bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implementing PDSA Methodology for Pediatric Appendicitis Increases Care Value for a Tertiary Children's Hospital
Authors: Ingram Martha-Conley E. , Studer Abbey , Schechter Jamie , Martin Sarah A. , Patel Manisha , Roben Emily C.Z. , Burjek Nicholas E. , Birmingham Patrick K. , Raval Mehul V.
Published: July 2021

Introduction:

We used the plan-do-study-act (PDSA) framework to develop and implement an evidence-based clinical practice guideline (CPG) within an urban, tertiary children’s referral center.

Methods:

We developed an evidence-based CPG for appendicitis using iterative PDSA cycles. Similar CPGs from other centers were reviewed and modified for local implementation. Adjuncts included guideline-specific order sets and operative notes in the electronic medical record system. Outcomes included length of stay (LOS), 30-day readmissions, hospital costs, and patient and family experience (PFE) scores. Our team tracked outcome, process, and balancing measures using Statistical Process Charts. Outcome measures were compared over 2 fiscal quarters preimplementation and 3 fiscal quarters postimplementation, using interrupted time series, student t test, and chi-square tests when appropriate.

Results:

LOS for simple (uncomplicated) appendicitis decreased to 0.87 days (interquartile range [IQR] 0.87–0.94 days) from 1.1 days (IQR 0.97–1.42 days). LOS for complicated appendicitis decreased to 4.96 days (IQR 4.95–6.15) from 5.58 days (IQR 5.16–6.09). This reduction equated to an average cost-savings of $1,122/patient. Thirty-day readmission rates have remained unchanged. PFE scores increased across all categories and have remained higher than national benchmarks.

Conclusion:

Development and Implementation of a CPG for pediatric appendicitis using the PDSA framework adds value to care provided within a large tertiary center.
Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma in Ectopic Thyroid Tissue Within a Suspected Cervical Paraganglioma
Authors: Sambo Salas Marcel Ernesto , Muñoz Moreno Diego , Fernandez Laura Gonzalez , Nuñez Ramos Patricia , Cebollero Presmanes Maria
Published: July 2021

Ectopic differentiated thyroid carcinoma represents less than 1% of all thyroid carcinoma cases, which usually arises along the cervical midline, and (delving into literature) there are scarce reports of such entity in nuclear medicine imaging studies. We present a rare case of a confirmed synchronous, orthotopic, and heterotopic (in lateral ectopic thyroid tissue) differentiated thyroid carcinoma in a patient who was previously misdiagnosed as having a cervical paraganglioma, based on compatible clinical, analytical, and imagenological (both structural and functional) findings.
Outcome Measurement of Beauty and Attractiveness of Facial Aesthetic Rejuvenation Surgery
Authors: Atiyeh Bishara S. , Chahine Fadl
Published: July 2021

Aesthetic plastic surgery is a most unusual and unique subspecialty. Unlike other medical and surgical specialties driven primarily by objective medical diagnosis and outcome, aesthetic surgery is patient driven; it represents a special exercise in professional competence by adapting objective medical standards to a mostly subjective field. Given the subjectivity of facial beauty and of the projected aesthetic intervention outcome, in addition to be able to determine beauty of the final result as precisely and objectively as possible, it is also essential to be able to assess patient's satisfaction. However, lack of standardized facial measurements and clear definition of aesthetic outcome and beauty are still major obstacles preventing real change in the consultation dynamics to help better serve patients’ expectations. Because of the tremendous increase in demand for all types of facial aesthetic procedures, an objective understanding of aesthetics and beauty is becoming of utmost importance. Recognition of the importance of science and evidence-based medicine is long overdue in our specialty. This study aims at identifying the most recently available evidence-based measures to quantitatively assess beauty and measure outcome of rhytidoplasty that can be useful in everyday aesthetic practice.
Fully Guided Zygomatic Implant Surgery
Authors: Rigo Leone , Tollardo James , Giammarinaro Enrica , Covani Ugo , Caso Guerino
Published: July 2021

Introduction:

Rehabilitating a severely atrophic maxilla is a complex procedure. In case of severe resorption, zygomatic implants are indicated and loading of the implants at the end of the surgery is desirable. We present a new method by means of guided surgery for the placement of zygomatic implants, using specially designed metal templates that should be supported by bone.

Methods:

The treatment planning for completely guided prosthetic rehabilitation of the maxilla with zygomatic implants was digitally performed. A radiographic template was designed for the prosthetic treatment planning. A surgical template was used to replicate the digitally planned steps in vivo.

