bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Algorithms for Estimating Time-Locked Neural Response Components in Cortical Processing of Continuous Speech
Authors: Kulasingham Joshua P. , Simon Jonathan Z.
Published: January 2022

Objective

The Temporal Response Function (TRF) is a linear model of neural activity time-locked to continuous stimuli, including continuous speech. TRFs based on speech envelopes typically have distinct components that have provided remarkable insights into the cortical processing of speech. However, current methods may lead to less than reliable estimates of single-subject TRF components. Here, we compare two established methods, in TRF component estimation, and also propose novel algorithms that utilize prior knowledge of these components, bypassing the full TRF estimation.

Methods

We compared two established algorithms, ridge and boosting, and two novel algorithms based on Subspace Pursuit (SP) and Expectation Maximization (EM), which directly estimate TRF components given plausible assumptions regarding component characteristics. Single-channel, multi-channel, and source-localized TRFs were fit on simulations and real magnetoencephalographic data. Performance metrics included model fit and component estimation accuracy.

Results

Boosting and ridge have comparable performance in component estimation. The novel algorithms outperformed the others in simulations, but not on real data, possibly due to the plausible assumptions not actually being met. Ridge had slightly better model fits on real data compared to boosting, but also more spurious TRF activity.

Conclusion

Results indicate that both smooth (ridge) and sparse (boosting) algorithms perform comparably at TRF component estimation. The SP and EM algorithms may be accurate, but rely on assumptions of component characteristics.

Significance

This systematic comparison establishes the suitability of widely used and novel algorithms for estimating robust TRF components, which is essential for improved subject-specific investigations into the cortical processing of speech.
Distal regulation, silencers, and a shared combinatorial syntax are hallmarks of animal embryogenesis
Authors: Cornejo-Páramo Paola , Roper Kathrein , Degnan Sandie M. , Degnan Bernard M. , Wong Emily S.
Published: January 2022

The chromatin environment plays a central role in regulating developmental gene expression in metazoans. Yet, the ancestral regulatory landscape of metazoan embryogenesis is unknown. Here, we generate chromatin accessibility profiles for six embryonic, plus larval and adult stages in the sponge Amphimedon queenslandica. These profiles are reproducible within stages, reflect histone modifications, and identify transcription factor (TF) binding sequence motifs predictive of cis-regulatory elements operating during embryogenesis in other metazoans, but not the unicellular relative Capsaspora. Motif analysis of chromatin accessibility profiles across Amphimedon embryogenesis identifies three major developmental periods. As in bilaterian embryogenesis, early development in Amphimedon involves activating and repressive chromatin in regions both proximal and distal to transcription start sites. Transcriptionally repressive elements (“silencers”) are prominent during late embryogenesis. They coincide with an increase in cis-regulatory regions harboring metazoan TF binding motifs, as well as an increase in the expression of metazoan-specific genes. Changes in chromatin state and gene expression in Amphimedon suggest the conservation of distal enhancers, dynamically silenced chromatin, and TF-DNA binding specificity in animal embryogenesis.
Fast and noise-tolerant determination of the center of rotation in tomography
Authors: Vacek Everett , Jacobsen Chris
Published: January 2022

High-quality tomographic reconstruction is not possible without the accurate localization of the center of rotation. Poor localization leads to artifacts in the data and can even cause reconstructions to fail. There are many approaches to solving this problem, some of which involve the collection of full sinograms, or even provisional tomographic reconstructions, in order to determine the center of rotation. Here, a simple method based on the expected symmetry of the Fourier transform of summed projections approximately 180° apart is presented; unlike cross-correlation methods, it requires only a single Fourier transform to compute, and uses mainly low spatial frequency information which is less susceptible to noise. This approach is shown to be fast, and robust against poor signal-to-noise as well as to projection images acquired at angles that are not exactly 180° apart. This rapid method can be useful as a first step in the processing of tomographic data.
Synchrotron radiation analysis of root dentin: the roles of fluoride and calcium ions in hydroxyapatite remineralization
Authors: Kantrong Nutthapong , Khongkhaphet Krassawan , Sitornsud Nutnicha , Lo-apirukkul Pakaporn , Phanprom Waraporn , Rojviriya Catleya , Amonpattaratkit Penphitcha , Ariyakriangkai Watcharaphong
Published: January 2022

