bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Board characteristics and integrated reporting quality: evidence from ESG European companies
Authors: Chouaibi Salim , Chouaibi Yamina , Zouari Ghazi 
Published: May 2021

PurposeThe aim of this study is to analyze the possible relationship between board characteristics and integrated reporting quality in an international setting.Design/methodology/approachTo test the study's hypotheses, the authors applied linear regressions with a panel data, and the authors collected data from the Thomson Reuters database (ASSET4) and from the annual reports from European companies to analyze data of 253 listed companies selected from the environmental, social and governance (ESG) index between 2010 and 2019.FindingsThe reached empirical results prove to indicate well that both of the board size, independence and diversity appear to have a significantly positive effect on the integrated reporting quality. Noteworthy, also, is the fact that the appointment of an independent nonexecutive chairman is positively associated with the integrated reporting related quality, and holds for firms with a nonindependent chairman.Practical implicationsBeyond the theoretical implications, our study also has several practical implications. These findings are particularly relevant for managers, shareholders, and policymakers. Thus, stakeholders should consider the accuracy of disclosure in determining the optimal reporting strategy (reducing risk estimation, returns' stock volatility, increasing long-term shareholder value and reputation of the firm).Originality/valueThis article is motivated by the low number of works in the context about the corporate social responsibility and sustainability issues. It makes an important contribution to the academic literature by adding to the limited body of research on integrated reporting and corporate governance in an ESG company setting. The study is also important for practitioners seeking to improve the quality of their integrated reports.
Differences in tobacco smoking status in segments of the Australian population
Authors: de Meyrick Julian , Yusuf Farhat 
Published: May 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to identify correlates of tobacco smoking behaviour across various socio-demographic segments of the Australian population.Design/methodology/approachData from two nationally representative, probability samples of persons 18 and over, surveyed by the Australian Bureau of Statistics in 2001 and 2017–2018 were analysed using multinomial logistic regression.FindingsOverall, the prevalence of current smokers declined from 24.3 to 15%. More than half of the population had never smoked. The prevalence of ex-smokers increased slightly to 30%. Prevalence of current smoking was higher among older age groups and among those with lower educational achievement, lower income, living in a disadvantaged area and experiencing increasing stress. Females were more likely than males to be never-smokers. Males were more likely than females to be current smokers.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings are based on two cross-sectional surveys conducted 17 years apart. It is not possible to draw any conclusions about the actual trajectories of the changes in the values reported or any correlations between those trajectories. Nor is it possible to make any meaningful forecasts about likely future trends in smoking status in these various segments based on these data sets. The classifications used in the surveys generate some heterogeneous groups, which can obscure important differences among respondents within groups. Data are all self-reported, and there is no validation of the self-reported smoking status. This might lead to under-reporting, especially in a community where tobacco smoking is no longer a majority or even a popular habit. Because the surveys are so large, virtually, all the findings are statistically significant. However, the increasing preponderance of never-smokers in many categories might mean that never-smokers could come to dominate the data.Practical implicationsThe findings from this paper will help tobacco-control policy-makers to augment whole-of-community initiatives with individual campaigns designed to be more effective with particular socio-demographic segments. They will also assist in ensuring better alignment between initiatives addressing mental health and tobacco smoking problems facing the community.Originality/valueThe examination of smoking behaviour among individual population sub-groups, chosen by the authors, is commonplace in the literature. This paper uses data from two large surveys to model the whole, heterogeneous population, measured at two different points in time.
Social customer relationship management and organizational performance: testing a conceptual model in the North African context
Authors: Medjani Fares , Barnes Stuart 
Published: May 2021

PurposeSocial CRM (SCRM) technologies, as distinct from CRM technologies per se, provide an important new resource for companies to develop their relationships with customers and drive business performance. This research develops and tests an original model exploring the impact of SCRM on firm performance and the relationships between SCRM use, engagement, CRM capabilities and performance.Design/methodology/approachThe authors collect a sample from 227 companies using a survey and test the model using structural equation modelling.FindingsThe findings reveal that all the hypotheses in our research model are supported: the use of SCRM technologies lead to developing capabilities and engagement. These capabilities and engagement are then transformed into business performance through a mediation process. Overall, these findings are consistent with resource-based view and dynamic capability theories; these new technological and relational resources allow the creation organizational capabilities, which are essential to enable firms to improve their performance.Practical implicationsSCRM does not directly lead to performance but facilitates CRM capabilities and engagement that allow businesses to enhance performance.Originality/valueFirst, the authors conceptualize and operationalize SCRM as a unique concept, distinct in the literature. Second, the authors provide an original conceptualization of SCRM as a combination of CRM capabilities and engagement. Third, the authors study the mediating effect of CRM capabilities and engagement in the relationship between social CRM use and performance. Finally, this research is conducted in three North African countries where there is currently a dearth of understanding of the impact of modern information systems on organizational performance.
Knowledge sharing in international markets for product and process innovation: moderating role of firm's absorptive capacity
Authors: Chatterjee Sheshadri , Chaudhuri Ranjan , Vrontis Demetris 
Published: May 2021