Results:

The procedure ended with the positioning of a custom-made temporary prosthesis. This method can reduce the surgery duration, simplify the procedure, and optimize the outcome. It requires equal cooperation among technicians, prosthodontists, and surgeons. Nineteen out of twenty patients included in the study presented successful implants and prosthesis at the moment of analysis.

Conclusions:

The present approach addressed the needs for zygomatic-implant surgery. The surgical and prosthetic plan, position, emergence, the shape of the implants, the position of the temporary prosthesis, the inter-arch relationships, and surgical templates were designed in a completely virtual environment and performed by the surgeon on stereolithographic models beforehand. Consequently, the surgical procedure was considerably simplified.
Distance Learning During COVID-19 Mitigates Learning Loss for Interprofessional Education
Authors: Arciaga Peregrina L. , Calmes Daphne , Windokun Adejare , Pan Deyu , Dev Parvati , Ruff Henry , Bazargan-Hejazi Shahrzad
Published: July 2021

Summary Statement

On-site interprofessional education (IPE) simulation is primarily used to teach students teamwork, communication, and crisis resource management. Participants view it as an educational environment in which to acquire and consolidate skills. Virtual IPE simulation is traditionally seen as an opportunity to supplement, complement, and reinforce on-site IPE (OI). We used VI as the sole simulation method during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide IPE because of constraints of social distancing. The VI resulted in substantially achieving similar learning outcomes to OI. This suggests that VI, which has the advantage of being cheaper and more easily scalable than OI, may be an effective remote learning modality for IPE.
Induction Therapy With Antithymocyte Globulin and Delayed Calcineurin Inhibitor Initiation for Renal Protection in Liver Transplantation: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Phase II-B Trial
Authors: Nair Amit , Coromina Hernandez Laia , Shah Shimul , Zervos Xaralambos , Zimmerman Michael , Sasaki Kazunari , Diago Teresa , Hashimoto Koji , Fujiki Masato , Aucejo Federico , Bollinger Jessica , Kaiser Tiffany L. , Miller Charles M. , Quintini Cristiano , Fung John J. , Eghtesad Bijan
Published: July 2021

Background.

Calcineurin inhibitor (CNI)-based immunosuppression in liver transplantation (LTx) is associated with acute and chronic deterioration of kidney function. Delaying CNI initiation by using induction rabbit antithymocyte globulin (rATG) may provide kidneys with adequate time to recover from a perioperative insult reducing the risk of early post-LTx renal deterioration.

Methods.

This was an open-label, multicenter, randomized controlled clinical trial comparing use of induction rATG with delayed CNI initiation (d 10) against upfront CNI commencement (standard of care [SOC]) in those patients deemed at standard risk of postoperative renal dysfunction following LTx. The primary endpoint was change in (delta) creatinine from baseline to month 12.

Results.

Fifty-five patients were enrolled in each study arm. Mean tacrolimus levels remained comparable in both groups from day 10 throughout the study period. A significant difference in delta creatinine was observed between rATG and SOC groups at 9 mo (P = 0.03) but not at month 12 (P = 0.05). Estimated glomerular filtration rate levels remained comparable between cohorts at all time points. Rates of biopsy-proven acute rejection at 1 y were similar between groups (16.3 versus 12.7%, P = 0.58). rATG showed no significant adverse effects. Survival at 12 mo was comparable between groups (P = 0.48).

Conclusions.

Although the use of induction rATG and concurrent CNI deferral in this study did not demonstrate a significant difference in delta creatinine at 1 y, these results indicate a potential role for rATG in preserving early kidney function, especially when considered with CNI deferral beyond 10 d or lower target tacrolimus levels, with acceptable safety and treatment efficacy.
Environment and phenology shape local adaptation in thermal performance
Authors: Villeneuve Andrew R. , Komoroske Lisa M. , Cheng Brian S.
Published: July 2021

Populations within species often exhibit variation in traits that reflect local adaptation and further shape existing adaptive potential for species to respond to climate change. However, our mechanistic understanding of how the environment shapes trait variation remains poor. Here, we used common garden experiments to quantify thermal performance in eight populations of the marine snailUrosalpinx cinereaacross thermal gradients on the Atlantic and the Pacific coasts of North America. We then evaluated the relationship between thermal performance and environmental metrics derived from time-series data. Our results reveal a novel pattern of ‘mixed’ trait performance adaptation, where thermal optima were positively correlated with spawning temperature (cogradient variation), while maximum trait performance was negatively correlated with season length (countergradient variation). This counterintuitive pattern probably arises because of phenological shifts in the spawning season, whereby ‘cold’ populations delay spawning until later in the year when temperatures are warmer compared to ‘warm’ populations that spawn earlier in the year when temperatures are cooler. Our results show that variation in thermal performance can be shaped by multiple facets of the environment and are linked to organismal phenology and natural history. Understanding the impacts of climate change on organisms, therefore, requires the knowledge of how climate change will alter different aspects of the thermal environment.
Locomotor compromises maintain group cohesion in baboon troops on the move
Authors: Harel Roi , Loftus J. Carter , Crofoot Margaret C.
Published: July 2021

