bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
τompas: a free and integrated tool for online crystallographic analysis in transmission electron microscopy
Authors: Xie Rui-Xun , Zhang Wen-Zheng
Published: February 2020

τompas (TEM online multi-purpose analyzing system) is a free and integrated software tool designed to perform online crystallographic analysis in transmission electron microscopy (TEM) experiments. By using sample holder tilt angles as input, τompas can simultaneously simulate pole figures, Kikuchi patterns and feature projections, providing graphical views of the sample crystallography. These simulations are further employed to navigate sample tilting and to quickly interpret experimental Kikuchi patterns and images by image matching, giving self-consistent indices of features and crystal orientations. These functions are integrated with mouse operations to improve work efficiency. τompas is distributed as a small cross-platform program that can be installed on a microscope computer to cooperate with other tools.
An application of measuring visual and non-visual sensorial experiences of nature for children within primary school spaces
Authors: To Phuong Thanh , Grierson David
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Proximity to nature is essential to a child’s development. Well-designed educational environments are crucial to supporting this proximity, particularly in the early years of schooling. The purpose of this paper is to measure children’s experiences of nature within three primary school spaces at various locations in Glasgow, Scotland. The methodology for measuring children’s visual and non-visual sensory experiences is developed to evaluate the connection between naturalness values and spatial environmental qualities across varying “Child–Nature–Distance” ranges.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach associates children’s multiple layers of sensory modalities with particular attributes of the spatial environment within primary schools to determine the level of naturalness that children experience, in both internal and external spaces.

Findings

The study finds that children’s experiences are significantly influenced by factors relating to urban setting, built environment master planning, architectural features and interior design.

Research limitations/implications

Apart from primary school architecture for children, this methodology could be fully developed to the comprehensive human–nature relationship under the impacts of physical features and societal of other diversified environments in a future study. However, the offering reasonable primary school architecture for a proper children’s multi-sensorial experience with natural environment cannot thoroughly established with a quantitative aspect by the present study only. More qualitative research is recommended to examine the process of altering from “cause” to “perceived” nature of users’ cognitions, attitudes and behaviours within the exposure proximity to nature.

Practical implications

The methodology for measuring visual and non-visual sensorial experiences of nature, and its application to children’s learning and leisure spaces within primary school architecture could offer a tool for assessing current schools, and evaluating future design proposals for new schools.

Originality/value

The authors argue that the applicationof this method can support design decision making for refurbishing schools at the micro level, and in planning urban development involving proposals for new schools at the macro level.
Sustainable consumption in organic food buying behavior: the case of quinoa
Authors: Nosi Costanza , Zollo Lamberto , Rialti Riccardo , Ciappei Cristiano
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Using an enhanced version of the theory of reasoned action (TRA), this study investigates the antecedents of organic quinoa-based food buying intention. In addition to attitude toward this behavioral intention, the proposed model examines the influence that ecological welfare, political values, and consumer-perceived corporate social responsibility (CSR) of the point of sale exert on consumer willingness to purchase organic quinoa-based food.

Design/methodology/approach

Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the data collected through an intercept survey conducted at specialized organic stores on a convenience sample of 158 individuals in Italy.

Findings

Although ecological welfare and a retailer's CSR image positively influence consumer attitude toward buying organic quinoa-based food, political values negatively affect this attitude. Furthermore, consumer attitude is found to be a crucial predictor of behavioral intention.

Research implications

At the theoretical level, the results are useful for demonstrating that other variables, in addition to those used in the traditional TRA, can further explain consumers' organic food buying intention. Additionally, the findings might be useful for both quinoa producers and retailers in creating and executing their marketing and communication strategies.

Originality/value

In addition to contributing to the stream of literature that investigates possible variables that might increase the predictive power of the TRA, this study sheds some light on organic food purchasing consumer behavior.
Effect of board- and firm-level characteristics on the product responsibility ratings of firms from emerging markets
Authors: Pandey Jatin , Hassan Yusuf
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Consumers have increasingly become more concerned about environmental degradation, wastage of critical resources and safety. Therefore, firms are adopting sustainability management practices to attract these conscious consumers. Product responsibility (PR) is an important indicator of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability management. This study examines the relationship between the board- and firm-level characteristics and the PR ratings of firms.

Design/methodology/approach

A temporal design with a lag of one year for a sample of 403 firms from the global emerging economies is analyzed for this purpose.

