bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Economic impact of investment in animal welfare–enhancing flooring solutions – Implications for promoting sustainable dairy production in Sweden
Authors: Owusu-Sekyere Enoch , Hansson Helena , Telezhenko Evgenij , Nyman Ann-Kristin , Ahmed Haseeb 
Published: June 2023

PurposeThe purpose of this paper was to assess the economic impact of investment in different animal welfare–enhancing flooring solutions in Swedish dairy farming.Design/methodology/approachThe authors developed a bio-economic model and used stochastic partial budgeting approach to simulate the economic consequences of enhancing solid and slatted concrete floors with soft rubber covering.FindingsThe findings highlight that keeping herds on solid and slatted concrete floor surfaces with soft rubber coverings is a profitable solution, compared with keeping herds on solid and slatted concrete floors without a soft covering. The profit per cow when kept on a solid concrete floor with soft rubber covering increased by 13%–16% depending on the breed. Practical implicationsPromoting farm investments such as improvement in flooring solution, which have both economic and animal welfare incentives, is a potential way of promoting sustainable dairy production. Farmers may make investments in improved floors, resulting in enhanced animal welfare and economic outcomes necessary for sustaining dairy production.Originality/valueThis literature review indicated that the economic impact of investment in specific types of floor improvement solutions, investment costs and financial outcomes have received little attention. This study provides insights needed for a more informed decision-making process when selecting optimal flooring solutions for new and renovated barns that improve both animal welfare and ease the burden on farmers and public financial support.
Maximizing learning outcomes in the digital age: the role of microlearning for Gen Z
Authors: Choudhary Himani , Pandita Deepika 
Published: June 2023

Purpose
Through this research, we aim to provide insights into how trainers can effectively utilize microlearning to enhance learning outcomes for Gen Z learners in this digital age. This study presents a model of microlearning for Gen Z driven by determinants of microlearning and factors contributing to the effectiveness of microlearning.

Design/methodology/approach
The paper reviews the literature to indicate the conceptualization of microlearning and Gen Z. The authors present a conceptual model indicating the proposed relationship.

Findings
The research suggests that microlearning is an effective way to learn new information, particularly in workplace training and education, and can lead to improved recall and retention of information and increased engagement and motivation among Gen Z.

Originality/value
This paper provides a conceptual framework for factors influencing the components of microlearning.
Real men don’t share (online): perceived neediness and the frequent-posting femininity stereotype
Authors: Edelblum Andrew B. , Warren Nathan B. 
Published: June 2023

PurposeResearch emphasizes the motivations underlying and potential harmful consequences of social media use, but there is little understanding of stigmas faced by individual social media users, particularly as they pertain to gender. The purpose of this study is to examine a unique stereotype related to men’s social media use.Design/methodology/approachFour experiments examine judgments of men based on how often they post on social media (frequently vs infrequently).FindingsThe authors find that posting frequently (vs infrequently) affects the perceived gender of men but not women. This frequent-posting femininity stereotype is explained by perceived neediness and holds regardless of whether posts are about others (vs the self) or whether posts are shared by influencers (vs ordinary users).Research limitations/implicationsFuture research should examine other stereotypes of social media users – including those pertaining to gender – and ways to mitigate such negative attributions. Researchers should examine how the frequent-posting femininity stereotype and other social media use stereotypes affect social media consumption and consumer well-being.Practical implicationsManagers should adjust consumer engagement strategies and restructure platforms to address the unique stigmas facing different consumer groups.Originality/valueProviding insights into the dark side of social media, the authors investigate a unique domain – stereotypes about individual social media users. The findings of this study uncover an emasculating stigma against men who post often on social media, which may discourage men from online participation.
Virtual influencer marketing: the good, the bad and the unreal
Authors: Mouritzen Simone Lykke Tranholm , Penttinen Valeria , Pedersen Susanne 
Published: June 2023

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to conceptualize virtual influencer marketing, outlining the opportunities and dangers associated with using virtual influencers in social media marketing communications.

Design/methodology/approach
Drawing on the literature addressing influencer marketing and interactions between consumers and technologies, this paper introduces the landscape of virtual influencer marketing.

Findings
This paper distinguishes virtual influencers from real-life influencers and related digital characters. It further defines four unique elements attributed to virtual influencers: customization, flexibility, ownership and automation. Finally, it introduces a taxonomy for virtual influencers.

Research limitations/implications
The conceptualization of virtual influencer marketing contributes to advancing the understanding of the (virtual) influencer marketing landscape.

