bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial econometric analysis of digital financial inclusion in China
Authors: Song Xiao-Ling , Jing Ya-Ge , Akeba'erjiang Kade'erya
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This study aims to empirically analyze the factors influencing digital financial inclusion in China.

Design/methodology/approach

Using panel data from 31 provinces in China for the years 2011-2018, the study constructed spatial econometric models for regression analysis at the national and regional levels.

Findings

Economic development, government intervention, internet penetration and the development of the credit level significantly affected the development of digital financial inclusion in China. However, the specific influence of the various factors varied by province. Provinces with less-developed economies generally had weaker economic foundations and underdeveloped digital financial services, making it more difficult to fully achieve digital financial inclusion.

Practical implications

Relevant government policies should strengthen digital infrastructure and improve the organizational systems and services of digital finance to support the balanced development of digital financial services in China.

Originality/value

China’s e-commerce development has been at the global forefront for decades, which suggests digital financial inclusion is also well-placed for strong development in China. However, quantitative research on the digital financial inclusion index has remained insufficient in China and worldwide, with most research ignoring the status of different development levels in a different region. To address this gap in the literature, this study empirically researched the status, regional differences and causes associated with these differences that impact digital financial inclusion in China.
Patient satisfaction in the context of public–private partnerships
Authors: Mallat Amani , Vrontis Demetris , Thrassou Alkis
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This study aims to provide insights into the public–private partnerships (PPP) concept and its performance measurement in the health-care sector, identifying and refining critical success factors, including the perceived quality of health care, as evidenced by patient satisfaction and policy requirements for successful PPP implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

This theoretical study explores the existing literature on the relationship between service quality and patient satisfaction, to propose a culture-specific conceptual model interlinking the drivers of patient satisfaction with PPP. The in-depth theoretical research focuses on the qualitative performance indicators of PPPs, as well as their corresponding peripheral factors.

Findings

The research presents theoretical evidence that the concept of patient satisfaction can only be viewed through a multifactor perspective that incorporates demographics of patients, perceived service quality factors and emotions. It is found that significant improvements in service quality and patient satisfaction do, indeed, emphasize the effective role of PPP in hospitals.

Practical implications

The theoretical model is based on a comprehensive set of both cognitive and affective determinants. And considering these, as well as their causes, effects and interrelations, sets the foundations for testing and for further research to develop. Moreover, the outcomes of this study can be used as a theoretical base for the development of a PPP qualitative performance measurement framework.

Originality/value

This study attempts to fill the gap in knowledge on service quality and patient satisfaction as qualitative indicators for hospital performance after and toward PPP, while setting explicit factors and opening clear research avenues for further studies to follow.
Psychological empowerment and job satisfaction of accountants: the mediating effect of task performance
Authors: Varma Ashish , Malhotra Gunjan
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This study aims to ascertain the mediating effect of task performance (TP) on the linkage between the psychological empowerment (PE) and job satisfaction (JS) of professional accountants.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data was collected through a questionnaire-based survey of 132 professional accountants who were the units of analysis for the study. These accountants were domiciled in 11 Indian cities and worked in both service and manufacturing firms. The data was analyzed using the partial least squares structural equation modeling method.

Findings

The study found that TP mediated the linkage between PE and JS, although, contrary to observations in developed economies, one of its sub-constructs – competence – displayed no such mediation capability. Counterintuitively, it was empirically observed that the accountants’ gender had no bearing on the mediating effect of TP.

Originality/value

The study makes three distinct contributions. First, it empirically confirms that the intrinsic motivation theory applies to accountants in the context of operations in emerging markets. Second, the paper contributes to the accounting behavioral literature by observing that competence, as a sub-dimension of the PE construct, does not significantly impact the JS level of accountants. Finally, the study also contributes to the development of sound business practices by confirming that gender differences do not impact the satisfaction levels of accountants in emerging markets.
The hidden side of sustainable operations and supply chain management: unanticipated outcomes, trade-offs and tensions
Authors: Matos Stelvia V. , Schleper Martin C. , Gold Stefan , Hall Jeremy K.
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The research is based on a critically analyzed literature review focused on the unanticipated outcomes, trade-offs and tensions of sustainable operations and supply chain management (OSCM), including the articles selected for this special issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors introduce the key concepts, issues and theoretical foundations of this special issue on “The hidden side of sustainable operations and supply chain management (OSCM): Unanticipated outcomes, trade-offs and tensions”. The authors explore these issues within this context, and how they may hinder the authors' transition to more sustainable practices.