Although the use of fluoride for root caries control is reported to be effective, the mechanism of maintaining hydroxyapatite is still unclear. This study elucidates the roles of fluoride in the recrystallization of hydroxyapatite, and the impact of calcium to maintain the abundance of hydroxyapatite on acid-challenged root dentin with a novel approach – using synchrotron radiation. Root dentin samples obtained from 40 extracted human premolars were subjected to pH challenge in combination with fluoride treatment. The effect of fluoride on hydroxyapatite regeneration on the root was investigated by using a range of fluoride concentrations (1000–5000 p.p.m.) and the EDTA-chelation technique in vitro. Synchrotron radiation X-ray micro-computed tomography and X-ray absorption spectroscopy were utilized to characterize the chemical composition of calcium species on the surface of prepared samples. The percentage of hydroxyapatite and the relative abundance of calcium species were subsequently compared between groups. The absence of calcium or fluoride prevented the complete remineralization of hydroxyapatite on the surface of early root caries. Different concentrations of fluoride exposure did not affect the relative abundance of hydroxyapatite. Sufficient potency of 1000 p.p.m. fluoride solution in promoting hydroxyapatite structural recrystallization on the root was demonstrated. Both calcium and fluoride ions are prerequisites in a caries-prone environment. Orchestration of F− and Ca2+ is required for structural homeostasis of root dentin during acid attack. Sustainable levels of F− and Ca2+ might thus be a strict requirement in the saliva of the population prone to root caries. Fluoride and calcium contribute to structural homeostasis of tooth root, highlighting that routine fluoride use in combination with calcium replenishment is recommended for maintaining dental health. This study also demonstrates that utilization of synchrotron radiation could provide a promising experimental platform for laboratory investigation especially in the dental material research field.
Avoiding Whig interpretations in historical research: an illustrative case study
Authors: Vasconcelos Angélica , Sangster Alan , Rodrigues Lúcia Lima
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The main aim of this paper is to illustrate the importance of avoiding Whig interpretations in historical research. It does so by highlighting examples of what may occur when this is not done. The paper also aims to promote interdisciplinarity, in the form of working with those from other disciplines, as a means to avoid this occurring.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper includes an in-depth study of the bookkeeping and financial reporting of two 18th century Portuguese state-sponsored companies using archival sources. The companies were selected because of conflicting insights across disciplines concerning the quality of their bookkeeping and financial reporting – historians have been very critical, while accounting historians have seen little wrong. These differences of opinion have never previously been investigated. The authors demonstrate how information was distributed among the account books and other records of the two companies. The approach adopted enabled a reader to fully understand the recorded economic events. The authors also present and explain the procedures, criteria and accounting terminology used in their annual reports.

Findings

This paper demonstrates how easy is to inadvertently adopt a Whig interpretation of accounting history when the focus of interest is something of which the principal researcher has insufficient understanding or expertise. It also illustrates how important it is to embrace interdisciplinarity by working with those from other discipline to avoid doing so.

Research limitations/implications

The conclusions from the case study are company-specific and cannot be generalised beyond those companies. However, the implications of this study go beyond the companies in its illustration of the importance of fully understanding historical evidence within its own context.

Originality/value

This paper unveils primary archival sources never previously presented in the literature. It also contributes to the literature by providing an evidence-based justification for the calls previously made to accounting historians to study accounting in its social context and engage with historians from other disciplines.
Suspected feigning of autism in adults: a clinician survey, indications and proposed guidelines
Authors: Murphy David , Broyd Josephine Grace
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a discussion and summary of a clinician survey exploring the experiences of suspected feigned autism.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is an online survey targeting a range of autism professionals, with varying levels of experience, working in different clinical settings.

Findings

Approximately half of the professionals who completed the survey reported experiencing situations of suspected feigning of adult autism across a range of clinical contexts and with various motivations. In terms of best indications of potential feigning, most clinicians reported “textbook” self-descriptions of problem behaviours with vague examples, as well as inconsistent presenting problems and mismatch with any known developmental history. Approximately half of clinicians expressed the view that autism was more difficult to feign than a psychiatric disorder and had experienced situations involving differences in professional opinion as to an individual autism diagnosis.

Research limitations/implications

The survey is limited by a potential sample bias and no information regarding the clinical characteristics of those suspected to have feigned autism. However, these initial findings offer further questions for future research to pursue.

