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1 – 7 of 7Kanza Abid, Zafar Iqbal Shams, Muhammad Suleman Tahir and Arif Zubair
The presence of heavy metals in milk causes many acute and chronic physiological dysfunctions in human organs. The present study aims to investigate the heavy metals in cow's and…
Abstract
Purpose
The presence of heavy metals in milk causes many acute and chronic physiological dysfunctions in human organs. The present study aims to investigate the heavy metals in cow's and buffalo's milk of two major cities, Karachi and Gujranwala, Pakistan to estimate metal intake by humans from this source.
Design/methodology/approach
In total, 48 milk samples from 2 cities were drawn from animals' udder to avoid contamination. Each sample was digested with nitric acid at 105 oC (degree Celsius) on a pre-heated electric hot plate to investigate the metals by atomic absorption spectroscopy (flame type). Air-acetylene technique analyzed chromium, cadmium and lead, and the hydride method analyzed arsenic in the milk samples.
Findings
The results revealed the highest mean lead concentration (19.65 ± 43.86 ppb) in the milk samples, followed by chromium (2.10 ± 2.33 ppb) and arsenic (0.48 ± 0.73 ppb). Cadmium was not detected in any sample, assuming cadmium's occurrence was below the detection level. The concentrations of all the metals in the samples of the two cities do not differ statistically. Lead concentrations in the buffalo's milk were higher than in cow's milk (p < 0.05). However, the concentrations of arsenic and chromium between buffalo's and cow's milk do not differ statistically. The present study reveals a lower level of metals in the milk than those conducted elsewhere. The mean concentrations of all the metals met the World Health Organization's (WHO) safety guidelines (1993).
Research limitations/implications
Although cadmium causes toxicity in the human body, cadmium could not be measured because cadmium's concentration was below the detection level, which is 1 ppb.
Practical implications
This study will help reduce the toxic metals in our environment, and the sources of heavy metals, particularly from the industrial sector could be identified. The feed and water consumed by the milking animals could be carefully used for feeding them.
Social implications
This study will help reduce the diseases and malfunction of human organs and organ systems since these heavy metals cause toxicity and carcinogenicity in humans. Arsenic and chromium cause cancer while lead causes encephalopathy (a brain disease).
Originality/value
The study reports heavy metal concentrations in the two attributes of four independent variables of raw milk samples that were scarcely reported from Pakistan.
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Raja Ahmed Jamil, Urba Qayyum, Syed Ramiz ul Hassan and Tariq Iqbal Khan
Extending the elaboration likelihood model (ELM), this study investigates the impact of social media influencers (SMI) on consumer well-being (CW) as well as the influence of CW…
Abstract
Purpose
Extending the elaboration likelihood model (ELM), this study investigates the impact of social media influencers (SMI) on consumer well-being (CW) as well as the influence of CW on purchase intention.
Design/methodology/approach
A between-subjects experiment (macro- vs mega-influencer) was conducted to assess the proposed hypotheses. A total of 190 consumers participated in the experiment, and SmartPLS 3.3 was used for multigroup analyses.
Findings
Overall, argument quality (AQ), source's credibility (SC) and influencer's kindness positively predict CW, and CW predicts purchase intention. It was also found that SC is more important when information comes from a mega-influencer, whilst kindness is essential for a macro-influencer.
Practical implications
The results of this study imply that CW should be an essential component of influencer marketing strategy. Marketing managers should hire credible and kind influencers who can produce quality arguments. Additionally, the selection of SMI (macro- vs mega-influencer) should be aligned with the marketing objective and type of persuasion required.
Originality/value
This is one of the early attempts to extend ELM by introducing influencer kindness as a peripheral cue. Moreover, the study offers novelty by examining the effects of influencer characteristics (AQ, SC and kindness) on CW and comparing these effects across macro- and mega-influencers.
