Said Hadi, Meysam Alipour, Vahideh Aghamohammadi, Sahar Shahemi, Fatemeh Ghafouri-Taleghani, Niloufar Pourjavidi, Mona Foroughi and Mackaan Chraqipoor
The epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) effect in diabetes has been investigated in animal studies, but results of clinical trials are inconsistent. Thus, this study aims to evaluate…
Abstract
Purpose
The epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) effect in diabetes has been investigated in animal studies, but results of clinical trials are inconsistent. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the effects of EGCG supplementation in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
Design/methodology/approach
A total of 50 patients with T2DM were recruited in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. The eligible participants were randomly allocated to EGCG (n = 25) and placebo (n = 25) groups. The EGCG group received two capsules of EGCG (each capsule contained 150 mg; Shari Made®, Iran) and placebo group was administered two capsules of placebo (starch) for eight weeks. A three-day 24-h dietary recall and anthropometric and laboratory measurements were carried out at the beginning and the end of the study.
Findings
At the end of the trial, weight and body mass index (BMI) were decreased significantly in both groups, but the reduction was not statistically significant between the two groups. Fasting blood sugar decreased significantly in EGCG group. No significant between-group and within-group differences were found in insulin, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index values. The high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) was significantly reduced in the EGCG group (4.13 ± 0.48-3.93 ± 0.50, p = 0.003) compared to baseline.
Originality/value
This study showed that consuming 300 mg/day of EGCG for eight weeks in patients with T2DM caused a significant decrease in fasting blood glucose, body weight, BMI and hs-CRP compared to baseline. Therefore, the EGCG supplementation may improve glycemic control, anthropometric and inflammation status in T2DM.
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Mohamed M. Elsotouhy, Abdelkader M. A. Mobarak, Mona I. Dakrory, Mohamed A. Ghonim and Mohamed A. Khashan
Despite the significance of donations (Sadaqah) via mobile payment in Islamic countries, little is known about the variables influencing continuance intention toward using…
Abstract
Purpose
Despite the significance of donations (Sadaqah) via mobile payment in Islamic countries, little is known about the variables influencing continuance intention toward using m-payment for donations (Sadaqah). Based on the stimulus-organism-response (S-O-R) model, this research explores the influence of perceived quality (i.e. system, information, service) as a stimulus on customer satisfaction, engagement and delight as organisms, which then affects continuance intention toward using m-payment for donations (Sadaqah) as a response. Moreover, the study investigates the moderating role of Islamic religiosity.
Design/methodology/approach
Using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), a representative data sample of 419 Egyptian Muslims was analyzed to test hypotheses.
Findings
The findings revealed that all perceived quality constructs significantly positively affect customers' satisfaction. Customer satisfaction, in turn, positively affects customer engagement and delight. Moreover, customer engagement, delight and Islamic religiosity significantly positively affect continuance intention toward using m-payment for donations (Sadaqah). The findings also revealed that Islamic religiosity moderates the influence of customer engagement and customer delight on continuance intention toward using m-payment for donations (Sadaqah).
Originality/value
This is the first study to examine using m-payment for donations (Sadaqah) in an Islamic environment based on the S-O-R model.
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Olivia Ellison, Dorcas Nuertey, Emmanuel Poku, Samuel Agbemude and Felix Owusu
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between environmental pressure, green logistics strategy (GLS) and sustainability performance as well as the moderating…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between environmental pressure, green logistics strategy (GLS) and sustainability performance as well as the moderating role of competitive intensity in the relationship between environmental pressure and GLS in the context of the Ghanaian Manufacturing firms.
Design/methodology/approach
The study included a thorough review of the literature and an empirical questionnaire-based data collection with responses from 220 participant manufacturing firms in Ghana. The data collected was statistically analysed using the PLS-SEM software.
Findings
The findings of the study indicated that environmental pressure positively influences the implementation of GLS. Again, it was revealed that there is a significant relationship between GLS and sustainability performance. Likewise, the study also found that environmental pressure significantly influences sustainability performance. Also, competitive intensity was found to moderate the relationship between environmental pressure and GLS.
Practical implications
This study gives insight into GLS and sustainability performance and also suggested that when managers in manufacturing industries adopt green practices as a result of environmental pressure, sustainability performance will be achieved. The geographic scope of the study area and time constraints were some of the research's limitations.
Originality/value
Although there have been studies carried out on the subject of green logistics, this study is the first of its kind to examine the relationship between environmental pressure, GLS and sustainability performance within the context of developing economies such as Ghana. Also, this study shows how intense competition in the market can moderate the adoption of GLS.