bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Challenges of female executives' work activities: the hyper-efficiency operating mode
Authors: Giguere Emilie , Bilodeau Karine , St-Arnaud Louise
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the work experiences of female executives and the challenges of their visible and invisible work activities, considering the operating modes they develop to carry out their work activities.

Design/methodology/approach

This study relies on a materialist feminist perspective and a critical experientialist work theory, which considers both the visible and invisible dimensions of the work performed by female executives. The methodology is based on a qualitative research design involving individual and group interviews with 51 Canadian female executives.

Findings

The results reveal the hyper-efficiency operating mode mobilized by female executives, which combines strategies to take over and delegate work activities from the domestic sphere to reconcile the managerial work with their different life spheres.

Originality/value

A key finding emerging from these results relates to the invisible but omnipresent part of the work activities from the domestic sphere throughout the lives of female executives.
Modeling of iced rotor dynamics via CFD/CSD coupling
Authors: Habashi Wagdi G. , Yassin Maged
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to advance the multiphysics analysis of helicopter rotors under icing conditions by coupling the iced rotor’s aerodynamics, analyzed by CFD, with the rotor’s structural characteristics, analyzed by CSD.

Design/methodology/approach

The current work introduces supercomputer-based computational approaches capable of assessing the impact of ice accretion on the aerodynamics, blade dynamics, vibrations and loading of a rotorcraft. The rigid and elastic motions of the blades are accounted for through a loose coupling of the flow solver to a multibody dynamics solver. The coupling framework allows for comprehensive aeroelastic simulations of iced rotors in hover and in forward flight.

Findings

The flow and structural modules were validated on a full helicopter configuration in forward flight using the ROBIN experimental model. The tip structural deflections were in very close agreement with the experimental measurements.

Research limitations/implications

The results of the CFD analyses are limited by the available experimental results they can be compared to. In dry air CFD, three-dimensional (3D) experiments occur first and CFD is then compared to them; in icing, the opposite is true: 3D experiments (if they are ever done, as they are very expensive) chase CFD and sometimes never occur.

Practical implications

This paper presents an outline of how CFD and computational stress dynamics (CSD) analyses can be linked and provides a toolbox for deeper investigation of the complex flows over helicopters operating under difficult in-flight icing conditions.

Social implications

More and more helicopters are designed to be able to operate in hostile environments such as rescuing and saving lives over the oceans or mountains, conditions under which icing encounters cannot be avoided.

Originality/value

A loosely coupled CFD/CSD framework that accounts for the rotor blades structural response to aerodynamic loading and ice accretion in hover and forward flight has been presented. This versatile and cost-effective framework provides a more accurate estimation of the helicopter rotor performance and its degradation due to icing encounters during the early design stages than traditional CFD tools.
Resistance behaviour among Indonesian academics experiencing policy change on international peer-review publication
Authors: Sahputri Rindi Ardika Melsalasa , Sujarwoto Sujarwoto , Haryono Bambang Santoso
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate resistance behaviour among academics in an Indonesian institution of higher education. The context was institutional policy change on international peer-review publication, and the objective was to associate resultant resistance behaviour with personality, trust in management, social influence and intrinsic reward.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a cross-sectional design and surveyed 150 junior, mid-career and senior academics at the University of Brawijaya, Indonesia. Resistance behaviour was measured using Oreg's resistance behaviour instrument. Data were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling.

Findings

Dispositional resistance to change was the strongest factor in resistance behaviour among academics following the adoption of a new policy concerning international peer-reviewed publication, while intrinsic reward was the factor that most consistently contributed to all aspects of resistance. Trust in management and social influence within the academic organisation were related to resistance behaviour among academics to publishing in peer-reviewed journals.

Originality/value

This study proposes a multi-dimensional measure of attitude to investigate resistance behaviour in an academic organisation. This measure meets the challenges inherent in mapping invisible resistance behaviour in the context of an institution of higher education. The multivariate analyses that we used enabled us to compare and to test individual factors of resistance (i.e. dispositional resistance to change) and organisational factors of resistance (i.e. trust in management, social influence and intrinsic reward) simultaneously. This study is also the first investigation of academic resistance to policy change intended to improve research culture concerning peer-reviewed publications in Indonesia; the Indonesian case is interesting in the international literature on developing research culture as the country's educational system is still developing and is less likely to provide a positive research culture than institutions in countries with more established systems of higher education.
Estimating energy efficiency using panel stochastic frontier approach: investigating its asymmetric impacts on employment in India
Authors: Mahapatra Bamadev , Irfan Mohd
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine the asymmetric effects of energy efficiency on employment in India. Instead of relying on partial factor energy efficiency measures, this study uses a total factor energy efficiency (TFE) measure to estimate sector-specific energy efficiency for empirical investigation.