PurposeThis study examines the relationship between knowledge-sharing activities of the firm and its innovation capability. It also investigates the moderating impact of the firms' absorptive capacity on the relationship between knowledge sharing and firm innovation capability from the cross-subsidiary perspective in the international market environment.Design/methodology/approachThis study reviewed the literature from the areas of knowledge management, international market and innovation management. Through the literature review, absorptive capacity theory and dynamic capability view (DCV) theory, a conceptual model has been developed. This model has been validated using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) technique with 612 respondents from 16 multinational firms from different countries.FindingsThe study finds that knowledge-sharing activities across subsidiaries of multinational firms are important for product and process innovation. Firms’ absorptive capacity also impacts the relationship between firms' knowledge-sharing activities and their different dynamic capabilities, such as sensing, seizing and transforming. The study also finds that firms' innovation capability positively impacts their competitiveness.Research limitations/implicationsThis study provides valuable inputs to the management of multinational firms to recognize the importance of knowledge-sharing activities across their different subsidiaries in the international marketing knowledge management (MKM) context.Originality/valueThe study adds to the literature on knowledge management, international market and firms' innovation capability. As the study examines the knowledge-sharing activities across different subsidiaries of multinational firms, especially in the context of process and product innovation, it is considered unique. The study also provides a unique validated model.
Privacy helplessness on social media: its constituents, antecedents and consequences
Authors: Cho Hichang 
Published: May 2021

PurposeMany internet users exhibit signs of privacy helplessness and entirely give up online privacy management. However, we know little about what privacy helplessness is, when users are likely to experience it and its implications for privacy behavior. The objectives of this study were twofold: (a) the conceptual explication of privacy helplessness as a novel construct in privacy research and (b) the development of a theoretical model that specifies the antecedents and consequences of privacy helplessness.Design/methodology/approachA research model of privacy helplessness that contains three subcomponents of privacy helplessness, five antecedents and one outcome was developed. The model was empirically examined based on survey data collected from 589 Facebook users in the USA.FindingsThe results of exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses showed that privacy helplessness is adequately assessed by a three-factor model with affective, cognitive and motivational components. The results of structural equation modeling indicated that these three aspects of privacy helplessness are uniquely predicted by five theoretical factors: (a) prior experience of privacy risks, (b) personal mastery, (c) perceived costs of adaptive privacy actions, (d) perceived rewards of privacy inactions and (e) perceived vulnerability. Furthermore, it was found that helplessness as motivational deficits (and cognitive helplessness via this) impedes adaptive privacy actions, while cognitive helplessness promotes adaptive privacy actions when they do not result in motivational deficits.Originality/valueThis study pioneers investigation in understanding key constituents, attributes and processes underlying privacy helplessness. First, the present study developed the first theory-derived, successively validated measurement model of privacy helplessness. Second, this research proposed a theoretical model of privacy helplessness, specifying antecedents and consequences of privacy helplessness.
Diagnosis of “acopia”: prescription for neglect?
Authors: Hodges Zoe 
Published: May 2021

Purpose
This paper aims to reflect upon the usefulness of the word “acopia” as a diagnosis in relation to individuals in hospital.

Design/methodology/approach
A response to existing literature and consideration of application to practice with adults who may be vulnerable.

Findings
The term “acopia” is derived from medicine but has gained popularity throughout health and social care. It is a term that has no diagnostic tool or agreed characteristics.

Practical implications
Practitioners across a number of professional disciplines need to be aware of the individual circumstances, preferences and priorities of individuals to secure the most appropriate care and support for each person. Failure to acknowledge complexity of an individual’s presenting condition at hospital admission may have fatal consequences.