When members of a group differ in locomotor capacity, coordinating collective movement poses a challenge: some individuals may have to move faster (or slower) than their preferred speed to remain together. Such compromises have energetic repercussions, yet research in collective behaviour has largely neglected locomotor consensus costs. Here, we integrate high-resolution tracking of wild baboon locomotion and movement with simulations to demonstrate that size-based variation in locomotor capacity poses an obstacle to the collective movement. While all baboons modulate their gait and move-pause dynamics during collective movement, the costs of maintaining cohesion are disproportionately borne by smaller group members. Although consensus costs are not distributed equally, all group-mates do make locomotor compromises, suggesting a shared decision-making process drives the pace of collective movement in this highly despotic species. These results highlight the importance of considering how social dynamics and locomotor capacity interact to shape the movement ecology of group-living species.
Six Month Safety and Efficacy of the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine
Authors: Thomas Stephen J. , Moreira Edson D. , Kitchin Nicholas , Absalon Judith , Gurtman Alejandra , Lockhart Stephen , Perez John L. , Pérez Marc Gonzalo , Polack Fernando P. , Zerbini Cristiano , Bailey Ruth , Swanson Kena A. , Xu Xia , Roychoudhury Satrajit , Koury Kenneth , Bouguermouh Salim , Kalina Warren V. , Cooper David , Frenck Robert W. , Hammitt Laura L. , Türeci Özlem , Nell Haylene , Schaefer Axel , Ünal Serhat , Yang Qi , Liberator Paul , Tresnan Dina B. , Mather Susan , Dormitzer Philip R. , Şahin Uğur , Gruber William C. , Jansen Kathrin U. ,   C4591001 Clinical Trial Group
Published: July 2021

Background

BNT162b2 is a lipid nanoparticle-formulated, nucleoside-modified RNA vaccine encoding a prefusion-stabilized, membrane-anchored SARS-CoV-2 full-length spike protein. BNT162b2 is highly efficacious against COVID-19 and is currently authorized for emergency use or conditional approval worldwide. At the time of authorization, data beyond 2 months post-vaccination were unavailable.

Methods

In an ongoing, placebo-controlled, observer-blinded, multinational, pivotal efficacy study, 44,165 ≥16-year-old participants and 2,264 12-15-year-old participants were randomized to receive 2 doses, 21 days apart, of 30 µg BNT162b2 or placebo. Study endpoints reported here are vaccine efficacy (VE) against laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 and safety data, both up to 6 months post-vaccination.

Results

BNT162b2 continued to be safe and well tolerated. Few participants had adverse events leading to study withdrawal. VE against COVID-19 was 91% (95% CI 89.0-93.2) through up to 6 months of follow-up, among evaluable participants and irrespective of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. VE of 86%-100% was seen across countries and in populations with diverse characteristics of age, sex, race/ethnicity, and COVID-19 risk factors in participants without evidence of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. VE against severe disease was 97% (95% CI 80.3−99.9). In South Africa, where the SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern, B.1.351 (beta), was predominant, 100% (95% CI 53.5, 100.0) VE was observed.

Conclusion

With up to 6 months of follow-up and despite a gradually declining trend in vaccine efficacy, BNT162b2 had a favorable safety profile and was highly efficacious in preventing COVID-19. (ClinicalTrials.govnumber,NCT04368728)
Resilience and stress management in high-performing teams in the agricultural sector
Authors: Yela Aránega Alba , Castaño Sánchez Rafael , Fernández-Vázquez José Santiago
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The present research seeks to increase the resilience of the employees of a company dedicated to the harvesting of oranges to reduce stress levels and eating disorders in the work environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The mindfulness and outdoor training tools are used in order to become aware of personal purpose and role, accept situations and face daily conflicts. After the delivery of a designed mindfulness and outdoor training program of six (6) weeks, the results obtained after the application of the methodology are presented to a sample of 119 employees from the distribution sector and a control group that does not undergo to the program. Through a resilience questionnaire designed by the authors and the external evaluation of the higher command, it is analysed how it acts as a measurement model to obtain a report composed of 30 items. The evaluation questionnaire measures the general tendency to show low or high resilience and tolerance for frustration.

