bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measuring consumer perceptions of home-delivery convenience – the case of cargo bikes
Authors: Pelet Jean-Eric , Taieb Basma , Alkhudary Rami 
Published: May 2023

PurposeDespite the increasing use of home delivery (HD) in e-commerce, no studies have explicitly examined consumer perceptions of the convenience of the last-mile delivery of goods by cargo bike (CB). Therefore, this study aims to identify the dimensions of HD convenience and to develop a reliable and valid measurement tool, namely the Home-Delivery Convenience via Cargo Bike (HDCCB) scale.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology of this scale development study is premised on a review of the existing literature, which identifies differences in consumer perceptions of the convenience of services. The authors conducted semi-structured interviews with 10 online consumers and validated the content with 3 experts on marketing in the retail and services sectors in order to develop the items for the scale. Thereafter, the authors identified the main dimensions through an exploratory factor analysis that the authors applied to an online survey with 116 respondents. Finally, the scale was validated through a confirmatory factor analysis of an online survey with 300 respondents.FindingsFollowing the original work of Brown (1990), the authors define consumer perceptions of HD convenience as a multidimensional construct and measure each facet of its four dimensions, which are time, use, execution and acquisition. E-retailers and last-mile logistics providers could use the authors' proposed measurement tool to assess consumer perceptions of the convenience of HD. That assessment could generate a competitive advantage.Originality/valueThis study is original as the study deepens the existing understanding of consumer perceptions of the convenience of HD by CB in last-mile logistics. This study also develops a multidimensional measure that is based on an empirical study.
Gratification matters? An explorative study of antecedents and consequence in livestream shopping
Authors: Zhang Jie , Xu Yinghan , Dong Lingfeng , Long Qingqi 
Published: May 2023

PurposeThis study aims to explore whether gratification matters in influencing consumers' attitudes towards purchase in the context of livestream shopping and the antecedents that lead to consumers' gratification perceptions.Design/methodology/approachFour technology affordances (i.e. modality affordance, agency affordance, interactivity affordance and navigability affordance) and two gratifications (information gratification and entertainment gratification) are identified, and the relationships among the technology affordances, gratifications and purchase intention are examined. The model is tested using structural equation modeling.FindingsThe result shows that both information and entertainment gratification are positively associated with consumer purchase intention. No significant results have been uncovered with the relationship between interactivity affordance and entertainment gratification, while the rest relationships of gratification and its antecedents are positively associated.Originality/valueThe findings of this study uncover the antecedents and consequences of gratification in the context of livestreaming from technology affordance perspective. The uncovered relationships among technology affordance, gratification, purchase intention as well as the moderation roles aroused by price consciousness contribute to the extant literature.
e-Tutor: understanding the use of Facebook for informal learning through the lens of uses and gratifications theory
Authors: Ali Ramiz 
Published: May 2023

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to describe university students’ motivations for using Facebook as an informal learning tool and explore the key barriers that may inhibit learning on the social media platform.

Design/methodology/approach
A case study approach was adopted in this study. Participants were 82 university students who participated in “e-Tutor” – an informal learning activity, conducted through Facebook. Focus group interviews were conducted, and students’ interactions on Facebook were also analysed to understand their motives for using the social media platform for learning. The uses and gratifications theory was used to explore student motivations for participating in the learning activity.

Findings
Results suggest that students perceived Facebook as a potential tool for learning and identified multiple motivating factors for their participation that included information seeking, convenience, connectedness, entertainment and reward seeking. Results also show that time constraints, social anxiety and cultural issues may inhibit learners’ active participation on social media platforms such as Facebook.

Originality/value
This study outlines an approach to use readily available and low-cost technological tools in learning design and provides some insights for teachers to design ubiquitous and personalised learning environments for students using such technologies, particularly social media. Specifically, Facebook offered a way to engage students in informal learning which can supplement students’ formal learning trajectories at university. While the uses and gratifications students sought through Facebook had an overall positive effect on their participation in e-Tutor activity, certain barriers can impede student active participation in learning environments on social media sites such as Facebook.
Effectual networking capability and SME performance in international B2B markets
Authors: Karami Masoud , Wooliscroft Ben , McNeill Lisa 
Published: May 2023

Purpose
International entrepreneurship and marketing research reports the impact of effectual decision-making logic on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) international performance. How the effectual logic of decision-making enhances the overall performance of SMEs in international business-to-business markets remains a puzzle in the field. The purpose of this study is to investigate the concept of networking capability as an important SME capability translating effectual decision-making into international performance.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors examine the model presented in this study using quantitative data from 153 founders or managers in charge of international business at SMEs throughout New Zealand. The authors also used 142 open-ended responses to provide post hoc exploratory analysis.

