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A new cycloartane triterpene bisdesmoside from the rhizomes of Actaea vaginata

Zhang M, Yang Q, Zhang X, Wu H

Nat Prod Res, 2021 Oct;35(20):3426-3431.
PMID: 31821060 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2019.1700509

A new cycloartane triterpene bisdesmoside, soulieoside T (1), and one known compound, oleanolic acid (2), were isolated from the ethanolic extract of the rhizomes of Actaea vaginata. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods and by comparison with data reported in the literature. Compound 1 was evaluated for cytotoxic activities against three human cancer cell lines.
Application of artificial intelligence in cervical cancer screening: Enhancing accuracy and reducing misdiagnosis

Yang Q, Xie M, Yuan M, Xia M

J Clin Nurs, 2024 Aug 20.
PMID: 39164957 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.17415
Sulfitobacter alexandrii sp. nov., a new microalgae growth-promoting bacterium with exopolysaccharides bioflocculanting potential isolated from marine phycosphere

Yang Q, Ge YM, Iqbal NM, Yang X, Zhang XL

Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek, 2021 Jul;114(7):1091-1106.
PMID: 33895907 DOI: 10.1007/s10482-021-01580-0

Marine phycosphere harbors unique cross-kingdom associations with enormous ecological significance in aquatic ecosystems as well as relevance for algal biotechnology industry. During our investigating the microbial composition and bioactivity of marine phycosphere microbiota (PM), a novel lightly yellowish and versatile bacterium designated strain AM1-D1T was isolated from cultivable PM of marine dinoflagellate Alexandrium minutum amtk4 that produces high levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins (PSTs). Strain AM1-D1T demonstrates notable bioflocculanting bioactivity with bacterial exopolysaccharides (EPS), and microalgae growth-promoting (MGP) potential toward its algal host. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain AM1-D1T was affiliated to the members of genus Sulfitobacter within the family Rhodobacteraceae, showing the highest sequence similarity of 97.9% with Sulfitobacter noctilucae NB-68T, and below 97.8% with other type strains. The complete genome of strain AM1-D1T consisted of a circular 3.84-Mb chromosome and five circular plasmids (185, 95, 15, 205 and 348 Kb, respectively) with the G+C content of 64.6%. Low values obtained by phylogenomic calculations on the average nucleotide identity (ANI, 77.2%), average amino acid identity (AAI, 74.7%) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH, 18.6%) unequivocally separated strain AM1-D1T from its closest relative. The main polar lipids were identified as phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, diphosphatidylglycerol, one unidentified phospholipid and one unidentified lipid. The predominant fatty acids (> 10%) were C18:1 ω7c, C19:0 cyclo ω8c and C16:0. The respiratory quinone was Q-10. The genome of strain AM1-D1T was predicted to encode series of gene clusters responsible for sulfur oxidation (sox) and utilization of dissolved organic sulfur exometabolites from marine dinoflagellates, taurine (tau) and dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) (dmd), as well as supplementary vitamin B12 (cob), photosynthesis carotenoids (crt) which are pivotal components during algae-bacteria interactions. Based on the evidences by the polyphasic characterizations, strain AM1-D1T represents a novel species of the genus Sulfitobacter, for which the name Sulfitobacter alexandrii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is AM1-D1T (= CCTCC 2017277T = KCTC 62491T).
Predicting the intention and adoption of hydroponic farming among Chinese urbanites

Al Mamun A, Naznen F, Jingzu G, Yang Q

Heliyon, 2023 Mar;9(3):e14420.
PMID: 36925515 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14420

Urban agriculture has become increasingly popular as a viable solution to the global food insecurity, but the uncontrollable expansion of cities and populations has led to the significant decrease in cultivable space for conventional soil-based farming. Unlike conventional agriculture, soil-less hydroponic farming allows sustainable food production in urban areas without compromising the environment and public health. Using both theory of planned behaviour and knowledge-attitude-behaviour theory with four additional factors, the current study examined the intention and adoption of hydroponic farming among Chinese urbanites. An online survey, which involved 661 respondents from different cities in China, was conducted. The results of partial least squares structural equation modeling revealed the significant influence of tolerance of diversity, innovativeness, and knowledge about hydroponic system on attitude towards hydroponic system. Additionally, knowledge and attitude towards hydroponic system, perceived need for hydroponic farming, and hydroponic farming compatibility were found to significantly influence the intention of adopting hydroponic farming, which was also found to exhibit significant influence on its actual adoption. This study presented valuable insights that contribute to the development of a framework that promotes effective farming practices and strategies. The obtained findings can benefit marketers, practitioners, and policymakers in the agricultural and environmental fields, particularly in their efforts of planning, designing, marketing, and strategizing to promote modern agricultural practices and create a favourable environment for urban hydroponic farming in developing countries.
Fulltext Social entrepreneurial intention among working adults: An emerging country context