Originality/value

As an initial examination of practicing clinicians’ experiences of suspected feigned autism, the survey highlights the complexities of an autism diagnosis and suggests feigning is a potential clinical scenario. Some guidance as to when to suspect possible feigned autism is also offered, as well as a provisional assessment protocol.
Database design of the Malaysia public figures web archive repository: a social and cultural heritage web collections
Authors: Saiful Bahry Farrah Diana , Amran Noraizan , Putri Tesa Eranti , Ramli Muhammad Idzwan
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The growth of web emerging technology and data visual demand from the World Wide Web (WWW) makes the need for information repositories become vital. Proper database development will assure the repository managing web content effectively aligns with web archive metadata standards. This paper aims to present the database design process for web archive content repository specifically to maintain social and cultural heritage values upon Malaysians as Mfigures.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical process start with literature review and validation from expert on the elements and scopes of research. Then, structured database design guideline which part of database life cycle (DBLC) was applied and combined with the step of comparative and mapping the conceptual model with metadata standard that is relevant with web archive content. The paper focuses on the first three stages: Database Initial Study, web archiving and Metadata standard mapping; and conceptual design to focus on data modelling. Another two stages of database design are logical design and physical design will be exposed later.

Findings

The empirical process has produced initial conceptual data model, database structure that can be a basis of web archiving repository. The data model had also been verified with metadata data standards to assure the database structure implementation cater the need of web archiving repository features especially web information discovery.

Research limitations/implications

Nevertheless, database design is the most effective way to develop good information architecture on the Net, but the absence of some important fields on related tables have been identified such as subject, language, coverage, right, publisher and contributor. The MFigures’ database schema will continuously improve for better scope and coverage of web archive content suite with future information demands on the WWW.

Practical implications

The conceptual data model act as a communication tool by the technical team in web application development. It can be revisited to suite with other different database management system or to suite with other similar scope of information repository requirements.

Social implications

Mfigures was uniquely designed for collecting Malaysian social and cultural heritage, which are rarely design before, and it can be beneficial as Malaysia society future references for excellent motivations roles and successful stories.

Originality/value

The Mfigure conceptual data model was empirically design and gone through a proper validation process by the industrial and academic experts.
Bifurcation analysis and chaos control in Zhou's dynamical system
Authors: Aly E. S. , El-Dessoky M. M. , Yassen M. T. , Saleh E. , Aiyashi M. A. , Msmali Ahmed Hussein
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to obtain explicit formulas to determine the stability of periodic solutions to the new system and study the extent of the stability of those periodic solutions and the direction of bifurcated periodic solutions. More than that, the authors did a numerical simulation to confirm the results that the authors obtained and presented through numerical analysis are the periodic and stable solutions and when the system returns again to the state of out of control.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors studied local bifurcation and verified its occurrence after choosing the delay as a parameter of control in Zhou 2019’s dynamical system with delayed feedback control. The authors investigated the normal form theory and the center manifold theorem.

Findings

The occurrence of local Hopf bifurcations at the Zhou's system is verified. By using the normal form theory and the center manifold theorem, the authors obtain the explicit formulas for determining the stability and direction of bifurcated periodic solutions. The theoretical results obtained and the corresponding numerical simulations showed that the chaos phenomenon in the Zhou's system can be controlled using a method of time-delay auto-synchronization.

Originality/value

As the delay increases further, the numerical simulations show that the periodic solution disappears, and the chaos attractor appears again. The obtained results can also be applied to the control and anti-control of chaos phenomena of system (1). There are still abundant and complex dynamical behaviors, and the topological structure of the new system should be completely and thoroughly investigated and exploited.
Distributed innovation, digital entrepreneurial opportunity, IT-enabled capabilities, and enterprises' digital innovation performance: a moderated mediating model
Authors: Tang Hongjuan , Yao Qi , Boadu Francis , Xie Yu
Published: January 2022

Purpose

As an important driving factor of digital innovation, distributed innovation has received extensive attention from academia and business circles in recent years. However, extant works lack a discussion on the influence of distributed innovation on digital innovation performance. Drawing on the opportunity perspective, the study constructs a moderated mediating model to address how distributed innovation directly affects enterprises' digital innovation performance. Particularly, it investigates the moderating and mediating effects of IT-enabled capabilities and digital entrepreneurial opportunities on the above correlation.

Design/methodology/approach

With a survey data set of 399 Chinese science and technology enterprises, the study conducts hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) and bootstrap to test the study’s hypotheses.

