bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tell me more: examining consumer perception and behavior toward animal welfare certification labels in Japan
Authors: Toyota Nozomi , Tan Caroline S.L. 
Published: June 2024

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the factors that influence Japanese consumer purchase intention toward products bearing animal welfare (AW) certification labels.

Design/methodology/approach
A conceptual model was developed with the constructs of informativeness, trust, consumer perception, health consciousness, moral norms and purchase intention and tested using a sample of 513 Japanese consumers. Data were collected using an online panel with the direct effects analyzed using regression while the mediation analysis was performed using Hayes PROCESS macro.

Findings
The findings have confirmed that informativeness, consumer perception and trust contribute to consumer purchase intention of products with AW certification labels. Moral norm has a significant indirect effect on the relationship between consumer perception and intention to purchase. However, health consciousness did not demonstrate any indirect effect on the relationship between consumer perception and intention to purchase.

Originality/value
This study contributes significantly to our understanding of Japanese consumers' perception toward AW certification labels, especially considering the limited discussion surrounding this topic in Japan. By highlighting the importance of informativeness, it sheds light on how enhancing consumer knowledge can potentially boost the demand for AW foods. Moreover, it challenges the conventional belief in the impact of health consciousness and consumer behavioral intention, thereby expanding the discourse on the role of health consciousness in consumer choices. Through this exploration, the study not only enhances consistency in discussing consumer behavior but also strengthens the coherence and argumentation of the research findings.
Research on information behavior in communities: a scoping review of community types, featured information behavior and research methods
Authors: Du Jia Tina , Ke Qing , Chu Clara M. , Partridge Helen , Ma Dandan 
Published: June 2024

PurposeThis scoping review article examined research on information behavior in communities over the past two decades (2000–2023). The review aims to uncover the characteristics and types of communities studied, the featured information behaviors, and the research methods employed.Design/methodology/approachThe PRISMA-ScR guidelines were followed to conduct this review. Five databases were selected to search for relevant empirical research. A total of 57 studies met the inclusion criteria for review. Thematic synthesis was used to analyze the multidimensional findings of included studies.FindingsA steady increase in the number of articles is evident in the past two decades. The review suggests that information behavior in community studies involved collaboration from other disciplines, such as public health and business management. More than half of the communities studied are virtual communities (56.1%), followed by communities of identity, professional communities and support communities, communities of interest, geographic communities, and academic communities. There are overlaps among these categories. Information sharing (63.2%) and information seeking (57.9%) were the most studied behavior of communities, followed by information use, information needs, and information judgment. Questionnaires (38.6%) and interviews (35.1%) were the most commonly used data collection techniques in studying information behavior in communities. It is noteworthy that eleven (19.3%) mentioned utilizing community-engaged approaches.Originality/valueThis is the first scoping review to explore the intersecting constructs of community research and information behavior studies. We call for further research to understand the contextual factors that shape the community’s information environments and to increase awareness of the partnership between communities and researchers.
Resilience of rural micro-businesses in an adverse entrepreneurial environment: adapting to the energy crisis
Authors: Apostolopoulos Nikolaos , Makris Ilias , Apostolopoulos Sotiris , Dimitrakopoulos Panos 
Published: June 2024

Purpose
This study aims to examine the potential adaptability and resilience of rural micro-businesses within a business environment affected by successive crises, specifically drawing conclusions on crisis management, while simultaneously highlighting enterprises’ capabilities in managing the current energy crisis, basis the experiences and best practices that they themselves have gained previously.

Design/methodology/approach
Convenience sampling was applied, effectively identifying 18 micro-entrepreneurs in rural Greece. Subsequently, qualitative research was conducted through semi-structured in-depth interviews.

Findings
Rural micro-businesses have shown adaptability and resilience to both economic and health crises through financial support received and interventions implemented. However, different crises’ types carry different business risks. The energy crisis has led to business operation’s energy costs and raw material prices multiplying exponentially. Additionally, they received limited financial support causing them to respond to the energy crisis though concrete defensive strategies and innovative interventions.

Research limitations/implications
Future research should examine local bodies and trade unions’ perception on the energy crisis’ impact towards rural entrepreneurship.

Practical implications
The findings are useful to Greek and European policy-makers and rural micro-entrepreneurs as the experience of dealing with several previous crises can be a useful tool when dealing with current and future crises.

