bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An exploratory study of Thai consumers’ perceptions of “conspicuousness”: a case of luxury handbags
Authors: Oe Hiroko , Sunpakit Pornchnit , Yamaoka Yasuyuki , Liang Yan 
Published: November 2018

Purpose
This paper aims to examine consumer perceptions of conspicuousness of purchasing of luxury goods in Thailand.

Design/methodology/approach
This study applies a quantitative approach, based on a survey data collected on the internet. The data set was analyzed with structural equation modeling focusing on three latent factors: “Social”, “Personal” and “Conspicuous” value perceptions.

Findings
The result indicates that “Conspicuous” value does not have a significant impact on their purchasing intentions, which is a contradiction to the previous understanding that Asian consumers are inclined to behave conspicuously from the collectivist cultural context. This finding casts an implication for marketers in the relevant industry and the field of study for inconspicuous consumer behavior.

Research limitations/implications
This research outcome should be expanded to develop more robust implications for the relevant marketers and researchers. In doing so, another investigation based on a bigger data set with more samples would be required.

Originality/value
This study indicates that Thai consumers do not behave from the conspicuous perceptions, which has been believed in the Asian context of consumer behavior. This finding suggests a new paradigm for discussion is required to understand Asian consumer attitudes in more depth especially their perceptions of conspicuous and inconspicuous views.
The role of customer readiness and participation in non-technology-based service delivery
Authors: Poushneh Atieh , Vasquez-Parraga Arturo Z. 
Published: November 2018

Purpose
This study aims to answer the following question: How can customer readiness be instrumental in non-technology-based service delivery?

Design/methodology/approach
Using a field study, this research examines the role of customer readiness in customer participation in non-technology-based service delivery and its indirect effects on such customer outcomes as perceived service quality, customer satisfaction and customer willingness to recommend.

Findings
The results show that customer readiness is a second-order construct. It has a significant impact on customer participation in service delivery, which in turn impacts three key service outcomes: customer perceived service quality, customer satisfaction and customer willingness to recommend. Four factors influencing customer readiness (consumer previous experience, consumer desire for control, consumer perceived risk and customer organizational socialization) are also empirically evaluated.

Research limitations/implications
Some limitations of the study are related to sample size and use of a type of services. The research tested 13 hypotheses with a limited sample size in one context. A better representation of the population and a more generalizable outcome require more representative samples and studies in various contexts such as banking, hotel services or health care services. This study demonstrated the importance of customer readiness for effective participation in non-technology-based service delivery; it does not address the impact of customer readiness on participation in the context of technology-based services. Future research may also shed light on when and why customers choose technology-based services versus non-technology-based services.

Practical implications
Effective customer participation in service delivery can, and should, benefit from boosting customer readiness.