Design/methodology/approach

Multi-sectoral panel data for India from 2000 to 2014 are considered for empirical estimation. The sector-specific energy efficiency estimates (using the TFE measure) are estimated in the initial stage using the stochastic frontier approach (SFA). Then the asymmetric effect of energy efficiency on employment is investigated by using a non-linear panel autoregressive distributed lag model.

Findings

The estimates of energy efficiency display that there is not much significant change in the trend of average energy efficiency over the period. The negative and statistically significant value of the error-correction term confirms the existence of asymmetric cointegrating relationship between energy efficiency and employment in India. Moreover, in the empirical findings, the positive and negative shocks in energy efficiency provide a long-run asymmetric and short-run symmetric effect on employment in India.

Originality/value

Rather than depending on the absolute measure of energy efficiency (energy to output ratio), this study estimates the sector-specific energy efficiency for India using panel SFA, which provides a relative measure of energy efficiency. Moreover, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, it is the first empirical study investigating the asymmetric impact of energy efficiency on employment at an aggregate level in developing countries like India. By contrast, previous studies have either concentrated on the symmetric effect of energy efficiency on employment or primarily restricted to developed countries.
The link between corporate governance, corporate social sustainability and credit risk of Islamic bonds
Authors: Ur Rehman Awais , Farid Saqib , Naeem Muhammad Abubakr
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Motivated by lack of empirical research on sukuk (Islamic bonds) defaults and factors influencing the credit risk in sukuk industry, the study investigates the impact of corporate governance (CG) practices and corporate social sustainability (CS) disclosures on default risk of Islamic bonds in an emerging market.

Design/methodology/approach

In the Malaysian context the authors use generalized method of moments (GMM) to examine the mitigating effect of CG structure and CS disclosures on distance to default (DD) of sukuk issuers.

Findings

The results show that although both CG and CS have a significant and positive relationship with distance to default, the contribution of CS to augment DD is higher. Moreover, different CG variables have a varied relationship with distance to default, while the association is positive for all three pillars of CS, videlicet economic, social and environmental sustainability.

Practical implications

The findings of the study hold important implications for issuers, subscribers and regulators in the sukuk industry.

Originality/value

Limited research investigates the relationship between CG, CS and default risk of Islamic bonds. In light of this, the study attempts to fill the theoretical void in literature by examining the relationship among the underlying variables.
Promoting a heritage product to domestic youth markets: should it be localized?
Authors: Suci Afred , Wang Hui-Chih , Doong Her-Sen
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Localization, glocalization, and standardization advertising strategies have scarcely been examined in the context of internationally acknowledged heritage products aimed at young domestic consumers in emerging markets. This study investigated two essential advertising cues: endorser nationality (local vs Western) and language (local vs English). National pride and gender effects were also analyzed.

Design/methodology/approach

Eight brochure types were constructed to represent localized, glocalized, and standardized print advertisements and examine their effects on brand image and purchase intention. MANOVA, MANCOVA, and moderated mediation analysis were employed to test the model.

Findings

The localization presenting same-sex endorsement is the best fit for promoting an internationally acknowledged heritage product to young, educated domestic consumers who have a low-to-moderate level of national pride (NP).

Research limitations/implications

This study provides theoretical implications in localization, NP, and gender effect in ad strategy.

Originality/value

This study fills a literature gap regarding the effects of localization, glocalization, and standardization advertising strategies on culturally bound heritage products aimed at young consumers in emerging markets. The moderating effect of NP adds to the novelty of this study.
Barriers to achieving sustainability in pharmaceutical supply chains in the post-COVID-19 era
Authors: Liza Sharmine Akther , Chowdhury Naimur Rahman , Paul Sanjoy Kumar , Morshed Mohammad , Morshed Shah Murtoza , Bhuiyan M.A. Tanvir , Rahim Md. Abdur
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The recent pandemic caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has significantly impacted the operational performances of pharmaceutical supply chains (SCs), especially in emerging economies that are critically vulnerable due to their inadequate resources. Finding the possible barriers that continue to impede the sustainable performance of SCs in the post-COVID-19 era has become essential. This study aims to investigate and analyze the barriers to achieving sustainability in the pharmaceutical SC of an emerging economy in a bid to help decision-makers recognize the most influential barriers.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the goals, two decision-making tools are integrated to analyze the most critical barriers: interpretive structural modeling (ISM) and the matrix of cross-impact multiplications applied to classification (MICMAC). In contrast to other multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approaches, ISM develops a hierarchical decision tool for decision-makers and cluster analysis of the barriers using the MICMAC method based on their driving and dependency powers.