Findings

The results show that there are improvements in resilience capacity by 30%, with a higher level of significance in women than in men. In conclusion, resilience greatly influences business success.

Originality/value

Workers who have learned to take on new challenges and adapt to the new environment are more likely to lead work teams and promote in the organisation. It is detected that their technical training does not matter so much, but that their emotional intelligence (EI) has more impact, gaining greater confidence in themselves to adapt to uncertain environments.
Effective implementation of Japanese quality methods during health pandemics
Authors: Abdallah Abdallah Ali
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This study aims to help quality professionals in following a precise framework that maintains a company’s performance during health pandemics. In many companies, all quality methods seem to produce performance improvement at different levels, but lean management and kaizen were superior in preparing manufacturing companies to have high readiness levels when faced with a health pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

Which quality method can help businesses in performing well during a health pandemic? In order to answer this question and be able to provide specific recommendations toward performing well in all future health pandemics, 500 manufacturing companies were selected and surveyed. The selected companies are known to use at least one quality method such as lean management, ISO 9001, European foundation for quality management (EFQM) and Six Sigma.

Findings

EFQM comes second, then Six Sigma and ISO 9001. Lean creates a healthy workplace and enhances worker's health and well-being. This research helps quality professionals in following a precise framework that maintains performance during health pandemics. Whether the company uses lean or other quality methods, the framework helps in achieving pandemic readiness status. The framework is implemented in a company that does not currently use lean. Implementation resulted in significant improvement in pandemic preparedness, corporate performance and employee well-being.

Originality/value

After the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, all companies should start thinking of creating a workplace that functions well during pandemics. To do that, companies should start including sanitation and health pandemic preparedness as part of their performance measurements. Using lean management and kaizen helps organizations to create a healthy workplace; clean and equipped with smaller number of workers. If organizations choose to use other quality methods, it is okay, but they should enhance these methods with lean tools such as elimination of the seven wastes, gemba, 5S and visual management.
Experiential Entrepreneurship Education and the student-focused Entrepreneurial University
Authors: Morland Leigh , Scott Jonathan Matthew , Thompson John L.
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the provision and reported outcomes of Experiential Entrepreneurship Education (EEE), from learner, educator and university perspectives, in order to reflect upon the progress of the Entrepreneurial University. It proposes a conceptual framework for integrating the multiple stakeholder perspectives for an “education led” and student-focused Entrepreneurial University, something yet to be identified from existing research and, consequentially, future research.

Design/methodology/approach

A reflective literature review explores the depth and breadth of EEE provision in Universities, noting: what is taking place, who is involved, where EEE is situated (within the university context), and how the knowledge base is informed. From these reflections, a conceptual framework is proposed as a means of exploring and categorizing progress towards a student-focused Entrepreneurial University through education experiences.

Findings

The literature review is largely informed by case studies developed by educators reflecting on student learner experiences for the purpose of course enhancement. These case exemplars provide the resource for emergent, bottom-up strategy that could support the Entrepreneurial University. However, the role of the University is less researched, in terms of providing context and external strategic relationships to resource EEE and deliver a more planned approach to the Entrepreneurial University. The Entrepreneurial University and EEE are mainstream agendas and the development of both must consider the role and contribution of the University in terms of strategy formulation and implementation.

Originality/value

This study takes a holistic view, seeing EEE and the Entrepreneurial University as connected agendas. The student-focused Entrepreneurial University cannot result from emergent, bottom-up strategy alone and thus there is a need to address the role of top-down resource-based University strategy in creating real progress. The paper provides a conceptualization, for the purpose of analysing and informing the relationship between EEE and the Entrepreneurial University that places the University as a key stakeholder, and in doing so asks that scholars and educators build the knowledge base not only from cases of good practice but also from the review of strategic management within Universities.
Instructional leadership: teaching evaluation as a key element for 6th grade student's achievement in mathematics
Authors: Kazi Mariandri
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The paper discusses the influence of instructional leadership on effective teacher teaching practices and learning outcomes. In particular, the paper examines one of the instructional leadership practices, namely teaching evaluation, and seeks to investigate the influence on the effective teacher practices and on the achievement of 6th grade primary school students studying mathematics in the Cyprus educational system.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative research approach was deemed appropriate and employed for the purpose of the research subject, and in particular for the type of questions studied. Data were collected from 81 principals, 139 6th grade teachers and 1,553 students in the Cyprus educational system. In addition, data analysis was performed using structural equation models (SEM).

