bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Toward sustainability: a typology for non-placement work-based learning
Authors: Dean Bonnie Amelia , Rook Laura 
Published: April 2023

PurposeStudents experience a range of benefits by participating in work-based learning (WBL) including increased employability skills, career development learning and enhanced industry networks. However, some approaches to WBL are not easily accessed by all students, with placement-based models placing demands on students to attend a physical worksite over a sustained period of time. This paper explores the emergence of non-placement WBL (NPWBL) as a global solution to broadening access to work-related activities. This approach is arguably a more sustainable model that enables students to engage in meaningful work-learning opportunities without the need for extended, physical proximity in a workplace.Design/methodology/approachThrough a review of the literature, a typology of NPWBL is offered that organizes activities around the degree to which a student practices work and engages with an industry partner.FindingsNew and different NPWBL activities are continuing to emerge due to placement activities being described as resource intensive and in some cases unable to meet the demands of industry, specifically small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and large student cohorts, international students and those with disabilities. The NPWBL typology presented here has been developed to meet these challenges, while ensuring the authenticity of WBL is maintained.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper highlights the need for rich discussions around the sustainability of WBL activities to ensure relationships between institutions and industry continue to thrive.Practical implicationsNPWBL is less-resource intensive and offers a sustainable option for universities without compromising on quality, meaningful experiences for students. The typology can be a useful prompt for educators to consider their objectives for student learning when embedding a NPWBL activity in curriculum.Originality/valueThe NPWBL typology is unique and valuable as it organizes NPWBL activities around the learning practices of the external partner (industry or community) and the learning practices of the student. This enables the typology to be transferrable across disciplines. The paper closes with reflective questions for educators when designing NPWBL activities.
Framing the main patterns of an academic innovation ecosystem. Evidence from a knowledge-intensive case study
Authors: Angrisani Mariarosalba , Cannavacciuolo Lorella , Rippa Pierluigi 
Published: April 2023

PurposeThis research aims to shed new lights on the most shared constructs developed on Innovation Ecosystems, Entrepreneurial Ecosystems and Technology Transfer Ecosystem proposing an additional stand-alone ecosystem.Design/methodology/approachThis research is built upon a qual-quantitative analysis of an empirical case. The latter analysis is performed through a single case study methodology on the San Giovanni Hub of the Federico II University of Naples.FindingsEvidences show how a technological hub orchestrates three main ecosystems for the knowledge exploitation: the technology transfer ecosystem, devoted to gather knowledge form universities' labs towards industries; the innovation ecosystem, able to manage the exploration and exploitation of new knowledge and techniques; the entrepreneurial ecosystem, that supports startup/spinoff creation process.Research limitations/implicationsLimitations mainly concern the fact that it is centred on just one case study.Practical implicationsPractical implications imply new opportunities of collaboration involving different stakeholders as university administrators, researchers, businesses and policymakers, creating a supportive environment for innovation.Originality/valueThe research offers a new vision about the role of Universities as creators and enablers of ecosystems pursuing diverse value propositions. The Academic Innovation Ecosystem is a new conceptualization of this role played by a university, and it can convey innovation and entrepreneurial attitude within its ecosystem leveraging on the transfer of university knowledge and technology.
Effect of user fees on healthcare accessibility and waiting time in Nigeria
Authors: Olasehinde Noah , Osakede Uche Abamba , Adedeji Abdulfatai Adekunle 
Published: April 2023

PurposeThis study investigates the effect of user fees on access and waiting time in Nigeria. For access, the effect of user fees on both preventive and curative care; and the effect of user fees on waiting time at public healthcare facilities were examined. User fees are vital for the fiscal sustainability of healthcare provision for most African economies. Its imposition could debar healthcare access by the poor while its removal can reduce quality of care and induce longer waiting time.Design/methodology/approachThe wave 3 of the Nigerian General Household Survey (2015/16) data was used for users of public health facilities. Access to healthcare was modelled using utilization data in a logistic regression model while waiting time was through the Negative Binomial Regression Model (NBRM).FindingsThe analyses showed significant effects of user fees on access to both preventive and curative care and on time spent waiting to make use of healthcare services. Individuals were able to access healthcare services regardless of amounts paid. Also, there was a non-negative effect of user fee imposition on waiting time.Practical implicationsNigeria should improve healthcare facilities to address the enormous demand for healthcare services when designing policy for health sector.Originality/valueThis paper shows that even with the imposition of user fees, healthcare facilities could still not cater for the rising healthcare needs of the populace but cautioned that its abolition may not be a preferred option.
Unleashing the power of supply chain learning: an empirical investigation
Authors: Liu Xiaohong , Tse Ying Kei , Wang Shiyun , Sun Ruiqing 
Published: April 2023

