bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Awareness of Pakistani academic librarians towards communication skills: barriers and benefits
Authors: Hussain Abid , Richardson Joanna 
Published: November 2024

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to measure the current levels of awareness of communication skills among academic librarians in degree-awarding institutions of Pakistan and to identify barriers that libraries, with the support of organizational stakeholders, could target to enhance adoption and / or improvement of these skills.

Design/methodology/approach
Quantitative research design, based on a Web-based survey method, used a questionnaire as the data collection tool for librarians used in degree-awarding institutions in Pakistan. After incorporating feedback from experts in the field, the questionnaire link was shared with a sample population of n = 400 academic librarians in Pakistan, using simple random sampling. The data was coded in Microsoft Excel and exported to SPSS v 26 for analysis.

Findings
Overall, the findings underscore a consistent and moderate to high level of awareness by this cohort of basic library communication skills and their associated benefits. The level of agreement as to the principal barriers to these skills aligns with previous research results over the past decade and therefore underlines the need to prioritize the development of appropriate solutions.

Research limitations/implications
Further research is indicated to investigate the major factors contributing to the principal barriers identified in the current study.

Practical implications
The study recommends that librarians work with relevant stakeholders to identify strategies to enhance their personal and interpersonal communication skills and to address current barriers to upskilling.

Originality/value
The study could serve as a foundation for any future research and policy frameworks to enhance employability and communication skills among librarians in Pakistan.
From remittances to representation: the Asian diaspora in development and politics
Authors: Ferdous Jannatul , Das Monojit 
Published: November 2024

Purpose
Through its transnational networks, the Asian diaspora builds a bridge between the nations of origin and the host countries, greatly contributing to growth. To advance development initiatives in Asia and elsewhere, it is imperative to acknowledge the potential and complexity of these networks. The purpose of this study is to investigate how Asian diaspora-created transnational networks contribute to development outcomes. It aims to comprehend the ways in which these networks impact the social, cultural and economic development of both the host and home countries. The economic, social and cultural contributions made by the Asian diaspora and their international networks are evaluated in this study in relation to development.

Design/methodology/approach
The existing literature review emphasises the diverse role of the Asian diaspora in development, including remittances, investment, knowledge transfer and cultural exchange.

Findings
It recognises the potential of diaspora engagement in development projects, but there are still gaps in understanding the dynamics of transnational networks and their influence on development outcomes. This study aims to uncover the complex ways in which the global networks of the Asian diaspora contribute to development. Identifying the factors that help or hinder their effectiveness will provide policymakers and development practitioners with insights to harness these networks for sustainable progress.

Originality/value
Understanding the networks will have significant ramifications for both the host and home nations. It will highlight the significance of transnational connections in fostering economic, social and cultural development in Asia and how crucial it is to use the Asian diaspora’s transnational networks to their full potential in the larger conversation about connection and global development.
Impact of ESG performance on financial risk in energy firms: evidence from developing countries
Authors: Gidage Mithilesh , Bhide Shilpa 
Published: November 2024

Purpose
This study aims to examine the impact of ESG performance on financial risk (FR) in energy firms from developing countries. It also explores the moderating roles of ESG controversies and board gender diversity (BGD) on this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach
The research uses a panel data set of 218 energy firms from 20 developing countries from 2019 to 2024, using two-stage least squares regression to address potential endogeneity. Robustness checks are conducted using fixed-effects estimation and pooled ordinary least squares.

Findings
The results indicate that superior ESG performance significantly reduces both total and systemic risk. ESG controversies positively moderate the relationship between ESG performance and FR, suggesting that controversies may weaken the risk-reducing benefits of strong ESG practices. Additionally, BGD significantly strengthens the negative relationship between ESG performance and FR. Robustness checks confirm the consistency of these findings across different estimation methods.

Originality/value
This study contributes to the growing body of literature by examining the role of ESG performance in FR mitigation, specifically within the energy sector in developing countries. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first research to explore these dynamics in this specific context. This study uniquely illustrates how ESG controversies and BGD significantly moderate the ESG–risk relationship, offering fresh insights that extend stakeholder, risk management and legitimacy theories. The findings highlight the importance of integrating ESG factors into corporate governance and risk management, particularly for firms operating in high-risk, high-impact industries such as energy.
Current insights into lower limb prostheses: Brazilian users’ perceptions on the (Re)construction of body image and identity
Authors: Volpini Lana Mariana Ribeiro , Maia Joana Pimenta , Ribeiro Juliana Pontes 
Published: November 2024

Purpose
This study aims to investigate the (re)construction of body image and identity among Brazilian individuals using orthopedic prostheses from a phenomenological perspective.