Originality/value
This research shows the impact of customer readiness on non-technology-based service delivery, more specifically, the impact of customer readiness on customer participation in this type of service delivery. Customer readiness has been found to be beneficial in the provision of technology-based services; yet, its role in the provision of non-technology-based services has not been thoroughly evaluated.
Supporting Ghanaian micro-entrepreneurships: the role of mobile technology
Authors: Asiedu Emmanuel Mensah , Shortland Susan , Nawar Yehia Sabri , Jackson Paul J. , Baker Laura 
Published: November 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the role of mobile technology and related service platforms in supporting informal micro-entrepreneurships in rural Ghana. It aims to extend our knowledge through the development of a conceptual model.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative research design used in-depth semi-structured interviews with five micro-entrepreneurship owners in the Kwahu South District in the Eastern region of Ghana. Identification of potential case firms was facilitated by a local official. Interview data were analysed thematically.FindingsMobile technology engendered pride and emotional connectedness and, being easy to use, helped to increase business confidence. Adoption advantages included improved communications with customers and business partners, and effective stock control, providing competitive advantage. Further understanding of mobile technology’s role in improving business processes is needed.Research limitations/implicationsThis exploratory research is based on five micro-entrepreneurships in one Ghanaian rural area. Further research is needed using larger samples, additional locations and sectors and larger businesses, to identify other factors influencing mobile technology adoption and associated benefits and problems.Practical implicationsGovernment policy supporting growth of informal micro-entrepreneurships using mobile phone technology could increase economic advantage. Micro-business owners need education and training in understanding business processes. Telecommunications companies can highlight technological, business and socio-cultural benefits of mobile phone adoption in rural Ghana.Originality/valueThe paper draws upon the experiences of a range of rural-based Ghanaian micro-entrepreneurships to propose a model setting out and linking the technical, business and socio-cultural benefits of mobile phone adoption in supporting business processes.
The multi-component model of harmful sexual behaviour for people with autism and co-morbid intellectual disabilities – a theory and practice guide
Authors: Worthington Rachel 
Published: November 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore to what extent neuro-typical theories of sexual offending apply to clients with Levels 2 and 3 autism with a co-morbid intellectual disability (ID). The paper develops a model of harmful sexual behaviour (HSB) for this client group and makes suggestions for how these behaviours can be understood and reduced.Design/methodology/approachThe revised Integrated Theory of Sexual Offending (ITSO) (Ward and Beech, 2016) is used as a starting framework to understand HSB in this client group. This attends to specific neuropsychological systems, brain development, motivation and emotional processing.FindingsThe revised ITSO has some utility in understanding HSB in this client group. This is improved when neuro-atypical specific state factors are identified. Practical ways of establishing these state factors are made which attend to the function of the behaviour in line with “Good Lives” model of rehabilitation.Research limitations/implicationsRecommendations for ways in which the function of HSB in this client group can be identified are made as well as recommendations for how treatment can be tailored dependent on the function of behaviour in this client group.Practical implicationsThe paper makes practical recommendations for how interventions for people with ID and autism in line with Ward, Clack and Haig’s (2016) Abductive Theory of Method which noted that interventions should be adopted to consider wider explanations for offending thus acknowledging that treatment could extend beyond cognitive behavioural therapy for clinical phenomena. Future treatments for clients with autism and LD are suggested which attend to sensory needs, teaching alternative communication strategies for seeking out “deep pressure” or attention in ways that do not involve sexual offending, using picture communication, information technology or Makaton to communicate needs or using social stories to explain the consequences of behaviour. In addition, neuro-atypical interventions which attend to the neuropsychological functioning of clients could also be included in treatment for neuro-typical clients, thus ensuring that interventions attend to every aspect of the ITSO and not purely clinical phenomena.Social implicationsEnhancing treatment interventions for clients with ID and autism could both reduce risk and enhance quality of life for this client group.Originality/valueMuch of the work to date exploring HSB in clients with autism has attended to clients with Level 1 autism or those without an additional ID. This paper provides practitioners with a theory upon which to understand HSB in clients with a dual diagnosis of Levels 2/3 autism and an ID as well as practical recommendations for reducing HSB in this client group.
Trust on awqaf institutions: evidence from Malaysia
Authors: Abdul Shukor Syadiyah , Johari Fuadah , Abd Wahab Kalsom , Kefeli @ Zulkefli Zurina , Ahmad Nursilah , Haji Alias Mohammad , Abdul Rahman Asma , Mohd Orip Nor Masitah , Ibrahim Patmawati , Abu-Hussin Mohd Fauzi 
Published: November 2018

Purpose
This paper aims to explore the relationship between integrity, reputation, trust on awqaf institution and intention to endow cash waqf.

Design/methodology/approach
Quantitative research using survey questionnaire was conducted. A total of 377 completed survey questionnaires were received and analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings
Findings show that integrity and reputation of awqaf institutions have direct impact on endowers’ trust on awqaf institution, which consequently lead to endowers’ intention to endow cash waqf.

Originality/value
This study provides practical information on how awqaf institutions could develop endowers’ trust on awqaf institutions, which will consequently increase the intention of endowers to endow cash waqf.
Brand prominence in cause-related marketing: luxury versus non-luxury
Authors: Baghi Ilaria , Gabrielli Veronica 
Published: November 2018

PurposePast research on cause-related marketing (CRM) suggests that these socially beneficial initiatives can be implemented as co-branding strategies. Little is known, however, about the role of brand prominence, in terms of visual conspicuousness of the two brands that are partner-involved (for-profit and non-profit brands). This study aims to advance a model of moderated mediation that explains how and under what circumstances brand prominence disparity enhances consumers’ attitudes toward CRM co-branded products and increases purchase intentionDesign/methodology/approachThe authors test a model of moderated mediation in two studies. Study 1 shows that the effectiveness of brand prominence disparity is explained by the mediating role of attitude toward a CRM co-branded product. Study 2 demonstrates that this mediation is moderated by the positioning of the for-profit brand partner (luxury vs non-luxury positioning).FindingsResults show that brand prominence disparity has a role in defining consumers’ purchase intention toward a CRM co-branded product through mediation of attitude. Moreover, positioning of the for-profit brand partner moderates the cognitive processes activated by the visual brand prominence. In luxury positioning, a loud visual prominence of the for-profit brand significantly improves consumers’ attitudes and intentions to buy the CRM co-branded product.Originality/valueThe study extends our understanding of how visual brand presence can promote the effectiveness of co-branded CRM initiatives, and it offers practical guidelines for marketers wishing to partner with social causes, while promoting products with luxury or non-luxury features.
Necessity of big data analysis in construction management
Authors: Safa Mahdi , Hill Lillian 
Published: November 2018

Purpose
This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies.

Design/methodology/approach
This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.