Originality/value
The importance of language used to refer to adults who are likely to be vulnerable may influence the quality of the care and treatment that they receive.
Promoting safety awareness and protection skills for people with disabilities: a literature review
Authors: Goh Kai Ru , Andrew Cathy 
Published: May 2021

PurposeHigh prevalence of violence against persons with disabilities (PwDs) has prompted a steady growth of training aimed at equipping PwDs with personal safety skills. This paper aims to examine the efficacy of safety trainings for PwDs.Design/methodology/approachA search of relevant electronic databases was conducted to shortlist peer-reviewed literature on empirically evaluated safety trainings for PwDs, between January 2010 and August 2020 with the defined inclusion criteria.FindingsSix safety programmes were reviewed. Data analysis revealed key themes related to programme modifications for accessibility; fit of intervention to disability type; PwDs’ learning needs; and the context of disability abuse in designing intervention pathways.Originality/valuePwDs can benefit from and contribute to safety training, if programmes are adequately modified to support their learning and participation. Future studies can target disability abuse by known persons; different disability groups; and generate longitudinal data to strengthen validity of programme efficacy.
Effect of social capital on agribusiness diversification intention in the emerging market
Authors: Lang Le Dang , Behl Abhishek , Dong Nguyen Trung , Temouri Yama , Thu Nguyen Hong 
Published: May 2021

PurposeCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has seriously affected the global economy. How agribusinessmen are overcoming this crisis is being noticed in emerging markets. Using social capital to diversify agribusiness for getting more customers is a useful solution for the growth of agribusiness. However, there is a lack of evidence on the aggregate measurement scale of social capital and the influence of behavioral goals on the intention toward agribusiness diversification. Therefore, this study aims to develop an integrated measurement of social capital and investigate its effect on agribusiness diversification intention using the expanded theory of planned behavior (TPB).Design/methodology/approachA mixed-methods approach is used, including four in-depth interviews, three focus group discussions and two surveys. Structural equation modeling is applied to a sample of 484 respondents to test the proposed hypotheses.FindingsThe study shows the role of social capital in influencing the intention to diversify agribusiness under the premises of the resource-based view (RBV). The scale of social capital is also developed, which is the first integrated measurement of this asset. The findings contribute significantly to the existing knowledge of social capital, the TPB and diversifying agribusiness.Originality/valueThis is the first study to explore the comprehensive effect of the facets of social capital on behavioral intention through behavioral goals and determinants of the TPB under the premises of the RBV. The findings will help emerging economies, for example, Vietnam, where most farmers are family business owners or microscaled entrepreneurs in agriculture.
Assessing the knowledge, perceptions, and mental health impact of COVID-19 among students in Rwanda
Authors: Obaje Hawa Iye , Okengwu Grace Chinelo , Kenan Jolly Josiah , Uwimana Aimable , Ndayambaje Andre , Carey Timothy A. , Wong Rex 
Published: May 2021

Purpose
This paper aims to assess the knowledge, perceptions and mental health impact of COVID-19 among students in Rwanda.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper is a cross-sectional online survey questionnaire.

Findings
The mean knowledge score among the 375 respondents was 75.14% (SD ± 19.1), with 195 (55.1%) of the respondents scoring below 80%. Students who believed that COVID-19 education was sufficient were more likely to have lower knowledge levels (OR = 1.84, 95% CI = 1.15; 2.94). While most respondents were aware of their vulnerability to the virus, they did not see themselves at risk of becoming infected. The percentage of respondents reported to have some form of mental health issues was 49.7%. The three most important factors in influencing mental health were age, history of mental health issues, and the way news was reported. Education quality was less affected for those who received online schooling (OR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.33, 0.94).

Practical implications
Education about COVID-19 should be strengthened by capitalizing on existing online and offline learning platforms to frequently update new or changing information.

Originality/value
This paper was the first study assessing the knowledge, perception and mental health impact of COVID-19 among Rwanda students.
Microstructure and mechanical behavior of asphalt mixture based on freeze-thaw cycle
Authors: Wang Ning , Zhang Haitao , Xiong Huizhong 
Published: May 2021

PurposeIn order to unravel the evolution of microstructure characteristics and the change of mechanical properties of bituminous mixture in the freezing and thawing environment in cold region, this study starts from macroscopic experiments and analyzes the changes in mechanical properties of asphalt mixtures before and after freezing and thawing in detail. On this basis, the displacement of key particles in the structure of asphalt mixture under the action of external forces (before and after freezing and thawing) is simulated through the combination macroscopic and microscopic methods.Design/methodology/approachThe climate in China exhibits high complexity and diversity, divided into five zones based on the temperature difference from south to north. Considering that the significant effect of geography and natural climate on the design, construction and maintenance of asphalt pavement, the criterion for the road construction at different areas should be highly different.FindingsThe results show that the mechanical properties of asphalt mixture greatly decrease due to the influence of freeze-thaw, and the displacement of key particles in the structure of asphalt mixture (several representative particle sizes were selected through experiments) is obviously observed because of the action of external force. By analyzing the variation of several key particle sizes after freezing-thawing cycle, the gradation standard of asphalt mixture aggregate suitable for cold area was obtained. The research results have certain theoretical and practical value for the design and application of asphalt mixture in cold area.Originality/valueThe results show that the mechanical properties of asphalt mixture greatly decrease due to the influence of freeze-thaw, and the displacement of key particles in the structure of asphalt mixture (several representative particle sizes were selected through experiments) is obviously observed because of the action of external force. By analyzing the variation of several key particle sizes after freezing-thawing cycle, the gradation standard of asphalt mixture aggregate suitable for cold area was obtained. The research results have certain theoretical and practical value for the design and application of asphalt mixture in cold area.
A sustainable career for interim managers: the role of career communities
Authors: Hennekam Sophie , de Becdelièvre Pauline , Grima François 
Published: May 2021