Findings

Hierarchical regression analysis shows that total revenue, board size, and board diversity have a positive effect on PR ratings.

Research limitations/implications

These findings have implications for policy-level decisions on the composition of boards for the sustainable future of firms.

Originality/value

The study is one of the few studies that have looked into the factors affecting the PR ratings, which are an important indicator of the sustainable practices of an organization.
Warehousing process performance improvement: a tailored framework for 3PL
Authors: Baruffaldi Giulia , Accorsi Riccardo , Manzini Riccardo , Ferrari Emilio
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Third-party logistic providers (3PLs) continuously strive for controlling and improving their performances to gain a competitive advantage. The challenging environment where they operate is affected by high variety in type and number of clients, the inventory mix and the demand profiles they have to meet. Consequently, better understanding the dynamics of warehousing operations and the characteristics of the inventory mix is critical to handle such a complexity.

Design/Methodology/approach

This paper proposes a decision-support framework, suited for 3PL warehouse practitioners, that aids to design and implement effective and affordable activities for measuring and improving the warehousing performances. Such goal is pursued by the framework by leading the managers through an initial mapping and diagnosis of the system, then by developing a tailored measurement system to track the performance, paving the way to the identification of the criticalities and the potential improvement scenarios.

Findings

This paper presents a case study on the implementation of the proposed framework at a warehouse of an Italian 3PL provider to introduce a new storage assignment policy and reduce the travelling time for order picking. Furthermore, the paper exemplifies how the framework contributes to enhance the awareness of managers on warehousing operations and the involvement of the personnel throughout the improvement process.

Practical implication

The proposed framework can be implemented by operations managers of 3PL warehouses who want to pursue general performance improvement projects. With respect to the case study, this framework contributes to identify the storage assignment policy that reduces the travelling for order picking in the observed warehouse of 8 percent in a month but is intended to address to even other areas of improvement in 3PL warehousing environments.

Originality/value

Instead of focusing on the proper methods and models that optimize a specific task or performance indicator, it provides a general framework that leads the managers through the decisional process, from the preliminary diagnosis of the system, to its benchmarking, towards the implementation of corrective and improving solutions.
Winning box office with the right movie synopsis
Authors: Hung Yu-Chen , Guan Chong
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Consumers often search for movie information and purchase tickets on the go. A synopsis is often provided by producers and theatres in mobile apps and websites. However, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, little research has investigated whether the synopsis has an impact on a movie’s box office. This research uses computerized text analysis in examining the influence of linguistic cues of a synopsis on the movie’s financial performance. This paper aims to show that language choice in a synopsis is a significant factor in predicting box office performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A total usable sample of 5973 movies was collected using a web crawler. Computerised text analysis using linguistic inquiry and word count was adopted to analyse the movie synopses data. The empirical study comprises two phases. Phase 1 used exploratory factor analysis on 50 per cent of the sample (Sample 1) to establish the dimensionality of psychological processes as reflected in the linguistic expressions. The analysis identified 11 linguistic variables that loaded on four dimensions. The factor structure was replicated on an independent sample (Sample 2) using confirmatory factor analysis. Phase 2 tested the hypotheses using structure equation modelling.

Findings

Results show that consistency between movie genres and linguistic cues in a film synopsis promotes movie box office revenue when linguistic cues shown in the synopsis confirm a consumer’s expectancies about a focal movie genre. Conversely, a synopsis reduces the movie box office revenue when the linguistic cues shown disconfirm the genre-based expectancies. These linguistic cues exert similar effects on action and crime films but different effects on comedies and drama films.

Research limitations/implications

It is likely that consumer tastes and linguistic styles of film synopses have evolved over time. As a cross-sectional study, such changes were not taken into consideration in the current research. A longitudinal study in the future can reveal the dynamic relationship between film synopses and audience.

Practical implications

Managerially, the findings show that a synopsis is an effective communication touch point to position a movie. This research provides concrete guidelines in crafting synopses with the “rights words’ aligned with movie-goers’ expectations within each specific genre. Beyond movie consumption, the research findings can be applied to other entertainment products, such as TV series and books.