Findings

The findings reveal that the major barriers are in a four-level hierarchical relationship where “Insufficient SC strategic plans to ensure agility during crisis” acts as the most critical barrier, followed by “Poor information structure among SC contributors,” and “Inadequate risk management policy under pandemic.” Finally, the MICMAC analysis validates the findings from the ISM approach.

Originality/value

This study provides meaningful insights into barriers to achieving sustainability in pharmaceutical SCs in the post-COVID-19 era. The study can help pharmaceutical SC practitioners to better understand what can go wrong in post-COVID-19, and develop actionable strategies to ensure sustainability and resilience in practitioners' SCs.
How export-oriented SMEs from emerging markets respond to the CSR-related code of conduct: a content analysis of auditing reports
Authors: Chen Changdong , Zhu Yunxia , Jiang Ruochen , Zhu Lifeng
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study aims to explore how emerging SMEs respond to the multifaceted contents of CSR-related code of conduct (COC) from external stakeholders and the underlying constraining forces and mechanisms shaping such responses.

Design/methodology/approach

This study opted for a qualitative methodology using the content analysis, and the data were collected from the auditing reports on Chinese export-oriented SMEs carried out by a public and independent third-party agency.

Findings

The findings showed that SMEs from emerging markets present a short-termism orientation in the response to external CSR-related COC, and the study developed a threefold response typology implemented by SMEs, capturing economic interest and moral rightness as two dimensions shaping such responsive patterns. The study furthermore showed that whether SMEs' responses are more symbolic or substantive depends on managers' beliefs regarding the economic-moral conflict tension involved in the implementation of CSR-related COC.

Originality/value

This paper explores emerging SMEs' response strategy to CSR-related issues formulated by external stakeholders and clarifies the underlying decision-making road map to alleviate the tension involved in corporate social responsibility implementation.
Sustainability integration in Palestinian universities: a focus on teaching and research at engineering faculties
Authors: Monna Sameh , Barlet Aline , Haj Hussein Muhannad , Bruneau Denis , Juaidi Adel , Baba Mutasim
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the current state of sustainability education and research capacity at engineering faculties. More specifically, this research is intended to provide new and much-needed information about sustainability knowledge, teaching and research activities.

Design/methodology/approach

The first method used is a questionnaire survey completed by teachers and researchers about their activities dealing with sustainability and the second is based on a systematic literature review at the SCOPUS database for scientific publications on sustainability by Palestinian universities in the Palestinian context, and the number of publications in fields related to sustainability in Scopus indexed journals.

Findings

Some institutions include more sustainability topics in their teaching courses and research activities than others. The number of courses per teaching staff and department and the sustainability contents vary among the selected universities. Teaching activities focus on environmental sustainability, especially on energy, thermal and water efficiency. The number of Scopus indexed publications in fields related to sustainability in the past 20 years is low. The highest number of published papers was those focused on environmental sustainability.

Practical implications

This study has implications for university researchers and educators by identifying the gaps between the teaching and research conducted and the UN Sustainable Development Goals for 2030. For policymakers, the study shows that the status of sustainability in higher education, mainly at engineering schools, is still in great need for universities’ and government’s support, for example, to increase the number of published papers, number of courses and master programmes addressing sustainability.

Originality/value

This paper provides a current status for integrating sustainability education and research at engineering schools. The output of this study can be useful for future research to analyse higher education institutions’ impacts on sustainable development.
Logistics 4.0 measurement model: empirical validation based on an international survey
Authors: Dallasega Patrick , Woschank Manuel , Sarkis Joseph , Tippayawong Korrakot Yaibuathet
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study aims to provide a measurement model, and the underlying constructs and items, for Logistics 4.0 in manufacturing companies. Industry 4.0 technology for logistics processes has been termed Logistics 4.0. Logistics 4.0 and its elements have seen varied conceptualizations in the literature. The literature has mainly focused on conceptual and theoretical studies, which supports the notion that Logistics 4.0 is a relatively young area of research. Refinement of constructs and building consensus perspectives and definitions is necessary for practical and theoretical advances in this area.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a detailed literature review and practitioner focus group interviews, items of Logistics 4.0 for manufacturing enterprises were further validated by using a large-scale survey with practicing experts from organizations located in Central Europe, the Northeastern United States of America and Northern Thailand. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used to define a measurement model for Logistics 4.0.

Findings

Based on 239 responses the exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses resulted in nine items and three factors for the final Logistics 4.0 measurement model. It combines “the leveraging of increased organizational capabilities” (factor 1) with “the rise of interconnection and material flow transparency” (factor 2) and “the setting up of autonomization in logistics processes” (factor 3).

