Abstract The proposed study was to determine if the silver nanoparticles can be used as potential antimicrobial agents and can replace the use of conventional antibiotics in semen without affecting the motility and fertility of semen. The silver nanoparticles prepared by chemical reduction method were confirmed by determination of the wavelength of surface plasmon resonance peak and further characterized using Zetasizer by determining their size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential. The nanoparticles were assessed for antibacterial activity and their concentration was optimized for use in semen extender for cryopreservation. Cryopreserved semen was further evaluated for seminal parameters, antioxidant parameter, and microbial load. Prepared silver NPs showed a plasmon resonance peak at 417 nm wavelength. NPs were found to possess antibacterial activity and were supplemented in semen extender @ 125 and 250 µg/ml for semen cryopreservation. There was a significant increase in pre and post-freezing motility and other seminal parameters. The microbial load of frozen-thawed semen of control and supplemented groups were well within the permissible limits. Lipid peroxidation levels were reduced in NPs supplemented groups, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were significantly reduced in semen supplemented with 125 µg/ml NPs. Thus it can be conclude that silver NPs can be successfully used as a substitute for antibiotics in cattle bull semen cryopreservation with good antimicrobial activity and no adverse effects on sperm characteristics.

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study is to assess the effect of perceived role clarity on innovative work behavior (IWB) through the mediation of intrinsic motivation and job involvement. Design/methodology/approach The data were gathered from 613 employees belonging to 196 organizations operating in India. Data were analyzed using statistical tools such as exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, multiple regressions and bootstrapping via PROCESS. Findings Initially, the results of correlation and multiple regression analyses indicated that the perceived role clarity has positive relation with intrinsic motivation, job involvement and IWB. Further, bootstrap analysis revealed that intrinsic motivation and job involvement individually and serially mediate the effect of perceived role clarity on IWB. Research limitations/implications The study highlights the importance of the perceived role clarity in developing positive work attitudes and innovative behavior among employees. Self-reported survey and cross-sectional design are the limitations of the current study. Practical implications The study suggests that organizations should strive constantly to enhance perceptions of role clarity among employees so that they remain motivated and involved in their jobs and exhibit innovative behavior at work. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the only study to test the impact of perceived role clarity on IWB with the serial mediation of intrinsic motivation and job involvement.