Originality/value

To our knowledge, this research is the first in studying the linguistic cues in synopses and its relation to box office performance. It addresses this knowledge gap by answering the basic question of whether movie synopses matter. Methodically, the paper marks the first attempt to use the two-step structural equation modelling method on computerised content analysis data.
British Muslim women's experience of the networking practice of happy hours
Authors: Arifeen Shehla R.
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Networking is deemed important for women in careers. The purpose of this paper is to draw attention to the interaction of a specific networking practice with a religious practice and its implications on British Muslim women (BMw). The practice ‘happy hours’ is closely linked with drinking alcohol (Flores-Pereiraet al., 2008), while alcohol consumption is forbidden in Islam.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative research approach was used to interview 37 participants who were in managerial or professional positions.

Findings

The findings demonstrate that the presence of alcohol in work-related socializing is a norm, making the practice of ‘happy hours’ invisible and legitimate (Acker, 2006), thereby contributing inadvertently to reinforcing inequality regimes in organizations. Furthermore, the interaction of contradictory religious beliefs/practices of individual employees and organizational practices presents challenges for Muslim women, who feel they have to participate in happy hours as a networking practice in order to progress in careers. While it involves emotional effort, as they persuade themselves to join in activities where alcohol is being served, it paradoxically results in feelings of exclusion and marginalization within the group, as they do not drink alcohol.

Originality/value

This paper focuses on the micro/individual level of analysis, singling out the Muslim female voice while positioning ‘happy hours’ as a ‘networking practice’. It also contributes to the underexplored area of the role of religion and individual behaviour in organizations (Tracey, 2012).
Employee isolation and telecommuter organizational commitment
Authors: Wang Wendy , Albert Leslie , Sun Qin
Published: February 2020

Purpose

In light of the increasing popularity of telecommuting, this study investigates how telecommuters' organizational commitment may be linked to psychological and physical isolation. Psychological isolation refers to feelings of emotional unfulfillment when one lacks meaningful connections, support, and interactions with others, while physical isolation refers to physical separation from others.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was used to collect data from 446 employees who telecommute one or more days per week.

Findings

The results of this study indicate that telecommuters' affective commitment is negatively associated with psychological isolation, whereas their continuance commitment is positively correlated with both psychological and physical isolation. These findings imply that telecommuters may remain with their employers due to perceived benefits, a desire to conserve resources such as time and emotional energy, or weakened marketability, rather than emotional connections to their colleagues or organizations.

Practical implications

Organizations wishing to retain and maximize the contributions of telecommuters should pursue measures that address collocated employees' negative assumptions toward telecommuters, preserve the benefits of remote work, and cultivate telecommuters' emotional connections (affective commitment) and felt obligation (normative commitment) to their organizations.

Originality/value

Through the creative integration of the need-to-belong and relational cohesion theories, this study contributes to the telecommuting and organizational commitment literature by investigating the dynamics between both psychological and physical isolation and telecommuters' organizational commitment.
A critical discourse analysis of the link between professional culture and organisational culture
Authors: Adisa Toyin Ajibade , Oruh Emeka Smart , Akanji Babatunde
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Despite the fundamental role of culture in an organisational setting, little is known of how organisational culture can be sometimes determined/influenced by professional culture, particularly in the global south. Using Nigeria as a research focus, this article uses critical discuss analysis to examine the link between professional and organisational culture.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses qualitative research approach to establish the significance of professional culture as a determinant of organisational culture among healthcare organisations.

Findings

We found that the medical profession in Nigeria is replete with professional duties and responsibilities, such as professional values and beliefs, professional rules and regulations, professional ethics, eagerness to fulfil the Hippocratic Oath, professional language, professional symbols, medicine codes of practice and societal expectations, all of which conflate to form medical professionals' values, beliefs, assumptions and the shared perceptions and practices upon which the medical professional culture is strongly built. This makes the medical professional culture stronger and more dominant than the healthcare organisational culture.

Research limitations/implications

The extent to which the findings of this research can be generalised is constrained by the limited and selected sample of the research.

Practical implications

The primacy of professional culture over organisational culture may have dysfunctional consequences for human resource management (HRM), as medical practitioners are obliged to stick to medical professional culture over human resources practices. Hence, human resources departments may struggle to cope with the behavioural issues that arise due to the dominant position taken by the medical practitioners. This is because the cultural system (professional culture), which is the configuration of beliefs, perceived values, code of ethics, practices and so forth. shared by medical doctors, subverts the operating system. Therefore, in the case of healthcare organisations, HRM should support and enhance the cultural system (the medical professional culture) by offering compatible operating strategies and practices.

