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This study aims to investigate how phishers apply persuasion principles and construct deceptive URLs in mobile instant messaging (MIM) phishing.

In total, 67 examples of real-world MIM phishing attacks were collected from various online sources. Each example was coded using established guidelines from the literature to identify the persuasion principles, and the URL construction techniques employed.

The principles of social proof, liking and authority were the most widely used in MIM phishing, followed by scarcity and reciprocity. Most phishing examples use three persuasion principles, often a combination of authority, liking and social proof. In contrast to email phishing but similar to vishing, the social proof principle was the most commonly used in MIM phishing. Phishers implement the social proof principle in different ways, most commonly by claiming that other users have already acted (e.g. crafting messages that indicate the sender has already benefited from the scam). In contrast to email, retail and fintech companies are the most commonly targeted in MIM phishing. Furthermore, phishers created deceptive URLs using multiple URL obfuscation techniques, often using spoofed domains, to make the URL complex by adding random characters and using homoglyphs.

The insights from this study provide a theoretical foundation for future research on the psychological aspects of phishing in MIM apps. The study provides recommendations that software developers should consider when developing automated anti-phishing solutions for MIM apps and proposes a set of MIM phishing awareness training tips.

Circular economy (CE) is guided by principles, the key being the R-framework. All R-frameworks have a hierarchy. Although several studies have prioritized these principles, there is still an urgent call for country-specific prioritization. This study prioritized circular economy (CE) principles among Ghana's built environment (BE) professionals.

An explanatory sequential mixed methods approach was adopted. Six principles of CE were identified through a review of related literature and incorporated into a questionnaire. In total, 162 questionnaire responses were received. The quantitative data were analyzed through descriptive and inferential analyses. The data were further validated via semi-structured interviews with eight interviewees of different professional backgrounds in the BE.

The findings revealed that BE professionals in Ghana highly perceived CE principles as important. The findings further revealed the order of prioritization of the CE principles as follows: (1) recycle, (2) reuse, (3) repair/remanufacture, (4) renewable energy usage, (5) redesign and (6) reduce. To further elaborate on these prioritized principles via the qualitative phase, the interviewees agreed to and confirmed the importance of the identified principles through their verbatim comments.

Although there is a growing interest in research regarding CE in the Ghanaian construction industry, its principles have yet to be prioritized and ranked by professionals in the Ghanaian construction industry. This study unearths why, in terms of prioritization of the CE principles, the construction industry in Ghana does not follow the well-known hierarchy (i.e. reduce, reuse and recycle) in the order of high to low level of circularity.

Research on measures to strengthen the implementation of indoor environmental quality (IEQ) principles has been scarce in developing countries such as Nigeria. Hence, this study sought to identify and assess the crucial measures for encouraging the adoption of IEQ principles in the Nigerian construction industry, specifically from the viewpoint of quantity surveyors.

To accomplish this objective, a quantitative research methodology was employed, utilizing a well-structured questionnaire distributed to quantity surveying (QS) firms in Nigeria. The collected data were examined using a range of statistical techniques such as frequencies, percentages, mean item scores (MISs), the Kruskal–Wallis test and exploratory factor analysis.

The top five ranked measures were as follows: offer financial incentives and tax breaks, develop educational materials and resources, establish clear and accessible reporting mechanisms, develop awards and recognition programs and provide advocacy and awareness campaigns. Factor analysis led to the categorization of the identified measures into four primary clusters: education and training, policy and regulation, incentivization and recognition and collaboration and networking. Consequently, these clusters were renamed the EPIC (Education and training, Policy and regulation, Incentivization and recognition and Collaboration and networking) framework, with each first letter representing a significant measure for fostering the adoption of IEQ principles.

Consequently, this study offers a robust foundation for understanding and implementing measures to enhance the adoption of IEQ principles within the Nigerian construction industry, ultimately benefiting stakeholders and improving the quality of built environments.

The EPIC framework designed in this study offers valuable insights for policymakers, construction industry professionals and other stakeholders interested in promoting IEQ principles, which can potentially lead to healthier, more comfortable and more sustainable built environments in Nigeria and beyond.

This study aims to develop a comprehensive framework for Islamic social entrepreneurship (ISE) by synthesizing Islamic principles and social entrepreneurship concepts, bridging the gap between theory and practice.

Using a systematic literature review, this study focuses on scholarly works published from 1992 to 2023, uses thematic analysis and engages with subject experts to craft a framework for ISE.

The study identified 39 sub-dimensions grouped into 13 core dimensions. These findings highlight the multifaceted impact on ISE, emphasizing its commitment to ethical, socially responsible practices and achieving lasting social impact through collaborative, innovative approaches guided by Islamic principles.

