bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Manipulability optimization of redundant manipulators using reinforcement learning
Authors: Yang Haoqiang , Li Xinliang , Meng Deshan , Wang Xueqian , Liang Bin 
Published: July 2023

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is using a model-free reinforcement learning (RL) algorithm to optimize manipulability which can overcome difficulties of dilemmas of matrix inversion, complicated formula transformation and expensive calculation time.

Design/methodology/approach
Manipulability optimization is an effective way to solve the singularity problem arising in manipulator control. Some control schemes are proposed to optimize the manipulability during trajectory tracking, but they involve the dilemmas of matrix inversion, complicated formula transformation and expensive calculation time.

Findings
The redundant manipulator trained by RL can adjust its configuration in real-time to optimize the manipulability in an inverse-free manner while tracking the desired trajectory. Computer simulations and physics experiments demonstrate that compared with the existing methods, the average manipulability is increased by 58.9%, and the calculation time is reduced to 17.9%. Therefore, the proposed method effectively optimizes the manipulability, and the calculation time is significantly shortened.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first method to optimize manipulability using RL during trajectory tracking. The authors compare their approach to existing singularity avoidance and manipulability maximization techniques, and prove that their method has better optimization effects and less computing time.
The impact of COVID-19 on sustainability reporting: A perspective from the US financial institutions
Authors: Alkayed Hani , Yousef Ibrahim , Hussainey Khaled , Shehadeh Esam 
Published: July 2023

PurposeThis article provides the first empirical study on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on sustainability reporting in US financial institutions using institutional, stakeholder and legitimacy theories.Design/methodology/approachThe study used the independent sample t-test and Mann–Whitney U test throughout as well as OLS, random effects, fixed effects and heteroskedasticity corrected model to test the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sustainability reporting in the US financial sector. A sample from all listed US financial firms was used after controlling for both the Refinitiv Eikon sector classification and the NAICS sector classification.FindingsUsing U Mann–Whitney test and independent sample t-test the study revealed that the average ESG score for the pre-COVID19 period is 53% compared with 62.3% for the COVID-19 period, indicating that the sustainability reporting during COVID-19 is much higher compared with the pre-pandemic period. The findings of regression analysis also confirm that the US financial companies increased their sustainability reporting during the COVID-19 pandemic.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is an early attempt to look at how the COVID-19 epidemic has affected financial reporting procedures, although it is focused only on one area and other entity-related factors like stock market implications, company governance, internal audit practice, etc could have been considered.Practical implicationsThis research offers useful recommendations for policymakers to create standards for regulators on the significance of raising sustainability awareness. The findings are crucial for accounting regulators as they work to implement COVID-19 and enforce required integrated reporting rules and regulations.Originality/valueThe study provides the first empirical evidence on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sustainability reporting, by examining how US financial institutions approach the topic of sustainability during the COVID-19 pandemic and assessing the pandemic's current consequences on sustainability.
Gaming and luxury brands: love and hate
Authors: Guzzetti Alice , Crespi Roberta , Atwal Glyn 
Published: July 2023

Purpose
The purpose of this exploratory study is to identify the antecedents of brand hate in respect to luxury brand gamification marketing activities.

Design/methodology/approach
Five gamified product placements characterized by the ad hoc design of luxury co-branded virtual and/or physical products were selected for the research study. Content analysis was used to identify patterns and classify negative comments shared online into categories.

Findings
A content analysis of the negative comments (n. 2,321) related to the perception toward gamification of luxury fashion in videogames revealed the following seven domains: monetization of the game; promotion of inappropriate behavior; unethical placement; games commodified by brands; predatory monetization; perceived incongruence; poor product performance.

Research limitations/implications
The exploratory research study revealed how the perception of gamification activities trigger negative emotions toward luxury fashion brands. It was significant that many of these emotions fall within the antecedents of brand hate.

Practical implications
Luxury companies and game developers need to be aware and manage the antecedents of brand hate in respect to luxury brand gamification activities in videogames. Moreover, luxury brands need to consider customers’ influencing behavior via online word-of-mouth and the potential to impact attitudes and behaviors of other consumers toward brands.

Originality/value
The ethics of gamification within a marketing context have largely escaped inquiry. The study provides evidence that luxury brands need to align the fundamentals of luxury brand management in the digital world of gaming.
A novel heritage BIM (HBIM) framework development for heritage buildings refurbishment based on an investigative study of microorganisms
Authors: Cooney John Peter , Oloke David , Gyoh Louis 
Published: July 2023

Purpose
This study aims to demonstrate the possibility of showing the functionality of complex microbial groups, within ancient structures within a process of refurbishment on a heritage building information modelling (BIM) platform.