Originality/value

This article provides valuable insights into the link between professional culture and organisational culture. It also enriches debates on organisational culture and professional culture. We, therefore, contend that a strong professional culture can overwhelm and eventually become an organisational culture.
Knowledge mapping of office workspace: a scientometric review of studies
Authors: Jayantha Wadu Mesthrige , Oladinrin Olugbenga Timo
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Office workspace is more than a place but one of the essential resources in business organizations. In recent years, research in office workspace management has become an increasingly important scholarly focus. However, there is a dearth of bibliometric studies to date on the subject. This study aims to explore a scientometric analysis of office workspace field.

Design/methodology/approach

The title/abstract/keyword search method was used to extract related papers from 1990 to 2018. A total of 1,670 papers published in Scopus were obtained and subjected to scientometric data analysis techniques via CiteSpace software.

Findings

The results revealed the active research institutions and countries, influential authors, important journals, representative references and research hotspots in this field.

Practical implications

While this study focused on office workspace management, the findings hold useful implications for the built environment in general and facility management in particular, being a sector that encompasses multiple disciplines involving building, office assets, people, processes and technology, which enable effective functioning of the built facilities.

Originality/value

This is probably the most comprehensive scientometric analysis of the office workspace field ever conducted. This study adds to the so far limited knowledge in the field and provides insights for future research.
Simulating the impact of facility design on operations: a study in an internal medicine ward
Authors: Schaumann Davide , Putievsky Pilosof Nirit , Gath-Morad Michal , Kalay Yehuda E.
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This study aims to use a narrative-based simulation approach to explore potential implications of including or excluding a dayroom in the design of an internal medicine ward.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach involved: collecting data in facilities using field observations and experts’ interviews; modeling representative behavior patterns in the form of rule-based narratives that direct collaborative behaviors of virtual occupants; simulating the behavior patterns in two alternative design options, one of which includes a dayroom; and analyzing the simulation results with respect to selected key performance indicators of day-to-day operations and spatial occupancy, including occupant density in corridors, number and locations of staff-visitor interactions and duration of a doctors’ round procedure.

Findings

Simulation results suggest that the presence of a dayroom reduces visitors’ density in corridors and diminishes the number of staff–visitor interactions that can delay the performing of scheduled medical procedures.

Research limitations/implications

A high level of uncertainty is intrinsic to the simulation of future human behavior. Additional work is required to systematically collect large volumes of occupancy data in existing facilities, model additional narratives and develop validation protocols to assess the degree of uncertainty of the proposed model.

Originality/value

A limited number of studies explore how simulation can be used to study the impact of building design on operations. This study uses a narrative-based approach to address some of the limitations of existing methods, including discrete-event simulations. Preliminary results suggest that the lack of appropriate spaces for patients and visitors to socialize may cause potential disruptions to hospital operations.
Factors to improve job performance and school effectiveness
Authors: Soto-Pérez Manuel , Sánchez-García Jacqueline Y. , Núñez-Ríos Juan E.
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Identify some of the most relevant factors that trigger a private school's workforce to foster a sustainable competitive advantage by reinforcing the intrinsic job satisfaction and the levels of teacher self-efficacy, engagement and job performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Surveys were applied to private school teachers to assess their perception concerning the studied variables, data were tested at a confirmatory level using the partial least squares path modelling (PLS-PM).

Findings

Teachers with a high sense of self-efficacy and possessing elevated intrinsic satisfaction tend to be highly productive and results-oriented. Intrinsic job satisfaction is a key factor that influences more than extrinsic job satisfaction in the previously mentioned relationship.

Research limitations/implications

Although the obtained results are constrained and apply to the Mexican context, we suggest that virtual limitation can be overcome by extending the study due to the proposed construct that can be applied in other regions or organizations.

Practical implications

Principals will need to develop mainly the intrinsic job satisfaction in the teaching staff, to improve the job and organizational performance. This should be accompanied, secondly, by factors that encourage extrinsic satisfaction such as fair pay or recognition.

Originality/value

Open up an alternative explanation, based on the evidence of this study, to the theory of social exchange, since the factor that most influences teacher’s citizenship behaviours is not extrinsic but intrinsic satisfaction. That is, it is not what the employee receives from the institution, but what the employee does or gives to the institution the source of satisfaction that will encourage greater job performance.
Resource evaluation framework for total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Ikuma Laura , Nahmens Isabelina , Ahmad Amani , Gudipudi Yasaswi , Dasa Vinod
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This article describes a framework for evaluating efficiency of OR procedures incorporating time measurement, personnel activity, and resource utilization using traditional industrial engineering tools of time study and work sampling.