Practical implications

Practitioners can use the proposed measurement model to assess their current level of maturity regarding the implementation of Logistics 4.0 practices. They can map the current state and derive appropriate implementation plans as well as benchmark against best practices across or between industries based on these metrics.

Originality/value

Logistics 4.0 is a relatively young research area, which necessitates greater development through empirical validation. To the best of the authors knowledge, an empirically validated multidimensional construct to measure Logistics 4.0 in manufacturing companies does not exist.
The contribution of Shariah-Compliant products to SDGs attending through the pace of economic growth: an empirical evidence from Pakistan
Authors: Siddique Muhammad Abubakar , Haq Mirajul , Rahim Memoona
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Since 2004, Pakistan carried the banking sector under the umbrella of the Islamic financial paradigm, consequently the Islamic Banking Industry (IBI) placed an upright position in the banking and financial market of Pakistan. In this context, this study aims to analyze the effect of Shariah-compliant products of the IBI on the pace of economic growth in Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

The data set covered 13 Pakistani Islamic banks comprising four full-fledged Islamic banks and 9 conventional banks holdings standalone Islamic Branches, for the period 2004–2019. Considering nature of the empirical model and data set, the estimation was carried out with the Pooled Ordinary least squares estimation technique.

Findings

The findings of the study reveal that Shariah-compliant products have a positive effect on the pace of economic growth. This indication is based on the fact that five out of six Shariah-compliant products hold positive signs and are statistically significant. In addition, the empirical evidence shows that at large conventional financial sector signifies its role in the Shariah-compliant products and pace of economic growth nexus. Among the control variables, foreign direct investment, human capital, trade openness, inflation and private credit pose negative, whereas money supply and stock market capitalization have a positive effect on the pace of economic growth in Pakistan. Findings of the study points towards the fact that Shariah-compliant financing has great potential to enhance the economic growth of Pakistan therefore to touch the sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Practical implications

Having played a significant role in the growth process, Islamic bankers should portray a positive image of their industry to the government authorities. The government should design a public policy to encourage Islamic modes of finance at a macro level to increase the pace of economic growth and therefore SDGs realization.

Originality/value

Findings of the study present new insight into the application of Shariah-compliant products of IBI toward the realization of SDGs in case of Pakistan.
Battery electric buses charging schedule optimization considering time-of-use electricity price
Authors: He Jia , Yan Na , Zhang Jian , Yu Yang , Wang Tao
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to optimize the charging schedule for battery electric buses (BEBs) to minimize the charging cost considering the time-of-use electricity price.

Design/methodology/approach

The BEBs charging schedule optimization problem is formulated as a mixed-integer linear programming model. The objective is to minimize the total charging cost of the BEB fleet. The charge decision of each BEB at the end of each trip is to be determined. Two types of constraints are adopted to ensure that the charging schedule meets the operational requirements of the BEB fleet and that the number of charging piles can meet the demand of the charging schedule.

Findings

This paper conducts numerical cases to validate the effect of the proposed model based on the actual timetable and charging data of a bus line. The results show that the total charge cost with the optimized charging schedule is 15.56% lower than the actual total charge cost under given conditions. The results also suggest that increasing the number of charging piles can reduce the charging cost to some extent, which can provide a reference for planning the number of charging piles.

Originality/value

Considering time-of-use electricity price in the BEBs charging schedule will not only reduce the operation cost of electric transit but also make the best use of electricity resources.
Modeling the evolution of competitive market structure via competitive group dynamics
Authors: Kani Amirali , Fong Duncan K.H. , S. DeSarbo Wayne
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the evolution of a competitive market structure over time through the lens of competitive group membership dynamics.

Design/methodology/approach

A new hidden Markov modeling approach is devised that accounts for the three sources of competitive heterogeneity involving managerial strategy, corporate performance and the impact of strategy on performance. In addition, some observed “entry” and “exit” states are considered to model firms’ entry into and exit from the market. The proposed model is illustrated with an investigation of the US banking industry based on a data set created from the COMPUSTAT database. This paper estimated the model within the Bayesian framework and devised a reversible jump Markov chain Monte Carlo estimation procedure to determine the number of latent competitive groups and uncover the characteristics of each group.

Findings

This paper shows that the US banking industry, contrary to the prior findings of having a relatively stable structure, has, in fact, gone through dramatic changes in the past number of decades.