Findings

Results demonstrate that (1) distributed innovation positively enhances enterprises' digital innovation performance; (2) digital entrepreneurial opportunities partially mediate the positive relationship between distributed innovation and digital innovation performance; (3) IT-enabled capabilities positively moderate the relationship between distributed innovation and digital entrepreneurial opportunities; (4) IT-enabled capabilities positively moderate the mediating role of digital entrepreneurial opportunities in the relationship between distributed innovation and digital innovation performance.

Originality/value

This is an empirical study on the impact mechanism of IT-enabled capabilities and digital entrepreneurial opportunities on the relationship between distributed innovation and digital innovation performance in China. It advances theories related to distributed innovation, digital innovation and digital entrepreneurial opportunities, and provides decision-making references for the enhancement of digital innovation capabilities of science and technology enterprises.
“I need some space!” deciphering space tourism discussions on social media
Authors: Gulati Shruti
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Space tourism is fairly neglected in academic research and requires further exploration. Public reaction on social media offers great insights to understand the patterns of behaviour but is often ignored as a potential data source. Thus, this study aims to fill the gap by add to the literature on space tourism, social media analytics and behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts a qualitative approach and uses Twitter data for drawing conclusions. An exploratory design is used by analysing 10,000 tweets through unsupervised machine learning and two sets of analysis were conducted. First, sentiment analysis is performed using NRC Emotion Lexicon, which classifies the data as per eight basic emotions and polarity as positive and negative. The findings are complemented with a comparison cloud. Second, LDA Topic modelling using Gibbs Method is used to find ten broad topics that are used for discussions in space tourism tweets. Data visualisation technique is used to depict results using R language on RStudio.

Findings

A total of 21,784 emotions have tapped using the NRC Emotion Lexicon. Results indicate the dominance of positive sentiments (25%) with it surpassing the negative sentiments by many folds. The top emotions include trust and anticipation. The LDA-based Topic modelling identified seven correlated topic models that have been grouped by the author as space tourism in media, aspirations, ethical issues, criticism, descriptive, symbolism and miscellaneous.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, no study has attempted to study the response of space tourism on social media by tapping discussions in the form of Tweets. Thus, this study adds extensively and acts as a preliminary investigation on the public sentiments of space tourism on social media.
Can educational attainment promote renewable energy consumption? Evidence from heterogeneous panel models
Authors: Jamshid Jamshid , Villanthenkodath Muhammed Ashiq , Velan Nirmala
Published: January 2022

Purpose

For mitigating climate change, renewable energy consumption is recognized as one of the policy measures worldwide. However, there is a dearth of empirical studies focusing on education as one of the determinants of renewable energy consumption in the existing literature. Thus, this study aims to explore the impact of education, economic growth and foreign direct investment, financial development, CO2 emissions and urbanization on renewable energy consumption.

Design/methodology/approach

This study considers a balanced panel of selected South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries, namely, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bangladesh, during the period 1995–2015. The study uses sophisticated second-generation panel data models for empirical analysis.

Findings

The result reveals that education and economic growth significantly enhance renewable energy consumption, whereas foreign direct investment, financial development, CO2 emissions and urbanization reduce it. Further, unidirectional causality from education, economic growth and urbanization to renewable energy consumption was observed, whereas a bidirectional causality was found between renewable energy consumption and financial development.

Practical implications

The emanated finding of this study is supposed to be helpful for the environmentalists, economists, banking sector and the practitioners in urban development can take insights from the study while framing the energy policy.

Originality/value

This is the first study that examines the role of education on renewable energy consumption in heterogeneous panel data settings for the selected SAARC countries.
A multi-stakeholder ethical framework for AI-augmented HRM
Authors: Prikshat Verma , Patel Parth , Varma Arup , Ishizaka Alessio
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This narrative review presents a multi-stakeholder ethical framework for AI-augmented HRM, based on extant research in the domains of ethical HRM and ethical AI. More specifically, the authors identify critical ethical issues pertaining to AI-augmented HRM functions and suggest ethical principles to address these issues by identifying the relevant stakeholders based on the responsibility ethics approach.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper follows a narrative review approach by first identifying various ethical/codes/issues/dilemmas discussed in HRM and AI. The authors next discuss ethical issues concerning AI-augmented HRM, drawing from recent literature. Finally, the authors propose ethical principles for AI-augmented HRM and stakeholders responsible for managing those issues.

Findings

The paper summarises key findings of extant research in the ethical HRM and AI domain and provides a multi-stakeholder ethical framework for AI-augmented HRM functions.