Findings

The authors present an overview of unanticipated outcomes, trade-offs, tensions and influencing factors from the literature, and identify how such problems may emerge. The model addresses these problems by highlighting the crucial effect of the underlying state of knowledge on sustainable OSCM decision-making.

Research limitations/implications

The authors limited the literature review to journals that ranked 2 and above as defined by the Chartered Association of Business Schools Academic Journal Guide. The main implication for research is a call to focus attention on unanticipated outcomes as a starting point rather than only an afterthought. For practitioners, good intentions such as sustainability initiatives need careful consideration for potential unanticipated outcomes.

Originality/value

The study provides the first critical review of unanticipated outcomes, trade-offs and tensions in the sustainable OSCM discourse. While the literature review (including papers in this special issue) significantly contributes toward describing these issues, it is still unclear how such problems emerge. The model developed in this paper addresses this gap by highlighting the crucial effect of the underlying state of knowledge concerned with sustainable OSCM decision-making.
The after-sales strategy of an industrial equipment manufacturer: evaluation and control
Authors: Sellitto Miguel Afonso
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the after-sales strategy of an industrial equipment manufacturer.

Design/methodology/approach

The research study’s object is the Brazilian operation of a company belonging to a multinational group that designs, manufactures and installs technology-based equipment. The research method is qualitative modeling with a quantitative analysis. A literature review and a focus group with managers organized the after-sales strategy of the company in four constructs measured by 24 indicators. The constructs are technical assistance (TA), reliability management (RM), customer relationships (CRs) and spare part logistics (SL). A total of seven managers evaluated the importance and performance of the indicators.

Findings

TA, RM and CRs are lagging constructs (the importance is greater than the performance), whereas SL is a leading construct (the opposite). The study proposed four strategic actions that change the type of emphasis that the company poses to service: from in-house to field maintenance service, from correction to prevention reliability improvement, from technical- to customer-focused relationships and from direct to integrated logistics service.

Research limitations/implications

The study limits to the case of a technology-based manufacturing company.

Practical implications

The strategic movement reallocates resources from leading indicators to lagging indicators in a sharp, clear movement of forces in the company.

Originality/value

The main contribution is a structured method to evaluate and control the strategic performance of an industrial equipment manufacturer in after-sales activities.
“COVID-19 and students perception about MOOCs” a case of Indian higher educational institutions
Authors: Anand Shankar Raja Manivannan , Kallarakal Tomy K.
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the outcomes of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) in the light of COVID-19 concerning the students of higher educational institutions (HEIs) in India. The COVID-19 has disrupted the normal teaching-learning role across the world and has put everyone in a nightmare. HEIs are now requesting students to take up MOOCs to explore and attain knowledge and the same is even followed by the corporate institutions. MOOCs are one of the crisis management solutions to ensure that education is continuous and not disrupted.

Design/methodology/approach

The data included in this research has been collected from students of HEIs across India using a convenient sampling method. The collected data was exposed to a factor analysis using a principal component analysis (PCA) technique to reduce multiple dimensions.

Findings

The various stakeholders such as the government, HEIs and the MOOC providers have to play a crucial role in developing intellectual human assets for the nation’s growth and progression by extending flexible and cost-effective learning facilities. Education should be free to boost up the learning motivation, and hence it is the responsibility of the stakeholders to provide few courses free of cost, which will increase the rate of enrolment and student participation.

Research limitations/implications

From the research, it is well understood that MOOCs are useful to keep oneself updated with the market and industry trends especially when the world is focusing on business analytics, artificial intelligence and other technologically driven topics and concepts.

Practical implications

The present study contributes to the growing body of evidence that MOOCs play an important role in providing flexibility in learning. In the future, if there are similar crisis, which will disrupt education, then the best alternative will be MOOC through which many stakeholders will benefit. Education should be free to boost up the learning motivation, and hence it is the responsibility of the stakeholders to provide few courses free of cost, which will increase the rate of enrolment and student participation.

Social implications

Education is a service for the society which will have a long-term positive impact on improving the standard of living of the people. Hence, MOOCs can be one of the educational elements to provide learning opportunities to all age groups.