Findings

The instructional leadership approach assumes that principal evaluations influence high learning outcomes. Findings demonstrated that the principal evaluation has a positive and statistically significant impact on effective teaching practices and student achievement.

Originality/value

It is important to acknowledge that in the Cyprus educational leadership field the corellation among the instructional leadership, the effective teaching practices of teachers and the students achievements were not examined through the above parameters. Furthermore, the survey provided important insights into the principals, teachers, pupils and, more generally, on Cyprus's educational policy.
Greater acceptability, lower compensations required? The impact of perceived net benefits on willingness to accept nuclear energy projects
Authors: Contu Davide , Elshareif Elgilani Eltahir
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to estimate willingness to accept (WTA) hypothetical nuclear energy projects and the impact of net perceived benefits across three countries: Italy, a country without nuclear plants in operation; the UK, a country with nuclear plants in operation and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which has more recently opted for the inclusion of nuclear energy in its energy mix. These valuations can support cost-benefit analyses by allowing policymakers to account for additional benefits and costs which would be otherwise neglected.

Design/methodology/approach

Data collection was conducted through online nationwide surveys, for a total of over 4,000 individuals sampled from Italy, the UK and the UAE. The surveys included choice experiments designed to elicit preferences towards nuclear energy in the form of WTA, indicating estimated compensations for welfare worsening changes and questions to measure perceived risks and benefits.

Findings

The average WTA/Km is the lowest for the case of the UAE. What is more, perceived net positive benefits tend to decrease the WTA required by the UAE respondents? Moreover, across the cases, albeit to a lesser extent with regard to Italy’s case, there is evidence that a more positive benefit perception seems to increase the valuation of environmental and public benefits offered as part of the experiment.

Originality/value

The contribution of this study is primarily twofold: first, it provides a comparison of WTA values in a context where the availability of choice experiment data is scant; second, it assesses whether and to what extent perceived net positive benefits of nuclear energy impact WTA of nuclear energy projects.
Rebate in Islamic sale-based financing contracts: Bank Negara Malaysia guidelines on ibrāʾ versus conventional finance practice
Authors: Kamal Islam
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to compare the rebate computation in Islamic sale-based financing contracts as proposed by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) in its guidelines on ibrāʾ (rebate) – with the rebate computation in conventional finance that is applicable to conventional loans, thus examining if there is a significant difference between the two approaches.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper employs the qualitative analysis method, involving review and discussion of relevant literature. Subsequently, a quantitative analysis is utilized to compare both rebate computations: the one proposed by BNM for Islamic sale-based financing contracts and the conventional finance computation that is utilized in conventional loans.

Findings

BNM's rebate computation for debts resulting from sale-based financing contracts does not differ from the conventional finance rebate computation applied to conventional loans; such similarity may raise the usury concerns that the conventional finance rebate computation raises.

Research limitations/implications

The paper focuses only on the fixed profit rate rebate computation proposed by BNM guidelines.

Practical implications

The results highlight the need for seeking another rebate computation to be applied in Islamic financial institutions in the case of mandatory bilateral rebate for sale-based financing contracts – a computation that differs from the practice utilized in conventional loans in order to avoid any usury implications associated with conventional finance computation.

Originality/value

The paper examines the rebate practice proposed by BNM for sale-based financing contracts. Forcing a predetermined rebate computation in sale-based financing contracts could be plausible as BNM requires; however, the suggested computation might be questionable because it resembles conventional finance computation.
Fake news on Facebook: examining the impact of heuristic cues on perceived credibility and sharing intention
Authors: Ali Khudejah , Li Cong , Zain-ul-abdin Khawaja , Zaffar Muhammad Adeel
Published: July 2021

Purpose

As the epidemic of online fake news is causing major concerns in contexts such as politics and public health, the current study aimed to elucidate the effect of certain “heuristic cues,” or key contextual features, which may increase belief in the credibility and the subsequent sharing of online fake news.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed a 2 (news veracity: real vs fake) × 2 (social endorsements: low Facebook “likes” vs high Facebook “likes”) between-subjects experimental design (N = 239).

Findings

The analysis revealed that a high number of Facebook “likes” accompanying fake news increased the perceived credibility of the material compared to a low number of “likes.” In addition, the mediation results indicated that increased perceptions of news credibility may create a situation in which readers feel that it is necessary to cognitively elaborate on the information present in the news, and this active processing finally leads to sharing.