Practical implications
This paper suggests that brands need to carefully evaluate the different characteristics of virtual influencers, when deciding to leverage them in social media marketing communications. It also provides guidelines for working with virtual influencers in marketing campaigns targeted at consumers.

Social implications
This paper discusses ethical and social implications for brands and consumers that interact with virtual influencers in the encounter between reality and virtuality.

Originality/value
This paper makes three contributions. First, it conceptualizes virtual influencer marketing by defining and critically evaluating the key characteristics attributed to virtual influencers. Second, it offers a 2 × 2 taxonomy of virtual influencers, grounded in research on anthropomorphism and reality–virtuality. Third, this paper reflects on the opportunities and dangers associated with virtual influencer marketing, outlining avenues for future research.
Baffle effects on enhancing cooling performance of electronic components by nanofluid in a horizontal channel
Authors: Armou Sara , Ait Hssain Mustapha , Nouari Soufiane , Mir Rachid , Zine-Dine Kaoutar 
Published: June 2023

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of varying baffle height and spacing distance on heat transfer and cooling performance of electronic components in a baffled horizontal channel, using a Cu-H2O nanofluid under mixed convection and laminar flow.

Design/methodology/approach
The mathematical model is two-dimensional and comprises a system of four governing equations, such as the conservation of continuity, momentum and energy. To obtain numerical solutions for these equations, the finite volume method was used for discretization. A validation process was performed by comparing this study’s results with those of previously published studies. The comparison revealed a close agreement. The numerical study was performed for a wide range of key parameters: The baffle height (0 ≤ h ≤ 0.7), the spacing distance between baffle and blocks (0.25 ≤ w ≤ 3), the Grashof and Reynolds numbers are kept equal to 104 and 75, respectively, the channel aspect ratio is L/H = 10, and the volume fraction of Cu nanoparticles is fixed at φ = 5%.

Findings
The results of the study reveal a significant improvement in heat transfer in terms of total Nusselt number of the top and bottom hot components, which exhibited an improvement of 16.89% and 17.23% when the baffle height increases from h = 0 to h = 0.7. Additionally, the study found that reducing the distance between the baffle and the electronic components up to a certain limit can improve the heat transfer rate. Therefore, the optimal height of the baffle was found to be no lower than 0.6, and the recommended distance between the heaters and the baffle was 0.5.

Originality/value
This study provides valuable insights into the optimization of the design of baffled channels for improved heat transfer performance. The findings of study can be used to improve heat exchangers and cooling systems in various applications. The use of Cu-H2O nanofluid under mixed convection and laminar flow conditions in channel with baffle and electronic components is also unique, making this study an original contribution to the field.
Dynamics of breather waves, lump-kink solutions and interaction solutions for a (3+1)-dimensional generalized shallow water waves equation
Authors: Liu Na 
Published: June 2023

Purpose
This paper aims to study the breather, lump-kink and interaction solutions of a (3 + 1)-dimensional generalized shallow water waves (GSWW) equation, which describes water waves propagating in the ocean or is used for simulating weather.

Design/methodology/approach
Hirota bilinear form and the direct method are used to construct breather and lump-kink solutions of the GSWW equation. The “rational-cosh-cos-type” test function is applied to obtain three kinds of interaction solutions.

Findings
The fusion and fission of the interaction solutions between a lump wave and a 1-kink soliton of the GSWW equation are studied. The dynamics of three kinds of interaction solutions between lump, kink and periodic waves are discussed graphically.

Originality/value
This paper studies the breather, lump-kink and interaction solutions of the GSWW equation by using various approaches and provides some phenomena that have not been studied.
Determinants of branching decisions of State-controlled commercial banks: evidence from China
Authors: Sun Xifang , Liu Liyu 
Published: June 2023

PurposeBranching is one of the crucial strategic non-price actions for banks. Previous studies on the impact of state ownership upon banks focus on bank lending behavior. This paper aims to offer a novel investigation of how state ownership affects bank branching behavior by examining state-controlled commercial banks (SCCBs) in the context of the largest developing and transitional country China.Design/methodology/approachThe two-part model (TPM) is applied to analyze the branching decision process. In the first stage, the dependent variable is the choice of bank branching dynamics and in the second stage the dependent variable is the number of new branches or the number of closed branches. For robustness check, the ordered probit selection model allowing for interdependence of the two stage decisions is also employed.FindingsUsing a unique dataset of bank branches in China, this paper finds that the branching decisions of Chinese SCCBs are driven by both profit motivated factors including population size, population density, income level, financial development and banking competition and politically motivated factors as represented with the proportion of SOEs. As a comparison, branching decisions of joint-stock banks in China are fully determined by profit motivated factors.Originality/valueFirst, this study is the first to explore the effect of state ownership on bank branching decisions, providing a new insight on the literature regarding to the impact of state ownership on bank decisions. Second, this study explores the potential effect of politically motivated factors on bank branching decisions, filling the gap in bank branching literature. Third, this study can contribute to bank branching literature by enriching the limited understanding of how SCCBs make branching decisions. Lastly, this study applies novel empirical strategies to analyze bank branching decisions, including the TPM and the ordered probit selection model.
The perception of competition in the hospital healthcare market of the Republic of Moldova
Authors: Aneste Eduard , Lozan Oleg 
Published: June 2023