Findings
Big data analysis in the world of construction management has become a necessity after the discovery of how much time, energy, and money can be preserved. By the investigation of big data in construction, the deduction was made that data analysis, data mining, and Building Information Modeling are the future for construction management. If properly applied to future construction management processes, big data analysis methodologies could eliminate mistakes, setbacks, and wasted resources for projects

Practical implications
The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations.

Originality/value
The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.
Are entrepreneurs becoming more risk averse?
Authors: Oliver John J. , Velji Newton 
Published: November 2018

Purpose
This paper aims to discuss the emerging theme of risk aversion in entrepreneurs following high levels of industry consolidation.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper is a viewpoint on the authors’ opinion and interpretation of industry consolidation.

Findings
The UK Independent TV Production Industry has experienced a remarkable degree of consolidation with corporate acquisitions and mergers changing the size, shape and revenue distribution among firms in the industry. In addition, entrepreneurs appear to be more risk averse in terms of entering the industry.

Practical implications
If the trend in entrepreneurs in the UK TV Production Industry being more risk averse continues, then the number of new startup firms will fall and that could put the future of the industry at jeopardy.

Originality/value
This paper presents an interesting observation on the impact of consolidation of the UK Independent TV Production Industry, in so far as, entrepreneurs appear to be becoming more risk averse.
Plasticity in root symbioses following shifts in soil nutrient availability during long‐term ecosystem development
Authors: Teste François P. , Laliberté Etienne 
Published: November 2018

Abstract

The vast majority of terrestrial plants form root symbioses with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi to enhance nutrient (particularly phosphorus, P) acquisition. However, some plant species also form dual symbioses involving ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi, with a subset of those also forming triple symbioses also involving dinitrogen (N2)‐fixing bacteria. It has been suggested that these plants show plasticity in root symbioses to optimise nutrient acquisition depending on the type and strength of soil nutrient limitation (e.g., N vs. P), yet empirical evidence remains limited. Alternatively, the degree of investment or “preference” in particular root symbioses might simply reflect differences in inoculum potential among soils of contrasting nutrient availability, reflecting adaptations of root symbionts to different edaphic conditions.

Here, we grew two co‐occurring plant species forming triple (AM/ECM/N2‐fixing; Acacia rostellifera) or dual (AM/ECM; Melaleuca systena) symbioses in soils of increasing age and contrasting nutrient availability from an Australian long‐term soil chronosequence to disentangle the relative importance of abiotic factors (e.g., soil nutrient availability and stoichiometry) and biotic factors (e.g., soil inoculum potential) in determining root colonisation patterns and functional outcomes of these multiple root symbioses.

For both plant species, we found clear hump‐shaped plant growth patterns along the pedogenesis‐driven gradient in soil nutrient availability, with peak growth in intermediate‐aged soils, while high levels of mycorrhizal colonisation by the “preferred” root symbionts were maintained across all soils. We found large increases (540%) in foliar manganese concentrations with increasing soil age and declining P availability, suggesting that plants may be relying on the release of carboxylates to help acquire P in the most P‐impoverished soils. Finally, we found that soil abiotic properties, such as strong differences in soil nutrient availability, are generally more important than soil inoculum potential in explaining these shifts in our plant and root responses.

Synthesis. Our study suggests that plants capable of forming multiple root symbioses show plasticity in their nutrient‐acquisition strategies following shifts in soil nutrients during long‐term ecosystem development, yet maintain a preference for certain root symbionts despite changes in soil microbial inoculum.
HSR Commentary: Linking VA and Non‐VA Data to Address Important US Veteran Health Services Research Issues
Authors: Hynes Denise M. , Maciejewski Matthew L. , Atkins David 
Published: November 2018

ObjectiveThis commentary summarizes the methods and topics addressed in the special issue of HSR focused on linkage of United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and non‐VA datasets. The issue illustrates that researchers are increasingly linking diverse datasets as a valuable method for obtaining outcomes, treatments, and covariates to evaluate and examine health care delivery that includes non‐VA services. The issue serves as a reference to VA and non‐VA investigators alike who employ data linkage methods to address high‐impact clinical and health policy evaluations that span different care systems and different datasets.
The impact of systemic sclerosis on health‐related quality of life assessed by SF‐36: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Lin , Cui Yafei , Chen Shengnan , Zhao Qian , Fu Ting , Ji Juan , Li Liren , Gu Zhifeng 
Published: November 2018

