bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Corrosion behavior of Cu-containing 3Ni steel in simulated marine environments with different NaCl concentrations
Authors: Ke Weipeng , Kang Yiyao , Dong Baojun , Liao Wei , Ji Xiaolong , He Jianchao , Leng Xuesong , Chen Hongsheng 
Published: January 2025

Purpose
This study aims to investigate the corrosion behavior of Cu-containing 3Ni steel in simulated marine environments and to provide basic guidance for improving the corrosion resistance of marine high-strength steels.

Design/methodology/approach
The corrosion properties of Cu-containing 3Ni steel were evaluated in five different NaCl concentrations by alternating wet and dry cycling method. The corrosion behavior was investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The mechanism of the influence of Cl ion concentrations on the corrosion behavior of Cu-containing 3Ni steel in marine environments was analyzed.

Findings
The results showed that the corrosion resistance of Cu-containing 3Ni steel decreased with NaCl concentration increasing. With the increase of NaCl concentration, the number of FeOOH particles decreased and their size increased, resulting in an increase in the porosity and a decrease in the density of corrosion products. High NaCl concentration could inhibit the formation of NiFe2O4 and disrupt the electronegativity of the inner film of corrosion products, which further weakened the enrichment of Ni and Cu, and enhanced the permeability of Cl ions.

Originality/value
The influence of NaCl concentrations on the corrosion behavior of Cu-containing 3Ni steel was systematically studied and the influence laws of corrosion behavior were obtained in this paper, providing basic data for the optimal design of Cu-containing 3Ni steels.
AI avatars and co-creation in the metaverse
Authors: Ramadan Zahy , Ramadan Jad 
Published: January 2025

Purpose
While the fields of artificial intelligence (AI) and avatars are growing at a very fast pace, studies are still scarce. This study aims to fill the gap in the literature relating to the implications of highly realistic avatars as well as the consequences of AI-led co-creation on hospitality services in the Metaverse.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors adopted an exploratory qualitative methodology to study the role of AI avatars in the Metaverse within the hospitality context. The study involved interviews with both elite figures and consumers as primary data and also incorporated secondary data sourced from comments on a YouTube video related to avatars.

Findings
Based on data triangulation, the extracted themes dealt with four key areas: (1) avatars’ relational encounters in hospitality, (2) avatars’ realism, (3) self-representation and self-perception skewness and (4) AI co-creation. The findings show that while avatars’ realism would increase the authenticity of virtual social connections, engagement and monetization, the issue of a self-misrepresentation will diminish the effect of virtual encounters. That avatars will be AI led and will digitally cocreate reviews and recommendations further accentuates the findings.

Originality/value
This research advances the field by addressing the literature gap on AI-led avatar realism and co-creation in hospitality services within the Metaverse. It explores the nuanced ways that highly realistic avatars can enhance engagement and self-representation while simultaneously posing challenges related to authenticity and trust. The study provides a foundation for further exploration of AI’s transformative potential in virtual hospitality contexts.
The curvilinear and contingent effect of ethical climate on salesperson performance
Authors: Johnson Jeff S. , Friend Scott B. 
Published: January 2025

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide empirical understanding germane to ethical climate’s contingent, nonlinear relationship with salesperson performance. While research shows a positive relationship between a firm’s ethical climate and salesperson performance, current examinations of this effect have been limited to linear hypothesizing and testing. The job demands-resource model, however, suggests that the relationship between ethical climate and salesperson performance is nonlinear.

Design/methodology/approach
To test the theorized nonlinear and moderated nonlinear relationships, the authors use a sample of 485 business-to-business salespeople and structural equations path modeling.

Findings
Results reveal an increasing incremental threshold effect between ethical climate and salesperson performance. Findings further support postulations that conditions which increase (e.g. competitive intensity) or decrease (e.g. role autonomy) the extent to which the sales environment is challenging correspondingly increase or decrease the magnitude of the nonlinearity.

Research limitations/implications
Because the study required variance in environmental-level (e.g. competitive intensity) and organizational-level (e.g. role autonomy) moderators, data used to test the hypotheses came from a cross-sectional, self-reported survey.