Methods

The framework measures time using time studies of OR procedures and work sampling of personnel activities, ultimately classified as value-added or non-value-added. Statistical methods ensure that the collected samples meet adequate levels of confidence and accuracy. Resource utilization is captured through documentation of instrument trays used, defects in instruments, and trash weight and classification at the conclusion of surgeries.

Findings

A case study comprising 12 observations of total knee arthroplasty surgeries illustrates the use of the framework. The framework allows researchers to compare time, personnel, and resource utilization simultaneously within the OR setting.

Practical Implications

The framework provides a holistic evaluation of methods, instrumentation and resources, and staffing levels and allows researchers to identify areas for efficiency improvement.

Originality/value

The methods presented in this article are rooted in traditional industrial engineering work measurement methods but are applied to a healthcare setting in order to efficiently identify areas for improvement including time, personnel, and processes in operating rooms.
Knowledge management issues in the EFQM excellence model framework
Authors: Criado-García Fernando , Calvo-Mora Arturo , Martelo-Landroguez Silvia
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify knowledge as a key strategic resource within the EFQM excellence model. The study also analyses whether the EFQM model helps to create an adequate context for successful knowledge management (KM). A description is given of the synergies between both management approaches, with the purpose of reaching sustainable competitive advantages within organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review and a content analysis are carried out which show how the current version of the EFQM model includes the key aspects of the knowledge management systems (KMS) and its process. Also, the relationships and synergies between both considered management approaches are analyzed: quality management and KM.

Findings

After a detailed analysis of KM issues in the EFQM model, important synergies and complementary elements are appreciated between both management frameworks. Evidence is given of how the integration of both frameworks constitutes a dynamic capability that can lead organizations to attain sustainable competitive advantages.

Practical implications

An exhaustive review is given of the elements related to KM present in the EFQM model. In addition, companies are offered guidelines to be able to manage their knowledge through a model that is recognized and widespread in the business sphere.

Originality/value

The research develops the first content analysis of the process elements and KMS present in the whole structure of the EFQM model. Furthermore, it is shown how the integration of excellence and KM constitutes a dynamic capability for organizations based on continuous improvement, innovation and learning.
Influence of privacy and communication factors on online behavior
Authors: Brusch Ines , Brusch Michael
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to answer the question how important are privacy and communication and self-expression needs in social networks on the internet, especially in the case of uploading photos. Therefore, the existing privacy calculus model of Dinev and Hart (2006) will be enlarged with new constructs and checked for validation.

Design/methodology/approach

For the application and verification of the proposed research model, an online survey was carried out. Within the data analysis phase, several methods, for example, exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis, have been integrated, and the most important measures (e.g. Cronbach’s alpha and fit indices) have been calculated. This allows the existence of the requirements for important quality criteria for measurement models, for example, reliability, convergent validity, discriminant validity and model fit, to be checked.

Findings

The results confirm the fit of the proposed research model. The needs of all quality criteria are fulfilled. This indicates that the proposed research model helps to investigate the influence of privacy and communication factors on online behavior. In addition, the results show that the willingness to provide images on the internet is highly influenced by communication and self-presentation needs and the internet trust also has an influence on the willingness to provide images on the internet.

Originality/value

This paper is the first, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, which considers privacy concerns and communication needs when analyzing the behavior of users of social network services, exemplarily for the case of uploading photos. This will give the growing research field of online services a new tool to properly take these important factors into account.
Influence of oil nozzle structure parameters on oil injection direction
Authors: Wang Yanzhong , Song Guanhua , Niu Wentao , Zhang Yaping
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an analytical method of jet flow injection direction and to determine the influence of oil nozzle structure parameters on oil injection direction, thus providing the design method of oil nozzle structure parameters.

Design/methodology/approach

A model of oil injection loss is established to analyze the influence of oil nozzle structure parameters on oil injection direction. The computational fluid dynamics method is used to simulate the process of the deviation of jet flow injection direction. The deviation of jet flow injection direction with different oil nozzle structure parameters is calculated and their variations are obtained. Moreover, the deviation of jet flow injection direction with different oil nozzle structure parameters is tested to verify the analysis results.