Yang Q, Al Mamun A, Jingzu G, Siyu L, Masud MM

Front Psychol, 2023;14:1123198.
PMID: 36860787 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1123198

Under the premise of the value-belief-norm (VBN) model, this study examined the influence of values, beliefs and norms on social entrepreneurial intention of working adults in China. The cross-sectional design was employed, and an online survey, which involved 1,075 working adults, was conducted. All data were analyzed using partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The obtained results showed the significant and positive influence of self-enhancement, openness to change, and self-transcendence on the sense of meaning and purpose. Moreover, the sense of meaning and purpose exhibited significant and positive influence on problem awareness, and problem awareness was found to have positive effect on outcome efficacy. Besides that, the sense of meaning and purpose, problem awareness, outcome efficacy, and injunctive social norms were found to exhibit significant and positive on personal norms. Finally, personal norms and injunctive social norms exhibited statistically significant and positive influence on social entrepreneurial intention. The results of effect size confirmed the considerable influence of personal norms and injunctive social norms on social entrepreneurial intention. Therefore, policy development aimed at promoting socioeconomic and environmental sustainability through social entrepreneurship should comprehensively consider the influence of personal norms and injunctive social norms. Increasing the sense of meaning and purpose of the working population, prompting an increased problem consequence and outcome self-efficacy, as well as instilling personal norms and injunctive social norms through various social and environmental incentives are recommended.
Fulltext Examining the effect of logistics service quality on customer satisfaction and re-use intention

Lin X, Mamun AA, Yang Q, Masukujjaman M

PLoS One, 2023;18(5):e0286382.
PMID: 37256860 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286382

For logistics service providers (LSPs), improving customer satisfaction and obtaining customer re-use intention are key to gaining sustainable competitive advantages and success. Logistics service quality (LSQ) is a concern for logistics service providers, retailers, and customers. The proposed model, which is based on the stimuli-organism-response theory and the logistics service quality framework, integrates operational quality, resource quality, information quality, personal contact quality, customization quality, and customer satisfaction to study logistics service re-use intentions. The data were obtained from an online survey using a structured questionnaire given to those with experience in logistics service. Using partial least squares structural equation modeling on 810 respondents who were adult Chinese customers, this study discovered that operational, resource, information, personal contact, and customization qualities positively affect the satisfaction of logistics service customers, while customer satisfaction positively affects re-use intention. Moreover, the results of the mediation analysis revealed that customer satisfaction mediated the connection between the five components of LSQ and the re-use intention of logistics services. The originality of the study lies in its comprehensive examination of the direct and indirect effects of service quality dimensions on customer satisfaction and logistics service re-use intention in the context of logistics services. This study provides valuable insights into the importance of customer satisfaction in the logistics industry and highlights the need for logistics companies to prioritize customer satisfaction and improve their overall performance and competitiveness.
Fulltext Modeling the intention and usage of medicine vending machine: Using partial least squares-structural equation modelling and necessary condition analysis

Yang Q, Al Mamun A, Gao J, Makhbul ZKM

Digit Health, 2023;9:20552076231194935.
PMID: 37599900 DOI: 10.1177/20552076231194935