研究目的
藉著擴展詳儘可能性模型, 本研究擬探討網絡紅人對消費者福祉的影響, 以及消費者福祉對購買意圖的影響。
研究方法
研究人員進行被試間實驗 (中網紅對大型網紅) , 以對提出的假設進行評價。190名消費者參與實驗, 研究人員使用SmartPLS 3.3 進行多群組分析。
研究結果
總的來說, 論點品質、來源可信度和網紅的仁慈體貼, 均能積極預測消費者福祉, 而消費者福祉亦可預測購買意圖。研究人員亦發現, 若資訊是來自大型網紅的話, 來源可信度則更形重要, 而對中網紅來說, 仁慈體貼則是不可或缺的。
研究帶來的啟示
研究結果暗示, 消費者福祉應是網紅市場營銷戰略的基本要素。市場經理應僱用可靠、仁慈體貼、並能提出優質論點的網紅。而且, 網絡紅人 (中網紅對大型網紅) 的挑選, 必須與營銷目標和說服的種類互相協調。
研究的原創性
本研究為早期的嘗試, 利用引進網絡紅人的仁慈體貼作為周邊線索, 來擴展詳儘可能性模型。另外, 本研究探討網絡紅人的特徵 (論點品質、來源可信度和仁慈體貼) 會如何影響消費者福祉; 研究人員亦跨中網紅和大型網紅, 對這些影響進行比較, 就此而言, 本研究提供了創新的研究意念。
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Faizan Khan Sherwani, Sanaa Zafar Shaikh, Shilpa Behal and Mohd Shuaib Siddiqui
The purpose of this paper is to analyse the determinants of financial inclusion among women-owned informal enterprises in India.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyse the determinants of financial inclusion among women-owned informal enterprises in India.
Design/methodology/approach
The study is based on a primary survey of 321 informal enterprises. The data has been collected through a structured questionnaire. A chi-square test has been used to examine the significant association between the characteristics of informal enterprises and their owners and financial inclusion. A logistic regression model has been developed to analyse the determinants of financial inclusion among women-owned informal enterprises.
Findings
A significant and negative association has been found between business duration and entrepreneurs’ experiences with financial inclusion. In addition, the chi-square test shows a significant association between resource capability, use of ICT by enterprises and financial inclusion. Further, logistics regression shows that duration of business, entrepreneurial experience, resource capability in terms of machinery and equipment use, and ICT are significant determinants of financial inclusion among women-owned informal enterprises.
Practical implications
There are several practical implications for national policymakers and other stakeholders, such as banks and international bodies working on financial inclusion. It is suggested that while designing the policy for financial inclusion among woman-owned informal enterprises, it should ensure that experience and older woman entrepreneurs are included in financial inclusion schemes.
Originality/value
There has been very few research on financial inclusion in woman-owned businesses. However, no research has been conducted on the financial inclusion of women-owned informal businesses. This study fills a gap by investigating the factors that influence financial inclusion in women-owned informal businesses.
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Abraham Ansong, Robert Ipiin Gnankob, Isaac Opoku Agyemang, Kassimu Issau and Edna Naa Amerley Okorley
The study analysed the influence of organizational justice on the duty orientation of employees in the mining sector of Ghana. Also, it examined the mediating role of…
Abstract
Purpose
The study analysed the influence of organizational justice on the duty orientation of employees in the mining sector of Ghana. Also, it examined the mediating role of supervisor-provided resources in the relationship between organizational justice and duty orientation.
Design/methodology/approach
The study obtained data through a self-administered questionnaire from 291 employees of a mining firm. The data were analysed and interpreted in light of the hypotheses using the partial least squares structural equation modelling technique.
Findings
The findings revealed that organizational justice had a significant positive relationship with duty orientation and supervisor-provided resources. The results again established that supervisor-provided resources had a significant positive relationship with duty orientation. The study finally documented that supervisor-provided resources partially mediate the relationship between organizational justice and duty orientation.
Practical implications
We recommended that the management of the mining companies devote resources to developing organizational justice policies based on fairness in resource allocation, clear roles, employee feedback and effective information dissemination. Furthermore, supervisors should place priority on acquiring and dispensing resources as employees demonstrate their willingness to improve duty orientation.
Originality/value
The study contributes to knowledge in a novel research area. It adds to empirical evidence by highlighting the possible variables that may influence employees to engage in duty orientation.
研究目的
本研究擬分析於迦納的採礦部門裏,組織公平感對僱員職責導向的影響;研究亦擬探討主管提供的資源,如何在組織公平感與職責導向間的關係上起著中介角色。
研究設計/方法/理念
研究人員透過一間採礦公司291名僱員自我測試的問卷,取得研究所需的數據,繼而以偏最小平方結構方程式模式分析法,進行數據分析,並按照研究的假設,對數據進行闡釋的工作。
研究結果
研究結果顯示,組織公平感與職責導向和主管提供的資源之間存在顯著的正向關係;研究結果亦確定了主管提供的資源與職責導向之間存在顯著的正向關係。最後,研究結果證明了主管提供的資源,會一定程度調節組織公平感與職責導向之間的關係。
實務方面的啟示
我們建議採礦企業的管理層應根據資源的公平分配、明確的角色、僱員的回饋和有效的信息傳播,把資源專用於發展組織公平感的政策上;而且,當僱員展示他們願意改善職責導向時,主管應把獲取資源,並加以發放列為優先事項。
研究的原創性
本研究在一個新穎的研究領域裏,幫助我們增進知識;研究透過強調影響僱員參與職責導向的可能變數,增加有關的經驗證據。
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Habiba Al-Mughairi and Preeti Bhaskar
ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered chatbot, has gained substantial attention in the academic world for its potential to transform the education industry. While…
Abstract
Purpose
ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered chatbot, has gained substantial attention in the academic world for its potential to transform the education industry. While ChatGPT offers numerous benefits, concerns have also been raised regarding its impact on the quality of education. This study aims to bridge the gap in research by exploring teachers' perspectives on the adoption of ChatGPT, with a focus on identifying factors that motivate and inhibit them to adopt ChatGPT for educational purposes.