Practical implications

The results from this study help explicate what drives increased belief and sharing of fake news and can aid in refining interventions aimed at combating fake news for both communities and organizations.

Originality/value

The current study expands upon existing literature, linking the use of social endorsements to perceived credibility of fake news and information, and sheds light on the causal mechanisms through which people make the decision to share news articles on social media.
Multiple peg-in-hole compliant assembly based on a learning-accelerated deep deterministic policy gradient strategy
Authors: Li Xinwang , Xiao Juliang , Zhao Wei , Liu Haitao , Wang Guodong
Published: July 2021

Purpose

As complex analysis of contact models is required in the traditional assembly strategy, it is still a challenge for a robot to complete the multiple peg-in-hole assembly tasks autonomously. This paper aims to enable the robot to complete the assembly tasks autonomously and more efficiently, with the strategies learned by reinforcement learning (RL), a learning-accelerated deep deterministic policy gradient (LADDPG) algorithm is proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

The multiple peg-in-hole assembly strategy is designed in two modules: an advanced planning module and a bottom control module. The advanced module is completed by the LADDPG agent, which is used to derive advanced commands based on geometric and environmental constraints, that is, the desired contact force. The bottom-level control module will drive the robot to complete the compliant assembly task through the adaptive impedance algorithm according to the command set issued by the advanced module. In addition, a set of safety assurance mechanisms is developed to safely train a collaborative robot to complete autonomous learning.

Findings

The method can complete the assembly tasks well through RL, and it can realize satisfactory compliance of the robot to the environment. Compared with the original DDPG algorithm, the average values of the instantaneous maximum contact force and contact torque during the assembly process are reduced by approximately 38% and 74%, respectively.

Practical implications

The entire algorithm can also be applied to other robots and the assembly strategy can be applied in the field of the automatic assembly.

Originality/value

A compliant assembly strategy based on the LADDPG algorithm is proposed to complete the automated multiple peg-in-hole assembly tasks.
Development of following robot for supplying power to solar panel cleaning robot
Authors: Li Xiaokun , Li Xin
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Autonomous mobile cleaning robots are widely used to clean solar panels because of their flexibility and high efficiency. However, gravity is a challenge for cleaning robots on inclined solar panels, and robots have problems such as high working power and short battery life. This paper aims to develop a following robot to improve the working time and efficiency of the cleaning robot.

Design/methodology/approach

The mechanical structure of the robot is designed so that it can carry a large-capacity battery and continuously power the cleaning robot. The robot determines its position and orientation relative to the edge of solar panel by using optoelectronic sensors. Based on the following distance, the robot changes its state between moving and waiting to ensure that supply cable will not drag.

Findings

Prototype following robot test results show that the following robot can stably follow the cleaning robot and supply continuous power to cleaning robot. The linear error of the following robot moving along the solar panel is less than 0.3 m, and the following distance between the robot and the cleaning robot is in 0.5–1.5 m.

Practical implications

The working time of cleaning robots and working efficiency is improved by using following robot, thereby reducing the labor intensity of workers and saving the labor costs of cleaning.

Originality/value

The design of the following robot is innovative. Following robot works with the existing cleaning robots to make up for shortcomings of the existing cleaning system. It provides a more feasible and practical solution for using robots to clean solar panels.
The power of stories for impression management: evidence from a city cultural digital storytelling initiative
Authors: Nosrati Fariba , Detlor Brian
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This research responds to a growing interest among cultural organizations regarding how to use emerging digital technologies in the communication of cultural content. The need to investigate various aspects of digital transformation for cultural organizations has been heightened during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This paper explores how city cultural organizations can utilize digital stories for impression management to enhance public perceptions of a city. The aim of this study is to understand how end-users are affected by a city cultural digital storytelling information system and the benefits of using such a system.

Design/methodology/approach

An interpretive case study was conducted on a digital storytelling initiative carried out by three cultural organizations in a medium-sized city in Canada. Data collection included 95 interviews with the general public, questionnaires and the gathering of documents.

Findings

Findings suggest that digital storytelling can be a viable tool to share city cultural heritage information and positively affect end-user perceptions of a city. The overall outcome of creating/maintaining a positive favorable impression is shaped through a layered experience of benefits by users. Through digital stories, users are first personally engaged and informed about a city's cultural heritage, and then they are influenced and inspired positively toward the city. Further, factors, such as leisure learning, cultural heritage information and cultural organizations, situate this context of use.

