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This study aims to investigate the antecedents of behavioral intention and actual usage of mobile payment (m-payment) services during the COVID-19 pandemic among Indian consumers.

The proposed research model of this study is based on the extended framework of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) by using two additional variables, namely, perceived security (PS) and perceived trust (PT). In total, 436 sample respondents are chosen from Indian consumers with experience using m-payment services through the online survey method. The data analysis and proposed hypothetical relationships were tested using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling techniques.

The results confirm that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, facilitating conditions, PS, PT, habit and price value are antecedents of consumer intention toward adopting m-payment services. Furthermore, behavioral intention significantly influences the actual usage of m-payment services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Though the impact of COVID-19 has been observed during the research period in getting responses from m-payment service users, the constructs used in the study are confined to the UTAUT2 model, and dimensions related to COVID-19 are not directly included in the measurement scale. The study’s findings propose valuable insights for service providers and policymakers.

This study’s results offer valuable insights to the service providers and policymakers to achieve the Government of India digital India objective of “Faceless, Paperless and Cashless” transactions.

This study’s results contribute to extending the empirical research literature on m-payment as antecedents of behavioral intention toward the adoption of m-payment services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, this study assumes important interrelationships among UTAUT2 constructs with the additional incorporation of PS and PT.

The study aims to study the extent of research done in luxury marketing in an emerging economy like India by conducting a bibliometric analysis. A period of 21 years has been considered to present a comprehensive picture for results and analysis. Key findings indicate the gaps and scope of further research for academics in India and abroad. The findings indicate a dearth of research by scholars and academicians in luxury, counterfeit and masstige, especially when there is a surge of the upper middle class in India. More specifically, Indian-grown luxury brands also present a massive scope for future research.

The implementation of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology has been initiated by many countries for construction industry applications due to its peculiar benefits. However, the successful implementation of the RFID technology has been hindered due to numerous barriers that are specific to the construction sector. Therefore, this study aims to propose strategies to overcome barriers that constitute significant obstructions to RFID adoption in the construction industry.

This study adopted an exploratory mixed-method approach to attain the research aim. The survey was followed by 11 individual interviews conducted with experts and the findings were analysed using content analysis. The questionnaire survey that was carried out as a part of the research had a response rate of 80% and collected data were analysed using Relative Importance Index. To ensure the robustness of the findings, expert validation interviews were conducted to cross-verify and provide deeper insights into the results.

The high implementation cost of RFID technology was identified as the most significant barrier when implementing RFID technology. Subsequently, strategies were proposed to implement RFID technology based on identified highly significant barriers of RFID. Implementing RFID technology in small-scale construction projects, increasing the collaboration among the countries that have implemented RFID technology and encouraging investors to invest in RFID-implemented projects were mainly proposed to improve the applications of RFID technology in the construction industry.

This study paves the way to identify the RFID technology concept and its barriers and strategies to effectively implement RFID technology in the construction industry. Findings are helpful to the construction industry practitioners to obtain the optimum benefit from the implementation of RFID technology.

The purpose of this study is to explore the influence of key factors of unified theory of acceptance and use of technology model 2 (UTAUT2) on the behavioral intention (BI) to accept and use of e-government services in Tunisia.

The research was conducted out with a sample of 203 participants. Confirmatory factor analysis was employed to evaluate the validity of the model, and Structural equation modeling was utilized to test the research hypotheses.

The results indicated that performance expectancy was the most significant predictor of the intention to accept and use e-government services. Facilitating conditions, social influence, effort expectancy and habit had a positive influence on BI to accept and use of e-government services. However, hedonic motivation and price value do not have a significant effect on BI to accept and use of e-government services. It was also found that BI to use e-government services had a significant influence on the actual use of e-government sites.

The proposed model can be used as a guideline for e-government strategy formulation and implementation for the Tunisian Government.

This paper is among the first to investigate e-government services adoption in Tunisia using the UTAUT2 model.