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the factors influencing the intention to use and actual usage of medicine vending machines (MVMs) in China and to close the existing literature gap by examining the relationship between perceived convenience (PC), perceived trust, performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and social influence, on the intention to use MVM in a comprehensive manner. The impact of facilitating conditions on MVM adoption was also examined. Finally, customer age was tested as a moderator.
METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study that used data collected through a self-administered questionnaire. A combination of partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and necessary condition analysis (NCA) technique was used to analyze and discuss the 308 valid questionnaires, test the hypotheses, and conduct an in-depth analysis.
RESULTS: The results showed that PC, perceived trust, and performance expectancy were significantly related to the intention to use MVM. Effort expectancy was a non-significant predictor of intention to use MVM. Social influence was a significant negative predictor of the intention to use MVM. More importantly, performance expectancy was found to be a necessary factor for MVM intention, providing new marketing ideas for MVM owners. Age had a significant moderating effect on the facilitating conditions and intention to use vending machines. The relatively young population is more conscious of the facilitating conditions.
CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study are of considerable importance as a guide for the main user group of vending machines. The combined analysis and discussion of PLS-SEM and NCA provide a sound theoretical basis for the practical implications of this study. In the future, we will attempt to use this technique in other areas of study. In terms of theoretical implications, this study provides technical references for future research.
Fulltext Predicting sustainable fashion consumption intentions and practices

Hong Y, Al Mamun A, Yang Q, Masukujjaman M

Sci Rep, 2024 Jan 19;14(1):1706.
PMID: 38243057 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52215-z

The fashion industry has a significant impact on the environment, and sustainable fashion consumption (SFC) has become a pressing concern. This study aimed to investigate the factors influencing sustainable fashion consumption behavior (SCB) among Chinese adults, specifically the role of values, attitudes, and norms in shaping such behavior, using the value-belief-norm framework. The study used an online cross-sectional survey design to collect data from 350 participants recruited through a convenience sampling method using social media platforms and email invitations, and the obtained data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modelling. The results of the study showed that biospheric (BV), altruistic (AV), and egoistic (EV) values significantly influenced the New ecological paradigm (EP), which, in turn, positively affected awareness of consequences (AC). Personal norms (PN) were positively influenced by EP, AC, and ascription of responsibility (AR). Social norms (SN) and trust in recycling (TR) were also found to positively influence sustainable fashion consumption intentions (SCI). Finally, the study found that SCI and TR were significant predictors of SCB, whereas the moderating effect of TR not statistically significant. The study's originality lies in its comprehensive investigation of the interplay between various factors (particularly using norms in two facets; PN and SN) in shaping SCB, using a structural equation modeling approach, and exploring the moderating effect of TR. The findings of this study suggest that interventions aimed at promoting SFC should focus on fostering values and beliefs that prioritize the environment, encouraging individuals to take responsibility for their actions, creating an environment in which SFC is normalized, and increasing TR.
Fulltext Social entrepreneurial intention among university students in China

Lyu X, Al Mamun A, Yang Q, Aziz NA

Sci Rep, 2024 Mar 28;14(1):7362.
PMID: 38548855 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58060-4

The issues of employment, social inequality, and resource scarcity can be effectively addressed through social entrepreneurship, contributing to the growing research interest on the formation of social entrepreneurial intention. Using the theory of planned behaviour, the current study examined the influence of selected key factors on social entrepreneurial intention among university students. Based on the cross-sectional quantitative research design, online survey was conducted, which involved 684 students and graduates from five universities in Southern China. The obtained results demonstrated the significant and positive influence of perceived values on sustainability, opportunity recognition competency, attitude towards entrepreneurship, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control on social entrepreneurial intention. Additionally, attitude towards entrepreneurship partially mediated the relationships of risk-taking propensity, self-efficacy, and need for achievement on social entrepreneurial intention. The multi-group analysis results also showed that need for achievement and social entrepreneurial intention differed significantly between genders, which provides new ideas for future investigations into the impact of gender on social entrepreneurial intentions. Based on the findings of this study, it is crucial that university students are exposed to relevant courses or training to develop social entrepreneurship competencies and promote sustainable values. The findings of this study will provide policymakers with relevant policy guidelines and more effective theoretical support to achieve the goal of promoting social entrepreneurship among university students in a more resource-efficient and effective manner.
Fulltext Impulse buying behavior during livestreaming: Moderating effects of scarcity persuasion and price perception

Feng Z, Al Mamun A, Masukujjaman M, Wu M, Yang Q

Heliyon, 2024 Apr 15;10(7):e28347.
PMID: 38560201 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28347