Originality/value

The study sheds light on how the art of storytelling in the digital age can serve as a powerful tool for conveying information effectively and influencing public perceptions. This paper provides a context-specific model to understand the use of digital storytelling by city cultural organizations for the purpose of impression management. Theoretical insights and practical recommendations are provided to explore the utilization of digital storytelling for raising interest and awareness in a city and managing public perceptions.
The effect of self-regulated programming learning on undergraduate students’ academic performance and motivation
Authors: Öztürk Mücahit
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of self-regulated programming learning on undergraduate students’ academic performance and motivation compared to traditional methods.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was conducted with an explanatory sequential mixed method. Participants consist of 31 undergraduate students studying in the department of computer and instructional technologies education. The students were separated into two groups as experimental (n = 15) and control (n = 16) in the robotic programming course. Academic performance tests, programming motivation scale and interview form were used as data collection tools. After collecting quantitative data, interviews were conducted with the students regarding their academic performance and motivation.

Findings

The results indicated that the self-regulated programming learning process can contribute positively to students’ academic performance and motivation compared to traditional methods. Students stated that self-regulated learning strategies can positively affect their academic performance and motivation.

Originality/value

In this study, a self-regulated learning support system was designed to encourage students to use self-regulated learning strategies. This study has the potential to contribute to the gap in the literature, especially as a study of adapting the phased model of self-regulated learning to programming teaching. Instructors can use the self-regulating programming learning framework by adapting it to different disciplines.
Share price informativeness and dividend smoothing behavior in GCC markets
Authors: Felimban Razaz , Badreddine Sina , Floros Christos
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This paper examines the dividend smoothing (DS) behaviour in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in emerging markets where the response to news and the economic environment are different from those of developed countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors examine the effect of share price informativeness on DS in the GCC markets using unbalanced panel data for a sample of 628 GCC-listed firms during 1994–2016. For the regression analysis, the hypotheses are tested using panel regressions and generalised method of moments (GMM) estimation.

Findings

First, the Lintner model shows that the DS degree in GCC firms is comparable to that of a developed market. Second, and importantly, the results reveal that the DS in GCC firms is sensitive to private information of share prices. Finally, the findings indicate that information asymmetry (IA) and agency-based models affect the tendency to smooth dividends in the GCC markets.

Originality/value

This study is the first study to measure the degree of DS using data for all GCC countries. The authors also identify other determinants of DS behaviour and test the agency and IA explanations for DS in GCC-listed firms. The findings are highly recommended to financial managers and analysts dealing with the GCC markets. This study helps financial analysts to use the share price informativeness as an indicator for the presence of the IA. The study results are beneficial to researchers in understanding the relationship between DS and share price informativeness.
Personalized vs non-personalized recommendations: how recommender systems, recommendation sources and recommendation platforms affect trial of YouTube videos among digital natives in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Ha Louisa , Abuljadail Mohammad Hatim , Joa Claire Youngnyo , Kim Kisun
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine the difference between personalized and non-personalized recommendations in influencing YouTube users’ video choices. In addition, whether men and women have a significant difference in using recommendations was compared and the predictors of recommendation video use frequency were explored.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey of 524 Saudi Arabia college students was conducted using computer-assisted self-administered interviews to collect their video recommendation sources and how likely they follow the recommendation from different sources.

Findings

Video links posted on social media used by the digital natives were found as the most effective form of recommendation shows that social approval is important in influencing trials. Recommendations can succeed in both personalized and non-personalized ways. Personalized recommendations as in YouTube recommended videos are almost the same as friends and family’s non-personalized posting of video links on social media in convincing people to watch the videos. Contrary to expectations, Saudi men college students are more likely to use recommendations than women students.

Research limitations/implications

The use of a non-probability sample is a major limitation and self-reported frequency may result in over- or under-estimation of video use.

Practical implications

Marketers will realize that they may not need the personalized recommendation from the large site. They can use social media recommendations by the consumers’ friends and family. E-mail is the worst platform for a recommendation.

Social implications

Recommendation is a credible source and can overcome the avoidance of advertising. Its influence on consumers will be increasing in years to come with the algorithmic recommendation and social media use.

Originality/value

This is the first study to compare the influence of different online recommendation sources and compare personalized and non-personalized recommendations. As recommendation is growing more and more important with algorithm development online, the study results have high reference values to marketers in Islamic countries and beyond.
Organization engagement: a review and comparison to job engagement
Authors: Saks Alan M. , Gruman Jamie A. , Zhang Qian
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Employee engagement has received a considerable amount of research attention over the last decade. However, most of the research has been on job or work engagement. Much less attention has been given to organization engagement, which is a distinct but related target of employee engagement. In this paper, we review the research on organization engagement and identify how it has been measured, its antecedents and consequences and how it compares to job engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper provides a narrative review of 40 studies that have measured organization engagement. Most of these studies have been published in the last five years, and they come from 20 different countries. The majority of studies also measured job or work engagement.