Design/methodology/approach
This qualitative study involved 16 lower-limb orthopedic prosthesis users, and data were collected through semi-structured interviews.

Findings
Thematic analysis, grounded in phenomenology, identified two superordinate themes: 1) Representativeness of the orthopedic prosthesis, and 2) Considerations regarding prosthesis use. These themes were further divided into subordinate themes: the first into “The prosthesis as part of me,” “What the prosthesis provides me,” and “It means everything to me”; the second into “Feelings about prosthesis use,” “Difficulties in daily life,” and “The gaze of others.”

Originality/value
According to orthopedic prosthesis users, their experiences and narratives reveal that prostheses play a key role in reconstructing body image and shaping identity. Initially, many participants viewed the prosthesis as merely a replacement for the lost limb, but over time, especially with prolonged use, it became more deeply integrated into their sense of self, fostering a stronger emotional connection. Prostheses were found to offer both functional and emotional benefits, enhancing users’ independence, self-esteem and sense of normalcy. However, despite these positive aspects, participants reported ongoing challenges, including difficulties in adapting to the device and limitations in functional mobility. Additionally, the study revealed that, despite societal progress, individuals with amputations continue to experience judgment and stigma, often reflected in the gaze of others.
Corporate social responsibility and firm performance: the role of firm reputation
Authors: Anita Rizqa , Abdillah Muhammad Rasyid , Sari S. Putri Sevriyanti , Rizki Sri , Arlendhea Windy 
Published: November 2024

Purpose
This study aims to examine the role of firm reputation as a mediator in the relationship between corporate social responsibility and firm performance, along with the underlying mechanism.

Design/methodology/approach
This research is quantitative research that aims to explain the phenomenon of the relationship between the implementation of corporate social responsibility and firm performance. A total of 573 companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange for the 2019–2021 period were sampled in this study. The analysis method in this study combines time series data and cross-section data called pooled data.

Findings
This research found a significant positive association between corporate social responsibility and firm reputation as well firm reputation is positively related to firm performance. In contrast, corporate social responsibility directly affects firm performance insignificantly. Based on the analyses, firm reputation mediates the effect of corporate social responsibility on firm performance.

Research limitations/implications
This study is limited due to its reliance on secondary data related to publicly listed companies from 2019 to 2021, which involves various downsides, that is many businesses still have not disclosed their engagement in corporate social responsibility practices. This study will ultimately yield practical implications for organizational managers, as it emphasizes the significance of corporate social responsibility in enhancing firm success.

Originality/value
The research presented in this paper contributes to the existing body of knowledge on corporate social responsibility by examining the impact of corporate social responsibility on firm performance. Furthermore, this study provides additional evidence for shared value creation by explaining the impact of corporate social responsibility on firm performance.
The role of halal value chain, Sharia financial inclusion, and digital economy in socio-economic transformation: a study of Islamic boarding schools in Indonesia
Authors: Qizam Ibnu , Berakon Izra , Ali Herni 
Published: November 2024

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the impact of the halal value chains (HVCs) in the Islamic boarding schools (IBSs) for the food and fashion industry on socio-economic transformation, focusing on changes in entrepreneurial attitudes, quality of life and social inclusion. The study also incorporates HVCs as a mediating variable to assess the indirect influence of Sharia financial inclusion and economic digitalization on socio-economic transformation.

Design/methodology/approach
This research uses a quantitative approach using primary data collected through surveys. The population consists of IBSs registered in the Independence Program of the Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia. The research sample was selected using purposive sampling, and the research model was tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling with WarpPLS 8.0 software.

Findings
The results of the direct analysis indicate that halal value chain (HVC) has a positive and significant effect on socio-economic transformation. The indirect analysis reveals that HVC plays a strategic role in facilitating the impact of Sharia financial inclusion and digital economy adoption on changes in entrepreneurial attitudes, quality of life and social inclusion. The findings are further validated through multigroup analysis, demonstrating the robustness of the result.

Practical implications
The results highlight two key points. First, the positive characteristics of the IBS-HVCs, enabled by Sharia financial inclusion, will drive the continuous development of new services, products, networks, collaborations and capital support, leading to the expansion of a financially inclusive and equitable HVC system from the IBSs to the broader community, with significant social and economic impacts nationally and internationally. Second, the adoption of economic digitalization within IBSs will enhance productivity and efficiency for business management, fostering expanded business models and facilitating upward social mobility.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to explore the role of HVC in socio-economic transformation. Additionally, it uses HVC as a mediating variable to explain the relationship between Sharia financial inclusion, digital economy and socio-economic transformation. A robustness test through multigroup analysis further strengthens the study’s contributions.
Student participation in data-informed decision making: from passive data sources to active data users
Authors: Schildkamp Kim , Fosnæs Anders Ruud , Lindvig Yngve , Wærness Jarl Inge 
Published: November 2024