This research aimed to identify the factors that influence impulse buying behavior during livestreaming and advance the existing literature based on a proposed conceptual framework grounded in the stimulus-organism-response (S-O-R) model. We also tested the moderating effects of price perception and scarcity persuasion. An online self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from 837 Chinese participants aged over 18 years. The data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling using Smart-PLS version 4.0. The findings showed that susceptibility to social influence, impulse buying tendency, cognitive reactions, affective reactions, and the urge to buy impulsively are statistically significant predictors of impulse buying during livestreaming, with price perception and scarcity persuasion as moderators. The study expands the S-O-R model for livestreaming impulse buying in e-commerce context, highlighting its multifaceted nature and revealing the mediating role of Urge to Buy Impulsively in translating cognitive and emotional factors into impulse buying behavior. These insights offer practical guidance for marketers to design tailored strategies that leverage psychological triggers and external cues to enhance consumer engagement and encourage desired behaviors, ultimately leading to more effective marketing campaigns and improved consumer experiences.
Fulltext Modelling the significance of value-belief-norm framework to predict mass adoption potentials of internet of things-enabled wearable fitness devices

Yang Q, Al Mamun A, Reza MNH, Naznen F

Heliyon, 2024 May 15;10(9):e30179.
PMID: 38737228 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30179

Self-health monitoring technologies have become increasingly popular in averting unanticipated health complications. However, the adoption rate of such technologies in developing countries is surprisingly low. Furthermore, empirical studies on the application of the value-belief-norm (VBN) model to elucidate intention to use IoT-enabled wearable fitness devices (IoT-enabled WFDs) are scarce. This study aimed to expand the VBN model by integrating health values, health consciousness, health knowledge-seeking, and social norms as influencing constructs. The proposed holistic framework was empirically tested to examine these constructs on users' decision-making process of adopting IoT-enabled WFDs. A web-based survey involving 866 adults in China aged 18-30 years was conducted. The gathered data were analysed using partial least squares-structural equation modeling. The results revealed the significant influence of health consciousness and health knowledge-seeking on personal health beliefs, as well as the favourable impact of personal health beliefs on personal norms and awareness of consequences. The results further demonstrated the substantial influence of awareness of consequences and ascription of responsibilities on personal norms. Besides that, personal norms and societal norms were found to have strong influence on the intention to adopt IoT-enabled WFDs, which was revealed to have significant influence on the actual usage. This study's findings offer novel theoretical insights on the behavioural characteristics of adopting IoT-enabled WFDs and serve as a practical guideline for industry experts and marketers to establish appropriate marketing strategies to support the IoT-enabled wearable sector. The findings also benefit policymakers in their efforts of developing strategies that emphasise the unique benefits of self-healthcare monitoring to encourage active lifestyle and decrease obesity and overweight-related health risks.
Sphingopyxis microcysteis sp. nov., a novel bioactive exopolysaccharides-bearing Sphingomonadaceae isolated from the Microcystis phycosphere

Zhang XL, Li GX, Ge YM, Iqbal NM, Yang X, Cui ZD, et al.

Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek, 2021 Jun;114(6):845-857.
PMID: 33770293 DOI: 10.1007/s10482-021-01563-1

During the study into the microbial biodiversity and bioactivity of the Microcystis phycosphere, a new yellow-pigmented, non-motile, rod-shaped bacterium containing polyhydroxybutyrate granules designated as strain Z10-6T was isolated from highly-toxic Microcystis aeruginosa Kützing M.TN-2. The new isolate produces active bioflocculating exopolysaccharides. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated strain Z10-6T belongs to the genus Sphingopyxis with highest similarity to Sphingopyxis solisilvae R366T (98.86%), and the similarity to other Sphingopyxis members was less than 98.65%. However, both low values obtained by phylogenomic calculation of average nucleotide identity (ANI, 85.5%) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH, 29.8%) separated the new species from its closest relative. The main polar lipids were sphingoglycolipid, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, one unidentified glycolipid and one unidentified aminophospholipid. The predominant fatty acids were summed feature 8, C17:1ω6c, summed feature 3, C16:0, C18:1ω7c 11-methyl and C14:0 2-OH. The respiratory quinone was ubiqunone-10, with spermidine as the major polyamine. The genomic DNA G + C content was 64.8 mol%. Several biosynthesis pathways encoding for potential new bacterial bioactive metabolites were found in the genome of strain Z10-6T. The polyphasic analyses clearly distinguished strain Z10-6T from its closest phylogenetic neighbors. Thus, it represents a novel species of the genus Sphingopyxis, for which the name Sphingopyxis microcysteis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Z10-6T (= CCTCC AB2017276T = KCTC 62492T).
Evaluating the application of antibiotic treatment using algae-algae/activated sludge system

Xiao G, Chen J, Show PL, Yang Q, Ke J, Zhao Q, et al.