Originality/value

This study has explored the perception of MOOCs among the students of HEIs in India in the COVID-19 pandemic. The fresh data collected from the students is a reflection of their experiences during the COVID-19 lockdown. Indeed, it is quite surprising to know that majority of the respondents have arranged to learn during the pandemic, which shows the thirst and urge to learn. Digital technology and tools are welcomed and accepted by the student community.
Initial response to COVID-19: a mixed-methods analysis of media and school communications to identify pedagogical implications for remote teaching
Authors: Eutsler Lauren , Antonenko Pavlo D. , Mitchell Chrystine
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Immediately following the declaration of the national emergency of the COVID-19 pandemic in the USA, the purpose of this study was to examine one month of social media, news media, school district websites’ continuity plans and educational affiliate organizations, to unveil K-12 stakeholders’ initial response to K-12 remote teaching.

Design/methodology/approach

Framed by connectivism theory, the authors used a mixed-methods sequential explanatory design to conduct a systematic content analysis of 43,870 tweets, news media, school district websites’ continuity plans and educational affiliate organizations.

Findings

Initial responses focused on community lockdown procedures, sustaining education, adapting to a remote lifestyle and political tension. The authors revisited included tweets one week later to measure their connectedness, which revealed that educational organizations, which have the largest number of followers, also have the greatest outreach and visibility.

Practical implications

Based on the collective decision-making of education stakeholders, the authors provide three remote teaching recommendations and pedagogical implications for sustainable remote teaching practices.

Originality/value

The authors construct a blueprint from some of the largest school districts, and consequently the COVID-19 hotspots, to broadly examine emergency preparedness and remote instruction plans.
M&As in Germany: measuring success for the pharma and biotech industries
Authors: Leschik Damian , Rossberger Robert , Oczkowski Eddie
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This study aims to identify and assess the use of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) performance metrics for small- and medium-sized German pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.

Design/methodology/approach

In depth qualitative interviews with senior key informant executives involved with recent M&A were conducted. Unlike previous studies, the role of the interviews was to identify and uncover the use of a broad set of success metrics to add to a fuller understanding of post-M&A behaviour, leading to a more accurate evaluation of post-M&A performance.

Findings

Results from interviews suggest that important M&A success metrics include having a successful organisation, integrated cultures, a high employee retention rate, gaining new technology knowledge, overall economic enhancement, increases in patent-protected products, increases in clinical success rates (perished rate assessment) and increases in the share price. In general, expert interviewees stated that they would use a combination of the success metrics and monetary tools to assess post-M&A success.

Originality/value

This study identifies and uncovers a series of different M&A performance success metrics being in prominent use. The use of a combination of metrics is highlighted as being a relatively unique research finding.
Sports bra use, preferences and fit issues among exercising females in the US, the UK and China
Authors: Brown Nicola , Burbage Jenny , Wakefield-Scurr Joanna
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Previous research suggests that many active females are not engaging in sports bra use, despite the positive health benefits. The aim of this study was to establish and compare sports bra use, preferences and bra fit issues for exercising females in some of the largest and most diverse global underwear markets (the US, the UK and China).

Design/methodology/approach

A survey covering activity levels, sports bra use and preferences, bra issues and demographics was administered via Qualtrics and completed by 3,147 physically active females (aged ≥ 18 years) from the US (n = 1,060), UK (n = 1,050) and China (n = 1,037).

Findings

In general, participants were 25–29 years, 121 to 140 pounds, 34B bra size and pre-menopausal. “I cannot find the right sports bra” was the most frequent breast barrier to exercise (25.4%). Three-quarters of women wore a sports bra during exercise, with significantly higher use in China (83.9%), compared to the UK (67.2%). A third of all participants reported sports bra shoulder straps “digging into the skin”. Sports bra preferences were: compression sports bras with a racer back, wide straps and thick straps in the US and the UK; thin straps in China and adjustable straps and underband, no wire and maximum breast coverage in the US and the UK, including nipple concealment and with padded/moulded cups.