PurposeOrganisational learning plays a critical role for firms to keep abreast of a supply chain environment filled with volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity (VUCA). This study investigates the extent to which supply chain learning (SCL) affects operational resilience under such circumstances.Design/methodology/approachThis study developed a research framework and underlying hypotheses based on SCL and information processing theory (IPT). An empirical test was carried out using secondary data derived from the “Supply Chain Policy” launched by the Chinese government and two large related conferences.FindingsSCL positively relates to operational resilience, and several moderators influence the relationship between them. The authors argue that digital-technological diversity could weaken the role of SCL in operational resilience, whereas customer concentration, and participating in a pilot programme could enhance the effect of SCL.Practical implicationsFirms should embrace the power of SCL in building resilience in the VUCA era. Meanwhile, they should be cautious of a digital-technological diversification strategy, appraise the customer base profile and proactively engage in pilot programmes.Originality/valueThis research develops the SCL construct further in the context of China and empirically measures its power on operational resilience using a unique dataset. This contributes to the theorisation of SCL.
Some inferences on a mixture of exponential and Rayleigh distributions based on fuzzy data
Authors: Mathai Ashlyn Maria , Kumar Mahesh 
Published: April 2023

PurposeIn this paper, a mixture of exponential and Rayleigh distributions in the proportions α and 1 − α and all the parameters in the mixture distribution are estimated based on fuzzy data.Design/methodology/approachThe methods such as maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) and method of moments (MOM) are applied for estimation. Fuzzy data of triangular fuzzy numbers and Gaussian fuzzy numbers for different sample sizes are considered to illustrate the resulting estimation and to compare these methods. In addition to this, the obtained results are compared with existing results for crisp data in the literature.FindingsThe application of fuzziness in the data will be very useful to obtain precise results in the presence of vagueness in data. Mean square errors (MSEs) of the resulting estimators are computed using crisp data and fuzzy data. On comparison, in terms of MSEs, it is observed that maximum likelihood estimators perform better than moment estimators.Originality/valueClassical methods of obtaining estimators of unknown parameters fail to give realistic estimators since these methods assume the data collected to be crisp or exact. Normally, such case of precise data is not always feasible and realistic in practice. Most of them will be incomplete and sometimes expressed in linguistic variables. Such data can be handled by generalizing the classical inference methods using fuzzy set theory.
The effects of the fuzzy front end and cross-functional interfaces in the NPD process
Authors: Li Lingjia , Dai Jing , Guo Bin , Shou Yongyi 
Published: April 2023

PurposeAs the start of a new product development (NPD) process, the front fuzzy end (FFE) is believed to determine new product performance to a large extent. However, its effects on new product performance, particularly in terms of quality and cost, lack empirical evidence in the extant literature. Moreover, the joint performance effects of the FFE and cross-functional interfaces in later NPD stages (i.e. product development and product launch) are largely overlooked and deserve further investigation. Therefore, this study aims to explore the direct effects of the FFE and later stages’ joint moderating effects on new product performance (i.e. quality and cost) from a holistic process view.Design/methodology/approachA conceptual model is proposed to hypothesize the FFE–new product performance relationships and the joint performance effects of cross-functional interface management. A sample of 196 firms from an international survey is used and hierarchical linear regression is employed to test the proposed hypotheses.FindingsThis study finds that FFE implementation contributes to both new product quality and cost performance. Moreover, interface management in multiple NPD stages has synergistic performance effects. Specifically, the FFE, customer involvement in product development and manufacturing flexibility in product launch jointly improve new product quality performance, while the FFE, supplier involvement in product development and manufacturing flexibility in product launch jointly improve new product cost performance.Originality/valueThis study extends the NPD literature by deepening the understanding of the key roles of the FFE on new product performance and evidencing the synergistic effects of cross-functional interfaces in multiple NPD stages. Further, this study also highlights the differential joint moderating effects of interface management in later NPD stages on new product quality and cost performance. This study also offers insightful implications to NPD managers.
Additive manufacturing–enabled innovation in small- and medium-sized enterprises: the role of readiness in make-or-buy decisions
Authors: Stentoft Jan , Wickstrøm Kent Adsbøll , Haug Anders , Philipsen Kristian 
Published: April 2023

