bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adapting to Industry 4.0: evaluating SMEs preparedness through a comprehensive digital readiness assessment maturity model by validating stakeholders’ perceptions
Authors: Kumar Love , Sharma Rajiv Kumar 
Published: January 2025

PurposeIn the digital transformation era, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in India face both opportunities and challenges in adopting Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies. To ensure successful I4.0 implementation, the study aims to develop a digital readiness assessment model based on stakeholders’ perceptions.Design/methodology/approachThis research adopts a mixed-method framework to develop a comprehensive maturity model to assess the digital readiness of SMEs. The framework uses systematic literature review to comprehend I4.0 solution dimensions, followed by empirical validation of dimensions through a questionnaire survey and hypothesis formulation.FindingsThe digital readiness model is applied to companies working in four SME sectors, namely, automobile, machinery and equipment, pharmaceutical and agriculture. The findings highlight the necessity for sector-specific strategies to enhance digital capabilities, addressing unique challenges and leveraging opportunities for growth.Research limitations/implicationsThe proposed readiness assessment model, developed based on the 14 solution dimensions, 41 prerequisites and six levels, enables the respondents in SMEs to make factual assessments of their digital readiness and initiate efforts toward successful I4.0 implementation.Originality/valueThis research uniquely combines expert insights, multi-dimensional assessment and rigorous statistical validation to provide a robust conceptual framework for SMEs to navigate their digital transformation journey effectively.
A practical approach to teaching emerging technologies: a case of BIM
Authors: Adekunle Samuel Adeniyi , Oyeyipo Opeyemi , Aigbavboa Clinton Ohis , Ebekozien Andrew , Aliu John , Ejohwomu Obuks Augustine 
Published: January 2025

PurposeIn the present technological revolution era, lack of skills and training has been a critical challenge. Beyond this, there is less attention paid to how these skills should be delivered. Critically so is that of building information modelling as it affects the adoptions in the construction industry, which has been referred to as a game changer in terms of efficiency and productivity.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative approach was adopted, and a structured questionnaire was distributed to construction industry professionals. A total of 183 responses were collected and analysed to identify the effective and practical approaches to building information modelling (BIM) training for the construction industry.FindingsThe study ranked the most significant approaches and also clustered the approaches in order to provide a better understanding of the approaches. Two clusters were divided through a factor analysis of the approaches. The two clusters focus on pedagogy attributes and assessment attributes.Originality/valueThis study provides insight into an area that researchers have given less attention to before now. It, therefore, provides a critical point of call for industry practitioners and stakeholders in this area, which has been a source of concern. It helps in advancing BIM diffusion through training and informing targeted policies for effective training for emerging technologies.
An analysis of extreme risk spillover effects and their determinants between AI-related assets and Islamic banking indices
Authors: Billah Mabruk 
Published: January 2025

Purpose
This study uses the time-varying parameter vector autoregressive (TVP-VAR) frequency connectedness approach to examine the interconnectedness between artificial intelligence (AI)-related financial assets and Islamic banking indices in financial markets. It reveals linkages across different market segments and their influence on spillovers between segments at different investment horizons.

Design/methodology/approach
The research methodology involves using the TVP-VAR model. This model allows the authors to analyze return spillovers across different time frames by capturing the dynamic nature of the relationships between variables. The authors also consider various global factors in the regression analysis for rigor (Chatziantoniou et al., 2023).

Findings
This research shows that short-term changes impact extreme risk interconnectedness more than medium- or long-term changes. Well-established market indices like AI-related stocks (MSFT, GOOG and NVDA) and Islamic banks (Saudi Arabia, UAE) consistently contribute to or transmit returns. In contrast, most AI-related tokens and Asian Islamic banks tend to receive shocks. Two indices related to gold and the uncertainty of the US dollar demonstrate potential for hedging and predictability in interconnectedness.

Practical implications
The results emphasize the vital role of short-term changes in diversifying a portfolio and managing risks, providing valuable insights for financial analysts and professionals in AI-related finance, Islamic banking and portfolio management.

Originality/value
The rising importance of AI-related stocks and tokens in investing has raised concerns about their compatibility with traditional financial instruments, especially in Islamic finance (Rabbani et al., 2023; Darehshiri et al., 2022; Yousaf et al., 2022). This paper examines the connections among AI-related stocks, AI-related tokens and Islamic banking indices to shed light on their correlations and potential impacts on the financial landscape.
Sustainable Industry 4.0 and corporate social responsibility challenges in environmental decision-making effectiveness
Authors: Raissi Nizar , Hakeem Anas , Haidar Hassan Mousa 
Published: January 2025

Purpose
This study aims to examine the mediating effects of two corporate social responsibility factors – leadership mindset and corporate commitment – on the relationship between sustainable orientation toward Industry 4.0 and environmental decision-making effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach
The research model was tested using structural equation modeling based on survey data from 175 companies serving the Hajj and Umrah sector in Saudi Arabia, a sector recognized for its high level of digitalization.