Originality/value

Contrary to prior work that has primarily focused on managerial strategy to study market evolutions, the competitive groups perspective accounts for all three sources of intra-industry competitive heterogeneity. In addition, unlike prior research, the analysis is not limited to firms remaining in the panel of study for the entire observation period. Such limitation results in missing the various changes that occur in the competitive market structure because of the new entrants or the struggling firms that do not survive in the market.
The effect of materialism and impression management purchase motivation on purchase intention for luxury athleisure products: the moderating effect of sustainability
Authors: Kim Yunjeong , Oh Kyung Wha
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study aims to identify the consumption mechanism by which consumers’ materialism creates purchase intentions for luxury athleisure products through impression management purchase motivation and to verify the moderating effect of sustainability in this mechanism.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducted a scenario-based online survey by dividing into two groups according to the sustainability of luxury brand products (non-sustainable vs sustainable). Structure equation modeling (SEM) was performed to verify the hypotheses.

Findings

The SEM results showed that materialism has a positive effect on the purchase intention of luxury athleisure products. It was also confirmed that impression management purchase motivation mediates the relationship between materialism and purchase intention. As a result of examining the moderating effect of sustainability, materialism directly affects purchase intention for unsustainable products, but only indirectly affects sustainable products through impression management purchase motivation.

Research limitations/implications

This study expanded the research on luxury brands by providing the consumption mechanism of luxury athleisure considering sustainability.

Practical implications

Luxury brand marketers should strategically motivate consumers to purchase by activating materialistic tendencies such as ownership and display for general athleisure products and using impression management purchase motivation for sustainable products.

Originality/value

This study explored unresolved research areas on the consumption mechanism of luxury athleisure by identifying the mediating role of impression management purchase motivation in the relationship between materialism and luxury consumption and exploring the moderating role of sustainability.
Intention, trust and risks as core determinants of cloud computing usage behavior
Authors: Alsmadi Duha , Halawani Marwah , Prybutok Victor , Al-Smadi Radwan
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the determinants of cloud computing usage behavior by exploring trust, several trust antecedents, risk perceptions and the direct and mediating relationships of trust and perceived risk on the intention toward the behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was administered to 1,228 cloud technology users. Using structural equation modeling, a proposed framework of 13 factors that have a direct and indirect influence on the usage behavior was introduced and tested.

Findings

It was observed that the intention toward the usage was influenced by trust and performance expectancy. Additionally, trust was affected by perceived accessibility and perceived technical support. The findings provided evidence on the diminished effect of perceived privacy and the insignificance of the mediating relationship of trust and perceived risk on the intention.

Research limitations/implications

The study provides multiple implications for researchers by highlighting the concept of trust in this context and enriching their understanding of the relationship between risk and trust.

Practical implications

The research provides valuable guidelines for service providers toward introducing major concerns and the importance of dependable technical support.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the cloud computing literature by exploring the effect of perceived technical support on the usage and examining the relationship between trust and risk.
Factors affecting value co-creation through artificial intelligence in tourism: a general literature review
Authors: Solakis Konstantinos , Katsoni Vicky , Mahmoud Ali B. , Grigoriou Nicholas
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This is a general review study aiming to specify the key customer-based factors and technologies that influence the value co-creation (VCC) process through artificial intelligence (AI) and automation in the hospitality and tourism industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a theory-based general literature review approach to explore key customer-based factors and technologies influencing VCC in the tourism industry. By reviewing the relevant literature, the authors conclude a theoretical framework postulating the determinants of VCC in the AI-driven tourism industry.

Findings

This paper identifies customers' perceptions, attitudes, trust, social influence, hedonic motivations, anthropomorphism and prior experience as customer-based factors to VCC through the use of AI. Service robots, AI-enabled self-service kiosks, chatbots, metaversal tourism and new reality, machine learning (ML) and natural language processing (NLP) are technologies that influence VCC.

Research limitations/implications

The results of this research inform a theoretical framework articulating the human and AI elements for future research set to expand the models predicting VCC in the tourism industry.

Originality/value

Few studies have examined consumer-related factors that influence their participation in the VCC process through automation and AI.
Mechanisms of learning transfer in creativity training
Authors: Kuo Tsung-Hsien , Tien Han-Kuang
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study aims to establish a new model that elucidates the mechanism behind the long-term effects of creativity training. Previous studies have only explored influential positive factors when examining the transfer mechanism of creativity training. However, the transfer mechanism must encompass the negative factors of creative abrasion due to temporal dynamics.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors performed a two-phase survey of 284 trainees participating in the survey. During the first phase, 48 h of creativity training was provided to the advertising agency staff. Six months later, the second phase was performed. Researchers have conducted follow-up studies on the long-term effects of creativity training. The hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling.

Findings

Based on the results, the mechanism behind the long-term effect of creativity training is as follows: motivation to learn, transfer design and transfer climate positively influence motivation to transfer (MTT), while MTT positively impacts overall individual performance. However, creative abrasion negatively affects MTT and individual performance.