Findings

Results indicate that radial velocity caused the deflection of the oil injection direction. The deviation of jet flow increased as the nozzle slenderness ratio decreased. The design method of the nozzle slenderness ratio (greater than five) is proposed to avoid the deviation of injection direction, and it is necessary to consider the matching between the nozzle slenderness ratio and pipeline pressure. The computational results coincide well with the experimental results.

Originality/value

The research presented here analyzed the influence of oil nozzle structure parameters on oil injection direction via a numerical analysis method. It also leads to a design reference guideline that could be used in jet lubrication, thus controlling the direction of the injection jet accurately.
How do mature born globals create customer value to achieve international growth?
Authors: Andersson Svante , Awuah Gabriel Baffour , Aagerup Ulf , Wictor Ingemar
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This study aims to investigate how mature born global firms create value for customers to achieve continued international growth.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs a case study approach to investigate the under-researched area of how mature born globals create value for customers and, by doing so, contribute to their continued international growth. This in-depth examination of how three born globals developed over time uses interviews, observation and secondary data.

Findings

The findings indicate that the entrepreneurs of born global firms, that continued to grow, created a culture in the early stages that supported value creation for foreign customers. These firms have built a competitive position by developing international niche products. They have also implemented a combination of proactive and reactive market orientation to facilitate the creation and delivery of value to customers. To maintain growth, they further invest the revenues earned on additional international marketing activities and continuously enhance their focal products.

Research limitations/implications

The study relies on three cases. We therefore recommend that future studies extend the scope of the research to several companies in various industries and countries, in which the theoretical arguments can be applied. In addition, further studies that test the propositions developed in this study, in different contexts, are highly recommended.

Practical implications

To gain international growth, managers should create an organizational culture that facilitates satisfying international customer needs. Firms should continuously invest in sales and market development (e.g. social media marketing, personal selling) and undertake technology development of niche rather than new products. To achieve international growth, managers need to standardize part of the offer to achieve economies of scale and adapt the other part to international customers' needs.

Originality/value

Research on born globals has focused on the early stages of their internationalization processes, while largely neglecting the later stages (mature born globals) or the factors that lead to continued international growth. To address this gap, this study explores what happens when born globals ‘grow up’. This study contributes to the literature by capturing the factors and processes underlying how mature born globals create value for customers, for international growth. In particular, the study shows that the culture and strategies developed in the born globals' early stages also lead to international growth in later stages. The mature born globals have also invested in niche products, brand building, and effective market channels and adopted a combination of proactive and reactive market orientations.
Participants’ interaction with sharing economy platforms in Russia
Authors: Shmidt Mayya
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The objective of this contribution is to pinpoint the practices of users' interactions with sharing economy platforms in Russia, as well as explore the source of motivation to use such platforms on the three cases of sharing economy platforms in Russia: Darudar [Gift-to-gift] (sharing goods), Bank Vremeny [Timebank] (sharing time and services) and Couchsurfing (sharing accommodation and leisure).

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical data were gathered from 25 in-depth interviews conducted for active users of the platforms and ethnographic observations of users' offline meetings as well as digital observations.

Findings

The results reveal that participants of the platforms tend to establish their own rules and norms of interaction, thus, fostering social connection. Findings suggest that users of sharing economy platforms are driven by the potential of minimising transaction costs and intrinsic motivation, such as getting experiences which have no market alternatives, upcycling and disposal of belongings, self-promotion and self-realisation.

Original/value

In this study, sharing as based in the sharing economy is conceptualised as a separate principle of resource allocation. The theory was applied to the empirical material of three Russian platforms, which has not been done previously in the paradigm of sharing. The current literature on the sharing economy is largely switched to the for-profit North American platforms, while case studies from other settings are lacking. This article aims to fill this gap by providing insights into non-profit platforms' operation in Russia.
Fostering sustainability through technology-mediated interactions
Authors: Carrigan Marylyn , Magrizos Solon , Lazell Jordon , Kostopoulos Ioannis
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This article addresses the lack of scholarly attention paid to the sharing economy from a sociological perspective, with respect to the technology-mediated interactions between sharing economy users. The paper provides a critical overview of the sharing economy and its impact on business and communities and explores how information technology can facilitate authentic, genuine sharing through exercising and enabling conviviality and non-direct reciprocity.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper begins with a critique of the technology-mediated sharing economy, introduces the concept of conviviality as a tool to grow and shape community and sustainability within the sharing economy and then explores reciprocity and sharing behaviour. Finally, the paper draws upon social exchange theory to illustrate conviviality and reciprocity, using four case studies of technology-enabled sharing.