Design/methodology/approach
This research has employed a interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) qualitative approach. Through in-depth interviews among the teachers, data will be collected to identify the motivating and inhibiting factors that impact teachers' willingness to adopt ChatGPT. The data was collected from 34 teachers working across 10 branches of the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) in Oman.
Findings
The analysis revealed four themes under motivating factors that encourage teachers to adopt ChatGPT for their educational purpose. These include Theme 1: Exploration of innovative education technologies, Theme 2: Personalization teaching and learning, Theme 3: Time-saving and Theme 4: Professional development. On the other hand, inhibiting factors includes five themes which includes Theme 1: Reliability and accuracy concerns, Theme 2: Reduced human interaction, Theme 3: Privacy and data security, Theme 4: lack of institutional support and Theme 5: Overreliance on ChatGPT.
Practical implications
This study contributes to the understanding of teachers' perspectives on the adoption of ChatGPT in education. By understanding teachers' perspectives, policymakers can design appropriate policies and service providers can customize their offerings to meet teachers' requirements. The study's findings will be valuable for higher education institutions (HEIs) in formulating policies to ensure the appropriate and effective utilization of ChatGPT. The study will provide suggestions to ChatGPT service providers, enabling them to focus on motivating factors and address inhibiting factors, thereby facilitating the seamless adoption of ChatGPT among teachers.
Originality/value
In comparison to previous studies, this study goes beyond merely discussing the possible benefits and limitations of ChatGPT in education. This research significantly contributes to the understanding of ChatGPT adoption among teachers by identifying specific motivating and inhibiting factors that influence teachers to adopt ChatGPT for educational purposes. The research enables to gain important new insights that were not previously found, giving a fresh dimension to the existing literature.
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Bahareh Farhoudinia, Selcen Ozturkcan and Nihat Kasap
This paper aims to conduct an interdisciplinary systematic literature review (SLR) of fake news research and to advance the socio-technical understanding of digital information…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to conduct an interdisciplinary systematic literature review (SLR) of fake news research and to advance the socio-technical understanding of digital information practices and platforms in business and management studies.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper applies a focused, SLR method to analyze articles on fake news in business and management journals from 2010 to 2020.
Findings
The paper analyzes the definition, theoretical frameworks, methods and research gaps of fake news in the business and management domains. It also identifies some promising research opportunities for future scholars.
Practical implications
The paper offers practical implications for various stakeholders who are affected by or involved in fake news dissemination, such as brands, consumers and policymakers. It provides recommendations to cope with the challenges and risks of fake news.
Social implications
The paper discusses the social consequences and future threats of fake news, especially in relation to social networking and social media. It calls for more awareness and responsibility from online communities to prevent and combat fake news.
Originality/value
The paper contributes to the literature on information management by showing the importance and consequences of fake news sharing for societies. It is among the frontier systematic reviews in the field that covers studies from different disciplines and focuses on business and management studies.
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Agnishwar Girigoswami, Poornima Govindharaj, Mahashweta Mitra Ghosh and Koyeli Girigoswami
Abstract
Purpose
In addition to agriculture, energy production, and industries, potable water plays a significant role in many fields, further increasing the demand for potable water. Purification and desalination play a major role in meeting the need for clean drinking water. Clean water is necessary in different areas, such as agriculture, industry, food industries, energy generation and in everyday chores.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors have used the different search engines like Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus and PubMed to find the relevant articles and prepared this mini review.
Findings
The various stages of water purification include coagulation and flocculation, coagulation, sedimentation and disinfection, which have been discussed in this mini review. Using nanotechnology in wastewater purification plants can minimize the cost of wastewater treatment plants by combining several conventional procedures into a single package.
Social implications
In society, we need to avail clean water to meet our everyday, industrial and agricultural needs. Purification of grey water can meet the clean water scarcity and make the environment sustainable.
Originality/value
This mini review will encourage the researchers to find out ways in water remediation to meet the need of pure water in our planet and maintain sustainability.
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