PurposeIdentifying the perception of competition between public and private providers in the national hospital market can help authorities to develop appropriate management strategies applicable to the hospital sector and increase the efficiency of public hospital institutions.Design/methodology/approachA mixed selective descriptive study including quantitative and qualitative components was carried out on in the Republic of Moldova between 12/2021 and 03/2022. The study included all hospitals in the country. The study revealed the hospital manager's perception of the hospital's competition as respondents to the questionnaire were only the directors and managers of hospital institutions. The concept of evaluation of the perception of competition was carried out through the lens of “Porter's 5 forces” from “Competitive strategies” by Michael E. Porter. The authors used a questionnaire as an instrument for studying the perception of competition. All study participants responded to both the quantitative and qualitative questionnaire.FindingsInterhospital competition perceived by managers using model framework of “Porter's 5 forces” reveals high danger from service providers and high perception of rivalry; hospital directors perceived as low: the patient's bargaining power; the danger of new competitors entering the market; the danger of substitution, which constitutes competitive advantages; the lack of autonomy in the selection of services and patients and legislative barriers are the main perceived dissensions. The perception of competition between public and private hospitals is one with high rivalry, especially in the country's municipalities.Originality/valueThe national public hospital system takes up to 65% of the health budget being extremely expensive, a fact that indicates a rather low competitiveness of them. The European average indicates figures of 30–40%. The private hospital sector is less developed compared to most European countries, being represented by 17 institutions, in comparison Romania has 104 private hospitals representing about 25% of the market share. Private hospitals also occupy a considerable part of the European hospital healthcare market, continuing to increase, reaching over 30% in Germany.
Women’s career advancement: review of literature and future research agenda
Authors: Das Seema , Jha Sumi 
Published: June 2023

PurposeDespite the significance of a gender-diverse workforce, there is a lack of comprehensive review of gender diversity and women's career advancement literature. Moreover, past literature focuses on women-on-board and other subsets based on outcomes like firm financial and non-financial performance, corporate social performance and board interlocks. The purpose of this study is to examine the research on gender diversity and women's career advancement through an analysis of 143 articles published during past decade. Theoretical frameworks, contexts and constructs-based contribution to scholarship were reviewed. The authors attempt to highlight key theories, constructs and contexts and provide direction for future research.Design/methodology/approachA comprehensive systematic literature review of 143 articles spanning January 2008–March 2023 about gender diversity and women’s career advancement was conducted.FindingsMajority of the past studies have focused on women on board and top management team, and most of them have been conducted in the context of the USA and China. There is no specific industry which has been covered extensively. Resource dependency, resource-based views and agency theories are the primary theoretical frameworks used in the past studies. Furthermore, these findings suggest the scope to further focus on women’s retention and career growth initiatives, especially at levels other than top levels, for a stronger leadership pipeline.Originality/valueThis study has been conducted with a focused analysis of the context, constructs and theoretical frameworks, enabling future researchers to decide how and where to focus, to now strengthen retention of women.
What transforms? – Transformative learning in a sustainability leadership master’s program
Authors: Bryant Jayne , Ayers James , Missimer Merlina 
Published: June 2023

Purpose
Transformative learning and leadership are key leverage points for supporting society’s transition towards sustainability. The purpose of this study was to identify the outcomes of transformational learning within an international sustainability leadership master’s program in Sweden. The study also prototypes a typology for transformative learning (TTL) in the context of sustainability leadership education.

Design/methodology/approach
Alumni spanning 15 cohorts provided answers to a survey, and the responses were used to identify the outcomes of the program. Graduates were asked to describe what transformed for them through the program. Empirical data was coded prototyping the use of the TTL in sustainability education context.