Limitations include regional focus, lack of longitudinal data and absence of quantitative testing for the framework. Future research should expand scope, use quantitative analysis and explore gender dynamics, policy implications and standardized impact metrics to enhance the framework’s robustness.

The study’s comprehensive framework aids ISE practitioners in aligning their ventures with Islamic ethics and social impact. As interest in ISE grows, particularly in Muslim-majority contexts, this research facilitates the integration of Islamic values into social entrepreneurship, addressing pressing societal challenges.

This study contributes to the field of ISE by proposing a meticulously crafted framework that synthesizes Islamic principles and social entrepreneurship concepts. It stands out as a unique endeavor that bridges the gap between theory and practice in ISE, offering practical guidance while enriching the scholarly discourse on the subject.

Lean construction (LC) is an innovative approach in the construction industry that has shown significant success in developed countries. Although LC has potential in the construction sector of Pakistan, it has not been extensively explored. This study aims to address this knowledge gap by identifying and predicting current lean practices and assessing the strengths and weaknesses of LC implementation in Pakistan.

Using robust statistical methods to analyze 92 valid responses, the study reveals that approximately 54% of lean practices are currently in use in the construction industry of Pakistan, with a population mean ranging from 52.7% to 55.6%.

Surprisingly, the research identifies instances where some construction firms in Pakistan are implementing LC practices, even though they have only a limited understanding of its underlying principles. Notably, certain subprinciples, such as visual management, top management commitment to change, employee training, process cycle time reduction and production optimization, are less integrated within the construction industry. Exploring the possibility of implementing LC, recommendations for strategies to implement LC in Pakistan are suggested, aligning with the conceptual model proposed by the researchers.

The novelty of this work offers insights that can serve as a comprehensive guide for developing nations. It provides a structured approach to assess and benchmark LC practices, which, in turn, can contribute to a more efficient and effective construction industry. Moreover, the strategies proposed in this research can aid developing countries in the efficient implementation of LC. This will have a positive implication for both economic and developmental outcomes.

The purpose of this study is to identify and evaluate the primary constraints that quantity surveying firms in Nigeria encounter while integrating indoor environmental quality (IEQ) principles into building designs.

The study used a quantitative approach by administering a well-structured questionnaire to 114 quantity surveyors. The collected data were analyzed using methods such as frequencies, percentages, mean item scores, Kruskal–Wallis test and exploratory factor analysis.

The top five ranked constraints were limited access to funding or financing options, limited availability of green materials, limited availability of insurance for sustainable buildings, limited availability of sustainable design resources and limited diversity and inclusivity within the design profession. Based on the factor analysis, the study identified six clusters of constraints: structural-related constraints, technical-related constraints, financial-related constraints, capacity-related constraints, legal-related constraints and culture-related constraints.

This study has several practical implications for quantity surveying firms, policymakers and industry stakeholders involved in building design and construction in Nigeria. The findings of this study can also inform future research on the integration of IEQ principles into building designs.

By identifying and structuring the clusters of constraints faced by quantity surveying firms in Nigeria when implementing IEQ principles, this study provides a novel approach to understanding the challenges associated with IEQ implementation in the building sector. This understanding can guide policymakers, industry stakeholders and quantity surveying firms in developing effective strategies to overcome these constraints and promote IEQ principles in building design and construction.

A new triage method, MBCE (Medical Bio Social Ethics), is presented with social justice, bio, and medical ethics for critical resource distribution during a pandemic. Ethical triage is a complex and challenging process that requires careful consideration of medical, social, cultural, and ethical factors to guide the decision-making process and ensure fair and transparent allocation of resources. When assigning priorities to patients, a clinician would evaluate each patient’s medical condition, age, comorbidities, and prognosis, as well as their cultural and social background and ethical factors.

A statistical analysis shows no interactions among the ethical triage factors. It implies the ethical components have no moderation effect; hence, each is independent. The result also points out that medical and bioethics may have an affinity for interactions. In such cases, there seem to be some ethical factors related to bio and medical ethics that are correlated. Therefore, the triage team should be careful in evaluating patient cases. The algorithm is explained with case histories of the selected patient. A group of triage nurses and general medical practitioners assists with the triage.

The MBCE triage algorithm aims to allocate scarce resources fairly and equitably. Another ethical principle in this triage algorithm is the principle of utility. In a pandemic, the principle of utility may require prioritizing patients with a higher likelihood of survival or requiring less medical care. The research presents a sensitivity analysis of a patient’s triage score to show the algorithm’s robustness. A weighted score of ethical factors combined with an assessment of triage factors combines multiple objectives to assign a fair triage score. These distinctive features of the algorithm are reasonably easy to implement and a new direction for the unbiased triage principle.

