Proposed Research Questions Research Articles

Consumer Perspectives on Food Traceability—A Systematic Literature Review and Future Research Agenda

ABSTRACTFood traceability is a critical approach that ensures the safety and quality of food. It has garnered significant attention, particularly in the aftermath of multiple food safety incidents reported in various countries. While there is extant literature available on consumer perspectives on food traceability, the findings are not consistent across studies. This systematic literature review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding by integrating findings from past studies. It includes 61 articles sourced from two databases, namely Scopus and Web of Science. This review outlines various stages of a consumer's decision for food traceability, starting from exposure, awareness, understanding, liking and disliking, attitudes and preferences, purchase intentions and willingness to pay, to the final purchase. It also identifies the determinants of consumer responses to food traceability, categorising them as factors internal to the consumers, determinants due to the perception of external factors and contextual factors. Moreover, it identifies gaps in the existing research and proposes research questions to expand the knowledge in this area.

Grain Crop Yield Prediction Using Machine Learning Based on UAV Remote Sensing: A Systematic Literature Review

Preharvest crop yield estimation is crucial for achieving food security and managing crop growth. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can quickly and accurately acquire field crop growth data and are important mediums for collecting agricultural remote sensing data. With the rapid development of machine learning, especially deep learning, research on yield estimation based on UAV remote sensing data and machine learning has achieved excellent results. This paper systematically reviews the current research of yield estimation research based on UAV remote sensing and machine learning through a search of 76 articles, covering aspects such as the grain crops studied, research questions, data collection, feature selection, optimal yield estimation models, and optimal growth periods for yield estimation. Through visual and narrative analysis, the conclusion covers all the proposed research questions. Wheat, corn, rice, and soybeans are the main research objects, and the mechanisms of nitrogen fertilizer application, irrigation, crop variety diversity, and gene diversity have received widespread attention. In the modeling process, feature selection is the key to improving the robustness and accuracy of the model. Whether based on single modal features or multimodal features for yield estimation research, multispectral images are the main source of feature information. The optimal yield estimation model may vary depending on the selected features and the period of data collection, but random forest and convolutional neural networks still perform the best in most cases. Finally, this study delves into the challenges currently faced in terms of data volume, feature selection and optimization, determining the optimal growth period, algorithm selection and application, and the limitations of UAVs. Further research is needed in areas such as data augmentation, feature engineering, algorithm improvement, and real-time yield estimation in the future.

A phenomenon-based approach to handling multiple paradigms: Investigating power in international knowledge transfer through active categorization

In this article, we propose a phenomenon-based approach as a suitable way of handling multiple paradigms in practice. We implement the phenomenon-based approach by means of active categorization to be differentiated into three steps – differentiation, integration, and patterning – and apply this approach to international knowledge transfer (IKT) in multinational enterprises (MNE). Via differentiation, we classify the IKT literature into six theoretical perspectives. Via integration, we identify power as the common element underlying knowledge transfer in MNEs. This leads us to conceptualize power as an influence on IKT through the paradigms and power assumptions of the Burrell-Morgan matrix and the characteristics of power proposed by Clegg. Via patterning, we draw implications for phenomenon-based multi-paradigm research, such as the dominance of regulative and functionalist power-assumptions over interpretive and critical ones and structural power lenses over rules of practice. We deduce recommendations and propose research questions for multi-paradigm research. With our conceptual frame, we enable researchers and practitioners to conceptualize power in more sophisticated ways. We contribute to multi-paradigm studies in Cross Cultural Management by exemplifying the benefits and implications of a phenomenon-based approach as a way to handle multiple paradigms in practice and propose further fields of application.

Unveiling Uncertainty: Exploring the Potential of Neutrosophic Statistics for Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized various fields, but its effectiveness can hampered by limitations in handling uncertainty inherent in real-world data. Traditional statistical methods often rely on binary logic (true/false) and may not adequately capture the nuances of uncertainty present in real-world data. This paper explores neutrosophic statistics (NS) as a novel approach to address uncertainty in AI applications. NS, introduced by Smarandache (1998), generalizes classical set theory by incorporating three truth-values: truth (T), indeterminacy (I), and falsity (F). This allows for a more nuanced representation of uncertainty compared to traditional binary methods. We discuss the limitations of classical statistics and how NS can overcome them. The paper explores the potential of NS for AI in areas like machine learning, data fusion, and Explainable AI (XAI). We propose research questions and methodology to investigate the effectiveness of NS integration with AI frameworks. The expected outcome is to contribute to the development of more robust and reliable AI systems by demonstrating the effectiveness of NS in handling uncertainty. Finally, we discuss future research directions to further explore the potential of NS for AI.