Design/methodology/approach
Both a qualitative and qualitative research method will be used throughout, as observational and scientific results will be obtained and collated. This path being; phenomena – acquisition tools – storage – analysis tools – literature. Using this methodology, one pilot study within the scope of demolition and refurbishment, using suitable methods of collecting and managing data (structural or otherwise), will be used and generated by various software and applications. The principle methods used for the identification of such micro-organisms will incorporate a polymerase chain reaction method (PCR), to amplify DNA and to identify any or all spores present. The BIM/historical BIM (HBIM) process will be used to create a remotely-based survey to obtain and collate data using a laser scanner to produce a three-dimensional point cloud model to evaluate and deduce the condition, make-up and stature of the monument. A documentation management system will be devised to enable the development of plain language questions and an exchange information requirement, to identify such documentation required to enable safe refurbishment and to give health and safety guidance. Four data sampling extractions will be conducted, two for each site, within the research, for each of the periods being assessed, that being the Norman and Tudor areas of the monument.

Findings
From laboratory PCR analysis, results show a conclusive presence of micro-organism groups and will be represented within a hierarchical classification, from kingdom to species.

Originality/value
The BIM/HBIM process will highlight results in a graphical form to show data collected, particularly within the PCR application. It will also create standardisation and availability for such data from ancient monuments to make available all data stored, as such analysis becomes substantially important to enable the production of data sets for comparison, from within the framework of this research.
Perceived risk and second-hand clothing consumption: a moderated-moderation model
Authors: Koay Kian Yeik , Cheung Man Lai , Lom Hui Shan , Leung Wilson Ka Shing 
Published: July 2023

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the three-way interaction effect of sanitary risk, aesthetic risk and psychological risk on consumers' purchase intention for second-hand clothing (SHC) based on perceived risk theory.Design/methodology/approachA survey method is used to collect data from consumers, and the final valid sample comprises 290 respondents. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) and PROCESS macro are used to analyse the data.FindingsThe results reveal that aesthetic risk moderates the negative influence of sanitary risk on purchase intention, such that the negative influence is stronger when aesthetic risk is high. In addition, the three-way interaction effect of sanitary risk, aesthetic risk and psychological risk on consumers' purchase intention for SHC is found to be significant. That is, the negative influence of sanitary risk on purchase intention is strongest when both aesthetic risk and psychological risk are high.Originality/valuePrevious studies have only examined the direct effect of perceived risk on consumers' purchase intention for SHC. This study contributes to perceived risk theory by examining the joint moderating effect of aesthetic risk and psychological risk on the relationship between sanitary risk and purchase intention in the context of SHC.
CEO international experience and firm performance revisited: What’s culture got to do with it?
Authors: Downes Meredith , Barelka Alex J. 
Published: July 2023

PurposeThis paper examines the relationship between chief executive officer (CEO) international experience (IE) and firm performance. The authors also examine the symmetry of this relationship, whereby home and host countries would be interchangeable without any significant change in the impact of each cultural dimension on firm performance.Design/methodology/approachFor a sample of CEOs from Fortune's list of Global 500 companies, firm performance was measured as average net margin for the first four years of CEO tenure. IE was the difference between home country culture and that where CEO experience was gained, based on the GLOBE cultural dimensions. Regression then tested the IE/firm performance relationship. For symmetry, distance direction was coded as either positive or negative, depending on whether home country score on a given dimension was higher or lower than that of the host. Moderator regression then tested for whether distance direction impacted the relationship between IE and firm performance.FindingsResults show that overall distance between home and host cultures in aggregate does not have a significant effect on firm performance. However, for specific dimensions, greater distances between the CEO's countries of experience and that of the parent company on in-group collectiveness and performance orientation are associated with higher firm performance, and greater distances on power distance and assertiveness are associated with lower performance. The authors further find asymmetric patterns in the IE–performance relationship, attributable primarily to the fact that, when scores on performance orientation are greater for the home than host country, organizational performance is significantly enhanced.Originality/valueThis study's hypotheses are grounded in theory, combining the human capital perspective with cultural paradox theory. In addition, the authors offer a unique approach for measuring the dimensional distance of culture.
Transition management strategies of confiscated mafia-type firms: the role of public administrations and nonprofit organizations
Authors: Bisogno Marco 
Published: July 2023