PurposeThe digital transition process is an important strategic initiative for manufacturing companies to ensure continued competitiveness. The purpose is to investigate the relationship between firms' additive manufacturing (AM) readiness and product and process innovation and how this process is mediated by firms' make-or-buy decisions regarding performing AM processes internally or buying AM services from external partners.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on a questionnaire survey including full answers from 157 small- and medium-sized manufacturing companies.FindingsResults show a positive relationship between AM readiness and both product and process innovation. Results also reveal that firms with higher readiness invest more in in-house AM, which in turn promotes innovation. There was no significant association between AM readiness and the use of external AM services. Nonetheless, buying external AM services is still associated positively with innovation.Research limitations/implicationsData in the questionnaire survey are provided by single respondents from each company and are only based on Danish respondents.Practical implicationsThe results indicate that firms' product and process innovation benefits from higher AM readiness derive from increased investment in in-house AM rather than from increased use of external AM services. This also signifies that firms with lower levels of AM readiness buy external AM services and derive the innovation benefits hereof.Originality/valueThe paper delivers new, empirically found knowledge about how small- and medium-sized manufacturing can improve innovation by both making and buying AM services.
The effects of digital innovations and sustainable supply chain management on business competitive performance post-COVID-19
Authors: Sumarliah Eli , Al-hakeem Belal 
Published: April 2023

PurposeSustainable supply chain management (SSCM) practices and green entrepreneurial preference (GEP) have gained increasing attention from academicians; however, their impacts on business' competitive performance (BCP) post-coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) remain unclear. Although SSCM is vital for supporting BCP, the previous publications indicate the absence of significant relationships among GEP, SSCM and BCP. This study tries to fill this literature gap by investigating if GEP and SSCM can shape BCP. This study also suggests the moderation effect of digital innovations such as artificial intelligence and big data analytics (AIBD) on those relationships from a COVID-19 viewpoint.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from 245 Halal food firms in Yemen, and the research framework was assessed using structural equation modeling (SEM).FindingsThe empirical findings show that there are significant impacts of GEP on SSCM and subsequently on BCP. The findings also reveal that SSCM practice mediates GEP-BCP link. Besides, digital innovations such as AIBD positively moderate the link of GEP-SSCM.Originality/valueThis study is the first attempt that advises Halal food firms to formally adopt GEP, SSCM and digital innovations to boost BCP, especially in uncertain times like post-COVID-19. Unlike earlier studies that observe SSCM usage as a direct predictor of firm performance, this study delivers an innovative insight that digital innovations can assist in GEP and SSCM incorporation in the in-house operations of the firms post-COVID-19.
Healthcare decision making and choice: an empirical model of patient confusion
Authors: Chauhan Vishakha , Sagar Mahim 
Published: April 2023

PurposeConsumer confusion is an emerging phenomenon of interest that significantly drives choice behaviour. Considering the dearth of scholarly focus on confusion faced by consumers in a healthcare setting, this paper aims to conceptualize and validate a patient confusion model consisting of its drivers and outcomes.Design/methodology/approachDrawing upon adaptive decision-making framework and consumer confusion literature, patient confusion model has been developed. Empirical data of 310 patients from three private sector hospitals in India was collected through pen and paper survey administration. The hypothesized patient confusion model was tested using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to derive confirmatory results.FindingsThe results confirm the role of decision-making variables such as information overload, information similarity, information ambiguity, information asymmetry, patient involvement and physician-patient communication in the occurrence of patient confusion. A significant impact of confusion on switching intention was also confirmed, providing insights for healthcare managers.Practical implicationsThe effect of confusion on switching intention of consumers found through the present study holds significant implications from a healthcare management standpoint. Dissemination of credible information, improved communication between doctors and patients and creation of organized channels of health information provision also represent some of the notable implications for healthcare managers to mitigate patient confusion.Originality/valueThis study presents an empirically validated model of patient confusion creating a research agenda for theory development in this emerging area. Consumer confusion represents a core consumer behaviour problem that is of utmost significance in the healthcare sector. This paper is one of the first and early attempts to address this research problem.
Head shape predicts isotopic diet in anoles and day geckos
Authors: Figueira Tyler J. , Kennedy‐Gold Stevie , Piantoni Carla , Screen Robyn M. , Wright Amber N. 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Trophic morphology affects resource acquisition; therefore, species differences in such traits may be informative for inferring resource use overlap and potential species interactions.

In lizards, head size and shape determine the size and hardness of prey that can be consumed. Lizards with large differences in head morphology are expected to overlap less in prey use than lizards with more similar traits.

Stable isotopes are increasingly being used to describe diet, yet how traditional functional traits affect isotopic diet is often not clear a priori.