Purpose Specific forms of data use in schools, particularly those that involve students in interpreting and utilizing the data about themselves, are gaining recognition. This exploratory qualitative study focused on students’ involvement in the use of data coming from a national survey.Design/methodology/approach In three best-practice schools, six focus groups were conducted with educators and students (N = 16) to find out how students were involved in the use of data, and what the perceived benefits were.Findings The results indicated that student participation ranged from involving students from specific groups (e.g. the student council) to taking a whole-classroom approach. The results also pointed to two missed opportunities: (1) students were not involved in goal setting, which may influence ownership and (2) students were mostly not involved in analyzing the data, thereby foregoing the chance to develop data literacy in students. Finally, the results confirm the importance of the dialogic use of data together with students to increase student participation, motivation, well-being and achievement.Originality/value Although data use in schools has been studied extensively, including students as a participant in this process has received little attention so far. This study sheds new light on how to include students in the use of data, and its possible benefits.
Consumer intentions to purchase remanufactured products: a behavioral reasoning theory approach
Authors: Güngördü Belbağ Aybegüm , Belbağ Sedat 
Published: November 2024

Purpose
The 12th sustainable development goal, responsible consumption and production, includes increasing awareness of circular economy practices. In this context, the authors base their study on remanufactured electronic products, a circular economy practice. The current research aims to examine the relationships between collectivistic values, reasons for purchasing remanufactured products (RPs) (product knowledge, perceived benefits, perceived awareness), reasons against purchasing RPs (perceived risk), attitude toward RPs and the intention to purchase RPs.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors conducted quantitative research on 259 consumers in an emerging market-Turkey. The authors benefited from structural equation modeling for data analysis.

Findings
This study shows that perceived awareness, attitude and product knowledge affect purchase intention. Perceived benefits, perceived risk, perceived awareness and product knowledge predict attitude. Collectivistic values affect product knowledge. Furthermore, attitude acts as a mediator between reasons and purchase intention in our model.

Originality/value
The escalating problem of electronic waste demands a shift toward sustainable consumer behavior with the help of social marketing. Hence, exploring the acceptance of remanufactured electronic products based on circular economy principles aligns with the goal of reducing waste generation. The remanufacturing literature on consumer behavior, which mainly benefits from the theory of planned behavior, overlooked the reasons for and against behavior. The authors base their study on behavioral reasoning theory, highlighting that reasons for and against behavior are critical in decision-making.
Understanding barriers to the adoption of blockchain-enabled smart contracts in construction projects: perspectives of construction practitioners
Authors: Ameyaw Ernest E. , Agyekum-Mensah George , Kumar Bimal , Edwards David John 
Published: November 2024

Purpose Traditional paper-based contracts are document-intensive, insecure, susceptible to forgery and errors, detrimental to productivity improvement and require multiple intermediaries. Addressing these challenges requires computerised construction to modernise the way modern construction projects are procured with blockchain-enabled smart contracts. Smart contracts could replace paper-based contracts by improving transparency and security and automating contractual terms, processes and transacting activities. However, smart contracts are an emerging technology with limited adoption in construction projects, and the issues influencing its widespread adoption remain unclear and unexplored. Hence, this study aims at exploring and understanding the important obstacles to adoption of smart contracts in construction projects.Design/methodology/approachUsing an international questionnaire survey, the study draws on experienced construction practitioners with direct involvement and knowledge in blockchain technology and smart contract initiatives and activities. Descriptive statistics and fuzzy logic techniques were used to analyse and model the quantitative survey data to establish the critical barriers to smart contracts adoption.Findings Organisational and external characteristics, personal characteristics and technology characteristics constitute major obstacles to the successful adoption of smart contracts. Construction practitioners’ limited knowledge of smart contracts, resistance to technology change, insufficiently digitalised construction industry and lack of or weak governmental support are critical to smart contracts adoption.Originality/value The research contributes to the body of knowledge on diffusing cutting-edge technology by advancing the understanding of practitioners’ perspectives on the primary obstacles to smart contracts adoption. Understanding the obstacles provides industry stakeholders (policymakers, leaders and practitioners) with underpinning knowledge with which to develop and implement corrective actions.
Exploring the impact of artificial intelligence on the transparency and rationality of Peruvian public works: perceptions, expectations, challenges and opportunities
Authors: Miranda-Hospinal Oscar , Villodre Julián , Valle-Cruz David , Angulo-Sánchez Kesber 
Published: November 2024

Purpose
This study aims to examine the perception of public works experts on the application of artificial intelligence (AI) as a tool to potentially increase the rationality and transparency of public works.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper is based on an exploratory quantitative design. It uses an original survey on the use of AI in public works, targeting public works experts from Peru. Data was analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings
Findings reveal public works experts’ interest in AI, highlighting its potential to improve transparency and efficiency, although labor changes are anticipated. AI monitoring could impact economic and quality control areas, vital in the fight against corruption. Infrastructure, government policies and financial resources emerge as fundamental enablers.