Chemosphere, 2021 Nov;282:130966.
PMID: 34082314 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.130966

Biological methods are promising treatment methods to remove pollutants from wastewater. Recently, microalgae have been proved to be of strong application potential in wastewater treatment. In this study, a microalga - antibiotic treatment system was built to evaluate the treatment capacity of microalgae in antibiotic wastewater. In the group with Chlorella pyrenoidosa, the removal rate of cefradine was 41.47 ± 0.62% after 24 h of treatment, which was 3.4 times higher than that without microalgae (12.37 ± 2.30%). Algal decomposition was the main removal mechanism. Meanwhile, the effect of multiple microalgae species on antibiotic treatment was studied. The removal rates of cefradine by C. pyrenoidosa cultivated in the filtered fluid of Microcystis aeruginosa were 75.48 ± 0.29%, which was significantly higher than those by C. pyrenoidosa only. Those indicated that multiple microalgae species strategy was a potential enhancement strategy for algae-based antibiotic treatment. Finally, amoxicillin and norfloxacin were used to study the treatment potential of this technology for more different kinds antibiotics and the integration of microalgae with activated sludge was also investigated. Amoxicillin can be quickly removed by microalgae, but the removal effect of norfloxacin by microalgae is poor. The refractory antibiotic norfloxacin can be treated by co-culturing microalgae and activated sludge. Those showed the good expansibility of microalgae-based technology. The findings indicated that with microalgae-based antibiotic removal method has good application potential, and combined with other technologies, it can effectively remove the refractory antibiotics.
Fulltext Antibiotics: An overview on the environmental occurrence, toxicity, degradation, and removal methods

Yang Q, Gao Y, Ke J, Show PL, Ge Y, Liu Y, et al.

Bioengineered, 2021 12;12(1):7376-7416.
PMID: 34612807 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.1974657

Antibiotics, as antimicrobial drugs, have been widely applied as human and veterinary medicines. Recently, many antibiotics have been detected in the environments due to their mass production, widespread use, but a lack of adequate treatment processes. The environmental occurrence of antibiotics has received worldwide attention due to their potential harm to the ecosystem and human health. Research status of antibiotics in the environment field is presented by bibliometrics. Herein, we provided a comprehensive overview on the following important issues: (1) occurrence of antibiotics in different environmental compartments, such as wastewater, surface water, and soil; (2) toxicity of antibiotics toward non-target organisms, including aquatic and terrestrial organisms; (3) current treatment technologies for the degradation and removal of antibiotics, including adsorption, hydrolysis, photodegradation and oxidation, and biodegradation. It was found that macrolides, fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines, and sulfonamides were most frequently detected in the environment. Compared to surface and groundwaters, wastewater contained a high concentration of antibiotic residues. Both antibiotics and their metabolites exhibited toxicity to non-target organisms, especially aquatic organisms (e.g., algae and fish). Fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines, and sulfonamides can be removed through abiotic process, such as adsorption, photodegradation, and oxidation. Fluoroquinolones and sulfonamides can directly undergo biodegradation. Further studies on the chronic effects of antibiotics at environmentally relevant concentrations on the ecosystem were urgently needed to fully understand the hazards of antibiotics and help the government to establish the permissible limits. Biodegradation is a promising technology; it has numerous advantages such as cost-effectiveness and environmental friendliness.
Fulltext Modeling the adoption of medical wearable devices among the senior adults: Using hybrid SEM-neural network approach

Xinyan Z, Mamun AA, Ali MH, Siyu L, Yang Q, Hayat N

Front Public Health, 2022;10:1016065.
PMID: 36388276 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1016065