We measured head size, head shape, 𝛿15N, and 𝛿13C under controlled resource availability in an enclosure experiment using introduced lizards in Hawaiʻi to test whether functional traits predict isotopic diet.

Brown anoles Anolis sagrei had the tallest and narrowest heads, the highest values of 𝛿13C, and the lowest values of 𝛿15N. Gold dust day geckos Phelsuma laticauda had the shortest and widest heads, the lowest values of 𝛿13C, and the highest values of 𝛿15N. Green anoles Anolis carolinensis were intermediate in both diet and morphology.

As a result of isotopic diet overlap, green anoles have reduced competitor‐free resource space in the presence of both of the other lizard species.

Head shape was the best predictor of diet and the only trait that explained variation within as well as among species. Head size was sexually dimorphic, and therefore the weaker diet correlations with this trait may be explained by sexual selection.

Breadth in morphospace did not correlate with isotopic diet breadth, nor did the amount of overlap in morphospace predict the amount of overlap in isotopic diet space.

While lizards were able to locally depress prey in experimental enclosures, no shifts in diet were detected in response to the presence of heterospecifics.

The generality of head shape in predicting isotopic diet, and whether it does so independent of habitat use, warrants additional study. Head shape provides a potentially fruitful avenue for trait‐based approaches to studying ecology and evolution in lizards.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Microbial function regulates the effect of vegetation restoration on the contribution of biocrusts to soil respiration in drylands
Authors: Guan Chao , Chen Ning , Qiao Linjie , Zhao Changming 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Biocrusts are special components of dryland ecosystems and play important roles in ecosystem carbon cycles. Vegetation restoration not only affects carbon storage but also changes the characteristics of biocrusts. However, how vegetation restoration influences the contribution of biocrusts to soil carbon cycling in dryland ecosystems is poorly understood.

Using continuous field measurements combined with metagenomic shotgun sequencing, we explored the effect and regulatory mechanisms of Caragana korshinskii vegetation restoration on the contribution of biocrusts to total soil respiration.

We found that vegetation restoration increased the contribution of biocrusts to total soil respiration, with the biocrust contribution increasing from −5.6% for mixed biocrusts in a typical steppe to 17.1%, 18.1% and 19.6% for cyanobacteria–algae, lichen and moss biocrusts, respectively, in a Caragana korshinskii vegetation restoration area. The driving factors for total soil respiration changed from solely soil temperature to soil temperature and moisture after vegetation restoration. In contrast, the driving factors for soil respiration estimated for biocrust layers changed from precipitation alone to soil temperature and precipitation after vegetation restoration. We reveal that changes in microbial functional structure play important roles in regulating the effect of vegetation restoration and biocrusts on soil respiration. In addition, vegetation restoration also increases the microbial activity in biocrusted soils.

This calls for an improved understanding of the effects of biocrusts on soil respiration under vegetation restoration scenarios to advance our ability to evaluate soil carbon releases from dryland ecosystems.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Native and introduced pollinators vary in their seasonal floral resource visitation and selection between native and exotic plant species
Authors: Pei C. K. , Hovick Torre J. , Limb Ryan F. , Harmon Jason P. , Geaumont Benjamin A. 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Anthropogenic pressures on native ecosystems have resulted in numerous functional and compositional changes, creating novel ecosystems with new interactions between native and exotic species. How native species utilize these resources is crucial for their management in altered landscapes and the promotion of their essential ecosystem services.

We compared seasonal floral selection between European honey bees and their most phylogenetically similar native component in our study region, bumble bees, in North American grasslands with high densities of exotic plant species. Additionally, we determined whether floral species richness, total flowering density, native floral density or exotic floral density best explained the abundance of both groups.

Selection analyses revealed that honey bees and native bumble bees differed in selection between native and non‐native floral resource availability, with any significant selection of honey bees being for exotic plants while native bumble bees selected for native plants.

Native forb presence and floral richness best explained the variation in bumble bee abundance, while honey bee abundance was associated with flowering densities in the early and mid‐seasons and floral richness in both the early and late seasons.

Despite their generalist diets, we emphasize the importance of native floral availability for bumble bee foraging in novel grassland landscapes and the importance of exotic plants to support honey bee production.

Synthesis and applications. Our results indicate that pollinator forage management should differ for non‐native and native species, despite morphological and life‐history similarities. However, greater floral diversity provides a common management focus that can benefit honey bees and bumble bees in particular seasonal periods. Our results suggest that management actions promoting resource diversity can benefit functionally different species. In grasslands, implementing disturbance processes that can favour floral expression (e.g. fire; grazing) can support bumble bees of conservation concern and agriculturally important bees simultaneously.