Rice is an essential determinant of food security in some developing countries as it has become the state’s staple food. Due to its essential role, rice supplies have been studied over the years. For this reason, it is essential to ensure quantity and quality availability, safety, distribution and affordability from input suppliers, farmers and milling industries to consumers. This study aims to assess and evaluate the relationship between sustainability risk factors for each rice supply chain actor to minimise uncertainty and losses in the supply chain and achieve a sustainable rice supply chain (SRSC).

A total of 50 sub-risk factors for the rice supply chain, divided into four sustainability dimensions, were derived through a literature review. Next, it was identified through interviews with 12 experts in 2 stages: the first stage, reviewing the literature review results, and the second stage, finalising with Pareto analysis. Each stage produces 28 and 21 sub-risk factors. Fuzzy-decision-making trial and evaluation analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between sub-risk factors in the context of SRSC.

The sub-risk factors that need to be managed to achieve SRSC are climate change risk (floods and rainfall) from the environmental dimension (case group) and operational risk (loss of low-quality results) from the process dimension (impact group). These practical findings provide actionable insights for supply chain actors and contribute to a deeper understanding of the complexities of the rice supply chain.

This study underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive understanding of the risks faced by all actors in the rice supply chain. Such an understanding is crucial for future research and practical applications, and it is the key to ensuring the sustainability and security of the rice supply chain.

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first comprehensive study in the context of SRSC that evaluates the relationship between risk factors to achieve food security in developing countries.

An experimental investigation of hemispherical forebody interaction effects on the drag coefficient of a D-shaped model is carried out for three-dimensional flow in the subcritical range of Reynolds number 1 × 10⁵ ≤ Re ≤ 1.8 × 10⁵. To study the interaction effect, hemispherical shapes of various sizes are attached to the upriver of the D-shaped bluff body model. The diameter of the hemisphere (b₁) varied from 0.25 to 0.75 times the diameter of the D-shaped model (b₂) and its gap from the D-shaped model (g/b₂) ranged from 0.25 to 1.75 b₂.

The experiments were carried out in a low-speed open-circuit closed jet wind tunnel with test section dimensions of 1.2 × 0.9 × 1.8 m (W × H × L) capable of generating maximum velocity up to 45 m/s. The wind tunnel is equipped with a driving unit which has a 175-hp motor with three propellers controlled by a 160-kW inverter drive. Drag force is measured with an internal six-component balance with the help of the Spider 3013 E-pro data acquisition system.

The wind tunnel results show that the hemispherical forebody has a diameter ratio of 0.75 with a gap ratio of 0.25, resulting in a maximum drag reduction of 67%.

The turbulence intensity of the wind tunnel is about 5.6% at a velocity of 18 m/s. The uncertainty in the velocity and the drag coefficient measurement are about ±1.5 and ±2.83 %, respectively. The maximum error in the geometric model is about ±1.33 %.

The results from the research work are helpful in choosing the optimum spacing of road vehicles, especially truck–trailer and launch vehicle applications.

Drag reduction of road vehicle resulting less fuel consumption as well as less pollution to the environment. For instance, tractor trailer experiencing approximately 45% of aerodynamics drag is due to front part of the vehicle. The other contributors are 30% due to trailer base and 25% is due to under body flow. Nearly 65% of energy was spent to overcome the aerodynamic drag, when the vehicle is traveling at the average of 70 kmph (Seifert 2008 and Doyle 2008).

The benefits of placing the forebody in front of the main body will have a strong influence on reducing fuel consumption.

Eri is a short-stapled fibre that possesses an excellent soft feel and warmness to the wearer. Investigation of thermal comfort and moisture properties of Eri silk fabric provides the enhanced commercial scope for Eri silk-based clothing.

To examine the impact of process factors on thermal and moisture properties, three different single knit Eri silk structures were made, each with a different loop length and yarn count. Three different linear densities of Eri silk spun yarn (15, 20 and 25 tex) were selected. Three distinct knitted constructions, including plain jersey, popcorn and cellular blister, were created, along with two different loop lengths.

The novel cellular blister structure has shown appreciable thermal comfort properties than the other two structures. Yarn fineness and loop length were significant with most of the thermal comfort properties.