The world is witnessing an increasing number of senior adult residents who experience health issues. Healthcare innovation facilitates monitoring the health conditions of senior adults and reducing the burden on healthcare institutions. The study explored the effect of health improvement expectancy, effort expectancy, price value, perceived vulnerability, health consciousness, and perceived reliability on the intention and adoption of medical wearable devices (MWD) among senior adults in China. Furthermore, a cross-sectional design was adopted, while quantitative data was collected from 304 senior adults through an online survey. A hybrid approach of partial least square structural equational modeling and artificial neural network-based analysis technique was adopted. The findings demonstrated that health improvement expectancy, perceived vulnerability, price value, and perceived reliability significantly affected the intention to adopt MWDs. Moreover, the intention to adopt MWDs significantly positively affected the actual adoption of MWDs among senior adults. Although the moderating effect of the pre-existing conditions and income between the intention to use MWDs and actual adoption of MWDs was positive, it was not statistically significant. The artificial neural network analysis has proven that perceived reliability, price value, and vulnerability are the most critical factors contributing to the intention to use MWDs. The current study offered valuable insights into the factors affecting the intention and adoption of MWDs among senior adults. Following that, theoretical and practical contributions were documented to improve the ease of use and price value for the prospective users of MWDs. The correct healthcare policies could curtail the influx of senior adults into the hospital and empower these adults to track and manage their health issues at home.
Fulltext Modeling the significance of dynamic capability on the performance of microfinance institutions

The HV, Yang M, Fazal SA, Maran, Gao J, Yang Q, et al.

PLoS One, 2023;18(5):e0285814.
PMID: 37220166 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285814

According to strategic management theory, dynamic capability plays a significant role in enhancing organizational performance. Using a cross-sectional research design, the current study quantitatively assesses the mediating effect of dynamic capability on the relationships of total quality management, customer intellectual capital, and human resource management practice with the performance of microfinance institutions. An online survey involving 120 members of Induk Koperasi Kredit, a credit union association in West Kalimantan, Indonesia, is conducted. All the data are subjected to variance-based partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) analysis. The obtained results demonstrate the significant and positive influence of total quality management and human resource management practice on dynamic capability. Furthermore, dynamic capability is found to mediate the relationship between total quality management and human resource management practice on the performance of microfinance institutions. However, this study is unable to conclude that total quality management and human resource management practice have any significant impact on the performance of microfinance institutions. Nonetheless, this study demonstrates the crucial need for microfinance institutions to enhance their management activities via dynamic capability to enhance performance. This is one of the earliest studies conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic to examine the capabilities and performance of microfinance institutions in Indonesia. Notably, the performance of microfinance institutions can be further sustained by improving customers' intellectual and dynamic capabilities.
Fulltext Modelling the significance of celebrity endorsement and consumer interest on attitude, purchase intention, and willingness to pay a premium price for green skincare products

Al Mamun A, Naznen F, Yang Q, Ali MH, Hashim NMHN

Heliyon, 2023 Jun;9(6):e16765.
PMID: 37292299 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16765

Due to the major shift in online purchasing during the COVID-19 lockdown, celebrity endorsement marketing has gained traction. Concurrently, COVID-19 has also transformed consumers' attitudes toward using eco-friendly products, such as green skincare products, to ensure a healthier lifestyle. This study developed a comprehensive framework based on the stimuli-organism-response theory and the parasocial interaction theory to empirically evaluate the impact of celebrities' credibility attributes and consumers' interests in celebrities on their attitudes towards advertisements for endorsed green skincare products, their intentions to make a purchase, and their willingness to pay a premium price for these products. 778 Malaysian consumers participated in the online survey, and their responses were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The results showed the positive effects of credibility traits (trustworthiness - β = 0.100, p-value = 0.026; exquisite personality - β = 0.075, p-value = 0.028; dignified image - β = 0.152, p-value = 0.001; expertise - β = 0.221, p-value <0.001), and customer attention to celebrities (β = 0.184, p-value <0.001) on their attitudes toward endorsed advertisements. Likewise, credibility features (exquisite personality - β = 0.116, p-value = 0.002; dignified image - β = 0.112, p-value = 0.017; expertise - β = 0.207, p-value <0.001) and customers' companionship with celebrities (β = 0.142, p-value = 0.001) also have a significant positive impact on attitudes towards brands. Finally, consumers' purchasing intentions and willingness to pay premium prices for green skincare products were strongly influenced by their attitude toward advertising (β = 0.484, p-value <0.001) and brands (β = 0.326, p-value <0.001). Evidently, the findings of this study may help players in the cosmetics industry enhance their marketing and promotion tactics for eco-friendly beauty and personal care products.
Fulltext Climate change induced human displacement in Bangladesh: Implications on the livelihood of displaced riverine island dwellers and their adaptation strategies

Hossain B, Shi G, Ajiang C, Sarker MNI, Sohel MS, Sun Z, et al.