Originality/value

This research's value lies in conceptualising a multi-stakeholder ethical framework for AI-augmented HRM functions comprising 11 ethical principles. The research also identifies the class of stakeholders responsible for identified ethical principles. The research also presents future research directions based on the proposed model.
Wear behavior and mechanical properties of AA8090 aluminum alloy reinforced with B4C-Al2O3 hybrid nanoparticles
Authors: Narasimmalu Ramasubbu , Sundaresan Ramabalan
Published: January 2022

Purpose

AA8090 aluminum alloy is used in industrial applications for weight reduction purposes. However, its usage is limited due to shortcomings such as low wear resistance. Hence, the purpose of this study is to improve the wear properties of the material. A particle strengthening mechanism was tried to improve the wear properties of materials.

Design/methodology/approach

AA8090 aluminum alloy composites were prepared by stir casting methods using AA8090, boron carbide (B4C) and aluminum oxide (Al2O3) materials. Totally, four different types of composites were prepared, namely, AA/3Al, AA/1BC-2Al, AA/2BC-1Al and AA/3BC. Wear behavior and mechanical properties of the composites were analyzed by conducting wear test, microhardness test, tensile test and morphological analysis.

Findings

Results showed that the composite materials showed superior properties compared with AA8090 alloy due to the reinforcing effect of B4C and Al2O3 particles. Further, the AA/3BC composite showed 12.9% and 10.8% enhancement in microhardness and tensile strength, respectively. Further, a minimum wear rate of 0.009 × 10–3 mm3/m was observed for AA/3BC composite.

Originality/value

This study is original and would add new information to the literature. Further, it solves the problem of low wear resistance issues in AA8090 aluminum alloy materials.
An analysis of online sadaqah acceptance among university graduates in Malaysia
Authors: Amin Hanudin
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine the factors influencing online sadaqah acceptance among university graduates in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing upon the theory of reasoned action (TRA), this study proposed a model to examine the effects of attitude, subjective norm, altruism and empathy on the online sadaqah acceptance, with the use of a questionnaire survey.

Findings

The results reveal that altruism empathy attitude subjective norm were significantly related to online sadaqah acceptance.

Research limitations/implications

This study has at least three limitations, namely, confined generalisations of the variables used the limited selection of samples and the specific context of the research conducted.

Practical implications

The findings provide valuable insights on improving online sadaqah acceptance from the perspective of university graduates.

Originality/value

This study is original in terms of its final output that enlightens the significant effects of altruism and empathy on the online sadaqah acceptance within the TRA’s context.
An alternative model for Islamic venture capital firms
Authors: Gafrej Oussama , Boujelbéne Mouna
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a financial instrument by combining two main contracts in Islamic finance with the aim to minimize risks involved in Islamic venture capital (IVC) activities.

Design/methodology/approach

A mathematical model and explanatory figures are provided to see how IVC firms can benefit from the combination of “Ijara” contract and “Diminishing Musharaka” contract to provide financing for start-up and high-tech companies.

Findings

The proposed instrument could be considered as an alternative solution for IVC firms. It represents a low level of risk with a stable income in the beginning of the project. In addition, it allows benefiting from the possible development of start-up and high-tech companies with a smooth exit from the capital of the financed company without the intervention of another investor. It is also considered as a motivational instrument for the entrepreneurs, because it allows benefiting from a grace period on the one hand and from a lower cost of financing compared to other type of funding on the other hand.

Practical implications

Some studies have concentrated on identifying and understanding the concept, the operation and the challenges of IVC industry. The study is considered among few studies that provide a practical model for IVC firms, which takes account of the different stages of venture capital process. The instrument can promote the development of IVC firms and give alternative financing opportunities to Muslim entrepreneurs.

Originality/value

The current model provides a truly revolutionary solution for young Muslim entrepreneurs who do not accept to be financed by the proposed instruments of venture capital (VC) firms such as convertible bonds and warrants. On the other side, it provides an alternative solution for IVC firms to the already offered products such as “Musharaka”, “Mudharaba” and “Wakalah” contracts. An expert in “Fiqh Al-Muamalat” (Islamic law of transaction) assessed the Sharia compliance of the model.
Winner-takes-all no more: radical transparency for sustainable specialty coffee value chains
Authors: Marcus Benjamin , Sisli-Ciamarra Elif , McGinnis Lee Phillip
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The paper aims to understand the role of sensory quality scoring used at the competition auctions on pricing outcomes and how the auction process could be improved to increase sustainability in the specialty coffee market.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors build a conceptual model explaining the potential role of sensory quality scoring in generating inequitable outcomes in specialty coffee auctions. The authors' research is exploratory. The authors base the propositions on the findings of the extant literature and our analysis of data from 24 Best of Panama (BOP) Auctions that took place between 2017 and 2021.