Findings

Most studies used Saks' (2006) measure of organization engagement. Many antecedents have been found to be related to organization engagement; however, those most often studied and consistently related to organization engagement are organizational-related resources such as perceived organizational support (POS), justice perceptions, corporate social responsibility (CSR), organizational structural factors, organizational climate and HR practices. Organization engagement has been found to be positively related to job satisfaction, organizational commitment, organizational citizenship behavior (OCB), job performance and organizational performance and negatively related to intention to quit. Organization engagement has also been found to partially or fully mediate the relationship between antecedents and consequences. In comparison to job engagement, organization engagement scores tend to be lower, and there are meaningful differences in the antecedents and consequences of organization engagement and job engagement. A number of studies found that organization engagement was more strongly related to several of the consequences than job engagement.

Practical implications

The results of this review indicate that organization engagement is as important if not more important than job engagement when it comes to its relationship to some of the consequences of employee engagement. Organizations should include a measure of organization engagement in employee surveys and focus on improving organization engagement by providing a supportive work environment, ensuring that employees have positive perceptions of justice, increasing CSR initiatives, providing a variety of human resources (HR) practices and improving organizational climate.

Originality/value

This paper provides the first comprehensive review of research on organization engagement and offers a new model of the antecedents and consequences of organization engagement and compares organization engagement to job engagement.
Bilingual brand communities? Strategies for targeting Hispanics on social media
Authors: Villegas Dino A. , Marin Alejandra Marin
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to explore different strategies used by brands to target the Hispanic market via social media from the lens of the Spanish language in a multicultural country like the USA.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a netnographic approach by drawing information from a study of the Facebook pages of 11 brands belonging to different industries.

Findings

Companies engage in four levels of cultural identity adaptation using different strategies based on ethnicity: language adaptation, identity elements, identity matching and Latino persona. The study also shows that merely translating Facebook pages do not generate high levels of communitarian interaction.

Practical implications

This study examines different strategies used by brands in the USA to target the Hispanic audience on social media to provide insights for brand managers to develop online engagement.

Originality/value

With the increase in cultural diversity in different countries and the rise of social media platforms, brand researchers need to better understand how cultural identity permeates marketing strategies in online spaces. Social media platforms such as Facebook offer flexible environments where strategies beyond product- and brand-related aspects can be used. This study extends the literature by showing the heterogeneity of cultural identity-based strategies used by companies to ensure customer engagement and brand loyalty and the impact of such strategies on users.
Strategy in the era of “swans”: the role of strategic leadership under uncertainty and unpredictability
Authors: Adobor Henry , Darbi William Phanuel Kofi , Damoah Obi Berko O.
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this conceptual paper is to explore the role of strategic leadership under conditions of uncertainty and unpredictability. The authors argue that highly improbable, but high-impact events require the upper echelons of management, traditionally the custodians of strategy formulation to offer a new kind of strategic leadership focused on new mindsets, organizational capabilities, more in tune with high uncertainty and unpredictability.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on strategic leadership, and complexity leadership theory, the authors review the literature and present a conceptual framework for exploring the nature of strategic leadership under uncertainty. The authors conceptualize organizations as complex adaptive systems and discuss the imperatives for developing new mental models for emergent leadership.

Findings

Strategic leaders have a key role to play in preparing their organizations for episodic disruptions. These include developing their adaptive capabilities and building resilient organizations to ensure their organizations cannot only bounce back after a disruption but have the capacity for transformation to new fitness levels when necessary. Strategic leaders must engage with complexity leadership by seeing their organizations as complex adaptive systems, reconfigure their leadership approaches and organizations to build strategic adaptive capability.

Research limitations/implications

This is a conceptual paper and the authors cannot make any claims of causality.

Practical implications

Organizational leaders need to reconfigure their mental models and leadership approaches to reflect the new normal of uncertainty and unpredictability. Developing the strategic adaptive capability of organizations should prepare them for dealing with high impact events. To assure business continuity in the face of disruptions requires building flexible, adaptable business models.

Originality/value

The paper focuses on how managers can offer strategic leadership for a new normal that challenges some of our most cherished leadership and strategic management paradigms. The authors explore the new mental models and leadership models in an era of great uncertainty.