Practical implications
The results produce the managerial insight that there are increasing returns to salesperson performance as the ethical climate increases. Insights from the analysis of moderating conditions further inform managers that in highly competitive industries they should be especially attuned to their ethical climate.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the findings are the first to advance insight into ethical climate’s curvilinear and contingent salesperson performance implications. Furthermore, this study advances moderated nonlinear relationships suggested by theory.
Understanding project cost contingency estimation: a holistic risk perspective
Authors: Zhang Liting , Li Yadi , Sun Ning , Ning Yan 
Published: January 2025

PurposeCost contingency is widely employed to address project risks. This systematic literature review aims to develop a framework for understanding risks in project cost contingency estimation.Design/methodology/approachA systematic literature review of 859 abstracts and 67 full articles was conducted using a framework synthesis method.FindingsThe study establishes a six-element risk framework for project cost contingency estimation, encompassing event, consequence, uncertainty, probability, knowledge, and mitigation. Twelve risk dimensions in the project cost contingency estimation are further developed.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the project management literature by constructing a framework for understanding risks in project cost contingency estimation. This framework provides guidance for enhancing the accuracy of project cost contingency estimation.
Global value chains, trade facilitation and the use of environmental management practices in SMEs
Authors: Ranasinghe Udish Chalana , Ennis Sean Forrest , Monteiro Januario , Malagueño Ricardo 
Published: January 2025

PurposeThis study investigates the relationship between small and medium-sized enterprises' (SMEs) participation in global value chains (GVCs) and the use of environmental management practices. The study examines the role of national governments in shaping this relationship, specifically exploring the role of trade facilitation. The emphasis lies on understanding the extent to which GVCs and governmental policy interaction relate to improved environmental management practices among SMEs.Design/methodology/approachThe study builds on several publicly available data sources, including the World Bank’s Archival Enterprise Surveys and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development Trade Facilitation Indicator. The sample includes 1,462 SMEs in 18 countries. To test our hypotheses, we use regression analysis employing bootstrapping techniques for rigorous testing of direct and indirect associations.FindingsResults indicate that SMEs tend to use environmental management practices when entering GVCs but not after exiting. Moreover, the study suggests that a non-linear feature of trade facilitation plays an important role in mitigating the relationship between SMEs exit from GVCs and SMEs abandonment of environmental management practices.Originality/valueThe relationship between SMEs entering and exiting GVCs and environmental management practices is not well understood. It is still unclear whether the external pressures and governmental policies to stimulate trade contribute to improving the sustainability behaviour of SMEs. This study adds to the operations management literature by relating government policies with the use of environmental management practices, providing insights on the relationship between deglobalisation and SMEs sustainability activities.
Effects of isothermal heat treatment on tribological and electrochemical performances of alumina-based coatings with monoclinic zirconia
Authors: Bouklouche Issam , Younes Rassim , Boudjit Sarra , Bradai Mohand Amokrane , Rezzoug Amine , Gehlen Larissa Rossi , Pintaude Giuseppe 
Published: January 2025

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to explore the possibility of enhancing the tribological and electrochemical performances of alumina coating using monoclinic zirconia addition and post-heat treatment.

Design/methodology/approach
Al2O3 and Al2O3-ZrO2 coatings were deposited on plain steel by flame-wire spraying. The influence of zirconia addition and post-treatment (900? for two hours) on phase composition and mechanical, tribological and electrochemical behaviors was investigated. Sliding dry tests were performed using a ball-on-disc test rig with WC-Co as the counter body. Polarization and impedance electrochemical responses were conducted under a 3.5 Wt.% NaCl solution.

Findings
X-ray diffraction measurements revealed an increase in the a-Al2O3 phase after heat treatment. Sliding dry tests showed that the abrasive wear mechanism was predominant for all coatings, leading to a good correlation between hardness and wear rates. However, the friction behavior had an opposite trend: the higher the hardness, the higher the coefficient of friction. The addition of zirconia significantly affected the corrosion resistance, which was more positive than the heat treatment effect.

Originality/value
Post-treatment showed beneficial effects on the wear and corrosion performance of alumina-based coatings, with a particularly noticeable improvement for the coating containing 30 Wt.% ZrO2. These improvements were more pronounced for the Al2O3-ZrO2 coating than the pure alumina Al2O3 coating.

Peer review
The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-05-2024-0190/
Using rational influence tactics to build long-term relationship and acquire knowledge in B2B marketing channels: evidence from Vietnam
Authors: Do Hai-Ninh , Dang-Van Thac 
Published: January 2025

Purpose
Relationship between firms in a B2B marketing channel is often complex in nature. In emerging markets, there is a dramatic shift from traditional state-owned channels to a more market-oriented channel. Acquiring knowledge and expertise from channel firms is an important issue in these markets. However, the mechanisms to acquire knowledge in B2B marketing channels have been underdetermined in the current literature of B2B marketing channels. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the relationship between rational influence tactics and knowledge acquisition, with the mediating role of long-term relationship and the moderating role of helping behavior in the specific context of B2B marketing channels in Vietnam.

Design/methodology/approach
Structural equation modeling is used to analyze a three-way time-lagged sample data of 530 questionnaires collected from purchase managers in Vietnam.

Findings
Results indicate that rational influence tactics, including information exchange and recommendations, have a positive influence on knowledge acquisition. In addition, long-term relationship positively mediates the relationship between information exchange tactic and knowledge acquisition and that between recommendations tactic and knowledge acquisition. Furthermore, helping behavior positively moderates the relationship between long-term relationship and knowledge acquisition.