PurposeThis study aims to investigate transition patterns originating from the confiscation of mafia-type firms, examining public administrations and nonprofit organizations' roles.Design/methodology/approachThis study investigates the case of “Calcestruzzi Ericina Libera,” a firm located in Sicily and confiscated from the Mafia in 1996. The analysis covers an extended period (approximately 25 years).FindingsThe empirical analysis documents the pivotal role of informal networks, comprising public administrations and nonprofit organizations. Confiscation processes are successful if transition management strategies are governed through a network and a collaborative approach is followed after the confiscation to support the firm.Originality/valueMafia-type firms have been examined academically from different perspectives, but few studies have focused on the steps taken after their confiscation.
Optimal financing strategy and contract design of supply chain with yield uncertainty under cap-and-trade regulation
Authors: Tang Ting , Xu Haiyan , Chen Kebing , Zhang Zhichao 
Published: July 2023

PurposeThe purpose of the study is to investigate the financing channels and carbon emission abatement preferences of supply chain members, and further examine the optimal contract design of the retailer.Design/methodology/approachThis paper develops a low-carbon supply chain composed of one retailer and one manufacturer, in which the retailer provides trade credit to the manufacturer. Considering the cap-and-trade regulation, the manufacturer with uncertain yield makes decision on whether to invest in emission abatement. There are bank loan and trade credit to finance production for the manufacturer and green credit to finance emission abatement investment. Meanwhile, the retailer may provide the manufacturer with three kinds of contracts to improve emission abatement efficiency, namely, revenue sharing, cost sharing or both sharing.FindingsThe results show that the retailer prefers to offer financing service at lower interest rate, but trade (and green) credit financing is always optimal for manufacturer and supply chain. The investment in emission abatement is value-added to all players. The sharing contracts offered by the retailer at lower sharing ratios can realize Pareto improvement of the system regardless of the financing scheme. However, comparing with the revenue or cost sharing contract, the existence of optimal sharing ratios makes the both sharing contract more favorable to the retailer.Practical implicationsThe findings provide guidance for the emission-dependent manufacturer in financing and emission abatement decisions, as well as recommendations for the retailer to offer loan service and sharing contract.Originality/valueThis paper integrates green credit into bank loan or trade credit to analyze the financing decision of the manufacturer with uncertain yield and further considers the influence of three kinds of sharing contracts introduced by the retailer on improving operational performance.
Do perceived threats to psychological distance influence tourists' reactance and online Airbnb booking intentions during COVID-19?
Authors: Akhtar Naeem , Iqbal Siddiqi Umar , Islam Tahir 
Published: July 2023

Purpose The authors proposed a conceptual model by examining the influence of threats to their freedom on tourists’ psychological distance including social distance, spatial distance, and temporal distance, which effect psychological reactance and the consequent online Airbnb booking intentions. Furthermore, media intrusiveness as a moderator determines the boundary conditions between perceived threats to their freedom and social distance, spatial distance, and temporal distance.Design/methodology/approachData was gathered from 491 Chinese travelers to provide empirical evidence. The authors performed data analysis in Amos 26.0 using structural equation modeling (SEM) and Hayes (2013) PROCESS macro.FindingsThe findings positively reinforced all the structural relationships of the study. Notably, media intrusiveness significantly moderates the association between perceived threats to their freedom and psychological distance (i.e. social distance, spatial distance, and temporal distance).Research limitations/implicationsThe findings contribute significantly to the field of social psychology, advertising, and consumer behavior derive prolific implications for policymakers and sharing economy platforms. Lastly, by identifying limitations, this research opens doors for future scholars.Originality/valueGovernments' acute precautionary measures in response to the COVID-19 outbreak have confined individual freedom across the globe. This study illuminates how tourists conceive these preventative measures as perceived threats to their freedom, and subsequently engage psychological reactance.
UKSG 2023: scholarly communication for the information community
Authors: Oyelude Adetoun A. 
Published: July 2023

Purpose
It reports new research and innovative ideas and technology presented at the UKSG Conference held in Glasgow, Scotland. The report is to disseminate outcomes from the conference plenaries, lightning talks, breakout sessions and exhibitions. Topics like open access, global equity, artificial intelligence and scholarly communication, research archiving and preservation among others are described as presented during the conference.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper uses the viewpoint method in reporting a United Kingdom Serials Group (UKSG) experience of a conference held in April, 2023 in Glasgow, Scotland.

Findings
The scholarly community debated much that is trending on various topics and concluded that a lot needs to be done in collaborations, open access, research into new ways of dealing with contemporary issues and new technologies.

Originality/value
The paper presents the issues discussed at the UKSG Conference 2023 have not been presented before. Current trends are brought to the fore.
Synthesis, metrological characterization, and dyeing properties of surface grafted viscose fabric using peroxydisulfate/ferrous II ions redox pair
Authors: Mostafa Khaled , Abdelaziz Nader , El-Sanabary Azza 
Published: July 2023

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to undertake surface graft copolymerization of viscose fabric via altering its fibrous properties by using acrylic acid (AA) as a carboxyl-containing monomer and peroxydisulfate (PDS) in presence of ferrous sulfate as a novel redox pair for initiating grafting. The latter process acted as an energy-saving process with respect to the reduction in polymerization temperature and maximizing the graft yield %, in addition to rendering the grafted viscose fabrics dye-able with cationic dye (crystal violet), which has frequently no direct affinity to fix on fabric.