The Implementation of Value Co-Creation in the Food Industry

In this study, we analyse, and classify the literature that discusses the implementation of value co-creation in the food industry. For this purpose, we conducted a systematic literature review identified from Scopus database search results. Then, it was further screened and filtered to obtain specific literature that could answer the proposed research question. Our analysis focuses on how those studies put value co-creation into real business and industrial contexts. We are looking at the value co-creation phases, mechanisms, and how those could create particular value. We found that value co-creation can be implemented in various ways tailored to the context that the actors wish to achieve. Another classification is made to find out the focus of the present research. This classification is based on the different functions they were focusing on across the food industry. Finally, we organise and summarise the suggestion for future research directions

Applying the extended UTAUT-2 to assess the factors contributing to consumers’ usage intention towards over-the-top video streaming platforms

The current study aims to examine consumers' over-the-top (OTT) video streaming platform usage intention and apply the extended unified theory of acceptance and use of technology version 2 (UTAUT-2) to develop a holistic evaluation model. Specifically, a decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) approach was utilised to discover the determinants of OTT video streaming service selection. This study comprehensively analyses data collected from 498 users of an OTT video streaming platform. The research rigorously examines and validates the proposed research questions by utilising multiple attribute causality modelling. The findings demonstrated that the primary factors for platform improvements were performance and effort expectancies, with facilitating conditions, personal innovativeness, hedonic motivations, and social influences significantly impacting consumers’ preferences. The findings provided insights into OTT platform providers to acquire more subscribers while improving respective competitiveness. The study discusses both theoretical and practical implications in depth.

Intelligent technologies and applications in Smart Tourism—A systematic review

<p>Smart tourism has used information technology with the infrastructure environments built for all kinds of tourism services that provide advantages for tourists, service providers, technology companies or the city itself. Due to the popularity of mobile technologies and applications, smart tourism undoubtedly changes consumers’ and providers’ behavior. The purpose of this study is to provide a systematic literature review of academic research related to information technology, computer science, mobile technologies and applications in smart tourism published between 2017 and 2019. Published articles are gathered from online search engines “Google Scholar”, “ScienceDirect” and “EBSCOHOST”. According to a keyword-driven search and content analysis, 142 articles have been chosen for examination in this research. Selected publications are collected and analyzed according to the proposed research questions, methodology, topics, technology focus, sub-themes and future trends that are thematically classified into three main categories: consumer perspective, technological perspective and provider perspective. The findings provide to an overall understanding of the most recent research into information technology, computer science, mobile technologies and applications in smart tourism by demonstrating the main results, methods, future trends and other insights of relevant publications. This study provides a systematic review of the most current published academic research from 2017 to 2019 on information technology, computer science, mobile technologies and applications in smart tourism. The results of this study construct an agenda for future research in tourism and hospitality industry by identifying major future trends and developments in smart tourism.<strong></strong></p>

Service failure is bound to happen: Unraveling the impact of dissatisfaction, complaint behavior and re-travel intention in travel and tourism industry

Service failure is bound to happen, but dissatisfaction has always been undermined by scholars previously. The present study investigates dissatisfaction factors in travel decision-making leading towards re-travel intention with the help of the expectancy disconfirmation theory (EDT) model. Moreover, complaint behavior mediates the relationship between dissatisfaction and re-travel intention concerning the factors involved in it. For the findings, 434 real-time responses were collected through an offline survey following the lifetime value (LTV) approach. Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) and Bartlett's tests were conducted to test the sphericity of the variables one by one. Furthermore, structural equation modeling (SEM) was implied to test the measurement and structural models. All the hypotheses supported and accepted the proposed research questions. The findings reveal that the dissatisfaction factors, with their interaction terms (transaction-based and experience-based), help study the variable dissatisfaction and its multifaceted concept in travel and tourism literature. Moreover, complaint behavior is identified as a key mediating factor in the relationship between dissatisfaction and re-travel intention, suggesting that commuters' response to dissatisfaction, including complaints, shapes their future re-travel intentions. The theoretical implications of the study are substantial, as it advances our understanding of commuter behavior in the context of public transport travel and tourism. Practically, the findings offer actionable insights for public transport authorities and service providers. Understanding the specific dissatisfaction factors influencing re-travel intention allows for targeted interventions to improve service quality and customer experience. Recognizing the importance of effective complaint management systems can help organizations better address customer grievances and mitigate the negative effects of dissatisfaction on re-travel intention.