Originality/value

Creative abrasion must be considered when the long-term effect of creativity training is explored, because it reduces the long-term effect of creativity training on trainees. Creative energy from one-time creativity training will be gradually worn away because of the abrasion caused by teamwork, group thinking and self-gratification.
Revisiting learning styles and autonomy in the design studio: an undergraduate assessment
Authors: Al Maani Duaa
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This cross-sectional study investigated differences in the learning styles of 127 undergraduate architectural students (first year through to final year) to examine the relationship between learning styles and learning autonomy.

Design/methodology/approach

For the investigation, the Felder and Solomon index of learning styles and the Macaskill and Taylor autonomous learning scale were used to identify how these variables relate to one another and how this relationship differs by gender and level of study.

Findings

The study provides evidence of a statistically significant impact of studio-based learning on both learning autonomy and style. Our findings, in conjunction with the absence of consistent findings from literature, provide suggestions for making learning in the studio more inclusive for all students. The authors also suggest that looking for learning style differences in the design studio is redundant. This is not intended to ignore the importance of learning styles, but when differences of learning preferences are apparent in one design studio, such finding would provide support for that specific learning setting, and only then conclusions can be drawn and suggestions can be introduced to help its learners, but not to be generalized to other studios.

Originality/value

Learning styles in the design studio literature has revealed only a few fragmentary and sometimes contradicting evidence that cannot be generalized. Although previous studies have explored learning styles in architecture in some detail, much uncertainty still exists about the relation between learning styles and other learning concepts such as autonomy, especially within studio-based subjects. In this research, the authors interrogated and critically review learning styles as applied to different design settings from different countries.
Increasing customer service efficiency through artificial intelligence chatbot
Authors: Andrade Ivan Martins De , Tumelero Cleonir
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study investigated the contribution of artificial intelligence (AI) to the efficiency of customer service. This study contributes to services technological innovation in process management, a field not yet settled in the literature.

Design/methodology/approach

AI is a multidisciplinary field of research that has stood out for the technological dynamism provided to organizational products and processes. The study was carried out at an Analytical Intelligence Unit (AIU) of a Brazilian commercial bank that applies AI integrated with IBM's Watson system. The study used data content analysis, structured and supported by Atlas.ti software.

Findings

The notorious AI cognitive maturity evolution allowed 181 million interactions and 7.6 million attendances in 2020, improving services efficiency, with gains in agility, availability, accessibility, resoluteness, predictability and transshipment capacity. The chatbot service reduced the queues of call centers and relationship centers, allowing the human attendant to perform more complex attendances.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitations of this study relate to the research cutout and its borders, such as the choice of participants and their areas of activity, and the choice of the unit of analysis.

Practical implications

The results indicated that attendance through the virtual assistant increased by more than a 1,000% from 2019 to 2020, demonstrating the bank was technologically ready to face the Covid-19 pandemic effects.

Originality/value

In line with the evolutionary theory of innovation, the authors concluded that technological scaling in AI allows exponential gains in customer service efficiency and business process management. They also conclude that the strategy for creating AIUs is successful, once it allows centralizing, structuring and coordinating AI projects in R&D cooperation, cognitive computing and analytics.
Evaluation of the impact performance and energy absorption capabilities of 3D printed composites
Authors: Swart Russo , Korkees Feras , Dorrington Peter , Thurman Joshua
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Composites 3D printing has the potential to replace the conventional manufacturing processes for engineering applications because it allows for the manufacturing of complex shapes with the possibility of reducing the manufacturing cost. This paper aims to analyse the performance of 3D printed fibre reinforced polymer composites to investigate the energy absorption capabilities and the residual properties before and after impact.

Design/methodology/approach

Various composites composed of carbon fibres and Kevlar fibres embedded into both Onyx and nylon matrix were printed using Markforged-Two 3D printers. Specimens with different fibre orientations and fibre volume fractions (Vf) were printed. A drop-weight impact test was performed at energies of 2, 5, 8 and 10 J. Flexural testing was performed to evaluate the flexural strength, flexural modulus and absorbed energy under bending (AEUB) before and after impact. Additionally, 3D printed carbon fibre composites were tested at two different temperatures to study their behaviour under room and sub-ambient temperatures. Failure modes were investigated using optical and high depth of field microscopes for all 3D printed composite samples.

Findings

Kevlar/nylon composites with a unidirectional lay-up and 50% Vf exhibited the most prominent results for AEUB at room temperature. The high-Vf carbon fibre composite showed the highest ultimate strength and modulus and performed best at both temperature regimes.