Findings
The findings of this study suggest that networking capability is a mechanism through which the logic of decision-making enhances the international performance of SMEs.

Originality/value
This study bridges between international marketing and entrepreneurship by investigating how the networking capability of internationalizing SMEs translates their founders’/managers’ effectual logic into a successful performance in international business-to-business markets.
The moderating role of emerging technologies on the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 and the performance of construction projects: the case of Pakistan
Authors: Ayat Muhammad , Qureshi Sheheryar Mohsin , Malikah Malikah , Kang Changwook 
Published: May 2023

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) on the outcome of construction projects and explore the moderating effects of emerging technologies on the relationship between COVID-19 and construction project outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach
Data for the study was collected through a Web-based, semistructured questionnaire. The responses of 62 construction practitioners were analyzed using a hierarchical linear regression model. The model consists of 16 independent variables, three control variables (organization size, organization type and project size), one moderator (adoption level of emerging technologies) and three dependent variables (project time, project cost and project quality).

Findings
The study confirms the negative significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the performance of construction projects. It also identifies the significant moderating effects of emerging technologies in mitigating the impact of COVID-19 on construction projects. Further, it shows a significant increase in the application of emerging technologies in construction projects during the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on the findings related to the moderating impact of the technology, this study provides a clear set of recommendations for construction firms, public sector and research community in combating the unavoidable situation similar to the COVID-19 pandemic in the future.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to identify the moderating role of technology on the impact of COVID-19 on the performance of the construction sector in Pakistan. The findings can also be used for the construction sectors of other developing countries.
A study on the barriers that impact the adoption of Industry 4.0 in the context of Brazilian companies
Authors: Cordeiro Raphaella Ferreira , Reis Luciana Paula , Fernandes June Marques 
Published: May 2023

PurposeThis research aims to evaluate the impact of barriers experienced by Brazilian companies in adopting Industry 4.0 (I4.0).Design/methodology/approachAs a methodological approach, the survey method was used, adopting the use of the questionnaire for data collection. From the feedback of 99 companies (with an index of 80%), quantitative analyzes of the data were carried out with the aid of factor analysis and linear regression to validate the proposed structural model.FindingsThe barriers construct does not impact the I4.0 adoption construct. Directly evaluating the effect of the variables that make up the barriers construct in the I4.0 adoption construct, it was observed that three barriers affect effectively the adoption of I4.0: technological infrastructure; financial constraint and lack of understanding of the benefits of I4.0.Research limitations/implicationsAs a limitation, the research was conducted only in the Brazilian context, requiring the development of future studies in other countries that can strengthen the findings of this research.Practical implicationsIn addition, the results achieved provide relevant insights into public policymakers and business managers, helping them to deeply understand the barriers that impact the adoption of I4.0. This facilitates the propagation of I4.0 concepts in the context of Brazilian companies and in the formulation of public policies adapted to each sector, allowing a more assertive action in the face of the types of barriers experienced by organizations during the adoption of I4.0.Social implicationsThe findings can help practitioners and policymakers to understand in detail this new industrial model and the difficulties that prevent its implementation.Originality/valueFrom an extensive literature review, no studies were identified that statistically validate which barriers effectively affect the adoption of I4.0. This research is a pioneer in proposing a structural model to analyze the barriers experienced by workers during the adoption of I4.0, exploring Brazilian companies, from different economic sectors and sizes. It is noteworthy that the literature still focuses efforts on manufacturing companies.
Does feedback-seeking behavior trigger knowledge sharing at work: the role of gender
Authors: Farooq Rayees 
Published: May 2023

Purpose
This study aims to test the relationship between feedback-seeking behavior (FSB) and knowledge sharing. The study also proposes the moderating role of gender in the relationship between FSB and knowledge sharing. In this study, the author draws on the social exchange theory to propose FSB as a driver of knowledge sharing. Ultimately, the study seeks to contribute to a better understanding of the role that FSB plays in triggering knowledge sharing and the ways in which gender can influence this dynamic.

Design/methodology/approach
A survey was conducted with 290 knowledge workers from the manufacturing and service sectors of India. FSB and knowledge sharing were assessed with a purposive sample (n = 290). The hypotheses were tested using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), structural equation modeling (SEM) and multi-group moderation analysis.

Findings
The study found that FSB is positively related to knowledge sharing and gender moderates the relationship between FSB and knowledge sharing.