Originality/value
This study contributes to the current literature of B2B marketing channels by proposing and testing a unique model that explains the relationship between rational influence tactics and knowledge acquisition, with the mediating role of long-term relationship and the moderating role of helping behavior. Findings of this study provide implications for academic researchers and business managers in using rational influence tactics to build long-term relationship and acquire knowledge from business partners in B2B marketing channels.
Language negativity and analysts’ earnings forecast
Authors: Liu Zihua , Tsang Albert , Yu Li , Zhao Dong 
Published: January 2025

PurposeThe paper examines the effect of language negativity of US financial analysts’ ancestral origins on their earnings forecast behavior.Design/methodology/approachThe paper first developed a dictionary of the most emotionally negative words in 25 languages, based on the study by Dodds et al. (2015). The authors constructed firm-year analyst-level earnings forecast data and applied multivariate regression model along with a series of robustness tests to examine the research question.FindingsThe empirical results indicate that financial analysts with their ancestral countries characterized by a high level of language negativity tend to issue less optimistic earnings forecasts than other analysts. Additional evidence suggests that the effect of language negativity on analysts’ forecast is strengthened (1) during periods of financial crisis, (2) for firms with losses and a high level of earnings volatility and (3) for younger analysts and analysts working for small brokerage firms. Finally, we find evidence that higher levels of language negativity increase analysts’ forecast accuracy.Originality/valueCollectively, the findings of this study support the conjecture that the level of negativity across languages can have a significant impact on capital market participants’ behavior. Thus, the study sheds light on how culturally inherited emotion can affect analysts’ earnings forecast properties.
Is masculinity ruining the male skincare market? Comprehensive insights on consumer behavior in cosmetics
Authors: Duarte Paulo , Silva Susana , Carvalho Maria Joana 
Published: January 2025

Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the factors influencing men’s purchase intentions for skincare products, particularly focusing on the evolving attitudes toward masculinity, grooming and self-care. The study seeks to identify dimensions such as self-image, health concerns, masculinity and perceptions regarding skincare, along with the impact of social media use on men’s skincare purchase intentions.

Design/methodology/approach
The research uses an online questionnaire to gather data from 178 valid responses. The collected data is analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling.

Findings
The results reveal that men’s skin health concerns significantly impact their purchase intention for skincare products. Self-image concerns and perceptions regarding skincare also emerge as influential determinants in shaping men’s purchasing decisions. Conversely, health concerns and social media platform use do not directly influence skincare purchase intention. Notably, self-image completely mediates the relationship between men’s social media usage and their intention to purchase skincare products.

Research limitations/implications
The data is based on responses from an online questionnaire, which may introduce biases. In addition, the research focuses on specific personal variables and social media use, potentially overlooking other influential factors.

Practical implications
By recognizing the importance of men’s skin health concerns, self-image and perceptions regarding skincare, cosmetic companies can tailor marketing strategies to effectively target key dimensions to enhance sales of skincare products among men.

Social implications
In a broader societal context, this research contributes to the ongoing evolution of attitudes. By identifying influential factors in men’s skincare purchase intention, the study sheds light on changing societal norms and perceptions. Acknowledging these shifts can lead to a more inclusive understanding of masculinity and contribute to breaking traditional stereotypes related to men’s grooming practices.

Originality/value
This research contributes to the understanding of men’s skincare purchase intention by exploring dimensions such as self-image, health concerns, masculinity and perceptions regarding skincare, in conjunction with the impact of social media use. The findings provide valuable insights, expanding on previous studies on men’s attitudes toward skincare products. The identification of self-image as a complete mediator is a novel contribution.
The environmental damage: a disaggregated effect of financial structure, freedom dynamics and institutional sub-systems on CO2 emissions
Authors: Bhat Mohd Nadeem 
Published: January 2025