Findings
The results indicate that a sustainable orientation toward Industry 4.0 and digitalization positively influences environmental decision-making effectiveness. Additionally, Corporate commitment was found to have a direct positive effect on environmental decision-making effectiveness, while leadership mindset showed no significant effect.

Originality/value
This study highlights the critical role of sustainable Industry 4.0, driven by digitalization, in enhancing service quality and competitive value in companies serving the Hajj and Umrah sector. These companies see digitalization as an opportunity to improve business outcomes through effective environmental strategic decisions, though its application remains challenging. The study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing empirical insights into the impact of digitalization on environmental decision-making effectiveness within this specific context.
Examining identity centrality in social media entrepreneurship
Authors: Boussema Samira 
Published: January 2025

Purpose
Based on the theory of identity, this paper aims to examine the centrality role of entrepreneurs’ identity in the prevalence of the entrepreneurial process in online platforms. Identity is a kind of internal energy that stimulates the neurons of entrepreneurs. Thus, leveraging identity effectively in the digital business cycle is a global challenge of paramount importance.

Design/methodology/approach
This study uses a quantitative approach, specifically the covariance-based structural equation modeling method, to examine data collected from a sample of 153 entrepreneurs operating on social media platforms.

Findings
The findings highlight the positive impact of social media on entrepreneurs’ identities, revealing three distinct identity types: digital identity, social identity and entrepreneurial identity. However, only entrepreneurial and social identities emerge as significant factors in sustaining the entrepreneurial process. Entrepreneurs operating on online platforms strive for recognition as entrepreneurs while also cultivating trust-based relationships with social media users. This recognition and trust contribute to the overall success of their entrepreneurial endeavors.

Research limitations/implications
Identity centrality in the entrepreneurial process presents itself as a highly sophisticated tool to help young entrepreneurs on social media platforms to identify, construct and even harmonize the different identities they may adopt to adapt to the challenges and opportunities of entrepreneurship. In fact, social media provide several opportunities that foster entrepreneurial aspirations and provide a fertile ground for shaping entrepreneurs’ identities, ensuring the success of their entrepreneurial ventures. The emerging generation of entrepreneurs should prioritize cultivating their entrepreneurial and social identities while maintaining an acute awareness of the importance of having a coherent and relevant online presence.

Originality/value
The results of this study significantly elucidate the mechanisms governing identity formation and its dynamics’ influence on the development of entrepreneurship on social media.
E-payments in the post-COVID-19: navigating uncertainty and forecasting trends
Authors: Ahmadian Mohamad 
Published: January 2025

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on electronic payments and to predict future trends in this sector using advanced grey forecasting models. It seeks to fill the research gap in understanding how digital payment behaviors have evolved post-pandemic, particularly focusing on the Iranian market.Design/methodology/approachThe research employs grey forecasting models, including grey model (GM(1,1)), rolling grey model (RGM(1,1)), unbiased GM (1,1), modified unbiased GM (1,1), discrete grey model (DGM(1,1)) and grey Verhulst, to analyze the e-payment indicators in the next three financial periods. Data were collected on electronic transactions and payment behaviors, and various forecasting models were compared to assess their accuracy and applicability.FindingsThe study finds that the unbiased GM (1,1) and modified unbiased GM (1,1) models offer superior accuracy in predicting electronic payment trends compared to the other models. These models are particularly effective in scenarios with limited data, showcasing their robustness in forecasting future trends in digital payments.Originality/valueThis research contributes original insights into the post-pandemic evolution of electronic payments, highlighting the effectiveness of grey forecasting techniques in emerging markets. It provides valuable information for policymakers and financial institutions, aiding in strategic planning and policy development related to digital transactions.
Politically connected boards: the role of country governance, regulated industry, firm size, and institutional ownership
Authors: Murti A.A.G. Krisna , Utama Sidharta , Hermawan Ancella Anitawati , Abbas Yulianti 
Published: January 2025

Purpose
This study aims to investigate whether country governance, regulated industry and firm-level characteristics, namely, ownership structure and firm size, are associated with the likelihood of firms having a politically connected board (PCB). This study also examines whether country governance and concentrated ownership moderates the association between institutional ownership and PCB.

Design/methodology/approach
This study uses cross-country analysis using 20 countries and hand-collected PCB data from 574 firms and 1,701 firm-year. This study performs logit regression analyses to examine hypotheses.

