Suchergebnisse

Using cognitive consistency theory, we explored the mechanisms of prospective renters' cognitive processing and cognitive outcomes of reviewing rental listing information on the Internet. We conducted an eye-movement experiment with 102 prospective renters to investigate the mechanisms influencing their cognitive processing and outcomes, via a 2 (comment form: subjective, objective) × 2 (risk preference: risk avoider, risk preference) factorial design. The results show that (a) subjective reviews required more cognitive processing effort than did objective reviews, but the perceived trust level of subjective reviews was lower; (b) risk-averse (vs. risk-inclined) participants put more cognitive effort into processing listing information, but their perceived trust in the listing information was lower; and (c) participants' perceived trust in listing information was mainly influenced by the display attributes of the webpage, rather than the review information. Our results will help Internet rental companies understand tenants' information concerns and enhance their online display pages in a targeted manner.

AbstractThis paper investigates the effect of targeted economic sanctions by the United States and the European Union on the performance of intra‐industry non‐sanctioned firms. Using data of non‐sanctioned firms listed on the Zimbabwe stock exchange during the period 2009–2018, our regression results show that non‐sanctioned firms in the same industry as sanctioned firms perform better than ordinary non‐sanctioned firms, signalling the positive competitive effect. A mediating test suggests that sanctions increase the market share of non‐sanctioned firms in the same industry as sanctioned firms and subsequently increase their performance.

AbstractIn recent years, many governments and companies have gradually launched robotaxi projects to help make transportation systems smarter, improve travel efficiency, and reduce travel costs. Robotaxi is a new mode of travel that replaces human driving with machines, freeing up social labour and enriching people's travel choices. This study employs the Extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) to understand the influencing factors of users' adoption and usage of robotaxis in China to facilitate the broader integration of robotaxis into urban transportation systems. This study surveyed the preferences of 2048 respondents and analysed the data through structural equation modelling. The results indicate that performance expectancy, hedonic motivation, and price value are the factors influencing users' behavioural intentions, while effort expectancy and social influence affect use behaviour. In contrast, habit is an important factor that affect both behavioural intention and actual use behaviour. Based on the findings, we have proposed practical strategies to improve robotaxi services and updated the UTAUT2 model in the context of robotaxi. We suggest that robotaxi operators can promote user acceptance and use by reducing the difficulty of use, improving the cost performance and the ride experience, and making appropriate publicity and guidance.

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Over the years, rumen acidosis is considered as the most common disease in ruminants, which affects animal health and brings huge economic losses of the ruminant industry. Antibiotic have been considered as effective to alleviate the occurrence of ruminal acidosis. However, antibiotic usage in food animals has been absolutely banned by European Union and strictly restricted in other countries. It is necessary to search for safe, effective and healthy additives alternative to antibiotics for ruminants. β-sitosterol is a plant compound known as phytosterol, which has many biological activities. In this study, sheep were feed four levels with β-sitosterol supplementation (0, 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 g/kg). We concluded that β-sitosterol could attenuate high grain diet-induced inflammatory response and modify ruminal fermentation. These findings provide updated insight for preventing the occurrence of rumen acidosis. ABSTRACT: β-sitosterol (BSS) is a plant-derived natural bioactive compound, its cellular mechanism of anti-inflammatory activity has been proven recently. Little information is available regarding the application of BSS on ruminants under high grain diet. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary BSS supplementation on inflammatory response, ruminal fermentation characteristics and the composition of the ruminal bacterial community under high grain diet. Eight rumen-cannulated Hu sheep (59.7 ± 4.8 kg of initial body weight) were randomly assigned into a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design trial. Sheep were fed a high grain diet (non-fiber carbohydrate: neutral detergent fiber = 2.03) supplemented either with 0.25 (LBS), 0.5 (MBS), 1.0 (HBS) or without (CON) g BSS /kg dry matter diet. On day 21 of each period, rumen content samples were obtained at 6 h postfeeding, and blood samples were obtained before morning feeding. The data showed that compared with control group, Dietary BSS supplementation decreased serum concentrations of tumor necrosis factor, interleukin ...