Findings

A striking feature in recent BOP Auctions is a winner-takes-all (WTA) outcome. The authors also document the presence of significant price inversion. The authors attribute these outcomes to the interactions of information-poor producers, information-rich intermediaries and conspicuous consumers in competition auctions, where the product quality measurement is highly unreliable.

Research limitations/implications

Data need to be gathered more broadly to enable the operationalization of the current propositions into testable hypotheses.

Social implications

These strategies intend to provide guidelines for producers, consumers and other value chain participants on creating equitable solutions to a thriving industry where a WTA phenomenon occurs.

Originality/value

The current study is the first to argue that existing quality scoring practices, as well as conspicuous consumption, contribute to the inequities. Finally, the study proposes novel interventions to standardize the quality grading protocols and communicate them transparently to both producers and consumers.
Blockchain for government organizations: past, present and future
Authors: Verma Sanjeev , Sheel Ashutosh
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Blockchain is widely applied in e-voting, shared economy areas and other government functioning. Fragmented findings and distributed literature need consolidation for a holistic view of the research domain. The purpose of this study is to comprehensively reviews the blockchain applications for government organizations and presents the past, present and future trends of blockchain applications for government organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

Systematic review protocol instrumentalized the systematic review of research articles published from 2013 to 2021. Science mapping discerns scientific actors’ trends and performance analysis like most influential authors, documents and sources. Content analysis of selected data set unfolds the past, present and future of blockchain applications for government organizations.

Findings

Blockchain technology offers enormous potential for the transformation of government organizations and public services. The primary areas are cryptocurrency, e-voting, shared economy, smart contracts, financial and health services, tourism, logistics and water sustainability.

Research limitations/implications

This study reviewed only published research in journals and conference proceedings and excluded book reviews, book chapters and editorials from the review set. This study persuades governments and policymakers to invest in blockchain technology for transforming government organizations and public services.

Practical implications

This study highlights the importance of blockchain in government-controlled public departments, enhancing transparency and efficiency in public life.

Social implications

Blockchain technology enhances transparency, traceability and accountability of public records.

Originality/value

This study pioneers in chronologically highlighting the importance of blockchain in government-controlled public departments.
James’ Place model: application of a novel clinical, community-based intervention for the prevention of suicide among men
Authors: Hanlon Claire Anne , Chopra Jennifer , Boland Jane , McIlroy David , Poole Helen , Saini Pooja
Published: January 2022

Purpose

High suicide rates among men presents a global challenge for commissioners and clinicians. Innovative approaches towards suicide prevention interventions designed for men are needed. The James’ Place (JP) service opened in 2018, and its model of practice is a clinical, community-based intervention for men experiencing suicidal crisis. This paper aims to describe the implementation framework within which the JP model is applied.

Design/methodology/approach

Fostering a public health case study approach, this paper provides a description of how the JP service operates, including the referral pathways, key components of this innovative model and its impact upon the men who receive the intervention. Illustrative case studies derived from semi-structured interviews from men and therapists are reported.

Findings

The JP model is dynamic and flexible, allowing the tailoring of a suicidal crisis intervention to suit the needs and priorities of the individual and the wider local community. Clinical and practical implications, such as reduction in suicidality, are discussed.

Originality/value

Rapidly accessible, effective community-based interventions for men experiencing suicidal crisis are required. Yet, while widely advocated in policy, there remains a dearth of evidence illustrating the real-world application and value of such services within a community-setting. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the JP model is the first of its kind in the UK and an example of an innovative clinical, community-based suicide prevention intervention offering support for men experiencing suicidal crisis.
Factors influence performance of B2B SMEs of emerging economies: view of owner-manager
Authors: Sayal Amber , Banerjee Saikat
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) of emerging economies play a key role in driving a country’s economic development. Business-to-business (B2B) SMEs of emerging economies play a key role in driving a country’s economic development. Past researchers have recognized that such impacts are simply magnified by B2B entrepreneurs. However, the performance of B2B SMEs and the contributory factors behind such performance has got limited attention. This study aims to explore factors impacting the performance of B2B SMEs of emerging economies as viewed by SME owner-manager.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, we have taken Indian B2B SMEs as our focal point of study. Primary data has been collected from the owner-manager of auto component SMEs of India. This study has examined direct and indirect (mediating) effects of predictors on outcome variables. In this study, structural equation modelling was used through AMOS 22 and the default method-maximum likelihood for estimating the model.