Findings
The results document that countries’ accountability, industry type and institutional ownership are associated with the likelihood of firms having a PCB. This study also finds that country governance, especially accountability, moderates the relationship between institutional ownership and PCBs. The results thus indicate the importance of country governance, especially accountability, in determining institutional investors’ political strategies.

Practical implications
This study provides several implications. First, firms tend to elect PCBs as a non-financial strategy because it arguably delivers additional resources and improves their performance, especially in countries with lower accountability and regulated industries. Meanwhile, investors and management must also hire PCBs cautiously because PCBs are closely related to agency issues. Agency issues reflect on the finding that institutional investors tend to avoid PCBs. However, the relationship between institutional investors and PCBs is closely related to the country-level context, especially accountability. This study also advises policymakers that country governance, especially accountability, is crucial in regulating the relationship between business and politics.

Originality/value
This study uses a relatively large number of new PCB and institutional ownership data collected manually from 20 countries. This study also examines several variables of country governance, such as accountability to PCB decisions that have not been tested before. This study examines the relationship between institutional ownership and PCB ownership decisions that were not examined before and uses a cross-country sample. In addition, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first one that examines the role of state governance, especially accountability for the relationship between institutional ownership and PCBs.
Unveiling the transformative power of augmented reality in retail: a systematic literature analysis
Authors: Pandey Praveen Kumar , Pandey Prashant Kumar 
Published: January 2025

PurposeThis study investigates the influence of augmented reality (AR) on consumer behavior and decision-making in the context of retail. By developing a conceptual framework that highlights AR’s distinct characteristics and its contribution to the theme of human-centricity and resilience, this research explores the cognitive and affective responses triggered by AR experiences and their subsequent impact on consumer choices.Design/methodology/approachThe study employs a comprehensive literature review approach, delving into the intricate relationships between AR, consumer behavior and decision-making. Through the exploration of factors such as interactivity, vividness, body image perception, narcissism, information processing preference, privacy concerns and situational surroundings, the study develops a nuanced understanding of the mechanisms underlying AR’s effects.FindingsThe study aligns with the contemporary focus on human-centeredness and resilience in the digital age. It reveals that interactive and vivid AR experiences significantly enhance consumer enjoyment and influence decision-making processes. Furthermore, the study uncovers how individual traits and contextual factors shape consumer responses to AR, shedding light on the broader landscape of consumer behavior.Research limitations/implicationsWhile acknowledging limitations in generalizability and potential publication bias, this study offers a fresh perspective by accounting for moderating effects and situational contexts. Future research directions might involve longitudinal studies to capture evolving trends in the dynamic realm of AR in retail.Practical implicationsBusinesses and marketers have the opportunity to utilize the knowledge acquired from this study to effectively integrate AR technologies into their customer engagement strategies, thereby promoting a customer-centric approach in their operations. The results emphasize the utmost importance of creating AR experiences that align with user preferences and provide meaningful interaction, ultimately leading to the development of sustainable consumer decisions in the digital age.Originality/valueDistinct from existing literature, this study contributes to the theme of human-centricity and resilience by examining the influence of AR on consumer behavior. This contribution enriches discussions on sustainable consumer choices in the digital era. Employing a comprehensive literature review approach, we explore key factors including interactivity, vividness, body image perception, narcissism, information processing preference, privacy concerns and situational surroundings. This approach deepens our understanding of AR’s influence on consumer behavior, presenting a valuable addition to the field.
Sustainable smart cities: promotion of circular economy in urban GCC regions
Authors: Sumra Kalsoom B. , Siddique Humayra , Afzal Seema , Qazi Abroon 
Published: January 2025

Purpose
This paper aims to address the need to adopt circular economy models in the urban development and infrastructure of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries – Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, UAE and Saudi Arabia. The purpose is to provide insights into the progress, challenges and potential benefits of transitioning from a linear to a circular economic model in response to the environmental challenges posed by rapid economic development and population growth in the GCC region. The study emphasizes the relevance of this research in fostering economic diversification, mitigating ecological concerns and attracting sustainable investments.

Design/methodology/approach
The study adopts a qualitative approach to investigate the adoption of circular economy principles in each GCC country’s urban development and infrastructure. It details the specific strategies and initiatives undertaken by Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, UAE and Saudi Arabia. The research methodology includes a Systematic Literature Review (SLR), thematic, comparative and individual analysis of their goals, progress and the unique approaches employed. Additionally, a SWOT analysis is conducted to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats associated with adopting circular economy models in the GCC region.

