A systematic literature review on circular economy practices: challenges, opportunities and future trends

Purpose The circular economy (CE) is an evolving subject transitioning from conceptualization to empirical testing. Over the past decade, researchers have done an exhaustive study to understand the concept of CE and its realized values both financially and environmentally on organizations that have traditional business models based on linear consumption. For understanding the transitional phenomena completely, the paper aims to review the current and emerging research trends in CE to ascertain future direction. Design/methodology/approach The research was conducted on 91 articles published in the study area during the past decade (2016–2021) in renowned peer-reviewed journals. The criteria set to review literature are based on the following assortment: CE drivers, CE barriers, definitions by different authors, yearly distribution of the publication, research publisher and journals, google citation and methodology used in the selected research articles. Findings The study suggests that researchers from the selected years are keen to understand the transition and its critical factors by bringing forward frameworks and incorporating CE with digital technologies. The digital technology implied are Industrial Technology (IR) 4.0, Big Data, Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain and Data Analytics to increase organizational and environmental performance. CE researchers need to use empirical testing in different sectors to understand and bring forward more improvised business models and practices according to the dynamics of the industry. Originality/value The literature review suggests gaps exist to integrate the micro, meso and macro levels to get CE implementation's system-wide benefits. The study has also identified that many CE frameworks available in the literature for implementation must be empirically tested to yield performance results.

Trajectories of chemosensory and cognitive functions up to 1.5 years after acute COVID-19

There is an increasing recognition of neurological manifestations from SARS-CoV-2 infection. Quantifications of such manifestations and their long-term dynamics in the general infected population are of essence in understanding the health and socioeconomic burden of neurological complications of COVID-19. Through rigorous empirical testing of over 800 volunteers, we present here repeated cross-sectional and longitudinal data that depict the trajectories of chemosensory functions, cognitive performances and depressive symptoms up to 1.5 years after acute COVID-19 in discharged patients with respect to non-infected controls. Overall, deficits in smell, taste and chemesthesis slowly resolved within about a year of discharge. Concerningly, cognitive impairments –– independent of elevated depressive symptoms and evident even in those with nonsevere disease –– showed no sign of improvement over time. In people over 50 years, COVID-19 was associated with a substantially increased risk for mild cognitive impairment. Our findings urge for cognitive and emotional interventions targeting COVID-19 convalescents.

The Retail Industry’s Impact of Artificial Intelligence Chatbots and Augmented-Reality Applications: An examination of trust and satisfaction of the Youth Vietnamese online shopping

As competition in the retail industry heats up, businesses are increasingly resorting to kinds of artificial intelligence (AI) to differentiate themselves. E-commerce firms are combining technologies such as AI chatbots and augmented reality applications (ARA), which have established themselves as prominent customer service solutions in the practitioner area. However, little is known about consumers’ views and participation with developing technologies when they are implemented in a retail setting. A theory-based study model was developed to elucidate the motivational factors required for effective decision-making in this environment. The proposed model was supported by empirical testing conducted as a field study.

The Fictional in Autofiction

Autofiction and theories of fiction seem to be at odds. Whereas the notion of autofiction capitalizes on a postmodern consensus regarding the fictional status of self-narration, recent theoretical approaches to fiction and fictionality have reaffirmed the distinction between fictional and nonfictional narratives. It is possible to move beyond this impasse, however, by drawing on narratological and rhetorical theories of fictionality to describe the precise forms and degrees of fictionality and fictionalization discernable in works received as autofiction. Different configurations of the fact/fiction relationship can produce various autofictional effects, and theory can help us locate sites of fictionalization and factualization within literary works. Conversely, the ambiguity and hybridity of autofictional texts serve as a useful empirical testing ground for theories of fiction and fictionality.

A Framework for Serious Games in High Education

With the ubiquity of technology, we have nowadays, many processes have taken advantage of information technology mechanisms to leverage their outcomes. Education is not an exception. In fact, technology has been playing an increasingly important part in learning experiences. For instance, game elements have been effectively used in educational settings, with very promising results. Hence, we propose a framework for applying game elements in a serious game to be used in higher education settings. It comprises a set of game mechanisms and leverages the importance of a coherent narrative and collaboration. We have deployed this framework in an instance of an engineering course as proof of concept, with promising results. Extensive empirical testing will be conducted, with advanced statistical analysis, to validate our framework. It will then be a tool to be used by educators to enhance learning processes.

Pegadaian Digital Service

This study aims to determine the effect of Pegadaian Digital Service (PDS) on the financial inclusion of sharia business segments. The study was conducted using secondary data and analyzed by quantitative and qualitative methods. Quantitative method used the t-test to determine the significance of the effect of PDS on the financial inclusion of sharia business segments. The t-test was conducted two years before the release of PDS (2016-2017) and the two years after released of PDS (2018-2019). Sharia business segments in this study are sharia pawn bussiness (rahn) and micro fiducia sharia business (Arrum and Amanah). Furthermore, qualitative analysis is to find the right modeling for optimizing PDS in increasing financial inclusion in sharia business segments. The results showed that in the two years after the released of PDS the turnover, outstanding loan, and mu'nah revenue had a very significant increasing. There were strong correlations and significant differences in the achievement of turnover, outstanding loans, and mu’nah revenue between before and after the PDS, both in sharia pawn business (Rahn), Arrum and Amanah products. The results of empirical testing proved that PDS was supporting the acceleration of financial inclusion programs, especially in the sharia business segment at PT. Pegadaian. Optimizing PDS in increasing financial inclusion in sharia business segments can be done by developing a product based PDS optimization model.