Audience response to brand activism: An alignment evaluation framework

Evolving from emerging expectations of brands to take action on societal issues, a comprehensive framework is introduced for advertising account planners to evaluate how well a brand’s activism initiative aligns with the cultural and social issues of its audience. Contextualised within brand activism alignment literature, the current research investigates audience responses to Bud Light’s partnership with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney. Using topic modelling, textual analysis and discussion, the proposed framework is evaluated for its ability to help guide advertisers while also mitigating risk in brand activism endeavours. The findings are discussed in relation to four potential scenarios that advertising strategists may use to navigate brand activism choices. Natural language processing methods are employed as a research strategy to shed light on the potential for a mismatch between Bud Light’s partnership with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney and their audience. This paper describes how framework proposes research questions to understand the main message and benefit of a tactic to a brand’s target audience, as well as how the audience’s response may be seen online using the concept of affordances in social media.

How does digital inclusive finance promote the journey of common prosperity in China?

In contrast to previous studies by using provincial data, this paper employs city-level data from 260 prefecture-level cities in China between 2011 and 2020 to explore the underlying mechanism of how digital inclusive finance promotes the realisation of common prosperity in China. In addition, this paper incorporates financial deepening theory, financial exclusion theory, long tail theory, digital divide theory and technology driven theory to examine the proposed research questions. Through system-GMM and IV estimation, the results show that common prosperity is composed of development, sharing and sustainability. The high level of the weight of the first-level indicators for development and sharing reflects the importance of “prosperity” and “sharing” in common prosperity. Digital inclusive finance plays a significant role in promoting the development of urban common prosperity, with a more pronounced effect in the Eastern cities when compared to the Central and Western cities. In addition, digital inclusive finance is found to promote urban common prosperity by overcoming the digital divide and by improving the activity of urban innovation and entrepreneurship. Furthermore, the degree of marketisation is suggested to exert a positive role in regulating the impact of digital inclusive finance on common prosperity.

MSD: Continuous Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Data for the 2024 MSOM Data-Driven Research Challenge

To support the 2024 MSOM Data-Driven Research Challenge, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey (hereafter “MSD”), provides pharmaceutical manufacturing data from a continuous tablet production setting. The data set contains approximately 300 million data points related to around 75 process parameters monitored over 120 hours. In this paper, we present the data set and share our vision to inspire and facilitate new applications of operations management (OM) methodologies in pharmaceutical manufacturing. We begin with an introduction to pharmaceutical manufacturing for OM researchers and then elaborate on emerging technologies, common industry challenges, and research opportunities. We explain the data set and propose a roadmap for future research directions. Researchers are welcome to examine the proposed research questions or analyze other research questions using the data set. History: This paper has been accepted as part of the 2024 MSOM Data-Driven Research Challenge. Funding: This work was supported by The Dutch Research Council - NWO VIDI Grant. Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2024.0860

The black box of natural gas market: Past, present, and future

The increasing importance of natural gas in ensuring energy security, coupled with the impact of the COVID-19 crisis and the ongoing Russian-Ukraine war, motivates us to highlight the scholarly evolution of the literature on natural gas. From an initial pool of 53,964 papers, we refine our database, analyzing 1006 papers. By combining bibliometric and content analysis, we identify leading journals, countries, institutions, authors, articles, and critical research areas in natural gas. Our findings reveal five main research streams: 1) energy security consumption patterns in the natural gas market; 2) volatility and price discovery of the natural gas market; 3) interconnectedness between natural gas and oil market; 4) supply chain management of natural gas; and 5) development and perception of the natural gas market. We propose research questions to establish directions for future research.

A study of sustainability risks from industry 4.0 perspective: taxonomy and future research avenues

PurposeA large number of organisations are moving towards adopting Industry 4.0 (I4.0), and simultaneously, the emphasis on attaining sustainability development goals is also increasing. Hence, it is imperative to understand the interplay between I4.0 and sustainability. However, the literature addressing the same is still in infancy. Accordingly, the purpose of this study is to fill this gap in the literature by exploring the potential sustainability impacts of I4.0 on the organisations and society in terms of sustainability risks.Design/methodology/approachTo gain an understanding of sustainability aspects in the I4.0 context, relevant literature is gathered using Scopus and Web-of-Science database. An in-depth review of 51 research papers is performed to determine the sustainability risks associated with I4.0.FindingsFrom the study, a total of 16 sustainability risks are identified, and I4.0 sustainability risk taxonomy is developed. The proposed taxonomy extends the sustainability implications of I4.0 beyond the triple bottom line umbrella and includes the organisational perspective as well. Furthermore, the study provides future research avenues to scholars by positing five potential research questions under different risk management stages.Research limitations/implicationsThe study provides an understanding of sustainability risks associated with the adoption of I4.0. The findings will help practitioners streamline their production and operation processes by finding out possible solution to the sustainability risks of their smart factories in advance. The present research will act as a stepping stone towards I4.0 sustainability. The proposed research questions will assist the future researchers in extending the field of I4.0.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the first studies to address the topic of sustainability risks in the context of I4.0.