Originality/value

The work, findings and testing produced in this paper are entirely original with the objective to provide further understanding of 3D printed composites and its potential for use in many applications.
Effects of differences in aboveground dead organic matter types on the stand‐scale necromass and CO2 efflux estimates in a subtropical forest in Okinawa Island, Japan
Authors: Abe Hayato , Katayama Ayumi , Taniguchi Shingo , Takashima Atsushi , Kume Tomonori , Matsumoto Kazuho
Published: May 2022

Dead organic matter (DOM), which consists of leaf litter, fine woody debris (FWD; <3 cm diameter), downed coarse woody debris (CWDlog), and standing or suspended coarse woody debris (CWDsnag), contributes to forest carbon cycling; however, few studies have considered effects of differences in DOM types on the stand‐scale estimates of carbon stocks of necromass and CO2 efflux (Rstand). This study investigated characteristics of necromass and Rstand in a subtropical forest in Okinawa Island, Japan, to quantify the effect of DOM type on total necromass, total Rstand, and estimate error of total necromass and Rstand. The CWDsnag accounted for the highest proportion (54%) of total necromass (1499.7 g C m−2), followed by CWDlog (24%), FWD (11%), and leaf litter (11%). Leaf litter accounted for the highest proportion (37%) of total Rstand (340.6 g C m−2 year−1), followed by CWDsnag (25%), CWDlog (20%), and FWD (17%). The CWDsnag was distributed locally with 173% coefficient of variation for necromass, which was twofold higher than those of leaf litter and FWD (72%–73%). The potential error in CWD accounted for 99% and 79% estimate error for total necromass and Rstand, respectively. For the estimates of CWDsnag and CWDlog necromass with the estimates error of <10% in this study area, sampling areas of ≥28,750 m2 and ≥2058–42,875 m2, respectively, were required. Our results showed that CWD considerably contributed to stand‐scale carbon stocks and efflux among aboveground DOM in this forest, resulting in a major source of errors in the stand‐scale estimates.
Biofertilizers can enhance nitrogen use efficiency of sugarcane
Authors: Qiu Zhiguang , Paungfoo‐Lonhienne Chanyarat , Ye Jun , Garcia Axa Gonzalez , Petersen Ian , Di Bella Lawrence , Hobbs Richard , Ibanez Minka , Heenan Marijke , Wang Weijin , Reeves Steven , Schmidt Susanne
Published: May 2022

Fertilizers are costly inputs into crop systems. To compensate for inefficiencies and losses from soil, farmers apply on average double the amount of nitrogen (N) fertilizer acquired by crops. We explored if N efficiency improves with biofertilizers formulated with organic waste, mineral N or plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). We compared treatments receiving mineral N fertilizer or biofertilizers at industry‐recommended (100%) or lower (60%) N rates at two commercial sugarcane farms. Biofertilizer at the 60% N‐rate generated promising results at one farm with significantly higher biomass and sugar yield than the no‐N control, which matched the 100% mineral N treatment. This yield difference was accompanied by a shift in microbial diversity and composition. Correlation analysis confirmed that shifts in microbial communities were strongly linked to soil mineral N levels, as well as crop productivity and yield. Microbial co‐occurrence networks further revealed that biofertilizer, including treatments with an added PGPR, can enhance bacterial associations, especially in the context of complex fungal networks. Collectively, the results confirm that biofertilizers have quantifiable effects on soil microbial communities in a crop system setting, which underscores the opportunities for biofertilizers to promote N use efficiency and the circular N economy.
Postmortem forensic toxicology cases: A retrospective review from Milan, Italy
Authors: Di Candia Domenico , Giordano Gaia , Boracchi Michele , Zoja Riccardo
Published: May 2022

We are presenting a study on 136 cases performed in a 2‐year period (2018–2019) at the Bureau of Legal Medicine of the University of Milan for which toxicological analyses were requested and we are making a detailed interpretation of clinical records and discussing toxicological results from each case included in the study. Total number of autopsies was 1323 and in 10.3% of the cases, toxicological analyses were requested to obtain further information. Analyses were assessed with High‐Performance Liquid Chromatography‐Mass Spectrometry system and Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry analyses. Additionally, Blood Alcohol Concentration and detection of volatile substances were obtained with Head Space‐Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry system. From these analyses, 101 cases out of 136 provided positive results (74.3%). Main substances detected were cocaine, diazepam, morphine, and ethanol. The most representative profiles of individuals that emerged from this study were: a Caucasian male, age 41–50, that died for cocaine acute intoxication or was killed; a Caucasian male or female with a range‐of‐age of 31–50 deceased for simple suicide caused by acute intoxication or by complex suicide caused by acute intoxication and suffocation; and finally, a Caucasian male with a range‐of‐age 21–40 that died in a car accident without any toxicological evidence. From the results, acute intoxication at the time of death was confirmed in 54 cases and in 57 cases the toxicological analyses helped in the determination of the cause and manner of death. From this study, the importance of toxicological data among forensic sciences is confirmed.
Forensic alcohol calculations in transgender individuals undergoing gender‐affirming hormonal treatment
Authors: Maskell Peter D. , Sang Katherine J. C. , Heymsfield Steven B. , Shapses Sue , Dekorompay Alanna
Published: May 2022