PurposeThis study examines the impact of various macroeconomic, financial and institutional factors, including foreign direct investment (FDI), financial development (FD), freedom dimensions and institutional sub-systems on CO2 emissions across 30 countries over 23 years (2002–2023). The research aims to uncover both the short-term and long-term effects of these variables on environmental sustainability.Design/methodology/approachA Pooled Mean Group – Autoregressive Distributed Lag (PMG-ARDL) model is employed to analyze panel data from 30 countries over the period 2002–2023. The model was selected using the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) to account for both long-term and short-term dynamics in the relationship between the studied variables and CO2 emissions.FindingsThe results reveal that in the long term, most variables, including FDI, financial development and economic freedom, have significant impacts on CO2 emissions, with varying directions. In contrast, short-term effects are largely insignificant, indicating that the environmental impacts of economic and institutional factors are more pronounced over extended periods.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings suggest that policymakers need to consider the long-term environmental consequences of economic and financial policies. For instance, while financial development and economic freedom may drive growth, they also contribute to higher CO2 emissions, necessitating a comprehensive and inclusive approach to sustainable development.Originality/valueThis study provides a comprehensive analysis of the interplay between financial, institutional and freedom dynamics and their impact on CO2 emissions, offering valuable insights for policymakers focused on achieving sustainable economic development. Using the PMG-ARDL model adds robustness to the findings by capturing both short-term and long-term effects.
A hybrid risk-based maintenance approach for evaluating the maintenance risks of urban tunnel lighting systems
Authors: Vaghefi-Rezaee Hoda Alsadat , Khademi-Adel Setareh , Sarvari Hadi , Edwards David J. , Rashidi Amirreza 
Published: January 2025

PurposeGiven the expansion of cities and urbanization, developing efficient and reliable transportation infrastructure, especially urban tunnels, is essential. Failure to maintain such complex construction facilities with intelligent equipment systems could result in human losses and impose huge costs on governments. Therefore, it is necessary to have practical maintenance plans and operational safety monitoring for urban tunnels, which leads to their long lifespan, increases users’ safety and reduces operation risks.Design/methodology/approachHence, this research aims to evaluate the maintenance risks of urban tunnel lighting systems (UTLS) using a hybrid risk-based maintenance (RBM) approach. In this vein, three rounds of a fuzzy Delphi survey were conducted to consolidate the specific operation criteria and maintenance risk factors to the circumstances of Iran and UTLS. Furthermore, the fuzzy DEMATEL method was applied to determine the cause-and-effect relationships among the identified critical operation criteria. The identified risks associated with maintenance in UTLS were then analyzed and ranked using a combination of fuzzy ANP-VIKOR techniques.FindingsThe ranking of the various risks revealed that the “poor performance of switchboards in power supply due to faults in switchboard equipment” risk was ranked first, followed by the “poor performance of panels in the power supply due to unfavorable environmental conditions,” “The poor performance of panels in the power supply due to problems with switches (key failure)” and “The poor performance of panels in power supply due to burning fuses due to unauthorized current” risks. The findings of this study indicate that this hybrid maintenance method, developed as a risk-based network, provides reliability for maintaining urban tunnel lighting systems (UTLS).Originality/valueIt is anticipated that the findings of this research will considerably contribute to improving UTLS maintenance management while enhancing different stakeholders’ understanding of the most critical risks in maintenance, particularly toward the UTLS in Iran. An RBM management program can result in preparing and formulating policies, comprehensive guidelines or regulations for the maintenance of urban tunnels that are recommended for future research.
NASUP Emerging PDS Leader Award
Authors: Kennedy Christopher , Roseburgh Elleana 
Published: January 2025

PurposeThis article highlights the most recent winner of NASUP’s Emerging PDS Leader Award. This award is annually awarded to teacher candidates who have shown leadership skills during their PDS partnership experiences.Design/methodology/approachThe article is written in an informative, narrative style.FindingsDue to the nature of this piece, there are no research findings. However, the article features the work of the NASUP’s Emerging Leader Award winner for 2024, Elleana Roseburgh from Baylor University. Elleana discusses the value of her PDS clinical experience on her development of her relationship-building and collaboration skills. Skills that have contributed to her leadership.Originality/valueThis article draws additional attention to this exemplary partnership work and may inspire future nominations for potential emerging leaders.
Psychic distance and inter-organizational relationships: theoretical foundations, methodological approaches, and future research directions
Authors: Egwuonwu Arthur , Oruh Emeka Smart , Egwuonwu Ambrose , Onyima Jude 
Published: January 2025

Purpose
This paper presents a comprehensive and integrated review of the literature on the role of psychic distance in shaping inter-organizational relationships, by uncovering the theoretical, methodological, and thematic foundations of this research domain.

Design/methodology/approach
Leveraging a systematic literature review in combination of text mining techniques using Leximancer, the study identified 62 relevant articles published between 1980 and 2024. The analysis revealed four key areas of focus: (1) interfirm business relationships, (2) relational governance and performance, (3) relationship quality, and (4) relationship violation.

Findings
The findings indicate that this body of research is grounded in well-established theoretical frameworks, with social exchange theory, transaction cost analysis, relational exchange theory, and the resource-based view being the most frequently employed. The literature predominantly emphasizes the role of psychic distance in the formation and maintenance of interfirm business relationships, while the other three areas remain comparatively underexplored.

Originality/value
By offering a more robust framework and a holistic understanding of psychic distance in inter-organizational relationships context, this study paves the way for further theory-driven studies, which is a theoretical contribution towards advancing this research area