Originality/value
This study adds to the literature by investigating the potential interplay between FSB, knowledge sharing and gender. By uncovering the ways in which gender differences can impact FSB and knowledge sharing, this study provides valuable insights for organizations seeking to promote knowledge sharing and improve communication and collaboration among employees.
Knowledge management considerations in learning management systems in higher education institutions: a systematic review, synthesis and research agenda
Authors: Omanyo Joshua Omondi , Ndiege Joshua Rumo 
Published: May 2023

Purpose
This paper aims to examine the state of research on the symbiotic relationship between knowledge management and learning management systems in advancing the mutual strategic agenda of the two initiatives in higher education institutions (HEIs), so as to uncover the themes that have been studied, identify gaps in the existing studies and suggest future areas of research work.

Design/methodology/approach
The study adopted systematic literature review (SLR), in which 64 articles published between 2010 and 2022 were identified and analyzed.

Findings
Whereas the review revealed some focus areas that have been researched, it also found that only few studies have explicitly explored the symbiotic relationship between knowledge management and learning management systems, with fewer articles exploring this relationship finding their way to mainstream journals. Thus, the findings showed that examination of the interlink between knowledge management and learning management systems in HEIs is still less explored and has multiple possibilities for future research with potential benefits to the higher education industry.

Originality/value
Although different SLRs exist separately in the fields of knowledge management and learning management systems, there seem to be no reviews on the interconnection between the two fields in the context of HEIs. Additionally, this review offers insights into future research avenues for theory, content and context of interplay between knowledge management and learning management systems in HEIs.
Variation in mycorrhizal communities and the level of mycoheterotrophy in grassland and Forest populations of Neottia ovata (Orchidaceae)
Authors: Wang Deyi , Gebauer Gerhard , Jacquemyn Hans , Zahn Franziska E. , Gomes Sofia I. F. , Lorenz Johanna , van der Hagen Harrie , Schilthuizen Menno , Merckx Vincent S. F. T. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Orchid mycorrhiza forms unique symbiotic associations between members of the Orchidaceae and multiple ecological guilds of fungi. Because orchids associate with a wide variety of fungi with different ecological functions, they represent an ideal study system to address fundamental questions about the evolution and ecophysiology of mycorrhizal symbiosis. Although it is well established that shifts in mycorrhizal associations are linked to transitions in plant trophic mode, it remains unclear what ecological drivers promote these evolutionary changes.

Here, we investigated mycorrhizal communities and isotope signatures across six populations of the terrestrial orchid Neottia ovata growing under contrasting light conditions in temperate Europe. We hypothesized that plants growing in forests would associate with different mycorrhizal fungi than plants occurring in grasslands and that the limited light availability in forests leads to a higher contribution of fungi to the carbon budget of orchids.

Our results showed that N. ovata predominantly associated with rhizoctonia fungi of the family Serendipitaceae in both habitats, but plants in forests also recruited ectomycorrhizal fungi. Root communities highly resembled soil communities and variation in root communities was significantly related to habitat type and edaphic factors. In contrast, isotope signatures (13C, 15N, 2H and 18O) and N concentration showed no significant relationship with habitat type. In addition, both 13C and 2H were not significantly correlated to habitat's light availability.

Although it has been suggested that the presence of a wide variety of ectomycorrhizal fungi in root communities of orchids can serve as a precursor for evolutionary shifts to partial mycoheterotrophy (mixotrophy), the presence or absence of ectomycorrhizal fungi did not substantially influence the isotope signatures of N. ovata. These results indicate that rhizoctonia fungi played the major functional role in C and nutrient supply and that ectomycorrhizal fungi did not substantially contribute to the carbon budget of the plants.

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Methods of species pool determination as predictors of survival in seeding and transplanting experiments
Authors: Janíková Eva , Lepš Jan 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Community composition is limited by a species' ability to reach, establish and survive on a site. Establishment and survival are constrained by both abiotic conditions and biotic interactions that operate together on local scales. They decide which species from the pool will form the community. For this reason, it is very important to clearly define the species pool, against which the community composition is compared.

The effect of biotic and abiotic factors can be assessed experimentally, and the species pool by using estimation methods based on broad‐scale observational data. We compared success of five species pool estimation methods in predicting establishment and survival in a seed/transplant addition experiment.

In four different locations, we added resident and non‐resident species to plots with and without competition and tested the ability of the species to thrive in both competition‐free gaps (constrained mainly by abiotic conditions) and in intact vegetation (complete community filter). In these treatments, we studied the seedling recruitment and survival, and the establishment and survival of pregrown transplants. The ability of species pool assessment methods to predict species performance in individual treatments was compared. The comparison of results from individual treatments indicates the importance of individual components of the community filter.