In recent times the Eri silk production is completely domesticated, so the new demand can easily be met by the producers. This research will create a new scope for Eri silk fibres in sportswear and leisure wear.

This study was conducted to explore the influence of knit structure, loop length and yarn count on the thermal comfort properties of the clothing.

Small retail stores in the luxury market face significant challenges due to fluctuations in market demand. This task turns challenging as it requires effectively coordinating and translating customer needs into specific requirements that align with retail goals and available resources. However, limited empirical research exists investigating how managers can address service value and quality attributes in small retail stores. This article aims to bridge this gap by investigating the role of quality function deployment (QFD) in improving market and quality requirements management in small retail stores.

Based on the case study, a customer survey was initially conducted to gather information on critical characteristics valued in the luxury retail segment. QFD was used to assist the company in identifying and prioritizing key quality attributes to meet customer requirements effectively.

The findings demonstrate that implementing QFD in small luxury retail stores empowers managers to identify previously neglected product and service quality aspects. The article shows that QFD informs organizational adaptations that align with the demands of the retail market, leading to an improved ability to meet customer expectations and enhance customer value through the development of enhanced products and services. The study showcases the efficacy of the tested methodology in effectively capturing and prioritizing both tangible and intangible customer needs in retail.

Findings offer valuable insights to retail managers of small luxury stores, providing actionable market-oriented strategies. By implementing the recommended practices, managers can improve the store’s competitiveness and better cater to the customer base.

This study contributes to bridging persistent knowledge gaps by addressing the unique context of small luxury retail stores and introducing the application of QFD in this setting. The insights gained from this research are relevant to both retailing and quality management literature. Considering the growing prevalence of transformations in the retail industry, the study provides practical implications for retail managers in effectively navigating these changes.

The main purpose of this study is to assess the level of cybersecurity and social media privacy awareness among college students in Bangladesh and propose a scalable cybersecurity training framework to promote safe online practices.

This study used a structured, printed questionnaire survey to collect data from the students of five renowned colleges from the southern part of Bangladesh. Stratified sampling technique was followed and a total of 353 data were collected. Collected data were analyzed using SPSS and Python programming languages.

The findings uncovered that most of the students possessed limited knowledge regarding fundamental cybersecurity concepts, though they were using different social media platforms and posting personal information frequently. The study found a significant positive relationship between students’ sharing of personal information on social media and becoming a victim of cybersecurity attacks. Contrarily, becoming a victim of a cybersecurity attack was negatively correlated with their ability to respond in case of cyberattacks. However, most of the students were interested in acquiring knowledge of cybersecurity. Based on these findings, the study proposed a game-based cybersecurity training framework for students named “CyberSAFE”.

Though several studies have proposed different cybersecurity frameworks in different contexts, this study, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, is the first attempt to explore college students’ cybersecurity knowledge and propose a game-based framework in a developing country setting.

The purpose of this study is to provide a review of the existing research landscape on work-life balance and women’s career motivation. It examines the relationship between work-life balance and career motivation in the context of Indian women. Specifically, it explores how the work-life balance of women influences the motivational aspects of their careers.

The research uses a systematic literature review to identify and analyze relevant literature on work-life balance and women’s career motivation among Indian women from the Scopus database.

The study uncovers critical insights into the connection between work-life balance and women’s career decisions. It gives insight on how work-life balance significantly impacts women’s career choices. The SLR reveals a notable and consistent upward trend in the domains of work-life balance and career motivation among women.

The findings of this study can inform organizations in tailoring policies that foster women’s career growth while simultaneously supporting a healthy work-life balance. In addition, the research can empower women to make informed decisions about their careers and personal lives. Ultimately, it contributes to creating a more inclusive and gender-equitable work environment, promoting both women’s career aspirations and their overall well-being.

This research stands out in its examination of the relationship between work-life balance and women’s career motivation, particularly in the unique context of Indian women. While previous studies have explored these topics individually, this research bridges the gap by investigating their interplay. Moreover, the application of a systematic literature review approach to these variables in the context of Indian women represents a novel contribution.