Findings

The paper contributes to the emerging debate around how the sharing economy, driven by information systems and technology, affects social cohesion and personal relationships. The paper elucidates the central role conviviality and reciprocity play in explaining the paradoxes, tensions and impact of the sharing economy on society. Conviviality and reciprocity are positioned as key capabilities of a more sustainable version of the sharing economy, enabled via information technology.

Originality/value

The findings reveal that information technology-mediated sharing enterprises should promote conviviality and reciprocity in order to deliver more positive environmental, economic and social benefits. The diversity of existing operations indicated by the findings and the controversies discussed will guide the critical study of the social potential of sharing economy to avoid treating all sharing alike.
Post traumatic stress disorder in incarcerated populations: current clinical considerations and recommendations
Authors: Allely Clare S. , Allely Bob
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may have a detrimental impact on the individual’s ability to benefit from rehabilitative prison-based programmes, and studies have also found that there is an association between PTSD and higher rates of re-offending. Studies have also found that a significant number of cases of trauma and PTSD go undetected and therefore untreated in individuals who are incarcerated.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review was carried out exploring studies that have investigated PTSD in incarcerated populations to identify current clinical considerations and recommendations.

Findings

This paper explores the key findings from the literature and highlights the important clinical implications and recommendations.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper focusing specifically on how the findings from the literature can inform clinical practice and also what factors need to be given greater consideration, going beyond the current systematic and literature reviews in the field.
Birth cohorts, marriage patterns, and contraceptive methods used among women in contemporary Myanmar
Authors: Chan Nyein , Sawangdee Yothin , Pattaravanich Umaporn , Holumyong Charamporn , Chamratrithirong Aphichat
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The total fertility rate in Myanmar stands low in comparison to neighboring countries. This decrease in the birth rate will lead to a decline in the number of young Burmese in the future, an issue that is of concern to the Myanmar government. The purpose of this study was to review the contributing factors to marriage and birth rates and to also review the use of contraception among married women.

Design/methodology/approach

This quantitative research study was based on cross-sectional secondary data available from the Myanmar Demographic and Health Survey 2015–2016. The study sample included 6,138 women of reproductive age.

Findings

The proportion of unmarried women and the mean age at the first marriage date in the early cohort was higher than that of the women who were born in the later cohort. The study shows that birth cohort, female labor force participation, migration, wealth index, and media exposure are significant in explaining marriage types and patterns (p < 0.05). The injection and the pill were the most popular contraceptive methods for both cohorts. Other methods such as intrauterine devices, implants, and condoms were not as popular.

Originality/value

This paper presents the birth cohort, female labor force participation, migration, wealth index, and media exposure as key factors for determining the timing of marriage.
Factors associated with the recurrence of dengue fever in villages in Chiang Rai, Thailand
Authors: Mungmonphoncharoen Som , Apidechkul Tawatchai , Dokmaingam Pannipha
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the factors associated with DF occurrence in recurrence villages in Chiang Rai, Thailand.

Design/methodology/approach

A case-control study was conducted between June 2017 and December 2017. A validated questionnaire was used to detect the factors associated with recurrence of DF. χ2 and logistic regression were used to detect the associations between variables at α=0.05.

Findings

In total, 213 cases and 436 controls were recruited into the analysis. Cases were recruited from 20 DF recurring villages, while controls were recruited from 20 non-DF recurring villages in Chiang Rai province. At community level, three variables were associated with recurrence of DF; size of the village (p=0.007), number of villagers (p=0.009), tribe (p=0.043) and distance to a hospital (p=0.003). Three variables were associated with DF at personal and family levels in multivariate model: children whose parents worked as daily employees, and government officers and traders were more likely to have DF 1.56 (95%CI=1.22–2.48) and 4.31 (95%CI=4.66–9.38) times greater than of those whose parents’ worked as agriculturists, respectively; children aged less than one year were 2.89 (95%CI=2.17–4.33) times more likely to have DF than those aged=6 and children who were under standard growth and over standard growth were more likely to have DF than those standard growth 1.61 (95%CI=1.18–2.53) and 7.33 (95%CI=4.39–10.37) times, respectively.