Originality/value
This paper adds to international literature on rural micro-businesses resilience, operating in crisis mode. Additionally, it constitutes novel research exclusively focused on the new challenges faced by rural micro-businesses during the recent energy crisis.
Moderating role of firm characteristics on the relationship between corporate social responsibility and financial performance: evidence from India
Authors: Prakash Nisha , Hawaldar Aparna 
Published: June 2024

PurposeThe effect of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on corporate financial performance (CFP) is shown to depend on both firm-specific and external factors. This study investigates the moderating role of two firm-specific factors – the firm life-cycle stage and ownership structure – on the CSR–CFP relationship in a developing economy setting – India.Design/methodology/approachThe study covers 1,419 listed companies in India during 2015–21. The firm lifecycle is represented using firm age and future growth prospects. Ownership is represented through a dummy variable and promoters’ holding percentages. Return on assets (RoA) is used as a measure of CFP, while CSR intensity, i.e. the ratio of CSR expenditure to profit after tax (PAT), is used to represent CSR. Fixed effect panel regression and generalized method of moments (GMM) models are used for data analysis.FindingsCSR expenditure has a significant negative impact on CFP. Firm age and future growth prospects amplify this negative impact, indicating that the firm life-cycle has a significant negative moderating effect on the CSR–CFP relationship. Furthermore, the impact of CSR on CFP is worse for government companies than private ownership. Promoters’ holdings have a positive impact on the CSR–CFP relationship.Research limitations/implicationsThe results question the validity of mandatory CSR expenditure on companies operating in developing countries and call for a differentiated policy approach to CSR expectations based on firm characteristics. This study also enhances the existing literature on CSR–CFP.Originality/valueThe growing research on CSR–CFP has limited coverage of firm characteristics as contributing factors. Hence, this paper helps in enhancing the existing literature on CSR–CFP and makes it more relevant to firms with specific characteristics.
Tackling digital payment frauds: a study of consumer preparedness in India
Authors: Lonkar Ameya , Dharmadhikari Sonali , Dharurkar Neha , Patil Kanchan , Phadke Ravi Ashok 
Published: June 2024

Purpose
This paper aims to present a study to measure “Consumer Preparedness” (CP) towards digital payment frauds by considering factors such as awareness regarding fraud risk (“Awareness”), implementation of measures (“Protection”) and actions to be taken in case of fraud (“Responsiveness”).

Design/methodology/approach
This study reviews existing literature to understand various typologies of digital payment fraud. The data of 372 consumers was collected using a structured questionnaire. The data was analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Chi-square. CP score was calculated based on awareness score, protection score and responsiveness score.

Findings
The study shows that the score for the level of awareness was low, for the level of protection was moderate and for the level of responsiveness was high, leading to an overall moderate level of preparedness. Further, a moderate association was observed between demographic factors and the level of preparedness.

Practical implications
The authors recommend proactive and reactive measures for Central Banks regarding central fraud registry and intelligence exchange, consumer fraud vulnerability assessment model and mandating fraud risk management controls. Further, financial institutions are recommended to permit payment from registered devices only, implement strong customer authentication (including biometric authentication) and conduct periodic awareness sessions.

Originality/value
The existing body of knowledge does not have a model or scoring mechanism to assess the preparedness of consumers to tackle digital payment fraud. The research paper adds a classification of fraud typologies and an exploratory approach to measure the CP score.
The future of work: a symbiotic balance of technology and interpersonal skills
Authors: Haldar Sirsha 
Published: June 2024

Purpose
The article explores the evolving nature of the workplace, emphasising the importance of soft skills alongside technological proficiency for organisational success and employee retention.

Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative approach to examine the role of soft skills in the contemporary workplace, drawing insights from the ADP People at Work 2023 report and expert opinion to highlight the significance of interpersonal competencies in driving collaboration, innovation and employee loyalty.

Findings
The findings underscore the pivotal role of soft skills in fostering cohesive work environments, enhancing employee engagement and mitigating turnover rates. It emphasises the need for organisations to prioritise the development of soft skills through recruitment, training and performance management initiatives to achieve sustained success in a dynamic business landscape.