Species pool assessment methods, based on species co‐occurrence patterns (Beals index, favourability and unconstrained ordination), were the best predictors of species performance in the intact vegetation, but were less successful in the competition‐free environment. Methods based on co‐occurrence patterns were the most effective for predicting seedling establishment, while seed germination alone and transplant survival were poorly predictable.

The biotic filter was the principal factor defining our community composition, especially for the process of seedling establishment. The roles of biotic and abiotic filters are very difficult to distinguish without an experimental approach and the ratio of their importance changes during plant ontogenesis.

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Disconnection between plant–microbial nutrient limitation across forest biomes
Authors: Liu Ji , Fang Linchuan , Qiu Tianyi , Bing Haijian , Cui Yongxing , Sardans Jordi , Du Enzai , Chen Ji , Tan Wenfeng , Delgado‐Baquerizo Manuel , Zhou Guiyao , Cui Qingliang , Penuelas Josep 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are essential elements limiting plant–microbial growth in forest ecosystems. However, whether the pattern of plant–microbe nutrient limitation is consistent across forest biomes and the associated potential mechanisms remain largely unclear, limiting us to better understand the biogeochemical processes under future climate change.

Here, we investigated patterns of plant–microbial N/P limitation in forests across a wide environmental gradient and biomes in China to explore the divergence of plant–microbial N/P limitation and the driving mechanisms.

We revealed that 42.6% of the N/P limitation between plant–microbial communities was disconnected. Patterns in plant–microbial N/P limitations were consistent only for 17.7% of N and 39.7% of P. Geospatially, the inconsistency was more evident at mid‐latitudes, where plants were mainly N limited and microbes were mainly P limited. Furthermore, our findings were consistent with the ecological stoichiometry of plants and microbes themselves and their requirements. Whereas plant N and P limitation was more strongly responsive to meteorological conditions and atmospheric deposition, that of microbes was more strongly responsive to soil chemistry, which exacerbated the plant–microbe N and P limitation divergence.

Our work identified an important disconnection between plant and microbial N/P limitation, which should be incorporated into future Earth System Model to better predict forest biomes–climate change feedback.

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Precipitation regime changes alter allometry and plasticity of meristem allocation in annual herbaceous plants in a semiarid sandy grassland, northern China
Authors: Sun Shanshan , Liu Xinping , Medina‐Roldán Eduardo , He Yuhui , Lv Peng , Xu Yuanzhi 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe three principal fates of axillary meristem in flowering plants are growth (G), reproduction (R), and inactivity (I). The allocation relationships between each meristem and plant size in annual herbaceous plants tend to change with altered precipitation (P) patterns in arid and semiarid grasslands. Here, we examined the allometry and plasticity of meristem allocation in three dominant annual herbaceous plants: Setaria viridis, Corispermum macrocarpum, and Bassia dasyphylla in a semiarid sandy grassland in northern China. We determined the range of plant sizes for each of the three species in the following treatments: ambient environment (Amb), P increased by 30% (P[+]) and by 60% (P[++]), P decreased by 30% (P[−]) and by 60% (P[− −]), drought for 46 days from May 1st to June 15th (D1) and from July 1st to August 15th (D2). We found that meristem allocation to branching intensity increased while allocation to apical dominance decreased with increasing plant size under decreased precipitation and seasonal drought. Decreased precipitation and seasonal drought caused the slope of allometry of meristem allocation in the three species to be significantly different from 1. Plasticity of meristem allocation to G, R, and I in S. viridis tended to be significantly greater in August under P(+) and P(++) while in C. macrocarpum tended to be greater in July under P(−), P(− −), D1, and D2. Our findings are important components of an adaptive strategy in annual herbaceous plants throughout the development stage, which will contribute to predict their developmental dynamics in the semiarid sandy grassland under future climate change.
Alternatives to Paying Child Benefit to the Rich: Means‐Testing or Higher Tax?
Authors: Rees Ray , Thoresen Thor O. , Vattø Trine E. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThere appears to be a general movement away from universal child benefits and towards means‐testing. In the present article we argue that instead of suppressing the labour supply of middle‐income parents by withdrawing the transfer as a function of income, one should consider the alternative of financing a generous universal child benefit by increasing taxation of income. The implications of means‐testing compared with a tax‐financed universal alternative are discussed analytically in a piecewise linear schedule and by combining information from behavioural and non‐behavioural micro‐simulation models. Our results provide support for making child benefit universal instead of means‐tested.