How location-based messages influence customers' store visit attitudes: an integrative model of message value

PurposeThis study aims to develop an understanding of how customers of a physical retail store valuate receiving location-based mobile phone messages when they are in proximity of the store. It proposes and tests a model relating two benefits (personalization and location congruency) and two sacrifices (privacy concern and intrusiveness) to message value perceptions and store visit attitudes.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses a vignette-based survey to collect data from a sample of 1,225 customers of a fashion retailer. The postulated research model is estimated using SmartPLS 3.0 with the consistent-PLS algorithm and further validated via a post-hoc test.FindingsThe empirical testing confirms the predictive validity and robustness of the model and reveals that location congruency and intrusiveness are the location-based message characteristics with the strongest effects on message value and store visit attitude.Originality/valueThe paper adds to the underexplored field of store entry research and extends previous location-based messaging studies by integrating personalization, location congruency, privacy concern and intrusiveness into one validated model.

Development and Evaluation of a Chinese Character Educational Board Game for Non-Native Learners

There is no doubt that knowing Chinese gives graduates a competitive advantage. The ability to communicate fluently in Chinese has long been a requirement for Chinese employers, particularly those looking to do business in China's e-commerce market. Non-native learners must master four fundamental abilities in order to become literate in the Chinese language: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Previous research has found that writing Chinese characters is frequently the most difficult task for both non-native and native learners. The issue arises during the process of learning Chinese characters and excessive use of gadgets, while online learning inspires both researchers to create a Chinese educational board game dubbed the LiSCReW Family Board Game (LiSCReW). LiSCReW is an acronym for Listen, Speak, Count, Read, and Write. The purpose of this study is (i) to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of the LiSCReW for learning Chinese characters; and (ii) to share non-native learners' perspectives and experiences while playing LiSCReW during a one-day exhibition at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Johor Campus. To facilitate playtesting and evaluation of the board game, a total of 22 students from UiTM Johor were conveniently selected. The findings indicate that the LiSCReW board game is an effective educational tool for learning Chinese characters. The results show that respondents are more confident in recognising Chinese characters (90.9%), pronouncing Chinese characters (68.2%), reading Chinese characters (54.6%), and applying the Chinese characters they learned while playing LiSCReW to their Chinese test (77.2%). The findings can be used to guide future research into the empirical testing of Flow Theory's applicability among a large number of respondents.

The Antecedents and Consequences of Marketing Law Transgressions: an Australian Perspective

<p>Since the 1970s, a number of models have been developed that investigate the reasons why firms break the law. None of these, however, have focussed on why firms transgress laws specifically related to marketing, nor have they recognized the dynamic nature of the transgression process. Based on the extant literature, and a framework of motive, opportunity, and control, a model of transgressing the law was developed that formed the basis of empirical testing within a marketing context. Previous research has focussed on the factors that have led to a previous transgression and the factors that have impacted on intent to engage in questionable behaviour in the future. This model looks to link past and future behaviour by recognising the changes that occur in the firm as the result of a previous transgression being detected, and how these changes impact on the likelihood that future transgressions will occur. It is recognised that the commission of the transgression is not the end of the process, as experiences associated with committing the transgression, getting caught, and subsequent penalties will most likely influence decisions regarding future transgressions. This model also introduces the concept of unintentional illegality through a lack of knowledge of the law. The model is empirically tested using a combination of secondary data and a survey of marketing managers from Australia. The results find evidence that the transgression of marketing law is a dynamic process and show that control mechanisms, in particular, are effective in reducing the incidence of transgression.</p>

The Antecedents and Consequences of Marketing Law Transgressions: an Australian Perspective

<p>Since the 1970s, a number of models have been developed that investigate the reasons why firms break the law. None of these, however, have focussed on why firms transgress laws specifically related to marketing, nor have they recognized the dynamic nature of the transgression process. Based on the extant literature, and a framework of motive, opportunity, and control, a model of transgressing the law was developed that formed the basis of empirical testing within a marketing context. Previous research has focussed on the factors that have led to a previous transgression and the factors that have impacted on intent to engage in questionable behaviour in the future. This model looks to link past and future behaviour by recognising the changes that occur in the firm as the result of a previous transgression being detected, and how these changes impact on the likelihood that future transgressions will occur. It is recognised that the commission of the transgression is not the end of the process, as experiences associated with committing the transgression, getting caught, and subsequent penalties will most likely influence decisions regarding future transgressions. This model also introduces the concept of unintentional illegality through a lack of knowledge of the law. The model is empirically tested using a combination of secondary data and a survey of marketing managers from Australia. The results find evidence that the transgression of marketing law is a dynamic process and show that control mechanisms, in particular, are effective in reducing the incidence of transgression.</p>