Findings
The case studies reveal each GCC country’s diverse approaches and progress in adopting circular economy models. Bahrain aims for carbon neutrality by 2060, Kuwait prioritizes sustainability in urban development, Oman focuses on waste reduction, Qatar integrates circular economy principles into its Vision 2030 initiative and Saudi Arabia explores closed-loop material flows. Whereas, the UAE focuses on infrastructure development with unique technological advancements in the near future. Despite common challenges such as traditional linear models and economic obstacles, the benefits of transitioning to circular economies in the GCC region are substantial. These include social, environmental and economic advantages, emphasizing sustainable growth, resource efficiency and enhanced environmental protection.

Originality/value
This paper contributes original insights into the adoption of circular economy models in the GCC region, providing a clear and succinct case for its value. The research underscores this transition’s economic, environmental and social benefits. It emphasizes the significance of sustainable resource management and economic opportunities while acknowledging challenges such as implementation obstacles and potential business impacts. The study invites reflection on future research steps, fostering a balanced and fair analysis of the value of the results. It positions the adoption of circular economy models as a crucial step toward achieving economic diversification, and environmental sustainability and attracting green investments in the GCC region.
Demystifying the nexus of audit committee characteristics and sustainability performance
Authors: Seth Himanshu , Saxena Akanksha 
Published: January 2025

PurposeTo scrutinize the role of audit committee characteristics (i.e. audit committee independence, audit committee expertise and audit committee tenure) in attaining sustainability performance (i.e. environmental, social and governance performance).Design/methodology/approachUsing a sample comprising 1,304 firm-year observations from Indian listed firms from 2018 to 2024, the current study performs baseline, robustness, additional and heterogeneity tests to examine the effect of audit committee characteristics on the environmental, social and governance performance.FindingsOur findings reveal that audit committee independence and expertise are vital for achieving sustainability performance. Also, our results indicate that independence and expertise in audit committees reflect more inclination for environmental performance and governance performance than social performance. The outcomes further state that the audit committee tenure does not impact sustainability performance. Our results remain robust even after using different estimators. Additionally, the above findings are similar for industry-wise outcomes as well as during the COVID-19 phase and post-phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.Originality/valueOur study makes a practical contribution by pioneering the attributes of audit committees in achieving sustainability performance from an emerging country perspective, such as India, which has not yet been done. The study holds great importance for managers, environmental activists, regulators and policymakers, reinforcing the belief that audit committee characteristics can be utilized in formulating policies for sustainability initiatives.
Clinical patterns of vitiligo in Japan: A descriptive study using the JMDC claims database
Authors: Tanemura Atsushi , Ma Yue , Sakaki‐Yumoto Masayo , Hiro Shintaro , Hirose Tomohiro , Suzuki Tamio 
Published: January 2025

AbstractVitiligo is a chronic autoimmune disorder that profoundly impacts patients' quality of life. Real‐world data on vitiligo in Japan are limited. This descriptive, cross‐sectional study used a claims database to evaluate vitiligo prevalence, patient demographics, treatments, and comorbidities in Japanese patients with vitiligo. Patients with claims for a vitiligo diagnosis in the JMDC database from January 2010 to December 2022 were included. Annual vitiligo prevalence, comorbidities, treatments, and medical facility visits were analyzed. Of 16 947 087 patients in the database during the 13‐year analysis period, a total of 26 358 patients (0.16%, 95% confidence interval 0.15–0.16) had a diagnosis of vitiligo. The standardized prevalence of vitiligo by sex and age in Japan remained generally consistent between 2010 (0.051%) and 2022 (0.056%). Atopic dermatitis was the most prevalent comorbidity. Comorbid atopic dermatitis prevalence increased between 2010 (21.8%) and 2022 (34.0%), and was highest among children aged 5–9 years. Other common comorbidities in 2022 included hypertension (10.4%), dyslipidemia (8.0%), anxiety disorder (7.4%), and psoriasis (7.0%). Topical corticosteroids were the most commonly used treatment throughout the period analyzed. Between 2010 and 2022, topical corticosteroid use decreased from 75.1% to 66.9%, and the use of narrowband ultraviolet B procedures increased from 19.2% to 28.1%. Mean duration of care was 12.9 months (standard deviation 20.5 months) and the median total number of outpatient medical facility visits was 3.0 (interquartile range 1.0–12.0). Key limitations include age and occupational biases in the JMDC database and potential misclassification of comorbidities due to off‐label treatment coding. Despite limitations in using a claims database, this study demonstrates consistent vitiligo prevalence in Japan, a high comorbidity burden, and evolving treatment patterns. Findings may guide clinical practice and treatment guidelines to improve management of vitiligo in Japanese patients.