Front Psychol, 2022;13:964648.
PMID: 36312059 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.964648

In Bangladesh, many people are being displaced in riverine island (char) areas every year due to climate change and its associated natural catastrophes. This study intends to investigate the impact of climate change on internally displaced char people's lives and livelihoods along with local adaptation strategies and hindrances to the coping mechanism. Data have been collected from 280 internally displaced households in two sub-districts. A mixed-method approach has been considered combined with qualitative and quantitative methods. The results disclose that frequent flooding, riverbank erosion, and crop loss are the leading causes for relocation, and social relations are impeded in the new place of residence. Increasing summer and winter temperatures, recurrent flooding, severity of riverbank erosion, and expanding disease outbreaks are also important indicators of climate change identified by displaced people, which are consistent with observed data. This study also reveals that almost all households come across severe livelihood issues like food shortage, unemployment and income loss, and housing and sanitation problems due to the changing climate associated with disasters in the former and present places. In response to this, the displaced people acclimatize applying numerous adaptation strategies in order to boost the livelihood resilience against climate change. However, fragile housing, financial conditions, and lack of own land are still the highest impediments to the sustainability of adaptation. Therefore, along with the government, several organizations should implement a dynamic resettlement project through appropriate scrutiny to eradicate the livelihood complications of internally displaced people.
Fulltext Envisaging the job satisfaction and turnover intention among the young workforce: Evidence from an emerging economy

Chen X, Al Mamun A, Hussain WMHW, Jingzu G, Yang Q, Shami SSAA

PLoS One, 2023;18(6):e0287284.
PMID: 37327240 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287284

As the economy evolves and markets change after Covid-19, demand and competition in the labor market increase in China, and employees become increasingly concerned about their career opportunities, pay, and organizational commitment. This category of factors is often considered a key predictor of turnover intentions and job satisfaction, and it is important that companies and management have a good understanding of the factors that contribute to job satisfaction and turnover intentions. The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors that influence employees' job satisfaction and turnover intention and to examine the moderating role of employees' job autonomy. This cross-sectional study aimed to quantitatively assess the influence of perceived career development opportunity, perceived pay for performance, and affective organisational commitment on job satisfaction and turnover intention, as well as the moderating effect of job autonomy. An online survey, which involved 532 young workforce in China, was conducted. All data were subjected to partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The obtained results demonstrated the direct influence of perceived career development, perceived pay for performance, and affective organisational commitment on turnover intention. These three constructs were also found to have indirect influence on turnover intention through job satisfaction. Meanwhile, the moderating effect of job autonomy on the hypothesised relationships was not statistically significant. This study presented significant theoretical contributions on turnover intention in relation to the unique attributes of young workforce. The obtained findings may also benefit managers in their efforts of understanding the turnover intention of the workforce and promoting empowerment practices.
Fulltext Modeling the intention and donation of second-hand clothing in the context of an emerging economy

Wu M, Al Mamun A, Yang Q, Gao J, Rahman MK, Al Shami SSA

Sci Rep, 2023 Sep 13;13(1):15106.
PMID: 37704693 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42437-y

The culture of fast fashion accelerates the consumption rate of individuals but at the expense of significant environmental stress. With a large amount of discarded clothing accumulating in landfills, it is crucial to encourage people to dispose of second-hand clothing (SHC) as sustainably as possible, especially in an emerging economy with large volume consumption. Through a survey of 619 respondents from China, this study explored the factors affecting people's intentions and actual donation behaviors toward SHC. It extends the theory of interpersonal behavior (TIB) with environmental factors to construct a research framework, which included cognitive factors (attitude towards sustainable consumption), social factors (sense of community) and personal factors (perceived hedonic benefit) under TIB and the environment factors refers to problem awareness and ascription responsibility. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was employed to analyze the data. The findings revealed that attitudes toward sustainable consumption, problem awareness, ascription of responsibility, sense of community, and perceived hedonic benefit significantly and positively influenced people's intentions and practices of SHC donation. This study will aid governments and relevant green environmental protection organizations in formulating more precise strategies for sustainable development, and promote relevant research on the sustainable disposal of SHC.

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