Originality/value

This is the original research article which was conducted in detecting the factors associated with recurrence of DHF in Northern Thailand.
A new model for assessing the impact of environmental psychology, e-learning, learning style and school design on the behavior of elementary students
Authors: Zhao Xu , Wang Jingyang , Wang Mengyu , Li Xuesong , Gao Xia , Huang Chunlei
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the literature on the treatment of primary pupils and inspecting the role of environmental psychology, e-learning, learning style and school design on the behavior of students in elementary schools.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was designed to evaluate the components of the model. Experts with significant experiences in the field of students’ behavior revised the surveys. Data were collected from 400 teachers of the elementary schools in Iran. The SMART-PLS 3.2 and SPSS 22 software package were used in the field of questionnaires’ statistical analysis.

Findings

Findings confirmed the suggested model’s validity for elementary students’ behavior assessment. The consequences of this research illustrated the effect of environmental psychology on the behavior of elementary students. In addition, the authors were concluded that intention to e-learning has a significant role in developing the action and behavior of the elementary students. Moreover, the learning style has an affirmative and considerable impact on the behavior of elementary students. Finally, school design has an affirmative and significant effect on the manner of the elementary students.

Practical implications

The consequences of this research have provided some traces about the basic perspectives, which have to be in the center of attention of administrators. For instance, school design and learning style sound to be a decisive mechanism for improving action and learning behavior. In addition, educational leaders may use the findings to evaluate their school facilities and define where developments will have the most significant impact or planners may use the results to assist architects in the design and construction of new educational services.

Originality/value

This study builds a valuable contribution by focusing on pupil environmental psychology, e-learning, learning style and school design in elementary schools by enlightening the connection between them and students’ manner.
Bioremediation model of oil-contaminated soil in Lapindo mud using multisymbiotic organism
Authors: Rahayu Yuni Sri
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The study aimed at developing the bioremediation model of Lapindo mud through multisymbiotic organism.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was conducted using completely randomized design. The model plants chosen in this research were soybean. The interaction pattern during the treatment was used to develop the bioremediation model based on the parameters.

Findings

The results showed that there was an effect of the type of organism on the parameters, namely: the growth of plant (biomass, height, length of root, and number of leaves), the biomass of root nodules, the percentage of mycorrhizal infection, the content of water, nitrogen, phosphorus, and total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs). There was a pattern of multisymbiotic interaction between each organism and roles of each symbiont in that interaction. Therefore, the plants were capable of surviving in the environment of Sidoarjo Lapindo mud. This pattern can be named as the bioremediation model proposed, which is the analogy of tripartite symbiosis between plants, mycorrhizae, and Rhizobium but also adding plant growth bacteria such as phosphate-solubilizing bacteria and hydrocarbon degradation bacteria. The implementation of this model can be used to treat oil-contaminated soil in order to be used as a plant growth medium.

Originality/value

Phytoremediation is a new and promising approach to remove contaminants in the environment but using plants alone for remediation confronts many limitations. Therefore, the application of plant-growth-promoting rhizobia (PGPR) has been extended to remediate contaminated soils in association with plants (Zhuang et al., 2007). The development of the model will use the analogy of tripartite symbiosis between plants, mycorrhizae, and Rhizobium. The developed model will be based on the interaction pattern on each parameters obtained. Bioremediation is chosen because it is considered an effective technique to transform toxic components into less toxic products without disrupting the surrounding environment. Besides, bioremediation is cheaper and environment-friendly because it utilizes microorganisms to clean pollutants from the environment (Nugroho, 2006).
Forecasting the impacts of the “future of work” on universities: a sociological perspective
Authors: Pizarro Milian Roger , Davies Scott
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyse the prospective impact of the future of work on universities.

Design/methodology/approach

Several brief case studies of heralded disruptors of higher education (HE) – including digital badges, for-profit universities and massive open online courses – are reviewed to illustrate inertial forces in the system.

Findings

The results indicate that several social forces will protect most universities from significant disruption, with the impetus for change being felt mostly in the periphery of the system.

Originality/value

The argument presented in this study serves as a corrective to claims that looming changes in the nature of work will radically disrupt universities. It calls for more nuanced theorizing about the interaction between technical and institutional forces in HE.