Originality/value
The advent of advanced AI systems has raised promises to help fight corruption through new monitoring capabilities that enhance transparency and rationality. However, few studies have assessed the impact of AI on public works. This paper contributes to this gap by testing a framework that explores how public works experts perceive the use of AI, considering their perceptions, expectations, perceived challenges and opportunities over public works’ rationality and transparency.
Influence of fermentation period on the chemical and functional properties, antinutritional factors, and in vitro digestibility of white lima beans flour
Authors: Ojo Mofoluwaso O. , Oni Oyekunle K. , Zubair Adeiza B. , Femi Fortune A. , Audu Yohanna , Etim Blessing , Adeyeye Samuel A. O. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThis study evaluated the variation in chemical and functional properties, antinutritional factors, and in vitro digestibility during the natural fermentation of white lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus) at different fermentation periods of 0, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h using standard methods. The results showed that an increase in the fermentation period resulted in a significant (p < 0.05) increase in protein and ash content, while fiber and fat content decreased with the length of fermentation. Also, there was an optimum increase by 92%, 56.39%, and 58.16% in β‐carotene, vitamin B2, and vitamin B3 at 24 h fermentation. Results showed that the fermentation period increased the mineral composition except for sodium which had a slight reduction though no significant (p < 0.05) difference was observed in the fermented samples. The antinutritional factors decreased linearly as fermentation progresses from 19.05–13.26 mg/100 g, 35.29–19.05 mg/100 g, 18.00–7.15 mg/100 g, and 3.09–1.35 mg/100 g for phytate, tannins, alkaloids, and oxalate, respectively. Fermentation significantly decreased the bulk densities, and swelling index, while water and oil absorption capacity, foaming properties, and emulsion capacities increased as fermentation progresses. Furthermore, protein digestibility improved from 50.33% to 58.50% and the glycemic index (GI) increased significantly (p < 0.05) with GI values of 57.18, 62.36, 62.67, and 62.82 for 24, 48, 72, and 96 h, respectively. This implies that these are all intermediate GI foods. This study showed that fermentation periods influence the quality of lima beans and this can be used to improve nutrition especially in the rural communities and find applications in food product development.Practical ApplicationLima beans are underutilized crops in comparison with other legumes. This is attributed to problems associated with digestion on consumption and its long hours in cooking described as “hard to cook” phenomenon which is reported to be attributed to the presence of significant amount of antinutrients such as tannins and phytates. The nutritional value of lima beans will be increased, along with their acceptance and consumption as food, by the reduction or inactivation of these antinutritional factors.
Kombucha enables to inhibit digestive enzymes activity and adipocyte differentiation of OP9 cells
Authors: Liu Yaowei , Zheng Yan , Wang Wei , Wang Zhe , Han Shanshan , Zhou Peng 
Published: November 2024

AbstractObesity is a global challenging epidemic caused by surplus adipose accumulation or energy intake, and available medications are quite limited. Studies focused on identifying potent anti‐adipogenic pharmaceuticals and functional foods have gained great interests. This study evaluated the obesity prevention potential of oolong tea kombucha (OTK) and yellow tea kombucha (YTK) by in vitro experiments. The results showed that the total polyphenol content in OTK and YTK increased by 50.00% and 47.49% after fermentation, and the antioxidative capacity of kombucha was enhanced by 7.57% and 7.83% as well. After fermentation, the inhibitory activity of OTK and YTK on α‐amylase and lipase was increased by 53.15% and 64.43%, and 45.24% and 39.74%, respectively. The anti‐adipogenic effects evaluated by using mouse OP9 cell model indicated that both OTK and YTK could downregulate the expression levels of FABP4, PPARγ, C/EBPα, and SERBP‐1C which are involved with adipocyte differentiation. Taken together, kombucha showed great potential in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism by inhibiting digestive enzymes and adipocyte differentiation, which could be a functional beverage in aiding obesity prevention or treatments. However, further animal or clinical experiments are needed to verify its potential in obesity intervention.Practical ApplicationThis study showed that kombucha showed great potential in preventing obesity, which provided an alternative functional beverage for obesity intervening or prevention.