Originality/value
The article contributes to the existing literature by synthesising insights from various sources to advocate for the integration of soft skills into organisational practices. It highlights the strategic imperative for HR leaders to embed soft skills into recruitment processes, training initiatives and performance management practices to nurture a culture of resilience, innovation and collective success in the modern workplace.
Feeding en route: Prey availability and traits influence prey selection by an avian predator on migration
Authors: Bourbour Ryan P. , Aylward Cody M. , Meehan Timothy D. , Martinico Breanna L. , Badger Mary E. , Goodbla Alisha M. , Fish Allen M. , Ely Teresa E. , Briggs Christopher W. , Hull Elisha M. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

During animal migration, ephemeral communities of taxa at all trophic levels co‐occur over space and time. The interactions between predators and prey along migration corridors are ecologically and evolutionarily significant. However, these interactions remain understudied in terrestrial systems and warrant further investigations using novel approaches.

We investigated the predator–prey interactions between a migrating avivorous predator and ephemeral avian prey community in the fall migration season. We tested for associations between avian traits and prey selection and hypothesized that prey traits (i.e. relative size, flocking behaviour, habitat, migration tendency and availability) would influence prey selection by a sexually dimorphic raptor on migration.

To document prey consumption, we sampled trace prey DNA from beaks and talons of migrating sharp‐shinned hawks Accipiter striatus (n = 588). We determined prey availability in the ephemeral avian community by extracting weekly abundance indices from eBird Status and Trends data. We used discrete choice models to assess prey selection and visualized the frequency of prey in diet and availability on the landscape over the fall migration season.

Using eDNA metabarcoding, we detected prey species on 94.1% of the hawks sampled (n = 525/588) comprising 1396 prey species detections from 65 prey species. Prey frequency in diet and eBird relative abundance of prey species were correlated over the migration season for top‐selected prey species, suggesting prey availability is an important component of raptor‐songbird interactions during fall. Prey size, flocking behaviour and non‐breeding habitat association were prey traits that significantly influenced predator choice. We found differences between female and male hawk prey selection, suggesting that sexual size dimorphism has led to distinct foraging strategies on migration.

This research integrated field data collected by a volunteer‐powered raptor migration monitoring station and public‐generated data from eBird to reveal elusive predator–prey dynamics occurring in an ephemeral raptor‐songbird community during fall migration. Understanding dynamic raptor‐songbird interactions along migration routes remains a relatively unexplored frontier in animal ecology and is necessary for the conservation and management efforts of migratory and resident communities.
Climate interacts with the trait structure of tree communities to influence forest productivity
Authors: Dupont‐Leduc Laurie , Power Hugues , Fortin Mathieu , Schneider Robert 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Tree functional diversity can increase forest productivity by enhancing species interactions and providing greater growth stability. However, very few studies have examined the influence of tree community trait structure on survivor growth, recruitment and mortality simultaneously, which are the main drivers of forest population dynamics.

Here, we explore the interactions among functional diversity, productivity and climate to investigate the role of the trait structure of communities on forest productivity and to determine under what circumstances functional diversity should be promoted to ensure forest adaptive capacity under future climate.

Using random‐forest modelling and a network of permanent sample plots covering a broad gradient of climatic conditions, we isolated the effects of functional diversity—described as the distribution of trait values in a community—and climate variables on net forest productivity (NFP), survivor growth, recruitment and mortality.

Based on our findings, community‐level trait structure affects forest productivity in different ways. NFP was influenced by three traits from three different plant strategy dimensions, whereas survivor growth and recruitment were strongly correlated with leaf and resource acquisition traits, and tree mortality with a mix of traits reflecting various plant strategies.

We also observed climate interactions with the functional trait structure of tree communities. For instance, we observed an interaction between drought tolerance and mean annual temperature: At low temperatures, NFP biomass accumulation increased with the value of the drought tolerance trait; however, at higher temperatures, the opposite pattern was observed. However, we found contrasting patterns of population response to climate variability, depending on their functional diversity. Greater functional diversity does not necessarily increase biomass accumulation under different climatic conditions.

Synthesis. As all components of forest productivity contribute to NFP, studies on forest productivity should consider not only survivor growth but also recruitment and mortality. Each component responds differently in terms of biomass changes in climatic variation, according to the trait structure of tree communities. This study provides a framework to identify the trait structure that should be targeted under different climate scenarios to anticipate change and help strengthen forest response capacity to climate change.
Mycorrhizal‐herbivore interactions and the competitive release of subdominant tallgrass prairie species
Authors: Duell Eric B. , Todd Timothy C. , Wilson Gail W. T. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Plant‐microbial‐herbivore interactions play a crucial role in the structuring and maintenance of plant communities and biodiversity, yet these relationships are complex. In grassland ecosystems, herbivores have the potential to greatly influence the survival, growth and reproduction of plants. However, few studies examine interactions of above‐ and below‐ground grazing and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) mycorrhizal symbiosis on plant community structure.