Findings
Graduates of the Master’s in Strategic Leadership towards Sustainability program, described transformation with regards to their Self-in-relation to Others and the World, their Self-knowledge, sense of Empowerment/Responsibility; their Worldview became More Comprehensive or Complex, and they gained New Awareness/New Understandings which transformed their Worldview. Many described transformations in their general Ways of Being in the world. Findings suggest the TTL learning as a good basis for analysis in the education for sustainable development (ESD) context. Suggestions for the TTL include further development of the process that articulates the relational, interdependent and perhaps a priori relationships between elements that transform.

Research limitations/implications
This study presents the outcomes of transformational learning within an international sustainability leadership master’s program. It prototypes the use of a TTL within the ESD context using empirical data. This combination provides practical insights to a dynamic, often theoretical and hard to articulate process.

Originality/value
This study presents the outcomes of transformational learning within an international sustainability leadership master’s program. It prototypes the use of a TTL in the ESD context and assesses the outcomes of a sustainability leadership program using empirical data. This combination provides practical insights to a dynamic, often theoretical and hard to articulate process.
Growing a digital iceberg for a polar bear: effects of a gamified mobile app on university students’ pro-environmental behaviours
Authors: Boncu Ștefan , Candel Octav-Sorin , Prundeanu Oara , Popa Nicoleta Laura 
Published: June 2023

Purpose
Pro-environmental education incorporates digital technologies to enhance the level of pro-environmental behaviours (PEB) in young adults. Guided by gamified learning and self-directed informal learning theories, this study aims to examine the potential for the use of a gamified mobile app to increase students’ PEB. Also, it explores whether various pre-existing environmental attitudes and beliefs can moderate the effects.

Design/methodology/approach
This quasi-experimental study proposed an eight-weeks intervention for undergraduate students based on using a mobile app. The authors evaluated the post-intervention differences in PEB between the intervention group and a control group. The effects of multiple moderators were also tested.

Findings
Using the mobile app for eight weeks significantly improves the levels of PEB in the intervention group compared to the control group. None of the proposed interactions showed significant moderator effects.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first one to verify the potential moderators accounting for the success of an environmental education approach using a mobile app. Also, it provides strong empirical support for the use of such educational strategy. Based on these findings, the authors suggest the use of gamified mobile apps as suitable tools for pro-environmental education, especially when targeting young adult or student populations. Moreover, using mobile apps providing self-directed informal learning, combined with gamification, can be used to enhance other desirable behaviours.
Numerical simulation and experimental study on adhesion effect of powder lubricating layer
Authors: Kong Junchao 
Published: June 2023

Purpose
Powder lubrication is widely used in industrial production, but most of the research that analyze the wear process and speculate on the wear mechanism of the tested specimens lacks reliability, and it is difficult to reveal the essence of the friction and wear process. The purpose of this paper is using the optical in situ observation method to observe the condition of the powder lubrication layer in real time and dynamically, and directly obtain the morphology change of the specimen during the whole wear process, which is helpful to the establishment of new tribological basic theories such as friction and wear mechanism and lubrication theory.

Design/methodology/approach
Mechanical model of powder lubrication is established considering asperity and powder layer, and the influence of adhesion effect on load and friction force is analyzed. The finite difference method is used to solve the above physical model, and the influence of the adhesion effect on load and friction force is analyzed. The total load and friction of the friction pair are composed of two parts: fluid and asperity. Based on the optical in situ observation method to build a test platform. The interface of the adhesion stage was observed by SEM.

Findings
When the film thickness ratio is less than 1, the local damage and diffusion of the powder layer are basically completed and the adhesion stage is entered. At this time, the asperity is not fully loaded, the powder layer is loaded by 50%, the asperity is less loaded, the deformation is small and the possibility of plastic flow is reduced. However, in the adhesion stage, the friction force is basically generated between asperity, and the friction force ratio of the asperity is 80%. Heavy load and surface roughness of the specimen are the necessary conditions for the powder adhesion period.

Practical implications
In this paper, the failure process of the powder layer at the friction interface with different roughness and load is studied based on the optical in situ observation method. Second, the contact surface with the micro-convex body and powder layer is simulated, and the influence of adhesion effect on the mechanical properties of the real contact surface in the process of powder lubrication is analyzed, thus providing theoretical guidance for mechanical processing, workpiece operation and lubrication design.

Originality/value
Mechanical model considering asperities and powder layer powder lubrication was established to analyze the influence of the adhesion effect on load and friction. Based on the optical in situ observation method to build a test platform. The tests found that the failure process of the powder lubricating layer includes five stages: powder complete stage, local failure stage, local failure diffusion stage, powder adhesion stage and complete failure stage.

Peer review
The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-11-2022-0322/