Originality/value

Information provided on differences in sports bra use, preferences and bra issues across three major global markets could be utilised by brands and manufacturers to optimise bra marketing and fit education initiatives and inform future sports bra design and distribution strategies.
Localisation of logistics preparedness in international humanitarian organisations
Authors: Frennesson Lina , Kembro Joakim , de Vries Harwin , Van Wassenhove Luk , Jahre Marianne
Published: December 2020

Purpose

To meet the rising global needs, the humanitarian community has signed off on making a strategic change toward more localisation, which commonly refers to the empowerment of national and local actors in humanitarian assistance. However, to this date, actual initiatives for localisation are rare. To enhance understanding of the phenomenon, the authors explore localisation of logistics preparedness capacities and obstacles to its implementation. The authors particularly take the perspective of the international humanitarian organisation (IHO) community as they are expected to implement the localisation strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

A phenomenon-driven, exploratory and qualitative study was conducted. Data collection included in-depth interviews with 28 experienced humanitarian professionals.

Findings

The findings showed the ambiguity inherent in the localisation strategy with largely different views on four important dimensions. Particularly, the interviewees differ about strengthening external actors or internal national/local offices. The resulting framework visualises the gap between strategy formulation and implementation, which forms major obstacles to the localisation aims.

Research limitations/implications

Further research is required to support the advancement of localisation of logistics preparedness capacities. Important aspects for future research include triangulation of results, other stakeholder perspectives and the influence of context.

Practical implications

The authors add to the important debate surrounding localisation by offering remedies to overcoming obstacles to strategy implementation. Further, the authors’ proposed framework offers a language to precisely describe the ways in which IHOs (should) view localisation of logistics preparedness capacities and its operationalisation.

Originality/value

To the best of authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first academic article on localisation within the humanitarian logistics context.
Replacing exams with research papers: chronicles of a higher education institution (HEI) amidst COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: El-Bassiouny Noha , Mohamed Ehab K.A.
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Exam administration during the COVID-19 pandemic represents a challenge for most schools. This paper aims to document the experience of a business school in a developing country context.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is conceptual in its approach highlighting how exam administration was handled during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Findings

Notably, exams were replaced by research assessments. This paper presents best practices and lessons learnt in this domain.

Originality/value

This practice paper represents one of the few research studies that highlighted the mechanisms underlying the replacement of exams with research projects during the course of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The transmission mechanism of idea generation on idea implementation: team knowledge territoriality perspective
Authors: Li Xianmiao , Xu Zhenting , Men Chenghao
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This study aims to explore the transmission mechanism of individual idea generation on team idea implementation and elucidate the relationships among team knowledge territoriality, team information exchange and team trust, which can better improve team knowledge sharing, decrease individual knowledge hiding or territoriality and assist the team in solving the predicament of idea implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected by the paired method from 56 Chinese companies’ R&D teams, which comprised 356 valid samples. Besides, structure equitation modeling and hierarchical linear modeling were used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Team knowledge territoriality had a significant positive impact on individual idea generation, team information exchange and team idea implementation. Team information exchange mediated the relationship between team knowledge territoriality and team idea implementation. Moreover, team information exchange positively moderated the relationship between team knowledge territoriality and individual idea generation. Furthermore, the relationship between individual idea generation and team idea implementation was mediated by team trust.

Originality/value

This study augments the theoretical research of territoriality and innovation process. From the viewpoint of knowledge territoriality to describe the coexistence of knowledge sharing and knowledge hiding in the organization, this study reveals the influence mechanism of team knowledge territoriality on team innovation process. Overall, this study provides empirical support that team territoriality can weaken the adverse impact of individual territoriality on innovation to a certain extent.
Teaching English as an additional language: a case study approach
Authors: Tsaliki Evanthia
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to deal with the processes and experiences of teaching English as an additional language (AL). More specifically, it deals with the research question of which teaching methods are used when teaching English as AL and why.

Design/methodology/approach

It concerns a case study approach conducted in an English primary school situated in North Yorkshire, where bilingual pupils also participate. The research methods used include observations in the classroom and in the playground, interviews with the teachers and the bilingual pupils of the school, as well as analysis of policy school documentation related to the topic examined.

Findings

The picture revealed by this study suggests that a number of different approaches and teaching methods, which contribute to teaching English as an AL, are used. The results indicate that great importance is attributed to teacher-pupil and pupil-pupil interaction, as well as to the employment of specific teaching techniques such as key visuals, corrective feedback. In addition, certain types of questions are addressed to bilingual pupils depending on their current language proficiency level. Teachers seem to emphasise the significance of activating the prior knowledge of non-native speakers (NNS). Progression in the content of the activities set, motivation and differentiation are seen as important. The implementation of the aforementioned approaches and teaching methods are supported by the policy and organisation of the school, where the research study was conducted.