We established experimental mesocosms containing an assemblage of eight tallgrass prairie grass and forb species in native prairie soil, maintained under mycorrhizal and nonmycorrhizal conditions, with and without native herbivorous soil nematodes, and with and without grasshopper herbivory. Using factorial analysis of variance and principal component analysis, we examined: (a) the independent and interacting effects of above‐ and below‐ground herbivores on AM symbiosis in tallgrass prairie mesocosms, (b) independent and interacting effects of above‐ and below‐ground herbivores and mycorrhizal fungi on plant community structure and (c) potential influences of mycorrhizal responsiveness of host plants on herbivory tolerance and concomitant shifts in plant community composition.

Treatment effects were characterized by interactions between AM fungi and both above‐ground and below‐ground herbivores, while herbivore effects were additive. The dominance of mycorrhizal‐dependent C4 grasses in the presence of AM symbiosis was increased (p < 0.0001) by grasshopper herbivory but reduced (p < 0.0001) by nematode herbivory. Cool‐season C3 grasses exhibited a competitive release in the absence of AM symbiosis but this effect was largely reversed in the presence of grasshopper herbivory. Forbs showed species‐specific responses to both AM fungal inoculation and the addition of herbivores. Biomass of the grazing‐avoidant, facultatively mycotrophic forb Brickellia eupatorioides increased (p < 0.0001) in the absence of AM symbiosis and with grasshopper herbivory, while AM‐related increases in the above‐ground biomass of mycorrhizal‐dependent forbs Rudbeckia hirta and Salvia azurea were eradicated (p < 0.0001) by grasshopper herbivory. In contrast, nematode herbivory enhanced (p = 0.001) the contribution of Salvia azurea to total biomass.

Synthesis. Our research indicates that arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis is the key driver of dominance of C4 grasses in the tallgrass prairie, with foliar and root herbivory being two mechanisms for maintenance of plant diversity.
Medicaid coverage for gender‐affirming surgery: A state‐by‐state review
Authors: LaGuardia Jonnby S. , Chin Madeline G. , Fadich Sarah , Morgan Katarina B. J. , Ngo Halena H. , Bedar Meiwand , Moghadam Shahrzad , Huang Kelly X. , Mallory Christy , Lee Justine C. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo systematically review Medicaid policies state‐by‐state for gender‐affirming surgery coverage.Data Sources and Study SettingPrimary data were collected for each US state utilizing the LexisNexis legal database, state legislature publications, and Medicaid manuals.Study DesignA cross‐sectional study evaluating Medicaid coverage for numerous gender‐affirming surgeries.Data Collection/Extraction MethodsWe previously reported on state health policies that protect gender‐affirming care under Medicaid coverage. Building upon our prior work, we systematically assessed the 27 states with protective policies to determine coverage for each type of gender‐affirming surgery. We analyzed Medicaid coverage for gender‐affirming surgeries in four domains: chest, genital, craniofacial and neck reconstruction, and miscellaneous procedures. Medicaid coverage for each type of surgery was categorized as explicitly covered, explicitly noncovered, or not described.Principal FindingsAmong the 27 states with protective Medicaid policies, 17 states (63.0%) provided explicit coverage for at least one gender‐affirming chest procedure and at least one gender‐affirming genital procedure, while only eight states (29.6%) provided explicit coverage for at least one craniofacial and neck procedure (p = 0.04). Coverage for specific surgical procedures within these three anatomical domains varied. The most common explicitly covered procedures were breast reduction/mastectomy and hysterectomy (n = 17, 63.0%). The most common explicitly noncovered surgery was reversal surgery (n = 12, 44.4%). Several states did not describe the specific surgical procedures covered; thus, final coverage rates are indeterminate.ConclusionsIn 2022, 52.9% of states had health policies that protected gender‐affirming care under Medicaid; however, coverage for various gender‐affirming surgical procedures remains both variable and occasionally unspecified. When specified, craniofacial and neck reconstruction is the least covered anatomical area compared with chest and genital reconstruction.