The idea is to make decisions about distributing and using scarce medical resources. Triage algorithms raise ethical issues, such as discrimination and justice, guiding medical ethics in treating patients with terminal diseases or comorbidity. One of the main ethical principles in triage algorithms is the principle of distributive justice.

In response to the prevalent emphasis on short-term leadership, this article introduces a leadership framework that emphasizes four essential principles. These principles are aimed at promoting long-term effectiveness and sustainability in organizations centered on responsible leadership. These principles include developing long-term orientation, embracing organizational diversity, demonstrating emotional intelligence, and prioritizing ethical decision-making. These responsible leadership principles play a critical role in fostering long-term organizational success.

This article presents a conceptual framework that organizes and structures the key concepts, ideas, and theories regarding organizational effectiveness and long term viability.

For a responsible leader to establish a lasting social legacy and foster sustainable development, it is crucial for them to cultivate a robust and viable corporate culture, built around these four leadership principles. These principles bear witness to the fact that true evidence of sustainable leadership achievement emerges only after the leader's departure. Responsible leaders, through their track record, leave behind a social legacy by nurturing long-term organizational viability. To ensure a positive and enduring legacy beyond their leadership tenure, leaders can adopt these five principles that provide a foundation for the organization to thrive well into the future.

In the modern context, many leaders hesitate to make tough decisions due to the prevailing focus on immediate results. Followers, stakeholders, and investors prioritize quick responses, often at the expense of long-term considerations. However, by prioritizing the implementation of these four principles, leaders can overcome the allure of immediate gratification and instead, shift their focus toward long-term success measured in years, not just months. In leadership, the legacy left behind holds greater significance than we often realize, and recognizing this importance is crucial for the future prosperity of our organizations.

Many scholars have primarily disregarded employee motivation in the context of Western and Islamic ideas. To better understand employee motivation, this paper aims to explore a novel approach of fusing McClelland’s needs theory (i.e. achievement, power and affiliation) with Maqasid Shariah.

This study adopts a theoretical research design. There will be a thorough literature study of McClelland’s theory, Maqasid Shariah, and employee motivation. Qualitative content analysis is used to examine and compile pertinent ideas. To give a thorough framework for comprehending employee motivation from both Western and Islamic ethical viewpoints, McClelland’s theory and Maqasid Shariah are integrated.

This paper has conceptualized the integration of Maqasid Shariah’s five requirements with McClelland’s need theory. It is suggested that Maqasid Shariah and McClelland’s need theory be combined to understand employee motivation. For employees, the integration of McClelland’s need theory and Maqasid Shariah entails developing a work environment that attends to their many needs, is consistent with Islamic principles, encourages justice and equity, supports both professional and personal development and promotes social responsibility. By combining McClelland’s need theory and Maqasid Shariah, 15 propositions are developed to explain employee motivation. The study offers a measurement index to explain employee motivation based on the two theories.

The integration of McClelland’s theory of need and Maqasid Shariah offers expected positive implications. By considering the cultural and religious context in Islamic societies, researchers can adopt a more sensitive approach to studying motivation. This blend provides a holistic understanding of motivation, incorporating individual needs and broader ethical dimensions. Studies may explore the impact on prosocial behavior, organizational values, leadership practices and employee well-being. Understanding the alignment between personal motives and ethical principles can benefit organizations in diverse workplaces, emphasizing long-term sustainability and fostering employee engagement and commitment.

The integration of McClelland’s theory and Maqasid Shariah shows the potential implications to increase employee motivation. This study contributes significantly to Maqasid Shariah theory in business research by guiding ethical decision-making aligned with Islamic values, fostering inclusive workplaces and offering strategies for boosting employee morale. It emphasizes ethical practices, legal compliance and community engagement, while also encouraging sustainable business models that consider societal well-being and the environment.

This paper provides its unique value by being among the first to integrate McClelland’s theory and Maqasid Shariah and providing an innovative approach in developing a new measurement index in the context of employee motivation.

In July 2021, the European Commission has proposed a set of conjunct initiatives to reform the antimoney laundering/countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) regulatory regime in Europe with the main aims to (i) harmonize the AML/CFT regulation and (ii) centralize the authority to a higher degree at European Union (EU) level. This paper aims to assess the reform in light of the EU subsidiarity principle.

The paper uses a benchmark approach to compare the proposed EU money laundering reform against Article 5(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

The paper confirms that more centralized decision-making at EU level in this policy area is justified, mainly because (i) the policy area is not an area where the EU has exclusive competence, (ii) EU centralized action is necessary and (iii) it also adds value, for instance, for level playing field and efficiency considerations as long as local information advantage will not be lost. As such, the subsidiarity principle can be applied and is an adequate tool to legitimize EU centralized action in the field of money laundering combat.

As the EU AML regulatory reform has not yet been sufficiently discussed in light of the subsidiarity principle, the article is of innovative nature.