Originality/value

As stated in the National Curriculum and within the framework of inclusion, all pupils for whom English is not their first language have to be provided with opportunities to develop the English language, the acquisition of which will help them to have access and take part in all subject areas. The present study explores what certain teaching approaches and methods can provide NNS with equal opportunities to develop English as an AL and why.
Virtual learning: a disruptive service in academic libraries
Authors: Ajibade Patrick , Mutula Stephen M.
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the alignment of disruptive technologies into library and information science (LIS) and libraries as virtual learning spaces during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown as alternative trajectories to end the disruption caused by the COVID-19; however, the educational systems are still facing challenges in achieving these lofty objectives.

Design/methodology/approach

A living-lab methodology was adopted for this paper as an innovative approach, in which technologies that are in the development stages or full deployments are integrated with social research design to test the viability of such technologies for the intended purposes.

Findings

The LIS alignment of virtual learning technologies showed that disruptive technology could benefit academic libraries, with minimum training of staff. However, internet bandwidth, digital divide and lack of built-in functionality on the Zoom, compared with Moodle, for assessment and grading are huge setbacks. Nevertheless, library platforms must be mobile-response and agile software algorithm to include voice-over and voice recognition search functionality to access all the databases.

Research limitations/implications

For this paper, use of disruptive technology was limited to virtual online learning, Zoom and Moodle; however, the alignment of blockchain and big data and the libraries services was not covered.

Practical implications

This paper showed that the LIS could mitigate the COVID-19 global pandemic with disruptive IT alignment with learning management systems (LMS) and for the libraries to remain open during the coronavirus lockdown.

Social implications

Academic libraries can deploy disruptive technologies as virtual library spaces.

Originality/value

Disruptive technology alignment with LMS as virtual library space was posited for the academic librarians to mitigate the effect of COVID-19 pandemic.
A generalized finite-time analytical approach for the synchronization of chaotic and hyperchaotic systems
Authors: Haris Muhammad , Shafiq Muhammad , Ibrahim Adyda , Misiran Masnita
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop some interesting results in the field of chaotic synchronization with a new finite-time controller to reduce the time of convergence.

Design/methodology/approach

This article proposes a finite-time controller for the synchronization of hyper(chaotic) systems in a given time. The chaotic systems are perturbed by the model uncertainties and external disturbances. The designed controller achieves finite-time synchronization convergence to the steady-state error without oscillation and elimination of the nonlinear terms from the closed-loop system. The finite-time synchronization convergence reduces the hacking duration and recovers the embedded message in chaotic signals within a given preassigned limited time. The free oscillation convergence keeps the energy consumption low and alleviates failure chances of the actuator. The proposed finite-time controller is a combination of linear and nonlinear parts. The linear part keeps the stability of the closed-loop, the nonlinear part increases the rate of convergence to the origin. A generalized form of analytical stability proof is derived for the synchronization of chaotic and hyper-chaotic systems. The simulation results provide the validation of the accomplish synchronization for the Lu chaotic and hyper-chaotic systems.

Findings

The designed controller not only reduces the time of convergence without oscillation of the trajectories which can run the system for a given time domain.

Originality/value

This work is originally written by the author.
Perceived inclusion and team creativity climate: examining the role of learning climate and task interdependency
Authors: Ghosh Vinit , Tripathi Nachiketa
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the relationship between perceived inclusion (individual and group-level) and team creativity climate (TCC) and explore the role of team learning climate (TLC) and task interdependency in the above relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected using questionnaires from 24 Indian organizations. The respondents were junior and middle-level employees (N= 303) working in small teams (n= 73). The cut-off criteria for sample team selection were at least three team members within a team had responded and at least 60% within-group response rate was achieved.

Findings

Perceived inclusion (PI) of employees had a positive influence on TCC via TLC. However, the negative effect of team-level differences in perceived inclusion (TPID) was also mediated by the learning climate. Task interdependency moderated the PI-TLC relationship in such a way that in a high task interdependency situation, the negative effect of TPID on learning climate is reduced, while in a low task interdependency situation, the negative effect is enhanced.