Reflections on the Aim of the DEMPE Concept in Contemporary Transfer Pricing: Delineation, Non-Recognition and Valuation

Within the contemporary transfer pricing debate, one may identify a question that is no less elusive than it is central, yet relatively unaddressed: can the DEMPE model be used for delineation and non-recognition purposes? In other words, whether the DEMPE model comes into play only after having delineated the transaction and passed the commercial rationality test or whether it can be relied upon for the purpose of delineating and recognizing a transaction. The question is crucial because the answer directly determines the extent to which DEMPE can be used in an intercompany transaction involving intangibles. Addressing the proposed research question also raises issues about the changes that have been recently incorporated into the OECD Guidelines. The present study is structured in the following manner: section 1. introduces the topic setting the ground for the discussion, section 2. provides some preliminary considerations before approaching the research question, section 3. highlights the evolution of the non-recognition, section 4. focuses on the primary question to be answered as the focal point of the study, and section 5. provides a conclusion.

Bridging, Mapping, and Addressing Research Gaps in Health Sciences: The Naqvi-Gabr Research Gap Framework.

Innovations pertaining to the ever-evolving needs of the medical and healthcare sciences remain constant. This creates a gap between the rationalized needs of the study and the proposed research question. However, classifying, identifying, and addressing these research gaps require a systematic and precise structured map. Using the Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) terms "Research Gaps" AND "Healthcare" AND "Framework" in MEDLINE, Scopus, and CINAHL databases with the filters yielded no relevant literature. Therefore, this review aims to fill this practical and clinical knowledge gap by developing the Naqvi-Gabr Research Gap Framework through critical synthesis based on extensive research on medical and healthcare research gaps. Fourteen research gaps are distributed for allocation as per the healthcare delivery system approach: developing new treatments or prevention strategies, improving diagnostic tools and techniques, addressing health disparities, and improving access to healthcare services. This structured framework determines the strategic mapping of research gaps corresponding to the nature of the research. The identification and classification of the appropriate research gap led to precise and concise conclusions corresponding to the research process proposed in this study. Hence, the Naqvi-Gabr Research Gap Framework is a valuable tool for determining the potential application of gaps by researchers, policymakers, and other stakeholders with a productive address.

Using UTAUT model to assess the factors influencing the use of ICT in Ghanaian pre-tertiary mathematics education

As the demand for acquiring Information communication and technology has increased rapidly due to the exponential growth of technological advancement in all human endeavor, researchers are also developing theories and/or models that could be used to describe and prognosticate humans’ espousal and use of these technologies as they are being released in the markets. The present study adapted one of the powerful models for information and communication technology (ICT) integration (thus, unified theory of acceptance and technology use) to assess pre-tertiary mathematics facilitators’ intentions and actual use of ICT for mathematics instructions in Ghana. This study adopts a quantitative research approach with a questionnaire as a survey instrument for collecting 185 valid data from both junior and senior high schools’ mathematics facilitators. Descriptive statistics and an enter multiple regression were deployed to validate the proposed research questions. Using SPPS v.23 as a statistical software for analyzing the data, the result reveals that, performance expectancy, and effort expectancy had a positive and significant effect on mathematics facilitators’ intentions toward ICT adoption. Moreover, social influence was significant but had a negative impact on facilitators intentions. The impact of mathematics facilitators’ intention to use ICT and the facilitating conditions (FCs) within the school environment was also a positive and significant predictor of facilitators’ ICT use behavior. It was concluded from the findings that FCs were the better predictor for mathematics teachers’ ICT use behavior than intention. Hence, the researchers recommended that more government expenditure must be allocated to infrastructures that would improve the use of ICT as well as frequent ICT training must be undertaken to enrich teachers’ knowledge in the affordance of using ICT in mathematics classrooms.