Design/methodology/approach
To make graft copolymerization more efficient and economic, the optimum conditions for graft copolymerization were established. The graft yield % was determined as a function of initiator, catalyst and monomer concentrations and the material to liquor ratio, in addition to polymerization time and temperatures. Metrological characterizations via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy of topographic morphological surface change have also been established in comparison with the ungrafted samples.

Findings
The maximum graft yield of 70.6% is obtained at the following optimum conditions: monomer (150 % based on the weight of fabric), PDS (50 m mole), ferrous sulfate (80 m mole) and sulfuric acid (30 m mole) at 40° C for 1.5 h using a liquor ratio of 30. Remarkably, grafting with AA enabled a multifold upsurge in color strength, with improvements in the fastness properties of cationically dyed grafted viscose fabric measured on the blue scale in comparison with untreated viscose fabric.

Originality/value
The novelty addressed here is undertaken with studying the effect of altering the extent of grafting of poly (AA)-viscose graft copolymers expressed as graft yield % in addition to carboxyl contents on cationic dyeing of viscose fabric for the first time in the literature. Moreover, rendering the viscose fabrics after grafting is dye-able with cationic dye with high brilliance of shades, which has regularly no direct affinity to fix on this type of fabrics.
Continuing complexity: The university careers of a scientific elite in relation to their class origins and schooling
Authors: Bukodi Erzsébet , Goldthorpe John H. , Steinberg Inga 
Published: July 2023

AbstractWe report on continuing research on the UK scientific elite, intended to illustrate a proposed new approach to elite studies and based on a prosopography of Fellows of the Royal Society born from 1900. We extend analyses previously reported of Fellows' social origins and secondary schooling to take in their university careers as under‐ and postgraduates. The composite term ‘Oxbridge’, as often applied in elite studies, is called into question, as members of the scientific elite prove to have been recruited more from Cambridge than from Oxford. Particular interest then attaches to the relation between Fellows' social origins and schooling and their attendance at Cambridge. Among Fellows whose university careers were made at Cambridge, those of more advantaged class origins and those with private schooling are over‐represented, although in this, as in various other respects, including Fellows' field of study, family influences persist independently of schooling. One suggestive interaction effect exists in that being privately educated increases the probability of having been at Cambridge more for Fellows from managerial than from professional families. Private schooling leading on to both undergraduate and postgraduate study at Cambridge can be identified as the educational ‘royal road’ into the scientific elite; and Fellows coming from higher professional and managerial families alike have the highest probability of having entered the elite in this way. But the most common route turns out in fact to be via state schooling and attendance at universities outside of ‘the golden triangle’ of Cambridge, Oxford and London; and this route is far more likely to have been followed by Fellows of all other class origins than higher professional. The relation between the degree of social skew in the recruitment of an elite and the degree of social homogeneity among its members can be more complex than has often been supposed.
Barriers to identification and reporting of child abuse and neglect experienced by medical officers and nursing staff in emergency departments of the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District
Authors: Soh Huei Ti , Bhurawala Habib , Poulton Alison , Liu Anthony , Cush Kate , Griffiths Glenys , Gandham Sowmya 
Published: July 2023

AbstractObjectiveThis structured survey sought to identify barriers to recognising and reporting potential child abuse by medical officers and nursing staff in the EDs of three Western Sydney hospitals. These include a large metropolitan teaching hospital, a small metropolitan hospital and a rural hospital.MethodsA mixed approach of qualitative and quantitative study methodology was used to survey potential participants. The electronic survey was distributed to participants to assess knowledge and experiences with identifying child abuse presenting to the ED over a 6‐month period. A descriptive analysis of the data was performed.ResultsA total of 121 responses were received from 340 potential participants, giving a participation rate of 35%. The majority of the respondents were senior medical officers (38/110, 34%) or registered nurses (35/110, 32%). The study participants perceived the lack of time as the most significant barrier to reporting child abuse (85/101, 84%). This was followed by a lack of education (35/101, 34%), resources (33/101, 32%) and support (30/101, 29%).ConclusionThe combination of hospital, departmental and individual staff issues such as time limitations, lack of resources, education and support are potential barriers to reporting suspected child abuse. We recommend tailored teaching sessions, improved reporting procedures and increased support from senior staff to overcome these barriers.