Originality/value

The current research has contributed to the limited literature on PI and team creativity. This paper has uniquely investigated TLC as an intervening variable in the PI-TCC relationship. The paper has encapsulated the theoretical and practical underpinnings of inclusion beliefs in the modern organizational context.
The high potential of a red-light submerged fermentation technique in the biofunctionality improvement of rambutan extracts
Authors: Chung Yu-Ming , Lee Shao-Yu , Lin Yung-Kai , Lin Yung-Hao , El-Shazly Mohamed , Lin Yung-Hsiang , Chiang Chi-Fu
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum), a ubiquitous fruit in Southeastern Asia, was rich in vitamins and phytochemicals, which were beneficial for improving of skin conditions. The fermentation process increased phytochemicals and antioxidant capacity. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to examine whether phytochemicals can be increased through the fermentation process of rambutan extracts to improve skin aging.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the authors used the three stages of fermentation withSaccharomyces cerevisiae,Lactobacillus plantarum TCI028andAcetobacter acetiunder red light to develop a fermented rambutan extract.

Findings

The level of polyphenols of red-light-based fermented rambutan extract (RLFRE) were significantly increased 108.9% (p < 0.01) and 97% (p< 0.01) compared with fermented rambutan extract (FRE) and pure rambutan extract (RE), respectively. The human skin fibroblasts treated with 0.03 or 0.06% of RLFRE can significantly decrease reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels by 0.74- (p < 0.001) and 0.84-fold (p < 0.001) compared with H2O2group, respectively. And 0.03% of RLFRE can significantly increase in elastin content by 1.13-fold (p< 0.05). Also, ten compounds were identified including one new phenolic compound and nine known compounds from RLFRE. Moreover, red light could enhance the levels of compounds 4, 9 and 3 by 5, 2.5 and 2.5-fold, respectively, relative to the results of FRE. The last, RLFRE isolated compounds significantly facilitated the elastin content on fibroblast (compound 1, 7, 9, 10 compared with control:p < 0.001, compound 2 compared with control:p < 0.001).

Originality/value

In short, this was the first study to unveil that the red-light-based fermentation can enrich the antioxidant content in a rambutan extract and its product had the potential to be developed a functional product for health-promoting effects such as skin aging.
A real estate development model for Turkey: real estate certificates and integrated project delivery
Authors: Bilge Eymen Cagatay
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Technological developments are having an impact on the construction sector and are creating a paradigm shift in project delivery methods. Traditional project delivery systems are inadequate in current project development processes. A more integrated project delivery system and the establishment of contractual and financial structures are needed. The purpose of this study is to incorporate integrated project delivery and real estate certificate concepts and propose a model for real estate development.

Design/methodology/approach

As a methodology, both integrated project delivery and real estate certificate concepts are reviewed individually, and a case to real estate certificate in Turkey is examined.

Findings

A real estate certificate is a new method for financing the development process. The system covers the financial dimension of the integrated project delivery system. When these two concepts are combined, they provide an alternative to the real estate development process.

Research limitations/implications

This study is a preliminary study and lays the foundation for future studies.

Practical implications

In theory, both concepts have many advantages, in practice, it is essential to create the necessary legal basis for these advantages to be valid. As this process requires significant planning and contract management, the proposed model must be properly designed at the start of the project.

Originality/value

This study proposes a new model for real estate development by combining integrated project delivery and real estate certificate concepts.
Preparation and properties of silicone coated glass fiber fabrics destined for firefighters’ protective clothing
Authors: Zheng Zhenrong , Ren Lingli , Huang Peng , Zhao Xiaoming
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a coated glass fiber fabric which can be used as the outer shell of firefighters' protective clothing and replace aramid fabric.

Design/methodology/approach

The silicone resin with excellent heat resistance was selected as the base solution. Silica nanoparticles, mica powder and ferric oxide were added into the coating solution, which was coated on the glass fiber fabrics. The vertical burning, thermal protective performance (TPP) value, second-degree burn time and water repellency of the coated fabrics were characterized.

Findings

Results showed that the dosages of the thickening filler were in the range 4%–6%; the coating solution has good viscosity. The optimal composition of fillers added in the silicone resin is silica nanoparticles 6%, ferric oxide 5% and mica powder 6%. The TPP value of the optimum coated fabric is 413 kW·s/m2. The second-degree burn time is 4.98 s, which is obviously higher than that of the original glass fiber fabric (3.49 s) and that of the aramid fabric (3.82 s). The coated fabric has better thermal stability than aramid fabric.