Findings

The result shows that entrepreneurial orientation (EO), growth orientation (GO) and market orientation (MO) directly impact the performance of B2B SMEs. It also reveals that brand orientation (BO) mediates the relationship between EO, GO and MO and performance for B2B SMEs. The result advocates that for B2B SMEs operating in emerging economies, being brand-oriented is a prominent strategic move for sustainable performance.

Originality/value

The current empirical research to bridge the research gap in the context of B2B SMEs from emerging economies by exploring important factors, propose their impact on the performance of B2B SMEs and empirically test those hypothesized relationships. This study deciphers that being brand-oriented impacts the entrepreneurial spirit, growth objectives and market readiness of the B2B SMEs and, in turn, influences the performance of B2B SMEs. The study advocates that B2B SMEs from emerging economies should adopt a BO approach and they should invest in the brand-building process.
Evaluation of mechanical properties and post-fire cured strength recovery of recycled aggregate concrete
Authors: Suresh N. , Rao Vadiraj , Akshay B.S.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the suitability of post-fire curing for normal and Recycled Aggregate Concretes (RAC) with and without fibres.

Design/methodology/approach

The study includes the testing of RAC specimens, i.e. 150 mm cubes and cylinders with 300 mm length and 150 mm diameter with hybrid fibres (0.15% polypropylene fibres + 0.35% steel fibres) along with fly ash. The specimens were exposed to elevated temperatures between 400 to 700°C with 100°C intervals for 2 h of duration and the post-fire exposed samples were further subjected to water curing for a period of 7 days. The compressive strength, split tensile strength and Rebound Hammer Number (RHN) were measured at room temperature, after exposure to elevated temperatures and post-fire curing.

Findings

The result shows that the compressive strength reduces by a maximum of 61.25% for 700°C and maximum retain in strength, i.e. 71.2% (in comparison to specimens kept at room temperature) is observed for 600°C post-fire cured specimens. The split tensile strength reduces by more than half for 500°C and above temperatures, whereas 400°C specimens exhibits a significant regain in strength after post-fire curing. To validate the results of compressive strength, the Rebound Hammer test has been conducted. The RHN value decreases by 41.3% for 700°C specimens and the effectiveness of post-fire curing is observed to be considerable up to 500°C.

Practical implications

The conclusions from the study can be used in assessing the extent of damage and to check the suitability of post-fire curing in further continuing the utilisation of a fire damaged structure.

Social implications

Utilisation of secondary materials like recycled aggregates and fly ash can be made in the production of concrete.

Originality/value

Specimens with fibres performed better when compared to specimens without fibres and post-fire curing is found to be effective up to 500°C.
Establishing standard allowed minutes and sewing efficiency for the garment industry in Tanzania
Authors: Nchalala Alphonce , Alexander Tausi , Taifa Ismail W.R.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The garment factories focus on improving their production systems by involving innovative and advanced production methods and/or techniques to cope with fast-changing trends. Accordingly, this study aims to establish the standard allowed minutes (SAMs) and sewing efficiencies for Tanzania’s sewing industry, thus improving the production processes.

Design/methodology/approach

The research deployed a quantitative method. A stopwatch measured each operation for shirts and trousers to compute SAMs and efficiency. The shirt manufacturing processes involved 40 operations. Ten measurements were taken from different SL and LL industries operators for each operation. The trouser comprised 42 operations with 10 measurements taken from a different operator at the same garment factories for each operation.

Findings

SAMs for shirts at SL and LL factories were 29 and 31 min, respectively, while trousers were 30 and 34 min. The sewing efficiencies for shirts at both SL and LL factories were 83.98% and 81.93%, respectively. Similarly, the sewing efficiencies for trousers at both SL and LL factories were 81.25% and 80.95%, respectively.

Research limitations/implications

Since SAMs results are not established through literature rather a quantitative approach, the findings thus place crucial information for similar factories to benchmark from. Such information are crucial as factories could increase productivity and operational efficiency, reduce costs and non-value adding activities and estimate lead times. Notwithstanding the findings gathered, the study only established SAMs for two garments.