Modern Movies and Violence: Influence of Movies on Youth

Quite a good number of research has been conducted across the world, including India and Pakistan, to find out the influence of modern movies on different age groups. Youth has been focused on in Pakistan with reference to movies' impact on youth behaviours. After social media growth, the movie-watching trend has shifted from cinema to smart devices. Thus, this study was mainly conducted to examine modern movies' influence on university students' youth behaviour. Violent movies and aggression, sexually explicit movies and sexual behavior, alcohol and drugs in movies and stuff use, romantic movies and interpersonal relationships, and comedy movies and behavior were viewed critically. Hence, five research questions were developed in this study based on the identified research gap. The study responds to the proposed research questions; the survey method was formulated with a 636-sample size, using a simple random sampling technique to answer the designed research question for this study. Data on the influence of modern movies on youth behavior were collected and analyzed. The findings suggest that modern movies influence youth in all six parameters. This study recommends, on the basis of findings, that the government should enhance the capacity of the censor boards and give them more power to decide, based on merit and quality work, that movies and their scripts should bring some positive content and thoughts to enlighten youth and sensor where necessary for building a peaceful society.

The Evaluation of Industry 5.0 Concepts: Social Network Analysis Approach

During 2022 and 2023, Industry 5.0 attracted a lot of attention. Many articles and papers regarding the basics of Industry 5.0, its pillars, and a comparison of Industry 5.0 and Industry 4.0, Society 5.0, and Operator 5.0 have been published. Although the concept of Industry 5.0 is relatively new, companies from developed countries that have a high level of implementation of Industry 4.0 have already started the transition to Industry 5.0. Even though Industry 5.0 enables developing countries to become a part of developed countries’ value chains, it is not known which path to Industry 5.0 developing countries are taking. To fill this gap, the authors proposed research questions regarding the key indicators for measuring the levels of implementation of Industry 5.0 approaches in the manufacturing sector of the Republic of Serbia. This research includes insights from 146 manufacturing companies, gathered in 2022 as a part of the European Manufacturing Survey. The main findings of this study show that the most important indicator when it comes to human-centricity is training and competence development of production employees with a task-specific focus; the implementation of measures for improving efficiency in material consumption is significant for achieving sustainability; and the use of standardized and detailed work instructions is crucial in order to become resilient.

ECCO Grant Risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Abstract Background and Aims Although evidence has suggested an increased risk of venous thromboembolism and arteriosclerotic events in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), there are still substantial knowledge gaps about the long-term risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with IBD and how CVD risks vary by disease histological and clinical activity. The aims of this project are: 1) to investigate the long-term risk (both absolute and relative) of CVD in patients with IBD, and 2) to assess CVD risks for patients in different phases of histological and clinical periods of IBD. Methods We will apply epidemiological and statistical methods to tackle the proposed research questions through using data from a comprehensive linkage of a nationwide histopathology cohort, one quality register for IBD, and several nationwide registers in Sweden. Individual informed consent will be waived as the study is register-based. Anticipated Impact The project will address several important knowledge gaps and benefit the IBD community in multifaceted ways. Findings from Aim 1 will help us identify patients with IBD at a high risk of developing CVD and enhance the awareness of screening, management, and treatment of cardiovascular risk factors in patients with IBD among healthcare professionals as well as patients and their families. Findings from Aim 2 will contribute towards an improved comprehension of CVD risk in different periods of histological and clinical activity, which can offer novel insights into guiding current therapeutic strategies aiming to mitigate the risk of adverse cardiovascular events in IBD patients. Overall, knowledge from our project can provide valuable evidence for the development of clinical guidelines for CVD management in patients with IBD. Currently, such guidelines remain underdeveloped.

The role of embodiment and ergonomics in immersive VR tours in creating memorable tourism experiences

PurposeGiven the growth of virtual reality (VR)-based tourism experiences in the past five years, this study aims to investigate the impact of VR-based interactions (ergonomics and embodiment) on memorable experiences and revisit intention mediated by cognitive and emotional responses.Design/methodology/approachThis study has used an exploratory sequential mixed methodology research design to operationalise this research. Study 1 uses qualitative in-depth interviews to explore the proposed research questions, and Study 2 uses a 3 × 3 factorial experimental research design to test the proposed hypothetical model with 355 samples.FindingsThe results indicate that embodiment plays a more crucial role than VR ergonomics. Also, the cognitive response in the virtual tour indirectly generates a more memorable experience than the emotional response.Research limitations/implicationsThis research uses the theory of technological mediation as an overarching framework to conceptualise the research. Also, the research has applied the tenets of cognitive embodiment theory, metacognitive theory and other related theories to develop the arguments. Thus, the results of this research will extend the holistic understanding of these theories.Practical implicationsThis research will guide VR tourism developers in understanding the requirements and expectations of tourists. It also serves as a manual to understand how tourists process the VR tour psychologically.Originality/valueVery minimal focus was given to understanding the tourists’ interaction with technology in VR tours. The concept of ergonomics and embodiment investigated as an experimental variable is a novel approach in technology-based tourism research.