Originality/value

The production cost of this coated glass fiber fabric was much lower than that of the aramid fabric.
Exploring the mechanisms for records management’s digital transformation: a case study from China
Authors: Yang Qianqian , Du Yuqiao , Shi Linyu
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the mechanisms underlying the transformation of records management (RM) to digital processes in the context of electronic records management systems (ERMS). The aim is to facilitate the evaluation of the long-term performance of ERMS and the effectiveness of the current standards.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative methods, such as participant observation and the constructivist grounded theory, were applied on a case of ERMS implementation in the Chinese public sector.

Findings

The results revealed that the application of transition-oriented ERMS would stimulate restructuring in the RM pattern and expectation on the functions of ERMS, with information quality underlying as a key challenging factor. The above-stated factors together drive the digital transformation of RM. A model for this mechanism is provided in the present study.

Research limitations/implications

The selected case serves as an example for the cases that are not conditional on enforcing the electronic documents and RMS. As preliminary research, only one case has been studied here. However, it is possible to conduct other case studies to develop a further understanding of the transformation process.

Originality/value

The novelty of the present study is that it draws attention to the challenges encountered in moving RM towards digital transformation, by providing a theoretical foundation for developing sustainable evaluations of the ERMS and the associated current standards.
Effect of consumption values on customers’ green purchase intention: a mediating role of green trust
Authors: Amin Sanjida , Tarun Md Touhiduzzaman
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the effect of consumption values (such as functional value, emotional value and social value) on purchase intention of customers’ regarding green products and to examine the influence of green trust as a mediator.

Design/methodology/approach

Cross-sectional research design was considered where self-administered questionnaire was employed to collect data from the respondents. Both statistical package for social science (SPSS) and partial least square (PLS) method, a second-generation technique of structural equation modeling (SEM), were used as statistical tools for analyzing the model and for estimating the parameters.

Findings

Emotional value has paramount influence on green purchase intention whereas the other two dimensions of consumption values have insignificant impact on customers’ green purchase intention. Moreover, green trust has the most significant effect on customers’ green purchase intention and green trust showed significant mediating effect between three dimensions of consumption values and green purchase intention.

Practical implications

The findings of the current study may assist the organizations and business owners with the understanding of green consumption and business strategies designed to address the environmental issues. Marketers should emphasize on products functional benefits as well as products social and, most importantly, on emotional benefits to enhance customers’ environment-friendly behavior.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the study is the first to measure the impact of consumption values on green buying intention with the role of green trust as a mediator in Bangladesh. The outcome demonstrates how several variables interact with each other to influence green purchase intention.
Valuing the caregiver: a feasibility study of an acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) group intervention for dementia caregivers
Authors: George Catriona , Boyce Mandy , Evans Rosalind , Ferreira Nuno
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of a new group intervention, using an acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) approach, developed for dementia caregivers. Preliminary data regarding the effectiveness of the intervention was also collected.

Design/methodology/approach

A quasi-experimental design is used involving pre- and post-intervention data from four different intervention sites, along with three-month follow-up data. Data on attendance, attrition and qualitative feedback was also collected as an indication of acceptability. A total of 23 people currently caring for a family member with dementia attended the ACT group intervention for five sessions. Detailed evaluation forms were collected at the end of each group, along with four self-report questionnaires: Zarit Burden Interview, Positive Aspects of Caregiving Scale, Dementia Management Strategies Scale and Experiential Avoidance in Caregiving Questionnaire.

Findings

Findings indicate that the group intervention was feasible and acceptable to caregivers, with subjective change reported in understanding of behavioural changes in the care-recipient, ability to handle negative emotions and valued living. These changes were not reflected in the outcome measures, with only one change reaching statistical significance (reduction in “intolerance of negative thoughts and emotions towards the relative”). Suggestions are made regarding possible alternative outcome measures for future studies to capture participants’ experience more fully, along with potential adaptations and future directions for the intervention.