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of this meta‐analysis was to systematically review the literature to evaluate the impact of systemic sclerosis (SSc) on the health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) assessed by the Medical Outcomes Short‐Form‐36 questionnaire (SF‐36).MethodsA systematic literature search was performed on PubMed, Web of Science and Embase until April 2017 to obtain eligible studies. Random effect model was performed to summarize the scores of each domain. Scores from the SF‐36 questionnaire were used as the outcome measurements, and mean differences with 95% confidence intervals were calculated.ResultsIn total, seven studies were eligible for inclusion criteria, comprising 795 SSc patients and 1154 healthy controls. The SF‐36 questionnaire score of each domain (physical function, role physical function, emotional role function, vitality, mental health, social function, body pain, general health) was lower in SSc patients than in healthy controls, meanwhile, physical component scale (PCS) and mental component scale (MCS) scores were all lower in patients with SSc than in healthy controls. Likewise, pooled mean scores of PCS and MCS ranged from 31.20 to 52.80, 37.40 to 68.30, respectively. Additionally, the score of PCS was lower than that of MCS in SSc patients.ConclusionsThis meta‐analysis showed that SSc patients had lower HRQoL than healthy controls, and SSc had negative influence on the HRQoL of patients. This indicates that clinical workers should pay more attention to SSc patients' HRQoL, so as to improve global health of patients with SSc.
Sex Differences in Binge‐Like and Aversion‐Resistant Alcohol Drinking in C57BL/6J Mice
Authors: Sneddon Elizabeth A. , White Robert D. , Radke Anna K. 
Published: November 2018

BackgroundAlcohol use disorder is characterized by compulsive alcohol intake, or drinking despite negative consequences. Previous studies have shown that female rodents have a heightened vulnerability to drug use across different stages of the addictive cycle, but no previous studies have studied females in a model of aversion‐resistant alcohol intake. Here, we investigated sex differences in binge‐like and aversion‐resistant alcohol drinking in C57BL/6J mice using a modified drinking‐in‐the‐dark (DID) paradigm.MethodsIn Experiment 1, 24‐hour aversion to quinine (0, 100, or 250 μM) was assessed. In Experiment 2, male and female adult C57BL/6J mice consumed 15% ethanol (EtOH) or water in a 2‐bottle limited‐access DID paradigm for 2 h/d for 15 days. The EtOH was next adulterated with quinine (0, 100, or 250 μM) over 3 consecutive drinking sessions to test aversion‐resistant intake. In Experiment 3, intake of quinine‐adulterated (100 μM) EtOH was assessed across all 15 drinking sessions.ResultsQuinine was equally aversive to both sexes in Experiment 1. In Experiment 2, female mice consumed significantly more alcohol than male mice during the final 6 drinking sessions. Levels of aversion‐resistant intake did not differ between the sexes. In Experiment 3, quinine suppressed consumption in all mice, though females drank significantly more on the final 2 sessions.ConclusionsThe results of this study demonstrate that while female mice escalate and consume more EtOH than males, both sexes exhibit similar levels of aversion‐resistant drinking. These results inform our understanding of how sex interacts with vulnerability for addiction and argue for the inclusion of females in more studies of aversion‐resistant alcohol drinking.
Randomised clinical trial: emricasan versus placebo significantly decreases ALT and caspase 3/7 activation in subjects with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Shiffman Mitchell , Freilich Bradley , Vuppalanchi Raj , Watt Kymberly , Chan Jean L. , Spada Al , Hagerty David T. , Schiff Eugene 
Published: November 2018

SummaryBackgroundLipotoxicity leading to excessive caspase‐mediated apoptosis and inflammation is believed to drive liver damage in NAFLD. Emricasan is a pan‐caspase inhibitor that decreased serum ALT and apoptotic and inflammatory markers in subjects with chronic hepatitis.AimsTo assess whether 28 days of emricasan would reduce elevated levels of serum ALT, AST, cleaved cytokeratin‐18, full‐length cytokeratin‐18, and caspase 3/7 in subjects with NAFLD and raised aminotransferases.MethodsDouble‐blind, placebo‐controlled, office‐practice study assessed the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of emricasan in subjects with NAFLD and ALT levels ≥1.5 x ULN during screening. Subjects were randomised to emricasan 25 mg twice daily or matching placebo. Subjects with cirrhosis and other causes for raised aminotransferases were excluded. The primary endpoint was the change in ALT at day 28 in the emricasan group vs placebo.Results38 subjects were randomised, 19 each to emricasan or placebo. Baseline disease factors were well balanced except for lower median ALT values in emricasan subjects. Three subjects randomised to placebo discontinued prior to day 28. ALT values decreased significantly in emricasan‐treated subjects vs placebo at days 7 (P < 0.0001) and 28 (P = 0.02). cCK18 (day 7), flCK18 (days 7 and 28), and caspase 3/7 (day 7) were also significantly decreased in emricasan‐treated subjects vs placebo. Emricasan treatment was generally safe and well tolerated.ConclusionsEmricasan decreased ALT and biomarkers in subjects with NAFLD and raised aminotransferases after 28 days. These results support the further development of emricasan in patients with NAFLD. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier: NCT02077374.