PurposeThis study examines how the collective construction of career sustainability takes place through a career community of interim managers.Design/methodology/approachWe draw on 31 interviews with interim managers who are part of a career community in the form of a professional association of interim managers in France.FindingsThe findings show the importance of career communities as a vehicle through which to create a sustainable career. More specifically, we show that occupational career communities provide mutual and reciprocal career support, collective being and belonging through sense-making as well as collective learning leading to the collective creation of a sustainable career.Originality/valueWe add to the literature on sustainable careers by providing a collective community-level analysis and make a theoretical contribution by using the concept of career communities in shedding light on the career sustainability of interim managers. In the light of the increase in non-standard forms of employment, career communities might become an interesting vehicle for career management and development.
Long‐term efficacy and safety of intravenous injection of clonal mesenchymal stem cells derived from bone marrow in five adults with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis
Authors: Shin Hyun‐Tae , Lee Si Hyub , Yoon Hee Seong , Heo Ji Hye , Lee Seon Bok , Byun Ji Won , Shin Jeonghyun , Cho Yun‐Kyoung , Chung Eunkyung , Jeon Myung‐Shin , Song Sun U. , Choi Gwang Seong 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAtopic dermatitis is a chronic and relapsing inflammatory skin disease that is treated with immunosuppressants. However, long‐term use of immunosuppressants may cause toxicity and severe side‐effects. To confirm the long‐term efficacy and safety of clonal mesenchymal stem cell therapy, we performed investigator‐initiated clinical trials and long‐term observation in five adult patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis that was refractory to conventional treatments. The clinical response assessment values such as Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) improved significantly at 16 weeks, and 80% (4/5) of the patients achieved EASI‐50 after one or two treatment cycles. Patients were observed for long‐term efficacy and safety for an average of 38 weeks (range, 16–86) and showed no serious side‐effects. Among the cytokines tested, CCL‐17, interleukin (IL)‐13, and IL‐22 significantly decreased at the end‐point of the five participants, two patients who maintained good clinical response over 84 weeks showed increased IL‐17 cytokine levels in the blood.
Inhibition of the interaction between fibronectin and dermatopontin by Clostridium perfringens fibronectin‐binding proteins
Authors: Matsunaga Nozomu , Narukawa Nodoka , Yamasaki Tsutomu , Katayama Seiichi , Hitsumoto Yasuo 
Published: May 2021

AbstractFibronectin (Fn) is an approximately 450 kDa glycoprotein that consists of 12 type I, 2 type II, and 15–17 type III modules. Fibrillation of Fn is important for tissue reconstitution and wound healing. We previously reported that Clostridium perfringens produces several Fn‐binding proteins (Fbps), two of which, FbpA and FbpB, bind to III1‐C (a fragment of Fn derived from the carboxyl‐terminal two‐thirds of the first‐type III module). Dermatopontin (DPT), a 22 kDa noncollagenous extracellular matrix protein, accelerates normal collagen fibrillation and induces Fn fibrillation. DPT interacts with Fn‐type III12–14 (III12–14), leading to a change in Fn conformation and promoting Fn fibrillation. Here, we investigated the effects of FbpA and FbpB on the binding of Fn and the III12–14 fragment to DPT and on the DPT‐induced Fn fibrillation. Both recombinant FbpA (rFbpA) and recombinant FbpB (rFbpB) significantly inhibited Fn binding to DPT and recombinant III12–14 (rIII12–14) binding, and inhibited DPT‐induced Fn fibrillation. Furthermore, it was found that both rFbpA and rFbpB significantly bound to coated DPT in an enzyme‐linked avidin–biotin complex system, whereas rIII12–14 did not bind to either coated rFbpA or rFbpB. In conclusion, both FbpA and FbpB inhibited DPT‐induced Fn fibrillation via their interaction with DPT. Both FbpA and FbpB released from lysed C. perfringens cells in wounds and/or infected tissue may prevent Fn fibrillation and delay the wound healing process, subsequently exacerbating infection.