Originality/value

Although the garment industry has been developing over the years, this study was probably among the first studies in Tanzania that established SAMs. Theoretical underpinnings indicate that the factories use the experience to assemble garments, thus the need for this study.
Fused filament fabrication of nylon 6/66 copolymer: parametric study comparing full factorial and Taguchi design of experiments
Authors: Rashed Kaifur , Kafi Abdullah , Simons Ranya , Bateman Stuart
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Process parameters in Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) can affect mechanical and surface properties of printed parts. Numerous studies have reported parametric studies of various materials using full factorial and Taguchi design of experiments (DoEs). However, a comparison between the two are not well-established in literature. The purpose of this study is to compare full factorial and Taguchi DoEs to determine the effects of FFF process parameters on mechanical and surface properties of Nylon 6/66 copolymer. In addition, perform in-depth failure mechanism analysis to understand why the process parameters affect the responses.

Design/methodology/approach

A full factorial DoE was used to determine the effects of FFF process parameters, such as infill density, infill pattern, layer height and raster angle on responses, such as compressive strength, impact strength, surface roughness and manufacturing time of Nylon 6/66. Micro-computed tomography was used to analyse the impact test samples before and after impact and scanning electron microscope was used to understand the failure mechanism of infill and top layers. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) scans of infill and top layers were then taken to determine if a variation in crystallinity existed in different regions of the build.

Findings

Analysis of variance and main effects plots reveal that infill density has the greatest effect on mechanical and surface properties while manufacturing time is most affected by layer height for the polymer used. A 20% reduction in infill increased impact strength by 19% on average, X-ray images of some of the samples before and after impact tests are presented to understand the reason behind the difference. Moreover, DSC revealed a difference in the degree of crystallinity between the infill and top layers for 80% infill density samples. In addition, Taguchi DoE is realized to be a more efficient technique to determine optimum process parameters for responses that vary linearly as it reduces experimental effort significantly while providing mostly accurate results.

Originality/value

To the author’s knowledge, no published paper has reported a comparison between predictive DoE method with full factorial DoE to verify their accuracy in determining the effects of FFF process parameters on properties of printed parts. Also, a theory was developed based on DSC results that as the infill is printed faster, it cools slowly compared to the top layers, and hence the infill is in a less crystalline state when compared to the top layers. This increased the ductility of the infill (of 80% infill samples) and thus improved impact absorption.
Commentary on “Adapted guided self-help booklets for supporting the wellbeing of people with intellectual disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic”
Authors: Richardson Lisa
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a commentary on “Adapted guided self-help booklets for supporting the wellbeing of people with intellectual disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic” (Jahoda et al.).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper considers health and wellbeing for people with intellectual disabilities in the context of public health interventions and public health research.

Findings

Consideration is given to the evidence base for self-management, self-help and behavioural change interventions and the need to consider systemic support for promoting the health and wellbeing of people with intellectual disabilities.

Originality/value

Guided self-help and self-management techniques have a role in the health promotion of people with intellectual disabilities. Reciprocal sharing between public health researchers and intellectual disability researchers is needed to further the research, policy and service agenda to better promote health and wellbeing for this underserved group.
Increasing spatial dispersion in ecosystem restoration mitigates risk in disturbance‐driven environments
Authors: Fivash Gregory S. , van Belzen Jim , Temmink Ralph J. M. , Didderen Karin , Lengkeek Wouter , van der Heide Tjisse , Bouma Tjeerd J.
Published: January 2022

Many vegetated ecosystems, including drylands, coastal dunes, salt marshes and seagrass meadows, inhabit environments frequently disturbed by the erosive forces of wind and water. Once degraded, the restoration of these systems entails a high risk of failure due to the uncertainty in timing and intensity of future disturbances. Risk‐mitigation strategies like bet‐hedging (i.e. spreading risk over diverse options) have been proven in cross‐disciplinary contexts to optimize yield when uncertainty is high. Yet, restoration designs commonly homogenize resources by planting vegetation of similar sizes in grid‐like patterns. This decision may unwittingly contribute to the high rate of restoration failure in these environments.

Using numerical simulations mimicking vegetation patch dynamics, we demonstrate how avoiding uniform planting designs substantially improves the likelihood of restoration success.

These simulations also suggest that the intrinsic risk of failure associated with any planting pattern can be identified a priori by calculating the variance‐to‐mean ratio of vegetation cover.

Synthesis and applications. By introducing a level of spatial overdispersion (variance in vegetation clustering) into restoration planting designs, projects will insure themselves against the uncertainty imposed by disturbances, limited by their willingness to accept a lower rate of recolonization.