highlights the need to run a detailed location analysis to avoid the pitfall of amenities congestion.Practical implicationsThe results indicate that amenities are a fundamental determinant of rental values and tenant satisfaction, providing investors with actionable insights to maximize returns in competitive urban markets. By identifying and accounting for regional peculiarities, investors can make data-driven decisions that align with local tenant preferences and market conditions.Originality/valueThe PATRIZIA Amenities Basic-Living-Need Scores© are calculated via an AI-driven, scalable algorithm and were developed to measure a location’s attractiveness in relation to diverse areas of residential living. This research is pivotal as it empirically validates the utility of amenity scoring in optimizing real estate investment strategies.
Social media resources and entrepreneurial opportunity evaluation
Authors: Ma Dalong , Chen Huan , Wei Xiaofan 
Published: December 2024

Purpose
Social media marketing is a great tool for entrepreneurs because of its low cost, fast response and rich interactions. This study aims to examine how entrepreneurs use social media as a tool of marketing and how social media resources influence entrepreneurial opportunity evaluation.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors designed a mixed methods study with an open-ended question survey and a conjoint experiment. The authors sent out an online survey through M-Turk and collected 355 valid responses from entrepreneurs.

Findings
The results show that entrepreneurs consider social media as important to their businesses and that entrepreneurs consider their social media resources when they evaluate entrepreneurial opportunities.

Originality/value
This study enriches the understanding of entrepreneurial social media marketing by revealing the granular and nuanced descriptions and interpretations of social media marketing from entrepreneurs’ perspectives. This study also contributes to the entrepreneurial marketing literature by showing how different social media resources influence entrepreneurs’ evaluations and pursuit of entrepreneurial opportunities.
Why do creative employees intend to quit? Contingency role of firm-level talent retention strategies
Authors: Dost Mir 
Published: December 2024

PurposeThis research addresses two crucial questions: (1) Why do creative employees intend to quit (IQ)? and (2) To what extent do firm-level talent retention strategies, such as employee empowerment, participation, job security and job satisfaction, moderate the link between employee creativity and their IQ?Design/methodology/approachThe data collection process included gathering responses from line managers and subordinates to assess the hypothesised relationships. Line managers completed a questionnaire survey about employee creativity, while subordinates provided input on their IQ and the talent retention strategies implemented by the firm.FindingsWe used descriptive statistics and stepwise regression analysis techniques to analyse the data. The results revealed a statistically significant positive relationship between employee creativity and IQ. Furthermore, they observed that employee participation and job satisfaction moderated this relationship, reducing its strength. Surprisingly, employee empowerment did not have a statistically significant moderating effect on the relationship.Practical implicationsOur research’s findings underscore contemporary managers’ critical role in recognising and addressing the need to retain creative employees for improved organisational performance. In today’s competitive job market, creative individuals often have the flexibility to explore opportunities and transition to other firms seamlessly. This mobility poses a challenge for organisations striving to retain talented employees. Therefore, managers need to adopt a perspective that considers the needs and aspirations of their employees, fostering an environment conducive to retaining creative talent and sustaining a competitive advantage. Developing strategies to attract and retain skilled employees can be valuable assets, and our research equips managers with actionable insights to do so.Originality/valueDespite significant employee training and development investments, firms need help to retain talented human resources. Our study, with its unique focus on two main research objectives, offers a fresh perspective on this pressing issue. First, we investigated the impact of employee creativity on their IQ. Additionally, we examined the moderating effect of talent retention strategies on this relationship, providing original insights that can guide future research and practical applications.
Bank board diversity and environmental risk management: does critical mass matter in project finance decisions?
Authors: Hassan M. Kabir , Hasan Rashedul , Bataineh Hassan , Haque Mahfuzul 
Published: December 2024

PurposeThis study investigates the influence of board gender diversity on policy decisions within the banking sector, with a specific focus on the adoption of environmental risk management policies. Drawing on critical mass theory, we provide empirical evidence demonstrating the positive impact of women directors on the implementation of environmental risk management policies aligned with the equator principles (EP) framework.Design/methodology/approachWe analyze data from 540 banks operating in 34 countries over a ten-year period (2013–2022).FindingsOur findings indicate that banks with at least four women directors on their boards are more likely to adopt such policies. Our results remain statistically significant after controlling for endogeneity issues.Practical implicationsThis research advocates for increased female representation on bank boards to foster the adoption of sustainability-focused policies within the banking industry.Originality/valueWe also contribute by providing insights into the role of a diverse board in improving green credit practices among global banks.