Originality/value

This study provides preliminary evidence of the acceptability and feasibility of a group therapeutic intervention based on ACT for informal caregivers of dementia.
Household cooking fuel choice: Evidence from the Republic of Benin
Authors: Lokonon Boris Odilon Kounagbè
Published: December 2020

This paper investigates empirically the choice of cooking fuels and the factors that are associated with the adoption of modern cooking fuels. Exploiting the 2015 Benin Living Standard Measurement Survey data of 19,705 households, a multinomial probit model is estimated to identify the factors that are associated with the adoption of the three categories of cooking fuels (traditional, transition, and modern). Overall, the findings reveal that the most used cooking fuels are traditional in general, that is, firewood (68.28%), followed by transition fuels (27.25%), and modern fuels (4.47%), with disparities across rural and urban areas. The estimation results indicate that having a female household head, having a household head with at least secondary formal education level, per capita expenditures, remittances, access to electricity, and economic shocks are positively associated with the adoption of modern cooking fuels, while not living in the main city of the country hinders their adoption.
Intramuscular oxytocin versus Syntometrine® versus carbetocin for prevention of primary postpartum haemorrhage after vaginal birth: a randomised double‐blinded clinical trial of effectiveness, side effects and quality of life
Authors: van der Nelson H , O'Brien S , Burnard S , Mayer M , Alvarez M , Knowlden J , Winter C , Dailami N , Marques E , Burden C , Siassakos D , Draycott T
Published: December 2020

Objective

To compare intramuscular oxytocin, Syntometrine® and carbetocin for prevention of postpartum haemorrhage after vaginal birth.

Design

Randomised double‐blinded clinical trial.

Setting

Six hospitals in England.

Population

A total of 5929 normotensive women having a singleton vaginal birth.

Methods

Randomisation when birth was imminent.

Main outcome measures

Primary: use of additional uterotonic agents. Secondary: weighed blood loss, transfusion, manual removal of placenta, adverse effects, quality of life.

Results

Participants receiving additional uterotonics: 368 (19.5%) oxytocin, 298 (15.6%) Syntometrine and 364 (19.1%) carbetocin. When pairwise comparisons were made: women receiving carbetocin were significantly more likely to receive additional uterotonics than those receiving Syntometrine (odds ratio [OR] 1.28, 95% CI 1.08–1.51, P = 0.004); the difference between carbetocin and oxytocin was non‐significant (P = 0.78); Participants receiving Syntometrine were significantly less likely to receive additional uterotonics than those receiving oxytocin (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.65–0.91, P = 0.002). Non‐inferiority between carbetocin and Syntometrine was not shown. Use of Syntometrine reduced non‐drug PPH treatments compared with oxytocin (OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.42–0.97) but not carbetocin (P = 0.64). Rates of PPH and blood transfusion were not different. Syntometrine was associated with an increase in maternal adverse effects and reduced ability of the mother to bond with her baby.

Conclusions

Non‐inferiority of carbetocin to Syntometrine was not shown. Carbetocin is not significantly different to oxytocin for use of additional uterotonics. Use of Syntometrine reduced use of additional uterotonics and need for non‐drug PPH treatments compared with oxytocin. Increased maternal adverse effects are a disadvantage of Syntometrine.

Tweetable abstract

IM carbetocin does not reduce additional uterotonic use compared with IM Syntometrine or oxytocin.
Emergency department crowding and mortality for patients presenting to emergency departments in New Zealand
Authors: Jones Peter G , van der Werf Bert
Published: December 2020

Objective

The association between ED crowding and mortality has been established internationally, but not in New Zealand. The aim was to determine which measures of crowding were associated with mortality for new patients presenting to New Zealand EDs. The primary outcome was mortality for patients within 7 days of arrival in the ED.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study, using administrative data from 2006 to 2012. The crowding conditions at the time of presentation of each patient were recreated. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard modelling was used to determine the probability of death within 7 days of the presentation to ED. Each crowding measure was added independently to the optimum mortality model to determine how each crowding metric influenced the model.

Results

Twenty‐five of 28 (89%) eligible acute hospitals in New Zealand were included, with 5 793 767 ED visits by 2 214 865 individuals. Seven‐day mortality was higher for patients arriving at times when there was more than 10% hospital access block (hazard ratio [HR] 1.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05, 1.17) or non‐compliance with the 4‐h emergency access target (HR 1.07, 95% CI 1.01, 1.12). ED occupancy did not influence the model importantly, while the number of arrivals in the previous 6 h was associated with lower mortality (HR 0.90, 95% CI 0.84, 0.97).

Conclusion

Access block had the strongest association with 7‐day mortality. That ED occupancy and the number of arrivals were not associated with increased mortality suggests that system issues related to long ED stays may be most important in the link between ED crowding and mortality.