There are an increasing number of individuals undergoing gender‐affirming hormonal treatment (GAHT) to treat gender dysphoria. Current forensic alcohol calculations require knowledge of the sex of the individual, but this may disadvantage trans people as research has demonstrated that there are physiological changes in individuals who are undergoing GAHT. Using previously published studies on total body water (TBW) in cis individuals, and the known changes in lean body mass and hematocrit in trans individuals, it is possible to estimate TBW in trans individuals and compare them to those cis equation estimations. When using these revised rubrics, we determined that for trans women the use of the cis male anthropometric TBW equation only gives a small underestimation of TBW (0.9%) compared to the underestimation of TBW using the cis female TBW equation (−17.7%). For trans men, the use of the cis female TBW equation gives the largest disadvantage, underestimating TBW by −10.8% compared to the cis male TBW equation, that overestimates TBW by 6.6%. For this reason, we recommend that if the sex at birth of an individual is not known or disclosed, any forensic alcohol calculations in a forensic alcohol reports are made assuming that the gender declared by the individual is their sex at birth. Further research to develop validated anthropometric TBW equations are urgently needed as to not disadvantage trans people when forensic alcohol calculations are carried out.
A lesson from Bass Strait on connectivity conservation
Authors: Kirkpatrick Jamie B
Published: May 2022

Isolation effects on the distributions of plant species in fragmented forests appear to be weak over tens to hundreds of years and strong over geological eras. The 250 km wide, 6.5 millennia old Bass Strait, and other millennium‐scale disjunctions in the range of Eucalyptus regnans forests, were used to determine the effects of intermediate periods of isolation on plant species occurrence and composition. Three of six floristic communities were found on both sides of Bass Strait. The residuals from multiple regression models using climatic variables on the latitude vector were not explained by latitude, indicating negligible isolation effects from Bass Strait. However, there was a lesser compositional effect of disjunctions within land masses than between land masses, suggesting some effect of the larger barrier. No species that commonly occurred with E. regnans and were largely confined to wet forest exhibited absences from any region where the climate and soils were within their range. If areas isolated from each other for millennia can maintain their vascular plant biota, the expenditure of conservation funds on creating corridors to connect large areas separated by anthropogenic landscape modification might require more justification than it is currently afforded.
The reliability, validity, and responsiveness of Cognitive Exercise Therapy Approach‐Biopsychosocial Questionnaire for patients with fibromyalgia
Authors: Zahid Mahbuba , Unal Edibe , Özdemir Işık Özlem , Oksuz Sevim , Karakaya Jale , Erguney Cefle Ayse
Published: May 2022

Aim

Although the importance of biopsychosocial models for chronic diseases is emphasized nowadays, the lack of assessment tools to meet this need draws attention. This study was planned to assess the validity, reliability, and responsiveness of the Cognitive Exercise Therapy Approach‐Biopsychosocial Questionnaire (BETY‐BQ) in patients with fibromyalgia.

Method

Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, Health Assessment Questionnaire, the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, and Short‐Form 36 (SF‐36) were used for the validity of BETY‐BQ. For the reliability study, evaluations were repeated at 1‐week intervals and for the responsiveness, the same scales were applied to patients under medical treatment at 3‐month intervals.

Results

The correlations of BETY‐BQ with the other scales were found to be moderate to high (respectively r = .591, P < .001 and r = .441, P < .001; r = −.419, P < .001; r = .617, P < .001; r = .722, P < .001; r = −.580 and −.374, P = .001 and P < .001) and with SF‐36 sub‐parameters were found to be weak‐moderate. The test‐retest method was used for reliability, and the correlation between the responses was very high (r = .901, P < .001). The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was found to be high (ICC = 0.899, P < .001). Cronbach's alpha (α) value was found to be .947. In the correlation analysis of time‐dependent changes, BETY‐BQ correlated weakly with other scales and moderately correlated with HADS (HADS‐anxiety r = .489, P = .006, HADS‐depression r = .500, P = .005).

Conclusions

BETY‐BQ was presented in the literature as a valid, reliable, and sensitive scale that can be used both in the biopsychosocial evaluation and as an easily understood, practical scale that can be answered in a short time in the practices of healthcare professionals.